Kin of victims in Manila hostage crisis remember first year of tragedy

MANILA, Philippines – Relatives of Hong Kong nationals who died in the hostage-taking incident at the Quirino Grandstand gathered this Tuesday to commemorate the first anniversary of the tragedy, a report from 990AM said.

The report said the area has been sealed off as flowers were put on the site and Buddhists were expected to hold a ritual for the victims.

Local officials are also expected to attend the ceremony, the report said.

At least eight people, including the hostage-taker, were killed when authorities tried to rescue the victims who were held prisoners inside a tourist bus in a 10-hour standoff on Aug. 23, 2010. The Hong Kong government condemned the incident and blamed the deaths on the Philippine government.

For the report, listen to 990AM.

Danica Hermogenes, INQUIRER.net