The hostage crisis which occurred last August 23 initiated by the now notorious police officer Rolando Mendoza might be slowly losing its lustre in terms of public attention but its destructive roots still works its way to a seeming strain between the Hongkong and Philippine government. What started out as a mere unheard inconspicuous complaint turned out to be one bloody massacre witnessed by the world staining the reputation of our country.
Hongkong official had sent probes to conduct their own investigation about the said case because they are seemingly unsatisfied with the slow turn-out of the investigation conducted by the NBI and DOJ. President Benigno Aquino Jr. might have already acceded to the investigation but DOJ secetary Leila De Lima is still deep in thoughts about certain aspects in the agreement. De Lima said there is a need to clarify the scope of the inquest proceedings before granting the request.
As of late, Chinese Ambassador Liu Jianchao on Wednesday plead for the presence of 116 witnesses to appear before the Coroner’s court to determine the cause of death of 8 Hong Kong tourists who were the casualty of the said hostage taking dilemma. These witnesses include the police snipers, doctors, forensics expert and Philippine medical examiners who were present at that time. Most notable among them is Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim who is facing administrative sanctions over the authorities’ failed rescue operation. Yet, De Lima affirmed that there is no need for these witnesses to go to Hongkong to stand as witness in a court. Their testimonies would already be sufficient for the investigation.
“Bakit kailangan pa lahat? I think yung naging basehan nila yung mga pangalan na nakalagay dun sa IIRC report. So we want na ipa-clarify ang exact objective and scope ng investigation. Dapat maniguro tayo: will it lead it to prosecution? We don’t think so. But we want that it comes from them, the assurance comes from the Hong Kong authorities,” De Lima told reporters in Malacañang.
Although the President is open to let the witness go for diplomacy purposes, De Lima is advising against it stating that although both countries are under the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT). Sending them abroad be is not within the framework of the MLAT agreement and that Filipino government should protect the safety of the witnesses. Their safety would be jeopardized in case they are consented to go.
“The President is open to sending a delegation but I’m advising the President na ‘wag lahat papuntahin yung 116. I’m advising the President to insist on the application of the MLAT, Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty. That’s the only way that we can duly protect those that we will send to testify before the coroner’s inquest,” De Lima said.
