HK monks to pray for slain tourists’ souls today

MANILA, Philippines - Twenty-seven Buddhist monks from Hong Kong will hold today rites for the souls of eight Hong Kong tourists killed during the 2010 Quirino Grandstand hostage crisis.

Master Shin Pei Yao of the Gig Lok Monastery said the rites involve several phases: the first at 9:30 a.m., the second from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. and the third from 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Shin said it is during the third phase that they will pray for the slain tourists and other souls of victims of accidents and tragedies.

“This prayer will be done upon the request of (Manila) Mayor (Joseph) Estrada, not only for the victims of Quirino Grandstand hostage crisis, but also for the greater majority of the people,” he said.

Councilor Bernie Ang said the Chinese believe that the souls of victims of accidents and tragedies are “wandering” because they do not know that they are dead.

Estrada said he approved City Council Resolution 147, dated Nov. 26, 2013, declaring every July 14 of the Chinese lunar calendar and Aug. 23 of the Gregorian calendar as days of prayer for the eight victims of the Aug. 23, 2010 hostage crisis.

“This year, July 14 of the Chinese lunar calendar falls on Aug. 9. Resolution 147, together with the city council’s apology, was presented to the Hong Kong government and the victims’ families last April 23,” he said.    – Jose Rodel Clapano