Pinoys traveling to Hong Kong told not to bring stun guns, pepper spray, etc.

The Department of Foreign Affairs has advised Filipinos travelling to Hong Kong not to carry restricted items, following the arrest of a Filipino student who was reportedly bringing two extendable batons in his luggage.

Citing information from the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the Canada-bound Filipino student transiting through Hong Kong was arrested and detained on Tuesday after airport authorities found the batons in his check-in luggage.

The student was only allowed to leave Hong Kong on Friday after legal representation and assistance from the Consulate General.

According to Consul General Antonio Morales, personal defense weapons such as the following are considered "dangerous weapons" in Hong Kong:

• Stun guns
• Pepper spray
• Tear gas
• Extendable batons
• Flick knives
• Knuckledusters

"Unlicensed possession of these items is punishable of HK $100,000 and a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment upon conviction," the DFA said. —Margaret Claire Layug/NB, GMA News