By Leslie Ann Aquino
Stay away from places where rallies are held.
The head of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines Episcopal Commission on Migrants and Itinerant People issued this advice to overseas Filipino workers in Hong Kong following the arrest of a Filipino there.
Bishop Ruperto Santos
(CBCP / MANILA BULLETIN)
"We remind them to stay away from places where rallies are held, never join any gathering and always keep in mind the directives of our Department of Foreign Affairs officials there," ECMI chairman Bishop Ruperto Santos said in an interview.
On Saturday, an OFW suspected of participating in a rally for democratic reforms in Mong Kok district was arrested by Hong Kong authorities.
But the Deputy Philippine Consul General in Hong Kong said the OFW was not part of the rally.
Balanga Bishop Santos believes OFWs will not participate in rallies as this would jeopardize their work.
"With our CBCP ECMI advisory and constant reminders of our priests there, surely our OFWs there won't join any rally and would never jeopardize their works, their stay," he said.
"They came with sole intentions to work as to improve the lives of their loved ones, and they are observant of the laws and customs of Hongkong," added Santos.
The ECMI head appealed to the DFA to help the concerned OFW.
On the part of CBCP ECMI, Santos said Masses are currently being offered for peace in Hongkong and safety of OFWs.