While the Consulate has warned Filipinos to stay away from
areas where the ongoing mass protests in Hong Kong are being held, it has
stopped short of advising them, particularly migrant workers, not to join the
rallies.
 |
| The 2014 pro-democracy protests in Tamar |
Told about this, Consul General Tony Morales expressed
surprise, saying Hong Kong does not seem to be
that repressive, judging from the active involvement of some Filipino migrant leaders
in protests they organized themselves, or by local activists.
 |
| Villanueva in a rally for wage increase: Will the HK govrt be as tolerant now? |
“Nasa mga OFWs na ito kung
lalahok sila o hindi. Hindi kami maaring mag impose sa sino man kasi right
naman ng lahat na lumahok o hindi. Pero kung mag decide sila na lumahok,
kailangang araling mabuti ang kalagayan at umiwas sa mga direct confrontation
sa mga pulis. Tandaan na dahil kinategorya nang “riot” ang naganap na
komprontasyon kahapon, sino mang mahuli at masampahan ng kaso ay maaring
makulong ng up to 10 years. Maari itong maging dahilan ng pagkawala ng trabaho.
Nauunawaan naman ng mga lokal na activists bakit limitado ang partisipasyon ng
nga migrants,” he said.
But at the same time, he said migrant workers should also be
concerned about the extradition bill, which is the focal point of the protests.
He said everyone in Hong Kong should realize
that if the bill is passed, it could be used by tyrannical rulers to their
advantage, “kagaya sa Pilipinas.”
Other migrant leaders say that it will be safer for them to
keep a low profile, while privately supporting the protesters.
 |
| Queensway chaos: Motorists tried to block buses getting into Admiralty from Central on Jun 12, but were thwarted |
“Hinahangaan namin ang pagkakaisa ng mga taga-Hong Kong, ang
apoy ng kanilang paninindigan ay napakatatag at nagliliyab,” said Lorna
Pagaduan, head of the Philippine Nurses Association Hong Kong.
However, Pagaduan said it will be more prudent for migrants
to show their support silently, “para mapanatili namin ang seguridad din ng
aming pananatili at malayo sa anumang pangyayari na maaring makaladkad ang
aming mga amo, at ang aming pangangamuhan.”
Lindy Paclibar, president of Panay Overseas Workers
Association HK, was less cautious, saying it’s up to her members if they want
to join the demonstrations.
“Siguro wala namang masama kung gusto nilang sumama, basta
iwas nalang sila kung mag-riot na, dapat na silang umalis para hindi sila masaktan,”
she said.
She also expressed admiration for the united front shown by
the Hong Kong people in fighting the
extradition bill.
This stand was, however, opposed by Art Buban, founded of Bicol
Migrants (HK) Association. He said: “Kung isasama ang mga members ng BMAHK ay
huwag na, makakaapekto yan sa kanilang trabaho. Ipagdasal natin ang Hong Kong na maging maayos uli, na wala nang protesta.”
Giving a contrary opinion was Analyn Soriba, founder of The
Adventurers. She said: . “Kung sakali humingi ng suporta sa aming migranteng
manggagawa para makilahok sa malawakang protesta, hihikayatin ko rin ang aking mga
kagrupo para makiisa. Pero sisiguraduhin ko muna na ang aming pakikiisa sa
protesta ay hindi magdudulot ng masamang epekto sa hinaharap.”
She expressed hope that Hongkongers would continue fighting
for the freedoms and security they now enjoy.
Several other people, including artist Martin Megino, also
expressed solidarity with the protesters. “I am against the bill,” he said. “Pwede nga abusuhin yon
pag nagkataon, especially against anti-China activists.”
– with interviews by Vir B. Lumicao
===
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