MANILA -- Lawmakers grill police officials in an ongoing Senate hearing Thursday in lieu of the foiled rescue operation on Monday's hostage-taking at Quirino Grandstand, Manila.
Senators also question Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jesse Robredo for his "non-participation" in the 12-hour drama that left eight foreign nationals dead.
Robredo explained that he was in the site but left the negotiation to the proper authorities than personally intervening in the talks.
Senators also lambasted relieved Manila Police District Chief Rodolfo Magtibay for the poor performance of the Special Weapon and Tactics (SWAT) team, citing the over delayed assault and ill-equip operatives that conducted the assault.
Magtibay disclosed that it was Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim who ordered the arrest of suspect Rolando Mendoza's brother, Gregorio, saying he was intervening the police operations.
The Senators further hit Magtibay of not using the Special Action Force (SAF) operatives despite being in the area and insisted the utilization of the MPD SWAT team.
“I believed the MPD SWAT team can find ways to carry out properly the operations,” Magtibay replied.
Senator Bong Revilla also questions the negotiation team's negation on the demands of the suspect. “You can give all and offer anything just to rescue the hostages."
As of this posting, the police are detailing the entire operations to the lawmakers. (JP/Sunnex)