Hong Kong ends visa-free visits for PH gov’t officials

In this file photo taken on August 23, 2010, Philippine policemen take position as they start their attack on a hijacked tourist bus in Manila. AFP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – Hong Kong will impose sanctions against the Philippines beginning February 5 over the Manila bus hostage crisis in 2010 that left seven Hong Kong tourists dead.
The sanctions, which also cancel visa-free arrangements for Philippine officials and diplomatic passports, were announced by Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying in a press conference Wednesday.
Ordinary Filipino travelers aren’t affected.
He had said that the Philippines had not responded to the demands of the victims’ families for a formal apology.
Leung was quoted as saying in a report by the South China Morning Post that the Hong Kong government got a “negative message” from the Philippine government during discussions Monday.
Seven Hong Kong tourists were killed during the August 2010 Manila hostage crisis where former policeman Rolando Mendoza hijacked a tourist bus with 22 Hong Kong nationals.
A Filipino tour guide was among those killed.
Mendoza was shot dead by authorities during the rescue operation.

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