De Lima agrees to lead delegation to HK

MANILA, Philippines - Justice Secretary Leila de Lima has agreed to head the delegation to face Hong Kong authorities investigating the Aug. 23 hostage crisis in Rizal Park in Manila.

“I have to go as chair of the IIRC (incident investigation and review committee),” she said. “I really don’t have a choice.”

De Lima said she expected to receive this week instructions from President Aquino on who would go with her to Hong Kong.

She said the scope of Hong Kong’s investigation must be clarified to determine if the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) could cover the proceedings.

“And if it (MLAT) applies, we also have to insist that the Hong Kong authorities make a statement as to the applicability and desirability of the MLAT,” she said.

“Because there are enough provisions there that would protect the witnesses.”

De Lima and 115 others had been invited by Hong Kong authorities as witnesses.

Last week, De Lima advised Aquino to first seek clarification from Hong Kong as to the extent and scope of their investigation and make sure the witnesses to be invited would not be prosecuted.

De Lima said it is important to know if the proceedings would fall under MLAT.

If it would be established that the MLAT would apply to the invitation, the witnesses may refuse to cooperate, she added.