The Philippine government denied that Hong Kong has agreed to put "behind us" a fatal hostage-taking incident in Manila in 2010, describing as inaccurate a Philippine newspaper report that Hong Kong leader Leung Chun-ying made the gesture in a meeting with President Benigno Aquino III.

The report, published by Manila Standard Today on Thursday, stirred controversy in Hong Kong, as it suggested that Leung had decided to wrap up the dispute without the consent of the victims.

A statement posted on the Philippine government's official website late Friday said the Manila Standard Today article was inaccurate, as the quote from Philippine presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda's briefing was incomplete.

Leung said Friday the Philippine news report was "quoting out of context" what he said during the meeting with Aquino on Wednesday on the sidelines of a regional summit meeting in Bali, Indonesia.

Leung's office said Saturday Manila's clarification on the report verifies Leung's comments.