Philippines travel ban should continue, Hong Kong tourism boss says
1st Sep, 10, Earth times
Hong Kong's head of tourism on Wednesday called for a continuation of the black alert imposed on travel to the Philippines following the Manila hostage crisis in which eight Hong Kong tourists died.
Tourism Board chairman James Tien said even if the alert was lifted he believed many people would not feel able to visit the country because of the tragedy.
The black alert - the most severe of a three-stage alert system - suspends package tours and advises travellers not to go to areas where their safety may be at risk.
It was issued immediately after the 11-hour siege on August 22 which began when sacked police inspector Rolando del Rosario Mendoza took a tour bus hostage to demand his job back.
After a standoff lasting several hours, the eight victims were killed and seven more were injured before the Philippine police forced their way into the parked bus and Mendoza was shot dead.
The deaths sparked fury among people in Hong Kong who believe the Philippine government and police bungled the crisis.
Tens of thousands of people took part in a protest march Sunday demanding justice for the victims of the shootout.
Legislators will debate a motion Thursday calling for an apology and compensation from the Philippines for the families of those who died.
Meanwhile, the condition of a teenager who underwent brain surgery after suffering critical head injuries in the siege was said to be stabilizing Wednesday.
Doctors treating Jason Leung, 19, said brain swelling and pressure had eased and his infections were under control.
However, he remains under heavy sedation and his chances of making a recovery remain uncertain.
The student lost his father and two sisters aged 21 and 14 in the incident.
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