Hong Kong victims’ kin want apology, cash, raps

‘A YEAR AFTER, NO ACTION’. 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 PHOTO / FILE / TED ALJIBE

A survivor and some relatives of the Hong Kong nationals who were killed in a hostage-taking incident at Rizal Park last year met with Justice Secretary Leila de Lima on Monday and presented three demands.

The group, which will hold a commemorative ceremony this Tuesday morning at the Quirino Grandstand to mark the first anniversary of the tragedy, told De Lima they were hoping for three things: A formal apology to the victims, reasonable compensation, and a reversal of President Aquino’s decision not to file criminal charges against those involved.

Accompanied by a lawyer and Hong Kong lawmaker James To Kun-sun, the Hong Kong residents expressed their disappointment over what they felt was the Philippine government’s inaction at ensuring that justice was done for the victims of the Aug. 23, 2010, hostage tragedy.

The tourists’ bus was hijacked by a dismissed policeman fighting for reinstatement. Hours of unsuccessful negotiations for his surrender turned bloody when he opened fire, prompting police to storm the bus. Eight tourists were killed before the hostage taker, Rolando Mendoza, was shot dead by a police sniper.

In a news briefing after the hour-long meeting, De Lima said she would relay the group’s requests to President Aquino.

“I reiterated to them the expression of regret of the government about what happened,” De Lima told members of the local and Chinese media who packed the executive lounge of the Department of Justice.

De Lima said the victims sought the reversal of the President’s decision not to file criminal cases against certain senior public officials as recommended by the Incident Investigation and Review Committee (IIRC) that De Lima herself headed.

The victims, she reported, also wanted monetary compensation from the Philippine government and for Mr. Aquino to offer an apology to the survivors, their families and the relatives of the slain victims.

The Palace did not offer an apology but issued a statement saying that “the Filipino people renew their sympathy and solidarity with the families of the victims and the people of Hong Kong” as they mark the first anniversary of the tragedy today.”

“We understand the depth of the wounds that the incident had brought to the families and we have been doing our best to avoid a repeat of this incident,” deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a press briefing.

Meanwhile, the Department of Tourism facilitated the Hong Kong group’s request to hold a remembrance ceremony at the Quirino Grandstand from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. The ceremony will be open to the public.

A ceremony marking the tragedy will also be held at police headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

The brother of slain tour guide Masa Tse told reporters they were seeking justice. “Those who need to be accountable are still not held responsible for what they have done.”

Lee Ying Chuen, 37, the only survivor to travel back to Manila, said she still felt angry. “We never received any note, any word of apology from the government of the Philippines,” she said.

Lawyer Jonathan H.C. Man, who accompanied the group, said the victims’ families had not discussed a specific amount of compensation but the important thing was for negotiations to start.

An inquest conducted by the Hong Kong coroner earlier this year concluded that Philippine officials contributed to or caused the deaths of the eight victims.

The Philippine investigation resulted in the filing of administrative charges against four police officials. Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, who was charged with neglect and misconduct, is seeking the dismissal of the administrative charges.

De Lima said the victims asked if the DOJ could help them negotiate for compensation.

Hong Kong lawmaker To said the meeting with De Lima was “useful.”

“Of course we cannot say we are not satisfied with the result, but at least we know the procedure and hopefully through her (De Lima) we can convince the President to reconsider his position,” he said. With reports from Miko Morelos, Christine Avendano, Jaymee Gamil, Maricar Cinco and AP