Relatives of Manila hostage crisis victims have launched an online petition to rally support for their fight for justice ahead of a meeting between Chinese and Philippines officials in Beijing next week.
The petition is attached to a letter to President Hu Jintao, urging him to raise the tragedy with Philippine President Benigno Aquino, who will make a five-day visit to the mainland from Tuesday.
Democratic Party lawmaker James To Kun-sun, who has been helping the victims of the incident and their relatives, said it was crucial to drum up support from Hong Kong people before Aquino's visit.
'I believe we have the right to ask the leader of our country to voice our concerns for us,' he said. 'It is also important to make sure that Hong Kong people who receive unfair treatment overseas in the future know their country is at their back.
'We are appealing to all Hong Kong citizens for support,' said Tse Chi-hang, younger brother of tour guide Masa Tse Ting-chunn, one of the eight Hongkongers killed.
Tse said he hoped Hu could exert pressure on the Philippines to offer an apology and compensation and ensure justice for relatives.