The Philippine Government hasapologised and offered compensation to Hong Kong citizens involved in abus hostage crisis in Manila in August 2010, ending a long-runningdispute between the two sides over the matter.
Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region LeungChun-ying, who had met Mayor of Manila Joseph Estrada and an envoy ofthe Philippine President in Hong Kong, made the announcement on April23.
On August 23, 2010, a sacked Philippinepolice officer hijacked a bus with Hong Kong tourists on board. Afternegotiations failed, the officer shot eight of the tourists dead.
Leungsaid both sides have finally reached an agreement on how to resolve theproblem. They agreed with four demands from the survivors and familiesof the dead for an apology, compensation, sanctions against responsibleofficials and individuals, and improvement to tourist safety.
Leung said Hong Kong lifted sanctions against the Philippines after the country made the conciliatory move.-VNA