MANILA, Philippines - Philippine Consul General to Hong Kong Claro Cristobal called for a stop to the sending of text messages claiming overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Hong Kong are allegedly being physically and verbally abused following the hostage fiasco that killed 8 Hong Kong tourists.

In an interview with Radyo DZMM on Monday, Cristobal said that most of the messages circulating among OFWs in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) are unverified.

A recent message claimed that a Hong Kong national threw acid at Filipino tourists. 

“Walang ganoon pangyayari, [iyong mga na-report ay] random at biglaan. Kahuli-hulihan na incident, nadakip ang perpetrators. ‘Yong ang  hinihiling na sa ating mga kababayan dito, na huwag magreact sa mga rumors,” he said.

Cristobal said they have been able to confirm from Hong Kong police that these reports are false.

Better to cancel trips

Meanwhile, Cristobal advised tourists to cancel their visits to Hong Kong if they feel it might not be safe to travel to Hong Kong.

Cristobal, however, maintained that Hong Kong remains peaceful and safe.

“Ang Hong Kong ay matahimik na lugar, ang pulisya ay maaasahan to maintain peace, at ang kanilang pamahalaan ay ginagawa ang lahat upang masabihan ang mga mamamayan ng Hong Kong na maging mahinahon. Maganda ang katiyakan na walang anumang marahas na mangyayari sa turistang Pilipino man or hindi. Kung pumupunta sa Hong Kong,” he said.

“Ang mga taga-Hong Kong nandoon pa rin ang galit pero hindi nila dinadaan sa dahas ang pagpapahayag,” he added. --With DZMM