HK hostages’ kin still wait for Philippine apology

MANILA, Philippines — Victims’ families and survivors of last year’s hostage drama that left eight Hong Kong tourists and their attacker dead in a botched police rescue say they are still awaiting an apology and compensation from the Philippines.

A weeping mother of a slain tourist guide told reporters in Manila on Monday that “the Philippine government has not done anything.”

Lee Ying Chuen was wounded when a dismissed policeman opened fire as police stormed the bus he had hijacked. He says they remain angry because the Philippine government has not apologized directly.

Philippine spokesman Edwin Lacierda says the government has apologized numerous times. No one has been charged criminally for lapses in the police operation and only one official has been fired.