Coloma: PNoy Cheerful Over Resolution of Hong Kong Case

President Benigno S. Aquino III is pleased with the lifting of sanctions imposed by Hong Kong in connection with the 2010 hostage incident in Rizal Park, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in a statement on Wednesday.

Coloma told that he has just talked with Cabinet Secretary Rene Almendras who made a confirmation about the lifting of sanctions and normalizing relations between the Philippines and Hong Kong.

Almendras is the national government’s representative to Hong Kong to resolve the issue.

“We join the Department of Foreign Affairs in acknowledging the statement of Hong Kong Chief Executive C.Y. Leung on the complete and final resolution of the Quirino Grandstand incident of August 2010 and the lifting of the sanctions,” Coloma said.

Quoting Almendras, Coloma said Leung has issued a separate statement in which he thanked President Aquino and the Philippine government on the development.

“I have conveyed to the President the report of Secretary Almendras and he expressed satisfaction that final closure and a mutually satisfactory conclusion has been reached,” he added.

The Palace official also thanked former president and Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada for his initiative and contribution to the national government’s efforts to mend relations with Hong Kong.

It was reported earlier that the two governments agreed that Hong Kong’s four demands have been resolved. Among the demands include apology to the victims’ families, compensation, sanctions against responsible officials and individuals, and improved tourist safety.

Almendras, Mayor Estrada, and Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Alan Purisima were reported to have left for Hong Kong to tackle the issue.