A large number of armored vehicles and trucks carrying People's Liberation Army (PLA) troops were seen in various locations around Hong Kong ahead of the scheduled protest. However, Chinese media described the action as a "routine rotation."
Hong Kong netizens uploaded photos showing long convoys of PLA vehicles, including armored vehicles, troop carriers, and trailers in different districts of Hong Kong.
Xinhua, a state-run media outlet released a report describing the PLA as conducting the "22nd rotation of its members" since troops began being stationed in Hong Kong in 1997. The operation was approved by the Central Military Commission and this it was a "routine annual rotation" in law with China's law on garrisoning troops in the special administrative region, according to the report.
Ads
The rotation came less than 24 hours after police denied permission for a new mass rally planned for Saturday that was expected to draw hundreds of thousands of people to the streets - the 13th consecutive week of protests.
Hong Kong Police previously denied permission for rallies but the orders have largely been ignored.
The Civil Human Rights Front plans a rally from Hong Kong's central business district to Beijing's main representative Liaison Office in the city on Saturday.
In a letter to the rally organizers, police said they feared some participants would commit "violent and destructive acts".
Protesters have so far carried out "arson and large scale road blockades" and "used petrol bombs, steel balls, bricks, long spears, metal poles, as well as various self-made weapons to destroy public property", the letter said.
Ads
Sponsored Links
In the light of the protests continuously happening in downtown Hong Kong where a large number of overseas Filipino workers are deployed, the Philippine Consulate general in Hong Kong released an advisory to the OFW's to take precautionary measures and not to go to the places where protests are being organized.
OFWs in Hong Kong are also advised not to wear white or black garments should they need to go outside or near the protest venues because these are the colors that the protesters wear.
OFWs in Hong Kong are also advised not to wear white or black garments should they need to go outside or near the protest venues because these are the colors that the protesters wear.
To keep its citizens safe, Filipinos are advised to refrain from going or using the Hong Kong International Airport as a destination or transit airport if they do not have important or urgent business in Hong Kong. Malacañang also said that it is not the right time to go to Hong Kong. Those who are travelling from Hong Kong are advised to call their airlines five hours prior to departure in order to asses the situation whether it is safe to go to the airport or not.
If you are an OFW deployed in Hong Kong at the moment, secure all your legal and travel documents with you at all times. Should the situation worsen, contact the Philippine Consulate General at hotline (+852) 955-4023.
©2019 THOUGHTSKOTO
If you are an OFW deployed in Hong Kong at the moment, secure all your legal and travel documents with you at all times. Should the situation worsen, contact the Philippine Consulate General at hotline (+852) 955-4023.
©2019 THOUGHTSKOTO