Hong Kong agencies want copies of IIRC report

MANILA, Philippines - The Hong Kong government, through its Security Bureau (HKSB) and Department of Justice (HKDOJ), has asked the Philippine government for copies of the report of the incident investigation and review committee (IIRC) on the Aug. 23, 2010 hostage taking incident.

The Hong Kong government agencies made the request as the Hong Kong Coroner’s Office proceeded with its own investigation of the incident.

The IIRC has recommended the crafting of a Uniform Crisis Management Manual for all stakeholders and abolition of People’s Law Enforcement Board (PLEB) and the National Police Commission (Napolcom) summary proceedings as it wrapped up the second phase of its inquiry into the hostage taking incident.

In its 59-page report to President Aquino, the IIRC led by Justice Secretary Leila de Lima proposed a unified disciplinary authority for the Philippine National Police (PNP) with the abolition of PLEB and Napolcom summary proceedings.

De Lima also sought clearance from Aquino to furnish the HKSB and HKDOJ copies of the second and final report of the IIRC.

“HKSB and HKDOJ Coroner’s Officer Memi Ng followed up with Philippine Consul General Claro Cristobal the complete second IIRC Report,” De Lima said.

The IIRC has also recommended the arrest of public or media persons who would cross police lines. It also suggested the formulation of SOPs on post-action operations.