MANILA, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- Philippine Vice-President Jejomar Binay and Foreign Secretary Alberto Romulo will go to Beijing to submit a report on the hostage incident after investigation is over, said Philippine President Benigno Aquino III Tuesday.
Aquino made the promise at Tuesday's meeting with Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Liu Jianchao.
An assault rifle wielding dismissed Philippine police officer held hostage a tourist bus with more than 20 Hong Kong tourists on board in Manila on Monday, prompting the police to storm the bus. The Chinese embassy has confirmed that as of Tuesday afternoon, eight Hong Kong tourists died and seven others were injured, including two seriously injured.
A working team sent by the Chinese government to deal with the incident arrived in Manila Tuesday morning, accompanied by Ambassador Liu, who had terminated his work report in Beijing ahead of schedule.
The Chinese leadership attached great importance to the incident, Liu said at the meeting with Aquino, hoping that the Philippines will inform China about the result of the investigation as soon as possible and that the Philippines will in future protect the safety of Chinese nationals, including those from Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
Aquino offered grave condolences to the victims, saying the Philippines will closely cooperate with China on this issue, provide all necessary assistance and deal with the aftermath appropriately.
