Hong Kong imposes sanctions Against Philippines over 2010 hostage deaths

HONG KONG - Hong Kong (HK) has announced the removal of visa-free access for all Philippine diplomatic and official passport holders after Manila failed to issue a formal apology for a deadly hostage-taking in 2010.

The victims' families of eight HK tourists who were killed in the Manila shooting have demanded an apology and compensation, punishment for officials who dealt with the crisis and enhanced tourist safety, in a row that has soured ties.

Hong Kong and the Philippines have close economic relations, with more than 100,000 Filipino domestic helpers working in the city, but emotions still run high over the killing of the tourists on a bus by a sacked police officer who opened fire amid a bungled rescue attempt.

"The sanctions we just announced are just and justified. We welcome the continuation of dialogue between us and the Philippines to bring the matter to a final conclusion," Hong Kong leader Leung Chun-ying told a news briefing.

The sanction will take effect next Wednesday, when Philippine diplomatic and official passport holders will no longer enjoy 14-day visa-free access.

Source: http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/news/international/Hong_Kong_imposes_sanctions_on_Philippines_over_2010_hostage_deaths.html?cid=37840344

Please take note that "Ordinary passport holders" are people like you and me, and still not affected by this sanction. 

Official passport holders are diplomats or consular officers which are stationed elsewhere.

HK to Withdraw Visa-free Access Enjoyed by Filipinos

Hong Kong lawmakers are calling to withdraw visa-free access for Filipino citizens who wants to visit Hong Kong which is a popular shopping destination over the 2010 Luneta hostage that affected the diplomatic relationship between the HK and the Philippines.

The South China Morning Post reported that a non-binding Legislative Council motion that suspend the travel privilege enjoyed by the Filipinos appears set to be approved on Wednesday with parties from across the political spectrum indicating they would support it.

This move is to put pressure on the Philippine government to compensate the families of 8 Hong Kong residents killed by a policeman Rolando Mendoza, as well as those who were injured in the incident.