【明報專訊】On 23 August 2010, eight Hong Kong tourists were shot dead in a kidnap in Manila, the Philippines. The tragedy happened on the last day of their 4-day tour. The world reacted differently to the incident, which was shown live on television.
The evening the tragedy happened, the whole Hong Kong was overwhelmed with grief and anger. Chief Executive Donald Tsang then appeared on TV demanding that the Filipino government conduct a thorough investigation so that Hong Kong people would know the truth about it rather than a furnished version of the incident. Celebrities from Hong Kong, the mainland and Taiwan expressed their concern in their blogs. Not only celebrities but Hong Kong netizens formed Facebook groups to mourn the death of the eight and soothe the great pain. While the public was indignant about the Filipino police's inefficiency, political parties jointly organised a silent march to demand truth. On 29 August 2010, around 80,000 citizens participated in it. The tragedy claimed lives, but it brought Hong Kong people together.
■Did you know...
On 26 August 2010, the SAR flag flew at half-mast in the Golden Bauhinia Square (金紫荊廣場) in mourning for the Hong Kong people killed in Manila.
The tradition of flying a flag at half-mast began in 1612 in England. When a flag is at half-mast, the "invisible flag" above it symbolises the prominence of death. In Hong Kong, not only the Chinese national flag but also the SAR flag may fly at half-mast.
■Keywords
identity……身分認同
emotional upheaval……情緒波動
■Questions
1. Describe some different reactions people have had towards the tragedy.
2. To what extent do such reactions reflect Hong Kong people's identity recognition?
3. Did you take part in the silent march? What do you think is the significance of organising such demonstrations?
■Further readings
Editorial
1. Ming Pao. "CE's call to Filipino president", 2010.08.29
2. Ming Pao. "Investigation into hostage-taking tragedy", 2010.08.28
3. Ming Pao. "Truth should come out", 2010.08.27
4. Ming Pao. "Filipino government must not conceal anything",2010.08.26
5. Ming Pao. "Unexpected calamity",2010.08.25
Website
6. Philippine National Police:http://www.pnp.gov.ph/main
Text: Polly Cheng
