Families on their own in fight for justice over Manila bus siege

More pressure is needed from Beijing to prod Manila to respond to the demands of the 2010 bus shooting survivors and victims' families, but experts say Beijing is reluctant to act out of fear of worsening relations.

Today marks three years since sacked policeman Rolando Mendoza shot dead seven Hong Kong tourists and their guide on a hijacked bus before being shot dead in a bungled rescue in Manila's Rizal Park.

The Philippine government was roundly criticised over police officers' handling of the situation and some held it responsible for the failed rescue bid.

Survivors and families of the victims have requested a formal apology and compensation from Manila, punishment for the officials responsible and improved tourist safety. They rejected an apology on Tuesday from Joseph Estrada, the new mayor of the city, saying it was insincere.

They say that when a Taiwanese fisherman was shot dead by Philippine coastguard crew, Manila apologised in three months.

While this swift response may be in part to do with Taiwan's ties with the United States, which has influence over the Philippines, experts say Beijing could do more in the bus shootings case.

President Benigno Aquino declared a day of mourning and ordered all flags be lowered to half-mast after the tragedy. The government later allowed Hong Kong investigators to gather evidence in Manila. These actions were both likely to have been the result of pressure from Beijing, said both Professor Simon Shen Xu-hui, of Chinese University, and veteran China watcher Johnny Lau Yui-siu.