Saying that he respects the decision of Hong Kong to reject Vanessa Me Rodel’s asylum application, Department of Foreign Affairs spokesman Robespierre Bolivar said that the Philippines is ready to extend appropriate consular assistance to the Filipina involved in helping Edward Snowden, one of the world’s most wanted figures, hide from the United States authority.
“We got in touch with our Consulate General in Hong Kong and they have taken note of the reported denial of Ms. Rodel’s asylum application,” Bolivar said.
He said that the decision is an immigration matter and that the DFA respects the Hong Kong decision.
“This is an immigration matter, and we will respect the jurisdiction of the Hong Kong immigration authorities,” Bolivar said, adding that the DFA will continue to monitor the situation.
“That being said, our Consulate General is monitoring the situation and is ready to extend any appropriate consular assistance to Ms Rodel should she request it,” he said.
The 42 years old Rodel, who has a five-year-old daughter, was indicted for giving shelter to Snowden when he went hiding in Hong Kong in June 2013.
In an interview by the CNN, Rodel said that she was not aware that the young American who showed up on her doorstep one night in May 2013 asking for shelter was the most wanted man in the world.
Rodel said she and her daughter offered their bed to Snowden while they slept on the kitchen floor for the duration of his stay.
Aside from Rodel, the group includes Ajith Pushpakumara, a former Sri Lankan soldier and a Sri Lankan couple identified as Supun Thilina KellPatha and Nadeeka Dilrukshi Nonis, and their two children.
Snowden, an American formerly working in National Security Agency, sought refuge in Hong Kong after he leaked documents revealing extensive US Government surveillance.
His wherabouts were a mystery during that time and it was only revealed last year that the role of Robert Tibbo and his clients played in sheltering Snowden.
Tibbo said his clients will appeal the ruling, which leaves them at risk of being detained or deported to their respected countries.
The group, Tibbo said, have also applied for refugee status in Canada.
The Hong Kong government “has repeatedly tried to question the four adults about their involvement with Mr. Snowden. For example, about how long had Mr. Snowden been staying with them, what was Mr. Snowden’s movement in the territory, which is irrelevant to the [asylum] claims,” he said.
Tibbo said that when they refused to answer the
