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Following is the transcript (English portion) of the remarks made by the Secretary for Security, Mr Ambrose S K Lee, at a media session at the ground floor lobby, Main Wing, Central Government Offices today (August 23):
Secretary for Security: On the hostage incident that occurred in Manila this morning, the Hong Kong Government is very concerned. I have reported to the Chief Executive and Chief Secretary for Administration. They both expressed concern and directed that we should help these hostages to return to Hong Kong safely and as quickly as possible. In the first instance, we have sought help from the Chinese Embassy in Manila to deal with the case. As I understand, embassy staff are now holding a meeting with the Filipino police department. On our part, we have contacted the Philippine Consulate-General in Hong Kong and we requested that they should ensure the safety of the hostages and we also requested that the incident be resolved in a peaceful manner. And we have formed a special task force within the Security Bureau to deal with the matter.
Reporter: How many people are kidnapped and is a ransom being asked?
Secretary for Security: According to the tourist agency, the group consisted of 21 passengers. The latest news is that two members of the tourist group are released.
Reporter: Any information of the identity of the hijacker?
Secretary for Security: Like all of you here, our source of information is from the press. There is an indication that the man who is holding up the tourist group is an ex-policeman who wants to be reinstated after being sacked. This is the only message we received from the media and we have yet to receive a formal report from embassy. The embassy is now holding a meeting with police department in Manila and I am expecting a report from them.
Reporter: ... any demand beyond the reinstatement?
Secretary for Security: That's the only information I have.
Reporter: Secretary, have you put up any travel alert for Philippines?
Secretary for Security: We are reviewing the situation. We have told the Consulate-General in Hong Kong, the manner in which they handle the case and the safety of the hostages will affect our consideration.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript)
Ends/Monday, August 23, 2010
Issued at HKT 16:28
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