China, the Philippines mourn hostage crisis victims
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The Chinese governmental working team, headed by Guo Shaochun, a consul of China's Foreign Ministry, was greeted by Philippine Vice-President Jejomar Binay, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. and Romulo, and the two parties held a talk.
Liu said China hopes that the Philippines will inform China about the result of the investigation as soon as possible and that the Philippines will protect foreign tourists well in the future, including those from China, and avoid similar tragedies.
Binay conveyed condolences over the killed hostages on behalf of the Philippine government, saying that the Philippines will closely cooperate with China on this issue, provide all necessary assistance and deal with the aftermath appropriately.
Romulo said that after the incident, he called Chinese Foreign Minister Yang at the request of Aquino, telling his Chinese counterpart that the Philippines is conducting an overall and serious investigation into the incident.
Once the investigation report is completed, Romulo said, he will go to Beijing to submit the report.
Later on Tuesday when meeting with Liu, Aquino said that Binay and Romulo will go to Beijing to submit a report on the hostage incident after the investigation is over.
Liu and members of the working team visited the hospital to convey condolences of the Chinese leaders to the injured, saying the Chinese government is ready to provide all necessary help.
A chartered plane carrying officials from the Hong Kong government and the family members of those who died in the hostage crisis also arrived in Manila Tuesday morning to bring back the bodies of the victims and to comfort the survivors.
Meanwhile in Hong Kong, all the city's government offices flew their flags at half-mast to mourn the hostage victims on Tuesday.
The city government said that the Hong Kong SAR flags at all government offices would continue to be flown at half-mast on Wednesday and Thursday as a token of mourning for victims of the hostage incident.
China's National Tourism Administration had reminded Chinese nationals to exercise caution in visiting the Philippines, saying those who are currently in the country must pay attention to security risks.
