Philippines admits hostage errors

Philippine authorities have acknowledged errors leading to the deaths of eight hostages and are considering compensation for the victims and their families. Hong Kong police are also studying bullets over suspicions the tourists may have been killed by the police during the operation.

Reuters

Phillipine President Benigno Aquino formed a cabinet-level committee to look into possible compensation for the victims.

Budget Secretary Florencio Abad, a member of the committee, expressed sympathy to the victims but would not be drawn on an amount nor a timetable for any possible compensation.

Aquino told reporters Friday he expected the official inquiry to conclude in three days, and has promised to provide a copy of the report to Hong Kong and Chinese authorities.

The incident, which sparked a diplomatic meltdown between Hong Kong and Manila, has raised questions about whether the tourists were killed by the gunman alone or by the police.

Sacked policeman Rolando Mendoza took the busload of tourists hostage on 23 August in Manila in a desperate bid to clear himself of extortion charges and get his job back.

Philippine authorities have admitted errors led to the tragedy.

Interior Undersecretary Rico Puno said the police gave up chances to shoot the gunman, as the negotiating team believed Mendoza was cooperative and expected a peaceful resolution.

But Mendoza, armed with an M-16 assault rifle and a pistol, started shooting about 10 hours into the ordeal.

The police were then forced to assault the bus, but were unable to get in and another hour went by before a sniper eventually shot Mendoza dead.

Puno admits that authorities failed in assessing Mendoza’s readiness to kill the hostages.

Jesus Verzosa, Chief of the Philippine National Police, also acknowledged that the Manila police rescue squad was not the best-trained nor best-equipped unit at the government’s disposal.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong police will study bullets from guns used in the bloodbath, reports said Friday.

Two police officers from Hong Kong on Thursday brought back spent shells after test firing Mendoza’s weapons, the city’s media reported.

Both Puno and president Aquino said they would take ultimate responsibility for the failed rescue.

“At the end of the day, I am responsible for everything that has transpired,” Aquino said.