Palace: Phl, HK quietly addressing Manila hostage crisis

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang said yesterday that the government is “working quietly” with Hong Kong authorities on the Manila hostage crisis that left eight Hong Kong tourists killed, and President Aquino wants a mutually satisfactory agreement on the issue.

Press Secretary Herminio Coloma said there are ongoing discussions between Aquino and Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying to resolve the issue. 

“Both sides are working quietly to address these concerns and reach a mutually satisfactory conclusion,” he added. 

But Coloma declined to comment on the potential effects of sanctions on Filipino tourists and workers other than to say it is the “duty of our government to protect the rights and welfare of all citizens.” 

The comment came after Leung threatened sanctions against the Philippines on Tuesday as the fallout from the hostage crisis continues. 

In August 2010, eight Hong Kong tourists were killed and seven were injured after negotiations broke down between Philippine authorities and a sacked Manila police officer, who hijacked a tour bus in Rizal Park in Manila. 

The southern Chinese city has demanded a formal apology for the incident and Leung warned that if the Philippines fails to take “concrete steps” to resolve the issue within a month, he will apply sanctions. 

Leung did not specify what the sanctions might be, but reports said that they could include changes to the current visa-free arrangement for visitors from the Philippines, a possible freeze on domestic helpers, and trade restrictions. 

Coloma said Hong Kong also wants a higher amount of compensation for the affected families, prosecution of those responsible for the deaths, and adoption of preventive measures.

Vice President Jejomar Binay said he is also quietly taking steps to help resolve the issue. “Let me just assure you that we are also doing our best to help resolve that problem. Let us not talk about it in the meantime so as not to affect what we are doing,“ Binay said. 

HK still studying Manila gov’t apology

Meanwhile, Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada said yesterday that Hong Kong lawmakers are still debating whether to accept the apology issued by the Manila City government on the death of the eight tourists.

“They are still debating whether to accept the apology or to impose sanctions against overseas Filipino workers. They might no longer extend the visas of the OFWs there and they are also debating about what to do to the incoming OFWs,” Estrada said.

Estrada told The STAR that he is waiting for the conclusion of the debate before he would finally go to Hong Kong to personally apologize.

Earlier, the Manila City Council unanimously approved a resolution apologizing to the Hong Kong government and China for the death of its eight nationals. The council also designated Estrada to personally make the apology. 

“I am offering myself to go there and personally apologize. I am also raising money for the compensation of the victims, especially the two Hong Kong nationals who are still in the hospital due to gunshot wounds in the face,” he added.– With Jose Rodel Clapano