Erap in HK to apologize for 2010 hostage crisis
Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada left for Hong Kong yesterday morning to personally apologize to the families of the tourists ta en hostage by a disgruntled policeman at the uirino randstand in 0 0.
Estrada was accompanied by Councilor Bernie Ang, who had arranged a meeting with the families and some Hong Kong government officials. Ang reportedly brought with him an undisclosed amount of money as compensation for the families. Rolando Mendoza shot dead eight of the tourists before he was illed by a police sniper.
We want to e press our deepest regret for that unfortunate incident. We want to maintain a good relationship with Hong Kong. We have been trading with them for centuries,” Estrada said.
Airport sources said Cabinet Secretary Rene Almendras and Philippine ational Police chief irector eneral Alan Purisima will oin Estrada for a dialogue with the families and Hong Kong officials this afternoon.
Almendras denied yesterday that he is part of Estrada s trip but the former said the former president s move was welcome.
We are hopeful that Mayor Estrada s initiative will contribute to the national government s efforts to achieve closure and a mutually satisfactory conclusion,” he said.
Estrada said his move was to avoid further sanctions after Hong Kong re uired Philippine government officials to secure a visa before going to the former British colony, now one of China s two Special Administrative Regions. The other SAR is Macau.
President A uino earlier said he will not apologize for the hostage crisis, but Estrada said the national government has no fault in the incident.
t is not the President s fault, it is the fault of my predecessor, the former mayor,” Estrada said, adding the late Secretary Jesse Robredo had recommended that Alfredo Lim be suspended.
The President has nothing to do with this, it is purely local,” Estrada added.