| Submit your comments on this article |
| Southeast Asia |
| Hong Kong Dismayed by Manila's Post-Hostage Decision |
| 2010-10-16 |
| The Philippine leadership has been told to show some backbone as Hong Kong's government declared itself “disappointed” by the response to the killing of eight tourists. The reaction came following Manila's decision to water down recommended actions against people blamed for the shambles of a hostage rescue attempt on August 23. President Benigno S. Aquino III on Monday had ordered that only administrative charges be laid against four police officers and three government officials. He also cleared the Philippine police chief and an interior undersecretary of blame in the miserable and bloody failure of police in tackling the tourist bus hostage situation. But Aquino's decision ran contrary to an investigation committee that called for criminal and administrative charges to be leveled against 12 officers and officials. That led to the Hong Kong government to issue its statement last night. Aquino defended his decision to spare people from criminal sanctions. “We vowed justice for all,” he said. “We have a process. We are following the law. The bottom line is, just because one sector wants charges filed it does not mean that charges will be filed.” Back in Hong Kong, a police spokesman said full findings of its own investigation – including reports by experts – will go to the Coroners' Court. It submitted a preliminary report to the court last week. The force would not comment on a report that at least one hostage had been killed by so-called “friendly” fire. |
| Posted by:Pappy |
| #1 Aquino must tell China to go pound rice! China thinks they own the PI and their meddling will only cause more problems. |
| Posted by: 49 Pan 2010-10-16 17:20 |