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Group leads HK ‘healing day’ over Manila hostage tragedy


The Hong Kong chapter of the International Social Service (ISS), an international charitable, non-governmental organization, will hold on Sunday a “Healing, Harmony & Hope Day" in memory of the eight Hong Kong tourists who died in a hostage-taking incident in Manila last August 23. An invitation letter by the ISS-Hong Kong posted on the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong website said an activity will be held at the Southern Playground in Wan Chai, one of the region’s most affluent districts, aimed at honoring the victims of the hostage tragedy and allowing opportunity for the entire Hong Kong community to show empathy and support. “Transcending races, nationalities and religions, the day is designed to provide a solemn and dignified occasion for the people from all walks of life to pay respects and to heal from grief, as well as to foster hope and build unity," the September 2 letter, signed by Stephen Yau, ISS-HK chief executive, said. The event will run from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The activity involves setting up eight tables representing the eight slain hostages positioned around a circular mural painting with the themes of love and hope. The tables and the painting will be at the center of the Southern Playground, where the public signed messages of condolence, offered flowers and lit candles. Soft music will be played in the background and a bell will be rang every hour to call for a moment of silence. The activity was sponsored by Hong Kong’s Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau. On August 23, eight Hong Kong tourists on board a travel bus died in Manila after protracted negotiations with the hostage-taker, a disgruntled former police officer, failed. - Jerrie M. Abella/KBK, GMANews.TV

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