After three years, the Hong Kong government and the hostage crisis victims’ families and survivors have finally reached an agreement with the Philippines over the 2010 Manila bus hostage tragedy.
In a closed-door meeting, the incident’s survivors and victims’ families have agreed to a confidential compensation payout and it is said that visiting Philippines officials have apologised for their botched rescue operation. Additionally, the Manila government has agreed to declare Jul. 14 (lunar calendar) and Aug. 23 (Gregorian calendar) as days of prayer for the victims’ of the tragic incident. Measures have also been taken by the Manila government to guarantee the safety of tourists.
In light of these events, the Chief Executive, Leung Chun-ying lifted sanctions against the Philippines imposed in January, which stopped Philippine officials from visa-free visits. Leung also lowered the travel warning to the Philippines from black travel alert warning (highest travel alert) to amber (lowest travel alert).
The RTHK reports that Tse Chi-kin, whose brother Masa was shot dead during the hostage crisis claims that the victims’ families and survivors only reluctantly accepted the agreement. Tse however, was reported saying to the SCMP, “I can’t say whether I’m happy with the result or the wordings but I’m glad this has all come to an end.”
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
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