Liberal Studies: Philippines hostage row resolved

Hong Kong lifted the black travel alert on the Philippines last Wednesday. Diplomatic were also lifted.

This came after family members and survivors of the 2010 Manila bus shortage incident accepted the Philippines most sorrowful regret, profound sympathy and sincere condolences.

About HK$20 million will also be given to the victims as an additional token of solidarity. No apology however was made by the Philippines national government.

The three-and a-half-year crisis ended after six to seven months of negotiations between the two sides.

The tragic hostage shooting in Manila on 23 August 2010 resulted in the deaths of eight Hongkongers. It soured relations between Hong Kong and the Philippines.

The families received an apology scroll from Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada. Secretary to the cabinet of the Philippines Jose Rene Almendras said its government has taken the steps necessary to ensure that the incident will not happen again.

Chief Executive Leung Chung-ying said Hong Kong believe that the Philippines has been sincere. Tse Chi-kin, brother of dead tour guide Masa Tse Ting-chunn said the arrangement is acceptable though not completely satisfactory.