DOT chief meets with Hong Kong's Tsang

MANILA, Philippines –  The Philippines apprised Hong Kong yesterday on the efforts being undertaken by the Philippine government after the Aug. 23 hostage-taking incident at the Quirino Grandstand to ensure the safety of tourists and move bilateral relations forward.

The Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong said that Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim, who was in Hong Kong on a mission of goodwill, met with Chief Executive Donald Tsang at the Hong Kong Government House to discuss the measures undertaken by the Philippine government after the crisis.

During a 20-minute meeting yesterday morning, Lim reiterated to Tsang the condolences of President Aquino to the families of the victims and the people of Hong Kong over the hostage drama, saying the incident was very unfortunate.

“We feel the pain of the Hong Kong people and the affected families over the incident,” Lim said.

“As head of the Philippines’ Tourism Department, it is my responsibility to help ensure that the country has a conducive and safe environment for foreign visitors. We have undertaken steps in order that the security of local and foreign tourists will be more assiduously safeguarded and that such a tragedy will not happen again,” he said.

These steps include the National Tourist-Oriented Police for Community Order and Protection (TOP-COP) program launched by the Department of Tourism and the Philippine National Police (PNP) last Monday, which led to the deployment of “tourist police” in the country’s major tourism destinations.

Lim also updated the Chief Executive on the administrative and criminal charges filed against police and local government officials identified in the report of the incident investigation and review committee (IIRC), and on the institutional reforms being studied by the IIRC for its second report.

He also assured Tsang that the Philippines will cooperate with the Coroner’s Court proceedings in February, in accordance with established practices on mutual legal assistance.

Lim likewise said the government is planning to give some aid to survivors and relatives of the Aug. 23 hostage drama.

He said details of the “token of solidarity” are being

worked out.

The Consulate General said the Chief Executive expressed appreciation for the efforts of the Philippine government to restore the confidence of Hong Kong tourists in visiting the Philippines once again. – With AP