Mass, ceremony held for Manila hostage tragedy victims

A Mass at the Philippine National Police headquarters in Camp Crame and a solemn ceremony at the site of the tragedy marked the first anniversary of the Manila hostage tragedy last year. In Camp Crame, a Mass was held to mark the tragedy at the St. Joseph Church, according to a report by radio dzBB's Glen Juego. PNP chief Director General Raul Bacalzo and Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo attended the Mass presided over by military bishop Leopoldo Tumulak and two Chinese priests. The report quoted Tumulak as saying that he hopes the tragedy had taught all concerned the necessary lessons to make sure the tragedy is not repeated.

In Manila, meanwhile, dzBB's Carlo Mateo reported relatives of the victims attended a solemn ceremony marking the first anniversary of the tragedy at the site of the incident. Philippine-based Buddhist monks were to lead prayers for the victims during the ceremony at the Luneta where last year's incident occurred, the report added. Fruits and other items were also offered to the victims at the ceremony secured by Manila tourist police. Eight Hong Kong tourists were killed along with their hostage-taker dismissed Senior Inspector Rolando Mendoza on Aug. 23 last year. Mendoza had taken the busload of tourists hostage to demand his reinstatement in the police force. But a botched police rescue attempt prompted him to open fire on his hostages before he was himself gunned down. The relatives of the victims arrived in Manila Sunday night to demand compensation and an apology from the Philippine government, but failed to get the apology. — RSJ, GMA News