Victims of bungled bus hostage rescue operation prepare to sue Philippines
Brother of tour guide slain in hostage rescue operation that went wrong leads court threat as clock ticks down on opportunity for legal action
Survivors and families of victims of the bungled Manila hostage rescue three years ago will sue the Philippine government if their demands are not met by Friday.
The threat was made by Tse Chi-kin, the older brother of a tour guide killed in the bus hijacking drama in August 2010.
Friday marks the third anniversary of the incident in which eight Hongkongers - including Tse's brother, Masa Tse Ting-chunn - were killed after former policeman Rolando Mendoza took the 22 Hongkongers and three Filipinos on board the bus as hostages.
But this year, the day is also the legal deadline for survivors and victims' families to take action in the courts against the Philippine government.
The incident, including the gun fight that ensued when negotiations broke down after a 10-hour standoff, was broadcast live on television worldwide.
The Philippine government was roundly criticised over the police officers' handling of the situation and some held it responsible for the failure of the rescue attempt and the gun battle, which lasted 90 minutes.