DFA lowers flag at half-mast for hostage crisis victims

The Philippine flag at the Department of Foreign Affairs was lowered at half-mast Tuesday in memory of the victims of Monday's deadly hostage crisis in Manila. The DFA reiterated President Benigno Simeon Aquino III and the Filipino people's "deepest condolences" to the government and people of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the People's Republic of China, especially the families and relatives of the eight Hong Kong Chinese nationals who died in the incident. In a statement, the DFA said Filipinos, grateful for the lives saved, are praying for the early physical and spiritual recovery of those who survived the hostage crisis. "As earlier conveyed to Hong Kong Chief Executive Donald Tsang, the Filipino nation join Hong Kong and its people in this time of grief, and reiterate their deep regret over the loss of innocent lives in this tragic event," it said. The DFA also said the Philippine government is extending full assistance to the affected family members. Philippine authorities are also assisting officials from the Hong Kong and the People's Republic of China who are in Manila to look after the well-being of the victims and facilitate the repatriation of their loved ones. –VVP, GMANews.TV