Hostage crises strains Hong Kong-Philippines relations

The recent hostage crises in Manila which claimed the life of eight Hong Kong tourists has reportedly strained diplomatic ties between Manila and Hong Kong.

After a week of investigation by Manila police authorities and other concerned agencies, preliminary reports indicate Philippine hostage negotiators have bungled the rescue operations. The failed rescue attempt by Manila Police operatives have led to the resignation of the Western Police Director after admitting flaws in handling the hostage crises. Cabinet undersecretary Rico Puno has offered to vacate his position as Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) if the investigating body finds him culpable for the death of Hong Kong tourists. GMA News reports:

When asked if he will resign as soon as the inter-agency fact-finding body headed by Justice Secretary Leila de Lima finds him culpable, he said, "Opo, opo (yes, yes)."

He said he is also ready to face the consequences if his lack of experience and training in handling hostage situations will be found to be a major factor in the hostage crisis.

The day-long hostage-taking incident started Monday morning of August 23 when a sacked Philippine police officer boarded the tourist bus carrying Hong-Kong tourists. The hijacker boarded the tourist bus in Manila's tourist belt and held captive the passengers. The former police officer released at least seven passengers by mid-afternoon as he demanded his reinstatement to his former job as police officer. The hijacker, later identified as Senior Inspector Rolando Mendoza, demanded that he be reinstated in the police service after being sacked for drugs and extortion charges. Mendoza, who was shot by snipers of the Manila police swat team was a decorated police officer and was a recipient of the "Ten Outstanding Policemen of the Philippines. He claimed his case was not given due process and was denied his day in court. The failed rescue operations led to the death of eight Hong Kong tourists and injury to 15 others who were caught in the crossfire between the SWAT and the hostage taker. Philippine president Noynoy Aquino has assumed full responsibility for for the failed rescue operations. The president's decision is seen by the public as way of defending his cabinet members who were involved in the rescue which caused the death of the Hong Kong tourists. I have told the president before, that if he runs into problems, I’d take the cudgels for him. But if I cannot do my job I will resign. I am willing to face my responsibility," the DILG undersecretary said.