The Philippines today observed a national day of mourning to show national solidarity with families of the nine people, mostly tourists from Hong Kong, who died in a tragic hostage drama on Monday.

“The observance is a very good statement of support and goodwill," said Father Rex Paul Arijona, chancellor of the Diocese of Legazpi.

He said it shows "we mourn with those who mourn."

Disgruntled ex-policeman Rolando Mendoza demanding his job back, killed eight bus passengers and shot others before himself being killed by a police sniper.

President Benigno Aquino III directed all public institutions and Philippine embassies and consulates to fly the Philippine flag at half-staff in honor of those who died.

"These deaths are a great loss to the peoples of Hong Kong and the Philippines, and call for the most solemn commemoration and respect at a time of grief between our two peoples,” the president said.

Father Arijona said it was important for the world to see "that this violence is not part of our culture but is an isolated thing."

However, he stressed the fatal hostage-taking incident “should not be considered as a national malady," he added.

Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) president

Bishop Nereo Odchimar of Tandag shared the priest’s concern. He said over Church-run Radio Veritas 846 that the incident should not be blamed on all Filipinos.

Migrante International spokesman reported his overseas workers group was probing reports that a prospective employer angered by the hostage-taking incident backed out of hiring a Filipino domestic worker.

“This incident does not reflect the peace-loving attitude of the Filipinos and I hope the international community will not put this against the Filipino,” Bishop Odchimar said.

Bishop Odchimar urged the faithful to pray for "peace and brotherhood that will lead to justice for everyone."

Hong Kong, Indonesia, Thailand, Nepal, Iran, Pakistan and Russia have advised citizens against travel to the Philippines.

Father Arijona said though the incident was an “isolated individual,” Filipinos could use the National Day of Mourning to reflect on what is important and what can be improved by agencies, media and other sectors of society.

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