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Foreign and Military Affairs

Philippines urged to ensure safety of Chinese tourists

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-08-24 12:34

MANILA - China has urged the Philippine government to take concrete measures to ensure the safety and security of Chinese citizens in the Philippines following the 10- hour hostage crisis that resulted to the death of seven Chinese tourists.

In a statement, the Chinese embassy in the Philippines has "strongly condemned the atrocity by the hostage-taker."

"The Chinese government ... expresses grave condolences to the victimized Hong Kong compatriots and conveys profound sympathy to the bereaved families," the embassy said.

Following the incident, China said it will send a working team to the Philippines to deal with the aftermath and personally look into the situation of the victims and survivors.

"The related authorities of China will keep close contact with the Philippine side and the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, exert the utmost to save the injured and properly deal with the aftermath," the embassy said.

The Hong Kong government has already issued a total travel ban to the Philippines following the hostage incident.

Dismissed police officer Rolando Mendoza held hostage for at least 10 hours 25 people, including 21 Hong Kong tourists that ended in a bloody carnage. Mendoza was killed in a police assault.

In its Outbound Travel Alert (OTA), the Hong Kong Security Bureau declared a "severe threat" in the Philippines, which means all travel to the Philippines should be avoided.

"A serious kidnap incident happened in the Philippines. Residents should avoid all travel to the country," the advisory said.

It also said that Hong Kong citizens that are already in the Philippines should "attend to their personal safety and exercise caution."