Brother of hostage-taker faces probe (7:09 p.m.)

MANILA – Senior Police Office 2 Gregorio Mendoza, brother of slain hostage-taker Rolando Mendoza, said his family would understand if the police immediately neutralize the suspect during the hijacking incident.

During hearing at the Department of Justice Monday, Gregorio said it is the call of the authorities to subdue his brother as to end the crisis.

“We will accept it because we want to spare the lives of the hostages. We know our brother did something wrong,” he said during the inquiry.

Main negotiator Police Superintendent Orlando Yebra also said he is aware of the option but, given the cooperative stance of the suspect, he dropped the proposal.

Police Chief Inspector Romeo Salvador said Saturday that Yebra stopped him from grabbing the suspect, saying it would breach protocols.

“The only thing I can say is that there’s no such necessity for any one of us to subdue him,” said Yebra.

Gregorio said his brother initially declined to meet him as relayed by then Manila Police director Rodolfo Magtibay.

Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim however allowed him to talk personally with his brother when the Ombudsman’s letter, stating the review of his extortion and robbery charges, arrived.

Gregorio also denied allegations that he told his brother to drop the negotiations if his service firearm would not be returned. (Virgil Lopez/Sunnex)