MANILA -- Malacanang lauded the remarks of actor Jackie Chan extending a hand of friendship despite the tragic hostage-taking that killed eight tourists last Monday.
Chan, a native of Hong Kong, posted in his Twitter account that he does not hate Filipinos for what happened.
“HK is a nation built by a lot of different people… don't worry! We do not hate!” he said.
Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda, who also has a Chinese blood, thanked Chan in Chinese language.
He then translated it saying “We would like to thank Mr. Jackie for extending his hand of friendship.”
He hoped that other citizens in Hong Kong would have the same perspective like Chan. “We hope that Hong Kong, our friends in Hong Kong will also extend their hand of friendship to us.”
The website of President Benigno Aquino III is being flooded by hate messages from several dismayed Hong Kong and Chinese nationals regarding how the Philippine authorities handled the hostage crisis.
Lacierda assured that the government will have an immediate investigation into the case and justice will be served to the victims.
“We grieve the tragedy that has happened we are not taking this lightly.”
Eight tourists were killed last Monday in a bus standoff executed by dismissed police officer Ronaldo Mendoza.
The bodies of the victims will be transported back to Hong Kong at 5 p.m. today. (Jill Beltran/Sunnex)