Philippines witnesses shun Hong Kong inquest into hostage deaths

Feb 12, 2011, 1:49 GMT

Hong Kong - At least 72 Filipino witnesses asked to testify at a Hong Kong inquest into the killing of eight tourists in Manila have refused to attend, a news report said Saturday.

The 72, including Manila mayor Alfredo Lim, are among 116 witnesses from the Philippines asked to give evidence at the Hong Kong hearing into deaths, the South China Morning Post said.

Witnesses have reportedly voiced concerns that they might be detained if they refuse to answer questions at the inquest in Hong Kong's High Court which starts Monday.

Eight Hong Kong tourists died when former police officer Rolando Mendoza took a tour bus hostage and opened fire after a day-long stand-off with police on August 23.

The incident strained relations between the Philippines and both Hong Kong and China with Manila police and officials heavily criticized for their handling of the hostage crisis.

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