MANILA -- President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III personally posted a message in his Facebook account on Wednesday asking for public to stop bickering over the tragic hostage drama last Monday that killed eight Hong Kong nationals.
Aquino appealed for both Filipinos and Hong Kong nationals to stop the exchange of bad words on his website.
He told Filipinos to observe decency and respect the feelings of the Chinese people especially those from Hong Kong since they were the ones harmed during the 12-hour hostage crisis in Quirino Grandstand staged by disgruntled police officer Rolando Mendoza.
“Marami na po tayong nabasa at narinig na mga daing at saloobin ng ating mga kababayan, pati ng mga dayuhan na apektado. Pakiusap po na iwasan na lamang ang pakikipagtalo kung hindi naman kinakailangan. Ipakita po natin na tayong mga Pilipino ay marunong rumespeto at umunawa. Maraming salamat po,” Aquino said on his Facebook.
Several Hong Kong nationals have expressed anger and dismay over the Aquino government, stressing incompetence and negligence in handling the hostage-taking.
Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda in a press briefing said the administration recognized the anger and agony of the foreigners.
“We just asked for their understanding,” he added. (Jill Beltran/Sunnex)