11 June 2014- The Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong SAR has initiatied an information campaign reminding all Filipino travelers transiting or entering Hong Kong as visitors, workers or residents to avoid bringing restricted or prohibited materials, particularly stun devices like stun guns, tear gas, bullets, extendible batons, flick knives, and knuckle busters, in their hand-carried or checked-in luggage.

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.

This information campaign was issued in light of the recent arrest and conviction of some Filipinos who were found carrying stun guns in their luggage.

The Philippine Consulate General reported that in 2012, 57 Filipinos were arrested and imprisoned for carrying restricted or prohibited stun devices in their hand-carried bags and checked-in luggage. In 2013, 68 were arrested and convicted for the same offense. In the first quarter of 2014, 13 Filipinos were arrested and convicted for carrying stun guns. 

The 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. END