A steady stream of protestors organised by political and civic groups marched to Hong Kong's Philippine consulate - where police numbers were stepped up - to vent their anger over Monday's events. -- PHOTO: AP
HONG KONG - Hong Kong protestors on Tuesday slammed the Philippines and newspapers accused Manila police of incompetence as the territory plunged into mourning for eight tourists slain in a hostage drama.
Flags on government buildings flew at half-mast in mourning for the victims, who were part of a Hong Kong tour group, and the stock exchange paused for a minute's silence at the start of Tuesday's trading.
A steady stream of protestors organised by political and civic groups marched to Hong Kong's Philippine consulate - where police numbers were stepped up - to vent their anger over Monday's events.
'We are very angry about how the Philippine government handled this case,' said Alex Tou, head of the Kowloon Federation of Associations, who led one group of 40 shouting demonstrators.
The Hong Kong government raised a 'black' travel alert for the Philippines, urging against all travel to one of Southeast Asia's most popular tourist spots.
'We demand that the Philippine authorities conduct a detailed and comprehensive investigation on the incident. They must provide a full account to us as soon as possible,' said Chief Executive Donald Tsang, who also urged all Hong Kong tour groups in the Philippines to return home. -- AFP
