BEIJING - Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Thursday urged the Philippine government to properly handle the aftermath of last year's Hong Kong hostage incident in Manila.

During his meeting with Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III, Wen urged the Philippine government to attach importance to the requests of the government and people of the Hong Kong Special Administration Region.

Aquino, in response, said the Philippine government and people feel deep regret for the tragedy, noting that the Philippine government is handling the aftermath seriously and will keep in contact with China.

On August 23, 2010, Philippine ex-policeman Rolando Mendoza hijacked a bus carrying 21 tourists from Hong Kong and four Filipinos in Manila in a bid to be reinstated in the police force. Eight of the hostages from Hong Kong and the hijacker were killed after an 11-hour standoff.