13 Pinoys convicted for carrying stun guns in HK in 1st quarter 2014

At least 13 Filipinos were arrested and convicted for carrying stun guns in Hong Kong in the first quarter of 2014, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Wednesday.

The DFA said this has prompted the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong to start an information campaign reminding Filipinos not to bring or carry stun devices there.

"Bringing such devices into the territory has been outlawed and prohibited under Hong Kong’s Firearms and Ammunition Ordinance. Those who are caught bringing those restricted or prohibited stun devices are charged with Possession of Other Arms without License under the Firearms and Ammunition Ordinance. If found guilty, they will be fined HK$100,000 and/or a maximum sentence of 14 years imprisonment," it said in a news release.

Info drive

The Consulate General said the information campaign applies to Filipino travelers "transiting or entering Hong Kong as visitors, workers or residents."

It said the restricted or prohibited materials include stun guns, tear gas, bullets, extendible batons, flick knives, and knuckle busters.

Such items should not be in hand-carried or checked-in luggage, the DFA said.

"Hong Kong authorities are very strict in enforcing the above ordinance. All hand-carried and checked-in luggage of all passengers are subjected to strict security screening at all airport terminals in Hong Kong SAR," it added.

Arrests and convictions

The DFA cited a report from the Philippine Consulate General showing 57 Filipinos were arrested and imprisoned for carrying restricted or prohibited stun devices in their hand-carried bags and checked-in luggage in 2012.

In 2013, it said 68 were arrested and convicted for similar offenses. —Joel Locsin/KBK, GMA News