President Benigno S. Aquino III and the Filipino people offer their deepest condolences to the government and people of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the People's Republic of China, especially the families and relatives of the eight Hong Kong Chinese nationals who perished during the hostage-taking incident in Manila yesterday.

          As earlier conveyed to Hong Kong Chief Executive Donald Tsang, the Filipino nation join Hong Kong and its people in this time of grief, and reiterate their deep regret over the loss of innocent lives in this tragic event.

          At present, Philippine Government authorities are extending full assistance to the affected family members and the officials from the Hong Kong government and the People's Republic of China who are in Manila to look after the well-being and facilitate the repatriation of their loved ones.

          The Filipino people are grateful for the lives that were saved and pray for the early physical and spiritual recovery of those who survived.

          The Philippine Flag at the Department of Foreign Affairs has been lowered at half-mast in memory of the lives lost.