Consulate Warns Pinoys in HK Against Illegal Gambling
Filipinos in Hong Kong were reminded Sunday against the stiff fines and jail terms they may face if they are caught gambling there.
The Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong said Sunday that the police continue to receive information of Filipinos engaged in gambling in the special administrative region of China.
“Ang pulisya ng Hong Kong ay patuloy na nakakatanggap ng mga ulat galing sa publiko ukol sa paglaganap ng pagsusugal sa hanay ng mga Pilipino sa iba’t ibang parte ng Hong Kong. Ang pulisya ng Hong Kong ay kasalukuyang gumagawa ng aksyon laban sa mga gawaing ito, kaugnay na rito ang pag-aresto sa mga Pilipinong matatagpuang nakikilahok sa pagsusugal,” it said.
It said the Hong Kong police has also asked the public to provide information on those involved in illegal gambling.
The consulate said authorities are particularly cracking down on card games in walkways and parks.
“Iminungkahi ng Konsulado ng Pilipinas dito sa Hong Kong sa lahat ng Pilipino na naglalaro ng baraha sa mga walkway, daan at parke na umiwas sa anumang uri ng pagsusugal,” it said.
Citing Hong Kong’s ordinances on gambling, the consulate said those arrested for gambling face a fine of HK$10,000 and three months’ imprisonment for the first offense.
A second offense carries a penalty of HK$20,000 and six months’ imprisonment, while the third offense nets a fine of HK$30,000 and nine months’ imprisonment.