HK demand granted: Cops in 2010 hostage crisis punished

Lim spared from sanctions

MANILA, Philippines — Police officers who purportedly botched the hostage-taking incident in Rizal Park in 2010 were either suspended, dismissed or demoted.

The move, completed Thursday, was among the demands of Hong Kong in exchange for lifting travel and diplomatic sanctions imposed against the Philippines after eight Hong Kong tourists aboard a bus were killed when it was hijacked by disgruntled police officer Rolando Mendoza.

"The Hong Kong and Philippine governments have agreed to resolve the 2010 Manila hostage tragedy. The four demands made by the victims and their families for an apology, compensation, sanctions against responsible officials and individuals, and tourist safety measures, will be settled," the government of Hong Kong said in a statement Wednesday, following Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada's meeting with officials in the Chinese region.

Also read: Erap's apology ends HK-Phl tension over hostage crisis

The failed assault and the eventual killing of the hostages were blamed on at least 15 individuals, including then Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, who were involved in the botched rescue operation.

Lim, who was blamed for failing to activate the crisis management committee at the start of the incident, was spared from sanctions, according to a television report.

Former Deputy Ombudsman Emilio Gonzales III, meanwhile, had been dismissed. Gonzales ignored the appeal of the suspect, who demanded fair trial following his dismissal from the force.

Gonzales was sacked by President Benigno Aquino III from the Office of the Ombudsman after the incident, but was reinstated in 2012 by the Supreme Court for being unfairly dismissed.

Manila Police District Supt. Orlando Yebra, who acted as chief negotiator, suffered demotion. He was found to have been preoccupied with minor issues during the crisis.

Superintendent Rodolfo Magtibay, who was on-the-scene commander, was similarly demoted. He was also criticized for being distracted at the height of the assault.

Inspector Santiago Pascual III, overall assault leader and SWAT commander, was also suspended for 11 days from service.

Former National Capital Region Police Office Dir. Leocadio Santiago was also demoted.

SPO2 Gregorio Mendoza, the perpetrator's brother, was axed from his post. Even while urging the hijacker to surrender, the lower-ranking officer breached the area while armed and without clearance. He was also criticized for joining the negotiating team--a move which backfired as he was perceived to have fanned his brother's anger.

In 2010, the National Bureau of Investigation completed its probe report on the incident and had recommended administrative or criminal charges for 15 individuals including Lim, Vice Mayor Isko Moreno, government undersecretary Rico Puno and retired Philippine National Police chief Jesus Versoza.

The NBI also recommended sanctions against broadcaster Erwin Tulfo, Mike Rogas and three broadcasting networks for airing the police operation live, which aided the perpetrator holding captives while inside the bus.