Filipinos in South Korea advised not to join protests, rallies

Filipinos in South Korea have been advised not to join any protests or public demonstrations, as joining such activities could lead them into legal trouble.

In an advisory released Sunday, the Philippine Embassy in Korea said the Republic of Korea prohibits foreigners from joining protests in line with the country’s Immigration Control Act (Sojourn and Departure of Foreigners).

“Nais pong ipaalala ng Embahada ng Pilipinas sa lahat ng mga Filipino sa South Korea na umiwas sa pakikilahok sa anumang protesta, rally, o pamplublikong demonstrasyon,” the advisory read.

“Inaabisuhan ng Embahada ang lahat ng ating mga kababayan na sumunod sa mga lokal na batas at regulasyon upang maiwasan ang anumang aberya sa kanilang pananatili sa South Korea,” it added.

(The Embassy of the Philippines wishes to remind all Filipinos in South Korea to avoid joining any protest, rally, or public demonstration.

The Embassy advises all our countrymen to follow local laws and regulations to avoid any problems during their stay in South Korea.)

The advisory comes after protests were mounted in South Korea, rallying for the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol who declared martial law last Tuesday evening, December 3. The declaration was lifted hours later before dawn.

Yoon later apologized for the declaration, but did not resign following the decision which he said was born of desperation. Lawmakers from his ruling party boycotted the vote on his impeachment on Saturday. — Jon Viktor D. Cabuenas/BM, GMA Integrated News