Aquino inspects hostage crisis scene (8:41 a.m.)

MANILA -- President Benigno Aquino III arrived at Quirino Grandstand, the scene of the hostage crisis that killed nine people, early Tuesday morning.

The President inspected the Hong Thai Travel bus that was hijacked Monday by the hostage taker, Police Senior Inspector Rolando Mendoza, who was dismissed from service due to charges of extortion and harassment.

Television reports said Aquino was dismayed with how the police handled the situation Monday evening, as he questioned why the hostage crisis lasted for almost 12 hours.

He apologized to the Hong Kong government for the casualties and expressed condolences to the families and relatives of the victims. (Sunnex)