MANILA -- President Benigno Aquino III on Tuesday declared August 25 as national day of mourning following the hostage-taking incident in Quirino Grandstand last Monday that claimed the lives of eight Chinese nationals.

The Hong Kong government also declared a day of mourning to express sorrow over the deaths of their nationals.

"These deaths are a great loss to the peoples of Hong Kong and the Philippines, and call for the most solemn commemoration and respect at a time of grief for our two peoples," part of Proclamation 23 read.

Aquino instructed all public institutions in the country and embassies and consulates overseas to lower the Philippine flag to half-mast on August 25. (Jill Beltran/Sunnex)