Philippines, HK agree solution to hostage row
HONG Kong and the Philippines have resolved an enduring and deeply emotional row over a deadly hostage crisis, both sides said yesterday, allowing soured diplomatic relations to return to normal.
The breakthrough came after a deal was struck on the sensitive issue of compensation to victims of the tragedy, which saw eight Hong Kong citizens killed following a bus hijacking in Manila in 2010, as well as an apology.
“The resolution of the incident enables the normalization of bilateral relations between Hong Kong and the Philippines,” the Chinese territory’s chief executive, Leung Chun-ying, told reporters.
Hong Kong had long been infuriated by the Philippine government’s response to the incident, in which a disgraced ex-Manila police officer hijacked a tour bus in protest at his sacking.
Negotiations to release the hostages failed and, with the drama broadcast live around the world, Filipino security forces bungled a rescue.
They shot dead the hijacker, but eight Hong Kong tourists died and seven were injured.
Philippine President Benigno Aquino admitted mistakes were made in the rescue efforts but refused to apologize on behalf of the government because he said the hijacker caused the crisis.
Aquino’s refusal was one of the key factors that led to Hong Kong imposing visa restrictions on Philippine government officials in February. It had also advised its citizens against visiting the Philippines.
A statement released by the two governments said the issue of an apology had been settled by the Philippine government expressing “its most sorrowful regret and profound sympathy.”
However, it appeared the apology was issued by the Manila city government rather than the Philippine government.
The Philippines has already provided undisclosed financial compensation to victims and their relatives, with money from private individuals.
Yesterday’s statement said more financial compensation would be given, although there were no details on the amount.
Hong Kong media reported that the compensation package totaled HK$20 million (US$2.58 million), with HK$1.5 million for each of the deceased and HK$3 million for the injured.
Tse Chi-kin, the brother of one of the people who died, said the relatives were now prepared to move on.
“If we continue to dwell on this incident there will be negative impact on multiple parties, so we have finally accepted this arrangement,” Tse said.
The agreement came after Joseph Estrada, the mayor of Manila and a former president, as well as Aquino’s chief aide and the national police chief, traveled to the city this week.
“It was a very fruitful and successful resolution of the case,” Estrada said. “Our relations with Hong Kong are now normal and I pledged on our side that all Hong Kong tourists will be protected under my watch.”
More than 160,000 Filipinos live in Hong Kong, most working as domestic helpers. Some maids said they faced threats and harassment after the incident.
- About Us
- |
- Terms of Use
- |
- RSS
- |
- Privacy Policy
- |
- Contact Us
- |
- Shanghai Call Center: 962288
- |
- Tip-off hotline: 52920043
- 沪ICP证:沪ICP备05050403号-1
- |
- 互联网新闻信息服务许可证:31120180004
- |
- 网络视听许可证:0909346
- |
- 广播电视节目制作许可证:沪字第354号
- |
- 增值电信业务经营许可证:沪B2-20120012
Copyright © 1999- Shanghai Daily. All rights reserved.Preferably viewed with Internet Explorer 8 or newer browsers.