DFA offers more financial help to Hong Kong hostage victims

By: Matikas Santos - 11 years ago

DFA spokesman Assistant Secretary Raul Hernandez. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) appealed to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) government for sobriety as it offered more financial assistance for the victims of the 2010 Manila hostage crisis and their families.

“We call on the Hong Kong authorities to be sober and to reflect rationally on this issue,” Raul Hernandez, DFA spokesman, told reporters.

He said that the Philippines has done everything possible to meet the demands of the victims of the families including offering more financial assistance.

“We have done everything possible to resolve the issue and reach an agreement. It will be unfortunate if the victims and their families will not be able to accept more generous gestures of solidarity from the Filipino people,” Hernandez said.

“If Hong Kong will signify acceptance of such gestures, the Philippines is willing to convey these gestures for the benefit of the affected families as soon as possible,” he said.

Hong Kong began implementing its sanctions against the Philippines by canceling visa-free arrangements for government officials and diplomatic passport holders February 5.

Ordinary passport holders will not be affected neither will personnel of the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong.

Hernandez said that the negotiations are still open between the Philippines and Hong Kong for the resolution of the issue.