“The Philippines will remain as one of China’s most favorite destinations,” this was the assurance of Chinese Ambassador to Manila Liu Jian Chao, despite the negative outcome of the hostage crisis in Manila Monday evening wherein eight Hong Kong nationals were killed in the incident.

Ambassador Liu planed in from China Tuesday morning after Beijing condemned the incident.

No less than Vice President Jejomar Binay and Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo met the Chinese Ambassador at the airport who arrived onboard a private jet.

Executive Secretary Jojo Ochoa also arrived at the airport to extend the sympathies and condolences of the President as well as the Filipino people to the Chinese envoy.

In a press conference held at the Dignitaries Lounge of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, VP Binay extended his sincerest sympathies and condolences to the Chinese and Hong Kong governments assuring them that he will personally furnish them the official report once the investigation is completed.

During the press conference, Ambassador Liu expressed appreciation for the Philippine Government’s objective in reaching a settlement of the aftermath of the recent incident.

“Your being here shows tremendous concern to the victims and also the casualties of the Hong Kong tourists. We are closely working with the Philippine government on the aftermath of the incident and we are grateful that police has been able to deliver all the victims to hospital for hospitalization. We hope for the best,”  Amb. Liu said.

“What happened yesterday was actually rather unfortunate. We were shocked by the number of injured tourists. We express our condolences to people who lost their lives and express sympathies to those injured.”

“The Chinese government has been working very closely with the Philippines on the settlement the issue,” Amb. Liu added.

In an initial report given by VP Binay to Amb. Liu, he stated that of the 25 persons on the bus, 10 were released, seven were injured and that eight were declared dead on arrival at the hospitals.

According to Binay, all eight cadavers were brought to Camp Crame for autopsy and will then be brought to a funeral parlor in preparation for immediate shipment to Hong Kong.

A chartered Cathay Pacific airplane arrived in the country early Tuesday morning carrying family members of the victims as well as some members of the Hong Kong media. The aircraft is scheduled to return to the former Crown Colony by 7p.m. (Tuesday evening) and is believed to ferry the survivors as well as the bodies of the victims back home.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Liu added that Philippines will remain as one of China and Hong Kong people’s most favorite destination and asked the government to step up its efforts in assuring the security and safety of all tourists.

“The Philippines is one of the most loved destinations of the tourists in Mainland China and Hong Kong. We hope their security and safety is assured in the future,” Liu said.

“We hope to see more efforts in guaranteeing the safety of foreign tourists here in the Philippines,” added Liu.

From the airport, Amb. Liu proceeded to the different hospitals where the Chinese nationals are confined to check on their conditions.