Phl hopeful HK to consider friendship over hostage issue

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines is optimistic that the years of friendship with Hong Kong will prevent sanctions from being imposed by the Chinese territory against Manila for refusing to issue an apology over a hostage crisis in 2010.

Hong Kong chief executive Leung Chun-ying yesterday set a one-month deadline for the Philippines to resolve the hostage row or face sanctions.

The Chinese city has been demanding a formal apology for the incident, which left eight of its tourists dead and seven others wounded after a former police officer hijacked a tour bus in Luneta.

“I urge the Philippine government and the Manila municipal government to come up with a proposal to respond to the families of the deceased and the requests of the injured,” Leung said.

Hong Kong has maintained a travel warning to the country following the incident. Its lawmakers have mooted a cancellation of a visa-free arrangement for visitors from the Philippines as well as possible trade sanctions.