China defers comment on findings

MANILA, Philippines - China was mum on the release of the report on the Aug. 23 hostage crisis, but the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the Chinese ambassador had already conveyed his appreciation for President Aquino’s “strong leadership” in ensuring a “comprehensive, transparent, and credible” investigation into the incident.

The Philippines handed over yesterday to the Chinese embassy a copy of the report prepared by the incident investigation and review committee (IIRC) on the hostage-taking incident.

Acting Foreign Affairs Secretary Esteban Conejos Jr. personally handed a copy of the report to Chinese Ambassador Liu Jianchao at the DFA.

Attached to the report were nine folios containing transcripts of the hearings, testimonies, forensic reports and other information gathered by the IIRC.

The DFA, in a statement, said Liu expressed his country’s appreciation for the Aquino administration’s assistance to the Chinese and Hong Kong investigators who arrived right after the hostage incident.

The Chinese ambassador, the DFA said, also expressed his personal thanks to Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo for his help.

The ambassador, the DFA said, also praised the professionalism and dedication shown by the IIRC headed by Justice Secretary Leila de Lima.

Liu also reaffirmed the strong relations between the Philippines and China during a visit to the Palace.

During the ambassador’s call, the President voiced his commitment for further dialog on issues of mutual interests.

Canadian Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Jason Kenney said Canada expected to get a copy of the IIRC report because four of the tourists from Hong Kong killed by the hostage-taker and one victim still in a Hong Kong hospital were Canadian citizens.

“Three Canadians were killed tragically during the hostage crisis and the fourth young boy was seriously injured. He’s in Hong Kong hospital recovering from severe wounds,” Kenney said.

Kenney was at Malacañang on Friday.

“We hope that measures will be taken to ensure that such an incident cannot be repeated,” he said.

“But I make it clear that everyone in the Philippine government recognizes there was a breakdown of the system and that needs to be rectified,” Kenney said.

“According to the President, he is focused on that and I thank him for his concern and leadership in addressing the issue,” he said.

8 Critical incidents

Crisis management committee not activated in accordance with manual.

Hostage taker’s demand for reinstatement not properly appreciated.

Breakdown of negotiations and inclusion of Gregorio Mendoza in talks.

Negotiator lost focus on hostage taker’s demand.

Arrest of Gregorio Mendoza.

Departure of Mayor Lim and General Magtibay for dinner.

‘Inefficient, disorganized and stalled’ police assault.

Absence of an organized post-assault plan.