Expert unable to match all fragments to gunman

A forensics expert was unable to conclude that all bullet fragments found in five of the eight Hongkongers killed in the Manila tour bus hijacking last year matched the gunman's M16 rifle, an inquest heard yesterday.

Senior Inspector Godfrey Lee Kai-fai, from the Police Forensic Firearms Examination Bureau, testified in the fourth week of Hong Kong's own inquest into the deaths of eight people held hostage by sacked police officer Rolando Mendoza on August 23.

Lee said rifling marks on the fragments, which came from eight bullets, matched the gunman's rifle to an extent. However, he could not conclude that all of them were shot from Mendoza's rifle or any particular rifle used by police officers that day.

The inquest came after the Philippines' own inquiry found that all eight hostages had been killed by the gunman. The report from the inquiry recommended 12 individuals and three broadcast networks be held liable for the botched rescue.

Over the past three weeks, the Coroner's Court has heard evidence from survivors, Hong Kong ballistics experts and statements of Philippine witnesses, which were used in the Manila inquiry. Pathologists are expected to testify today.

Lee found 18 groups of bullet fragments in the bodies of Ken Leung Kam-wing, Fu Cheuk-yan, Yeung Yee-wa, Yeung Yee-kam and Wong Tze-lam. No fragments were found in the other three killed. Sixteen fragments in Fu's body came from three bullets, while seven fragments from two bullets were found in Leung's body. Fragments from one bullet were found in each of the other three.

Seven other tourists were injured.