MANILA, Philippines – The Chinese government has urged Philippine officials to ensure that an investigation into the August 23 hostage-taking tragedy in Manila will be swift and comprehensive.

“Both sides are keeping in close coordination,” the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Thursday, adding that “the most urgent task is to have a complete investigation of the matter as soon as possible.”

“The Chinese (government) and the Philippine Embassy in Beijing have kept in constant touch. The MFA has emphasized China's positions to the Philippine side many times,” the ministry said on its website. 

However, Beijing has yet to confirm a planned visit to China of Philippine officials.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), in a statement coursed through Communications and Strategic Planning Secretary Ricky Carandang, said a high-level delegation will visit Beijing and Hong Kong soon. 

“(The Philippine government) is awaiting confirmation from the Chinese side on the arrangement that will ensure that the mission of the planned visit is achieved,” the DFA said.

“While the delegation is ready to leave anytime, there is an understanding between both sides that the Philippine delegation will bring a full report of Monday's incident,” the department added. “Concerned Philippine authorities are now conducting a proper investigation with a view to completing the report as soon as possible.”

Hong Kong lawmaker Regina Ip Lau Suk Yee has echoed Beijing’s call for clear answers through a thorough investigation in Manila. 

Ip, Hong Kong’s former secretary for security, said President Benigno Aquino III must give the former Crown Colony “straightforward answers” regarding the hostage incident. - By Jojo Malig, abs-cbnNEWS.com