Philippine tourism secretary Alberto Lim holds a press briefing at the Philippine consulate in Hong Kong on December 16, 2010.
Philippines promises help for Manila bloodbath families
Dennis Chong
Friday, December 17, 2010
The Philippine government will help families of Hong Kong victims of the Manila hostage crisis in August.
Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim said yesterday the token of solidarity is still being discussed with families of the slain and injured but the first part will be in cash and a second could come in the form of scholarships or health-care assistance.
Lim was speaking after meeting Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam- kuen, Secretary for Security Ambrose Lee Siu-kwong and other Hong Kong officials on the first day of a trip to explain action Manila has taken since eight Hongkongers were killed in the August 23 incident.
Administrative charges have been filed against five police officers for gross incompetence and neglect of duty, while the brother of hostage-taker Rolando Mendoza, Gregorio Mendoza, is facing both criminal and administrative charges, according to Lim.
Manila mayor Alfredo Lim has been told to submit an account of his role in the bungled rescue attempt.
The tourism chief, who once again expressed the countrys apologies to those affected, said justice will be served to the victims.
In a press conference that followed the official meeting, he set out a series of measures to safeguard tourists.
He said a report on how the Philippines can improve its crisis management will be completed within two months.
However, the Philippine delegation failed to get an immediate lifting of Hong Kongs black travel alert for those wishing to visit the country.
One of the survivors, Li Yik-biu, said he was disappointed the delegation was led only by a minister instead of Vice President Jejomar Binay as earlier promised.
This is only gestures, Li said in an interview with Cable TV. He could not feel the Philippines government was being sincere and said he had never asked for compensation.
When asked whether the delegation was downgraded, Secretary Lim said the arrangement was made partly because of a cordial meeting between President Benigno Aquino and Chief Executive Tsang during Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation talks in Tokyo in November.
Lim said the Philippines will fully cooperate with the proceedings of the coroners court, slated to begin on February 14. However, he did not say if anyone from the country will testify.
Tsang said he welcomed the follow- up actions taken by the Philippine government and he is aware of its readiness to cooperate with the coroners inquest. He has an assurance that Manila is determined to actively go after those responsible for the bungled rescue operation.
In a statement, Tsang said Hong Kong people want to see justice being done and Manila following through rigorously.