As the Philippine Government completes a full, thorough and transparent investigation on the August 23 hostage-taking incident, the Department of Foreign Affairs reiterates its condemnation of the violence perpetrated by Rolando Mendoza.

Nothing could ever justify the senseless act of holding hostage and threatening and carrying out physical violence on innocent civilians including children. The Department of Foreign Affairs shares the outrage and indignation of the Filipino nation and all peace-loving peoples over this criminal act.

The Philippine Government continues to cooperate with the governments of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the People's Republic of China to bring justice to the victims and their families.

We believe that the strong and long-standing ties of friendship and cooperation between the governments and peoples of the Philippines and China and Hong Kong shall overcome this sad episode.

(dfa.gov.ph)