The Philippine government Wednesday defended itself from mounting criticism at home and overseas over the death of five Hong Kong and three Canadian tourists in a botched hostage crisis Monday. Manila suspended four police officers over the crisis as Filipinos in Hong Kong voiced fears of retribution following the bloody end to the hostage drama that was covered live on television. President Benigno Aquino himself appealed for an end to the public lashing of his government in his official Facebook account which he earlier put up to promote transparency in government. His Facebook page, which has 1.94 million fans, has been overwhelmed by angry comments across the world, with some even calling for him to resign for failing to be on top of the situation during last Monday's bungled police operation against a well armed hostage-taker inside a fully-packed tourist bus. In response to his critics, Aquino wrote: We appeal on everyone to stop needless arguments. Let us show everyone that we, Filipinos, know how to respect and understand.” “Shame on you and your government. Tender your resignation now. Your incompetence of leading your untrained stupid police force caused such a tragedy,” wrote Elfis Lee, a Hong Kong resident. __
