PNoy: Still no apology to HK for hostage crisis

MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III reiterated  on Wednesday that the country will not issue an apology to Hong Kong over the deadly hostage crisis in 2010.

Answering a question from the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines, Aquino stood pat on his position that the Philippines will not say sorry for the act of a disgruntled policeman who hostaged and killed several Hong Kong tourists.

"Our position is the act of one individual, who was probably mentally unstable at that point in time, should not be construed as the act of the entire country. And therefore, we reiterated our utmost regret as to what has happened. We offered again our condolences to all who have suffered and died," Aquino said.

The President added that he and Hong Kong Chief Executive CY Leung understood each other's positions during a meeting at the sidelines of the recent APEC Summit in Bali, Indonesia.

Aquino also assured the victims of the families that those involved in the incident have been held accountable, including a sanctioned deputy ombudsman. Meanwhile, the penalties for several policemen involved are being considered to be increased.

The Manila hostage crisis issue resurfaced this month after some Hong Kong journalists allegedly shouted questions to Aquino during the APEC Summit.

Survivors and families of the victims of the hostage crisis in August 23, 2010 have demanded the prosecution of involved officials and a formal apology from the Philippine government.

Related story: Noy refuses to apologize during meeting with HK leader