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HK group returns (with photos/video)
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     The bodies of the eight Hong Kong tourists who were killed, and eight surviving tour group members, returned home from Manila tonight (August 25) on a flight chartered by the Government. They were accompanied by 19 family members. The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Henry Tang, received the group at Hong Kong International Airport.

     Accompanying them on their return were government officials led by the Under Secretary for Security, Mr Lai Tung-kwok, who had flown to Manila to handle the crisis.

     Mr Tang boarded the plane to offer condolences to the grief-stricken group members and the families.

     Also present were the Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Li Gang; the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Lu Xinhua; the Secretary for Security, Mr Ambrose S K Lee; the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mrs Rita Lau; the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Matthew Cheung; the Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Tsang Tak-sing; and the President of the Legislative Council, Mr Tsang Yok-sing; and a representative of the People's Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison.

     Receiving the bodies at a solemn ceremony on the airport apron, Mr Tang, accompanied by family representatives, laid wreaths on top of each of the caskets. The caskets were then transferred to mortuary vans bound for Kwai Chung Public Mortuary.

     An injured tour member, Mr Chan Kwok Chu, was sent to Prince of Wales Hospital. The Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, visited him at late night and wished him a speedy recovery.

     An injured tour group member, Ms Yik Siu-ling, was also brought back on a separate medical flight later in the evening. She was received by the Acting Secretary for Food and Health, Professor Gabriel Leung, and the Permanent Secretary for Food and Health, Ms Sandra Lee, at the airport.

     Speaking to the press after the ceremony, Mr Tang said the Government would spare no effort in assisting the victims.

     "We also wish to see victims who are still in the Philippines coming home early and well," he said.

     Mr Tang said the Government would continue to urge the Philippine Government to conduct an investigation into the incident in the most independent, thorough and professional manner. The Government will request the Philippine authorities to substantiate the report.

     "The truth is the best consolation for the victims and their families.  The Hong Kong Government stands ready to offer our full assistance and support to the Philippine authorities during the course of the investigation," Mr Tang added.

     Mr Tang thanked the state leaders; colleagues from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs; many professionals who have worked day and night; those who have helped the victims and their families.

Ends/Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Issued at HKT 23:36

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