DFA: No strained relations with HK over review of IIRC report

The relationship between the Philippines and Hong Kong remains "harmonious" despite the supposed disappointment of the Chinese territory over the review of the Incident Investigation and Review Committee (IIRC) report, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Thursday. In an interview with reporters, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo said he does not believe that the country's relations with Hong Kong were affected by the Palace review of the IIRC report. Earlier, the Hong Kong government said the Philippine government must "live up to [its] pledge to be accountable to the public." "In fact we just had a visit from a high ranking official of the foreign ministry yesterday [Wednesday] and we talked about our relationship and our relations not only being maintained but being strengthened," Romulo said after the Senate hearing on the DFA budget. "That is part of life (but) as far as the effect on our friendly, harmonious and cooperative relations are concerned, it remains there," he said. Romulo added that they still plan to send a high-level delegation to China once Beijing officials are "available." "Eventually we will have that visit but depending on the availability (of the officials). They have also other responsibilities. There are conferences to be attended, holidays that have to be observed, there are all these things," he said. Romulo likewise said they do not have any special message or plan when they meet with the Chinese officials. "It's not what we can tell them, it's their full appreciation. They want to put the incident behind them," he said. Last August 23, at least eight Hong Kong nationals were killed after a former police officer took them hostage on board a bus at the Quirino Grandstand. The incident brought about the formation of the IIRC. — Kimberly Jane Tan/RSJ/LBG, GMANews.TV