Hong Kong may make 'positive' announcement on Manila hostage tragedy today, says lawmaker

Hong Kong could today make a "positive" announcement on the 2010 Manila hostage tragedy, a lawmaker said following a late night meeting with victims' families and government officials.

Speaking on RTHK, Democratic Party lawmaker James To Kun-sun, said he had been with some family members until 1am this morning, following yesterday's arrival of Manila's mayor Joseph Estrada.

Estrada and his delegation are expected to offer an official apology to the families affected. “I am not in a position to disclose more details about [our meeting],” To said. “I think the government could be making some announcement later today.”

When asked whether it will be a “breakthrough”, To indicated that it would be something “positive”.

His words appeared to be backed by Tse Chi-kin, brother of killed Hong Kong tour guide Masa Tse Ting-chunn, who uploaded a photo of last night's meeting to Facebook and said he felt “the fight which has lasted for three years and eight months is finally drawing to a close”.

Earlier today the Philippines Secretary to the Cabinet, Jose Rene Almendras, was seen at the VIP exit of the Hong Kong International Airport. He is believed to be joining Estrada. Another Philippine national-level official Alan Purisima, director general of the Philippine National Police is expected to arrive later today, according to Philippine national newspaper the Inquirer.

Beijing's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Qin Gang yesterday urged the Philippine government to speed up its handling of the fall-out from the tragedy and to respond to the "legitimate and lawful" demands of the victims' families.