Napolcom files raps vs police officers in Rizal Park hostage fiasco

MANILA, Philippines - The National Police Commission (Napolcom) yesterday filed administrative charges against five police officers in the hostage taking incident in Rizal Park last August that ended in the deaths of eight Hong Kong tourists.

Napolcom vice chairman Eduardo Escueta said the agency’s Inspection, Monitoring and Investigation Service concurred with the earlier findings of Malacañang’s incident investigation and review committee.

“We confirmed the findings that is why charges have been filed (against the police officers),” said Escueta.

Facing administrative charges are former Manila Police District director Chief Superintendent Rodolfo Magtibay for serious neglect of duty and gross incompetence; Superintendent Orlando Yebra for serious neglect of duty, serious irregularity in the performance of duty and gross incompetence; Chief Inspector Santiago Pascual for gross incompetence;

SPO2 Gregorio Mendoza, brother of slain hostage-taker Rolando Mendoza, for grave misconduct and serious neglect of duty; and former National Capital Region Police Office Director Leocadio Santiago for less grave neglect of duty.

Escueta, however, said the Napolcom referred the charge against Santiago to the Internal Affairs Service of the Philippine National Police, saying it has no jurisdiction over it as it is considered a minor offense.

He said summons have already been sent to the police officers in preparation for the conduct of a pre-hearing conference by the Napolcom.

He added that the pre-hearing conference would afford those summoned the chance to present their side.

The formal summary proceedings or hearing proper will then be held.

Escueta said an ad hoc committee to be headed by Regional Appellate Board National Capital Region Third Division Chairman Ferdinand Pastor would conduct the hearing.