Govt agrees to cooperate in HK probe of Luneta hostage incident

The Philippine government has granted the request of the Hong Kong government to send 116 witnesses to testify in their investigation into the August 23 hostage-taking crisis at the Luneta Grandstand.
Justice Secretary Leila de Lima yesterday said, however, the witnesses summoned by Hong Kong for the fact-finding probe of their coroner’s office cannot be forced to cooperate if they refuse.
The government has formally responded to the Hong Kong government’s request, asserting that the proceedings should be covered by the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT).
The Department of Justice (DOJ) through the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has started serving summons to the witnesses since Monday.
The proceedings would start on February 14 and run for 25 days. The expenses of the witnesses who agree to testify would be shouldered by the Hong Kong government. (PIA)

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