Hong Kong police complete probe into Manila bus hijack

Hong Kong police said they have concluded a probe into the Manila bus hijacking fiasco, which left eight Hong Kong tourists dead in August, and a local judge will soon decide whether to hold an inquest.

Hong Kong police said they have concluded a probe into the Manila bus hijacking fiasco, which left eight Hong Kong tourists dead in August, and a local judge will soon decide whether to hold an inquest.

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The police, who travelled to Manila to conduct the investigation, submitted their report yesterday to Hong Kong's
coroner who ordered the investigation after the fatal incident.

"After considering the report, the coroner will decide whether or not to conduct a death inquest," the police said in
a statement posted on their website yesterday, adding that inquests are open to the public.

The police also said the coroner will decide whether to release their report, in a decision that will consider the
"overall interests of justice".

Hong Kong police sent four delegations to Manila to gather evidence, including from the coach where the victims
died and to conduct ballistic tests and interviews with eye-witnesses.

Hong Kong last month said it was disappointed at Manila's decision to spare officials involved in the hostage-taking from tough punishments, saying the victims' families would find the perceived leniency hard to accept.

The incident strained ties between Hong Kong and the Philippines and heaped pressure on the new administration of
President Benigno Aquino, who was widely criticised for his handling of the crisis.