Tourism chief expects ‘normal ties' with HK soon

Now that Malacañang has released government’s list of recommended actions on the August 23 Manila hostage tragedy, Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim is hoping the Philippines’ ties with Hong Kong will finally be back to "normal." Lim said he is looking forward to restoring ties with Hong Kong, which discouraged its residents from traveling to the Philippines after the hostage incident. “I look forward to normal relations with Hong Kong," he said in an article posted on the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines news site. President Benigno Simeon Aquino III on Monday disclosed the final government findings on the incident but his critics questioned him for clearing his friend, Interior Undersecretary Rico Puno. Hong Kong maintains a “black" travel advisory on the Philippines following the August 23 hostage incident wherein eight Hong Kong tourists were killed along with their hostage-taker, dismissed Senior Inspector Rolando Mendoza. “Serious kidnap incident happened in the Philippines, residents should avoid all travel to the country; those who are already there should attend to their personal safety and exercise caution," the Hong Kong government said in its website. Meanwhile, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Francis Chua said he now looks forward to warmer relations between China and the Philippines. “What is important is we have learned from our mistakes and it is our obligation not to allow any repetition in the future," Chua said. Napolcom: cops in hostage tragedy report can be suspended during probe The Philippine National Police got the green light Wednesday to suspend police officers recommended for administrative charges for the August 23 Manila hostage tragedy. National Police Commission vice-chairman and executive officer Eduardo Escueta said these internal measures can be taken while an investigation is being conducted into the officers' administrative liabilities. "Habang naka-pending sa amin maaring magdesisyon ang leadership ng kapulisan na lapatan sila ng mga internal administrative disciplinary measures. Ibig sabihin noon, maari silang ma-relieve sa kanilang kinalalagyan na pwesto, i-assign sa headquarters halimbawa, habang ang kaso ay dinidinig," Escueta said in an interview on dzXL radio. (While the case is pending before us, the PNP leadership can take internal administrative disciplinary measures. These include relief from their present posts and reassignment to headquarters for example, while the cases are being heard.) The Napolcom exercises direct supervision over the PNP. Escueta said the police officers who will be found liable for the mishandling of the crisis will face punishment ranging from suspension to demotion or even dismissal. "Batay sa depende sa kasagutan ng pulis involved, ang penalty maaring suspension or demotion ng rango o di kaya dismissal," he said. (Depending on our findings on the administrative charges, they face penalties ranging from suspension to demotion of rank or even dismissal.) On Monday, President Benigno Aquino III ordered the initiation of administrative proceedings against police officials for the August 23 tragedy. Those recommended for administrative charges by the Palace legal panel were: