Victims’ kin going home empty-handed

They will be returning to Hong Kong disappointed.

Relatives and representatives of eight Hong Kong tourists killed in the hostage tragedy at the Rizal Park last year returned to the site of the slaughter on Tuesday for an emotional remembrance ceremony.

Buddhist monks in saffron robes lit incense and offered food and drinks on a makeshift altar on the pavement of the park where the hijacked bus stood for 11 hours before a bungled rescue attempt led to the bloodbath.

Last year’s chaos was replaced by a peaceful atmosphere, the mournful hymns and chants of the monks broken only by the rapid shutter clicks from the cameras of a Hong Kong press contingent.

“We will never forget the pain,” said Tse Chi Kin, whose brother Masa Tse Ting-chunn, was the tour guide on the bus and was among those slain.

He said the family came back seeking closure of sorts, but they had largely failed after President Benigno Aquino III rejected their appeal to meet with them and personally apologize.

“It has been one year, but we have not received any apology—not an e-mail, not a letter, not even a call,” he sobbed.

Tse was joined by another brother, his grieving mother, and survivor Lee Ying Cheum, who said she was still recovering from deep mental trauma after escaping what she had initially thought was certain death, a lawyer representing two victims and Hong Kong legislator James To Kun-Sun.

The Hong Kong group arrived in the country last Sunday and met with Justice Secretary Leila de Lima on Monday, to whom they submitted their three-point request.

They are scheduled to fly home Wednesday (today), frustrated and disappointed.

Tse appreciated that De Lima had met with them but she could not speak for the President or the Philippine government.

He underscored the importance of Mr. Aquino meeting with them face-to-face and showing accountability, because thus far they have found his responses “very disappointing.”

He expressed frustration that such “basic” requests are not being met.

“We are still angry (because) families were torn apart, children were orphaned,” said Lee even as she thanked those who came, like Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim. With AFP