Survivors and victims' relatives of the Manila bus tragedy will sue the Philippine government, former Mayor of Manila Alfredo Lim and seven other officials who were believed to be responsible for the incident on Thursday in a Hong Kong court, according to local media.

"It's a chance to force the Philippine government and related persons to apologize no matter the legal action succeed or not," said Tse Chi-kin, whose younger brother Masa Tse Ting-chunn was killed in the tragedy.

For three years, survivors and relatives of the victims have been demanding an apology from the Philippine government, an offer of compensations, punishment for the officials responsible for the bungled police operation and improvements to tourist safety but the Philippine government never offered an apology or compensations.

Friday marks the third anniversary of the incident in which eight Hongkongers were killed and seven injured after former policeman Rolando Mendoza took them on board the bus as hostages.

The Philippine government was criticized over the police officers' handling of the situation and some held it responsible for the failure of the rescue attempt.