Philippine police chief and several officials charged in August bus hijacking crisis

Philippine police chief and several officials charged in August bus hijacking crisis

2010-10-11 20:16:34 GMT+7 (ICT)

MANILA, PHILIPPINES (BNO NEWS) -- Philippine President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III on Monday ordered charges to be filed against a number of police officials, including Manila's former police chief and other government officials over their decision making regarding last August's fatal bus hijacking incident in which eight people died, local media reported.

Rodolfo Magtibay, then Manila police chief, along with three other officials, including the negotiator, will be facing what officials described as "appropriate charges."

Magitabay will be facing charges for gross incompetence and serious neglect of duty while Police Director Leocadio Santiago Jr. will face less grave neglect of duty. The negotiator, Superintendent Orlando Yebra, will face neglect of duty and Police Chief Inspector Santiago Pascual III will face gross incompetence

In addition, an investigation will brought up against Mayor Alfredo Lim. The Department of Interior and Local Government will be initiating an administrative proceedings against Lim for misconduct in office and simple neglect.

Deputy Ombudsman Emilio Gonzales III will be investigated as he will be facing neglect of duty and/or inefficiency in the performance of official duty charges.

Gregorio Mendoza, the brother of the hostage taker, also had complaints charged against him, including complaints for illegal possession of firearms and serious illegal detention as an accomplice.

Several local media outlets were strongly criticized for tying up a phone line to the hostage taker and broadcasting the incident live. However, no charges were filed against them as Aquino emphasized unlimited press freedom.

The bus hostage crisis mostly involved tourists from Hong Kong, and the incident has damaged Manila-Beijing relationship. Since the incident, President Aquino has been pressured to take disciplinary action against the people involved.

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