Hong Kong Threatens Sanctions vs PHL over Manila Hostage Tragedy

Hong Kong on Tuesday has warned to impose unspecified economic sanctions on the Philippines if no substantial progress will be made within a month about demanding Manila’s apology and compensation for a hostage tragedy in 2010, Gma news online reported.

Reports said Hong Kong and Philippines have strong economic ties, but tension rises over a 2010 incident where eight Hong Kong tourists were killed in Manila by a disgruntled police officer.

Hong Kong and Philippine relation comprises from tourism to more than 100,000 Filipino domestic helpers in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong leader Leung Chun-ying urged the Philippine government for a “concrete and timely response.”

“I declare that unless we obtain steady progress within a month, the (Hong Kong) government will take necessary sanctions action,” said Leung.

Reports said Leung did not specify what the sanctions might be. Hong Kong has sought a public apology and compensation to the victims’ families, Gma news online said.

Reports added DFA spokesman Raul Hernandez said Manila hoped the hostage row would not be linked to visa-free arrangements for Filipinos traveling to Hong Kong.

“We look forward to the continued healthy exchange of travelers from both sides,” Hernandez said.

Reports said another possibility could be a freeze on domestic helpers, similar to a move by Taiwan this year following the fatal shooting of a Taiwan fisherman by the Philippine Coast Guard.

The sanctions of Taiwan were dropped in August after Manila gave a formal apology for the fisherman’s death.

The online news said Leung, who took office last July and has since seen his ratings plummet over contentious policies and scandals engulfing his ruling team, was criticized last month for not taking a stronger stance with Manila.

President Benigno Aquino III has so far ruled out apologizing for the tragedy or a day-long rescue operation that left several injured besides the dead tourists.

Manila could not apologize for the crimes of one person, President Aquino reportedly said at the time,Gma news online said.

Meanwhile, Manila City Councilor Bernardito Ang, a representative of Manila mayor Joseph Estrada, is presently in Hong Kong seeking to defuse the row.

The 2010 Manila hostage crisis occurred when a busload of Hong Kong tourists in Manila were taken hostage by a disgruntled policeman Rolando Mendoza who had just been fired from work. After a prolonged negotiations, Mendoza opened fire after what the victims’ families maintain was a bungled rescue effort.

Source: Gma news online