| |
| |
 |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
HONG KONG - Hong Kong lawmakers Thursday passed a motion demanding that the Philippine government apologise and pay compensation to the families of eight Hong Kong tourists killed in a hostage bloodbath in Manila.
The deaths, after a 12-hour ordeal broadcast live on television around the world, triggered outrage in Hong Kong over the mishandling of the crisis and calls for an investigation into whether the hostages were killed by police or the hijacker.
The lawmakers' motion asked for a thorough investigation and expressed "strong dissatisfaction at the serious failures" of the Philippine authorities.
It also demands "a public apology and compensation to the deceased and injured and their family members."
The lawmakers' motion, which is not binding on Hong Kong's government, did not specify an amount thought to be appropriate.
The Philippine government has admitted to making a number of errors in its handling of the crisis, which has chilled diplomatic ties with Hong Kong and damaged the Southeast Asian nation's tourism industry.
The deadly drama started on August 23 when sacked policeman Rolando Mendoza hijacked a bus with 22 Hong Kong tourists and three Filipinos on board in the heart of the Philippine capital.
Mendoza and eight Hong Kong tourists died during a botched rescue attempt. Philippine police have said initial investigations suggest the tourists were killed by Mendoza.
The Philippine government said that it intended to wrap up its investigation on Monday with the report to be submitted to Hong Kong authorities.
- AFP/ir
|
