MANILA, Philippines - Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim is at the center of criticism following the bloody end to Monday's hostage crisis.

During Thursday's Senate hearing, some lawmakers said Lim should be held accountable for ordering the arrest of hostage-taker Rolando Mendoza's brother, SPO2 Gregorio Mendoza, which is believed to have triggered Rolando's shooting spree.

Speaking on "ANC Presents" on Friday, Lim explained he only instructed authorities to restrain Gregorio and take him to the headquarters for questioning.

He added it was the negotiator, Senior Superintendent Orlando Yebra, who wanted to charge Gregorio with conspiracy for telling his brother not to surrender until his gun was returned.

"Pumasok si Colonel Yebra, sabi conspirator ito. I'll charge him as an accessory in the hostage-taking. Sabi ko [kay Gregorio], bakit ganoon? Akala ko tutulong ka magpaliwanag para makumbinsi yung kapatid mo. Hindi, sabi niya, walang kwenta yan, dapat ireinstate na kaagad. Hindi namin matatanggap yan," he said.

"Medyo restless siya. Sabi ko, iposas nga ito, hostile na. Anong gagawin natin kung mang-agaw ng baril e to neutralize him. Di natuloy dahil sabi ko, wag na ninyo ituloy."

Cause of breakdown

Lim noted the situation broke down when Gregorio made a scene.

"Poposasan pa lang, sabi ko, wag na. Sabi ko kay General [Rodolfo] Magtibay, mabuti pa, dalhin mo na sa headquarters. Pinasamahan ko sa pulis na i-escort paglabas. Yun pala, tumakbo sa media, sa harap ng PCP [Police Community Precinct], nagsisisigaw na."

Lim also defended President Benigno Aquino amid criticism the chief executive was nowhere to be found at the height of the hostage crisis.

"Siguraduhin lang ninyo na maliligtas yung buhay ng mga hostages. Yun ang sabi ni President Aquino," Lim said. "Buong araw minomonitor nila yung nangyayari, sinabi ko lahat ng paraan gagawin para magkaroon ng peaceful solution."

Lim said he had sent Vice-Mayor Isko Moreno, as a member of the city government's crisis management committee, to provide assistance in resolving the crisis.

Lim said the ground commander, Manila Police District (MPD) Chief Rodolfo Magtibay, and the hostage negotiator Colonel Orlando Yebra, were on top of the hostage negotiations.

Ombudsman's role, police equipment

Asked for his reaction amid the possibility Moreno may be warming up to take over his post following the incident, Lim said Moreno should be commended for taking an active role in helping the police secure the Ombudsman's response to Ronaldo's request for a review of his case.

Lim added he was also grateful to the Office of the Ombudsman for bending its back to accommodate the request to help facilitate the hostage negotiation. Not satisfied with a letter vowing a review of his case, Rolando had later demanded his immediate reinstatement.

Following the botched hostage rescue, Lim said he has asked the police to make a request on how the city government can help provide the needs of the police force.

"Pagdating sa hostage situation, walang pwede makialam dyan, except ang hostage negotiator at ground commander. Ang papel ng crisis committee is to offer suggestions or advice if asked. Kung may issue na hindi maresolve, they can consult the crisis management committee. Pinasusulat ko sila sa PNP hierarchy or kung wala silang pondo, kami ang gagawa ng paraan para di maulit ang trahedyang ito."