Erap cited for HK apology

MANILA, Philippines - The Manila city council lauded Mayor Joseph Estrada yesterday for his successful mission to apologize to Hong Kong for the 2010 hostage crisis, which left eight tourists dead.

In a ceremony at the city hall, Councilor DJ Bagatsing and Vice Mayor Isko Moreno led the awarding of a “resolution of honor” to Estrada.

Estrada, who flew to Hong Kong last week, said the Hong Kong government accepted the apology, after which the former British colony canceled its plan to implement the non-extension of the visas of the overseas Filipino workers as a second sanction to the Philippines.

Earlier, Hong Kong curbed the visa-free privilege of diplomatic and official passport holders as a sanction on the Philippines after the Aquino administration refused to apologize.