The Philippine consulate general in Macau is reminding Filipinos in the Chinese territory to refrain from holding political rallies in Macau.
This came as 16 supporters of presidential candidate Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. were arrested last month in Macau.
Photos and videos were posted on hundreds of OFWs wearing red t-shirts and bearing Marcos’ posters on November 7. The OFWs assembled at the grand stone staircase leading to the iconic Ruins of St. Paul’s and near Macau Tower.
A video posted by Lakayskeys Vlogs showed Macau policemen setting up a perimeter as Filipinos flocked at the staircase and took selfies at the World Heritage Site.
Media reports from Macau said some of these Filipino supporters of Marcos were detained by Macau authorities for illegal assembly and unauthorized use of the Macau flag.
Hoje Macau reported that 16 BBM supporters were “invited” by Macau’s Public Security Police to “help” them in their investigation. It quoted anonymous sources that an arrest was indeed made but only in connection to the unauthorized use of the Macau flag in the flyers distributed and banners used by BBM supporters.
Prior to this a handful of OFWs bearing posters of another presidential hopeful, Leni Robredo, also assembled in front of the Ruins of St. Paul’s.
“The Consulate would like to remind all Filipinos in Macau to desist from engaging in gatherings, assemblies, or other activities that have a political or partisan character, including the use of banners and uniforms,” the Consulate said in its Facebook page.
The consulate clarified that Macau still upholds freedom of assembly even for permanent residents and tourists like Filipino workers.
However, this not a blanket freedom as assembly and demonstration is still subject to laws and regulations of Macau.
“The Consulate wishes to emphasize that all non-resident workers in Macau must strictly follow the laws, rules and regulations of the host government and that any violation of which may be a basis for the termination of the employment contract and the consequent cancellation of the Permit to Stay. The same principle applies to those holding tourist or other visas,” it added.
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