'Hostage probe team has testimonies of five survivors'

MANILA, Philippines - Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said the body investigating the tragic Aug. 23 hostage drama has in its possession testimonies from five survivors, including two who had witnessed the bungled rescue operation “up to the very end.”

De Lima said the team also secured a report on ballistic scanning done by Hong Kong authorities, although analysis would be done in Manila.

In a text message, De Lima said two of the witnesses – both from Hong Kong – “were in the bus up to the very end.”  

“The actual analysis based on the results of the IBIS (integrated ballistic identification system) will be done here. We expect the report on that ASAP,” she added.

De Lima chairs the five-member incident investigation and review committee (IIRC) investigating the Rizal Park hostage incident, which left eight Hong Kong tourists and the hostage taker, dismissed police officer Rolando Mendoza, dead.

De Lima said investigators were still translating the testimonies to English.

The IIRC has secured testimonies from tour guide Diana Chan and bus diver Alberto Lubang but the two left the bus before the assault.

Assistant State Prosecutor Cielito Celi, Philippine National Police Superintendents Lorlie Arroyo and Reynaldo de Guzman, and National Bureau of Investigation officers Danielito Lalusis and Perla Landicho comprised the IIRC team that went to Hong Kong.