China to Phl: Pay 'high' attention to hostage victims' demands

MANILA, Philippines - China wants the Philippine government to address the demands of the relatives of the Hong Kong tourists who were killed in the 2010 hostage crisis.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying said the Chinese government's position on the Manila hostage crisis is "consistent and clear."

"We urge the Philippine government to pay high attention to the requirements and concerns of the families of the victims, take concrete and effective measures and work out a proper solution as soon as possible," Hua said.

The Chinese official added that they support the Hong Kong special administrative region government in coordinating with Philippine authorities on the matter.

Survivors and families of the victims of the  hostage crisis in August 23, 2010 have since demanded the prosecution of officials involved in the subsequent police operations.

They have also demanded a formal apology from the Philippine government for the incident that led to the deaths of eight Hong Kong tourists and the hostage-taker, dismissed police Senior Inspector Rolando Mendoza.

From the archives: HK families demand prosecution of Phl execs

The Manila hostage crisis was raised anew after some Hong Kong journalists allegedly shouted questions to President Benigno Aquino III regarding the tragedy at the sidelines of the 2013 APEC Summit in Bali, Indonesia.

On Monday, Aquino met with Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-Ying and discussed the hostage crisis, but he did not issue an apology over the incident.

Aquino said the lone gunman was the one responsible for the tragedy and not the entire Philippine government and people. 

Read: Noy refuses to apologize during meeting with HK leader