The Aquino administration Wednesday defended itself from mounting criticisms both locally and abroad that it was largely to blame for the death of five Hong Kong and three Canadian tourists at the hands of an ex-policeman turned bus hijacker last Monday. In a press conference, presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said Malacanang was monitoring the incident but that “we left the (situation) to the experts.” President Benigno Aquino himself appealed for an end to the public lashing of his government in his official Facebook page which he earlier put up to promote transparency in government. His Facebook page, which has 1.94 million fans, has been overwhelmed by angry comments across the world, with some even calling for him to resign for failing to be on top of the situation during last Monday's bungled police operation against a well armed hostage-taker inside a fully-packed tourist bus. In response to his critics, Aquino wrote :”We appeal on everyone to stop needless arguments. Let us show everyone that we, Filipinos, know how to respect and understand.” “Shame on you and your government. Tender your resignation now. Your incompetence of leading your untrained stupid police force caused such a tragedy,” wrote Elfis Lee, a Hong Kong resident. Earlier, Aquino called up Donald Tsang, chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, to personally express his condolences to the families of the eight Hong Kong residents who died during last Monday's bloodbath. Tsang had demanded a “full account” of last Monday tragedy, according to Hong Kong newspaper reports. The reports quoted a statement from Tsang who said he tried to contact Aquino “since 4 P.M. on Monday … but all efforts failed.” The Kong Kong leader also described the Aquino government's handling of the hostage situation as “regrettable” and “disappointing.” In response, Aquino said he did not know that Tsang tried to call him, adding that nobody told him about it. Malacanang sources said Aquino was closely monitoring the hostage situation last Monday and talking constantly with top police officials over the phone. He earlier instructed his staff that he won't be taking any calls unless it's very urgent. When Tsang called, the one who took the call didn't know who he is. Following Aquino's instruction, the staff member did not pass on the call to Aquino, the sources said. Aquino immediately called Tsang Tuesday in a bid to repair strain ties. On Wednesday, he declared a national day of mourning in solidarity with the people of Hong Kong. Flags were lowered at government offices and embassies. During Wednesday's press conference, Lacierda denied claims that Malacanang was out of touch with the situation, saying “experts trained by no less than the United States' Federal Bureau of Investigation” were at the scene managing the crisis. “We were monitoring the incident, you just did not see us out in the open. Mere absence does not mean we did not give importance to the situation,” Lacierda said. House Deputy Speaker Jesus Crispin Remulla earlier condemned the government's “lack of crisis management instincts.” Lacierda said Aquino himself was not far from the Rizal Park when the incident was happening. He said the incident should not be considered a “black-eye,” noting “it's something we never expected…it's a learning experience.” He said the Aquino administration is now doing its best to temper the backlash that have snowballed following what some call a bungled police operation. The administration has already extended all assistance it could give, he said. He asked the public to wait for the results of the investigation before they come out with their conclusions. He said the president has also talked to Chinese and Hong Kong officials and explained the situation to them. “I got to talk to their Undersecretary for Security last night…they are satisfied that the government is doing its best,” he said.
