Palace: PHL working to address HK's demands over 2010 hostage tragedy

The Philippine government is working to address the demands of Hong Kong in connection with the 2010 Manila hostage crisis, Malacañang said Wednesday.

"Both sides are working quietly to address these concerns and reach a mutually satisfactory conclusion," said Presidential Communications Operations Office head Herminio "Sonny" Coloma Jr.

He made the statement after Hong Kong leader Leung Chun-ying said their government may "take necessary sanctions" against the Philippines if Manila doesn't meet their demands regarding the tragedy that left eight Hong Kong tourists dead three years ago.

Coloma said the demands, aside from the apology, are compensation for the affected families, prosecution of those responsible, and adoption of preventive measures.

Last month, however, President Benigno Aquino had said he told Hong Kong Chief Executive C.Y. Leung during the APEC Summit in Indonesia that the Philippines cannot apologize for the actions of a single individual.

"President Aquino and [the] Chief Executive  agreed that the Philippines and Hong Kong will work to reach a mutually satisfactory closure on the issues arising from the Luneta hostage incident," said Coloma.

Asked if the Philippines is worried that Hong Kong will end up imposing sanctions on the Philippines, Coloma said it's better to just "focus on the current situation."

"There are ongoing consultations... since last month at until now as we speak, ongoing pa po iyong talakayan," he said.

On the other hand, Aquino earlier said the government is ready for any potential backlash from his decision not to issue an apology to HK, including the possible ban of Filipino domestic helpers in Hong Kong.

 In August 2010, dismissed police officer Rolando Mendoza seized a tourist bus and held hostage 25 Hong Kong nationals at the Quirino Grandstand. The eight hostages were killed in a botched rescue attempt. — LBG, GMA News@gmanews.tv>