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Police today (November 5) submitted a report on the investigation on the deaths arising from the Manila hostage-taking incident to the Coroner. After considering the report, the Coroner will decide whether or not to conduct a death inquest. A death inquest is open to the public.
Pursuant to the Coroner's direction on August 26, 2010, the Police conducted an investigation on the deaths arising from the Manila hostage-taking incident. A delegation was sent to Manila on four occasions to gather evidence, including collecting evidence from the coach; conducting ballistic examinations; and interviewing some of the eye-witnesses and Philippine police officers participating in the operation. The investigation has now been completed and a death report has been submitted to the Coroner today.
Under the section 10 of the Police Force Ordinance (Cap. 232), the Police have a statutory duty to assist the Coroner to discharge his duties and exercise his powers, including to carry out an investigation into the cause of a person's death upon the Coroner's instruction in order for him to decide whether or not to conduct a death inquest.
The death report is an investigation carried out by the Police on behalf of the Coroner and it is a matter for him whether or not he releases the report and if he does who should receive it. Such a decision will be made taking into account the statutory provisions of the Coroners Ordinance and the overall interests of justice.
Police Report No. 26
Ends/Friday, November 5, 2010
Issued at HKT 19:34
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