Probe body also getting statements from 2 survivors

MANILA, Philippines - Conscious of time constraints, the committee tasked to investigate the hostage crisis last August 23 is ready to start clarificatory hearings and processes on Friday (September 3), as well as possible interviews with the survivors of the incident.

In a press conference on Thursday, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said the Incident Investigation and Review Committee will not leave stones unturned, bent on seeking those who “acted culpably and negligently.”

The Friday whole-day session, which would start at exactly 9:00 a.m. at the DOJ Multi-Purpose Hall, will see the following persons to shed light on the hostage crisis:

- Interior and Local Government Secretary Rico Puno (who reportedly has the police force under him);
- Philippine National Police (PNP) Director-General Jesus Verzosa (who was outside Metro Manila during the incident);
- National Capital Region Police Office Chief Leocadio Santiago;
- sacked Manila police chief Chief Superintendent Rodolfo Magtibay, who was ground commander then;
- Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, who ordered police to take into custody the hostage-taker’s brother;
- Manila Vice Mayor Isko Moreno, who “volunteered” to go to the Ombudsman to check on the extortion case lodged against the hostage-taker;
- the 3 negotiators, including Superintendent Orlando Yebra and Chief Inspector Romeo Salvador.

3-day deadline

De Lima said the next 2 whole-day sessions, on Saturday and on Monday, will see other resource persons linked to the botched hostage drama.

“While now, we’re thinking of only 3 marathon proceedings, we are not closing our doors to additional dates if so warranted. But because of time constraints, we want to wrap-up after Monday so we can start preparing our report,” she said.

On Saturday, the committee will summon other ground officers, police officers and other personnel.

On Monday, De Lima said the bus driver, the woman who supposedly dropped-off the hostage-taker, and “2 to 3” media personalities will string together the “comprehensive” report that will be submitted to both President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III and the Hong Kong governments.

She said some members may also go Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig to have an ocular inspection on the bus used during the hostage incident.

“When we question the bus driver, we might do an ocular inspection for purposes of re-enactment,” she said.

The bus is now secured at Camp Bagong Diwa.

Survivors’ testimony relevant

De Lima also revealed that 2 of the survivors are now willing to speak up. De Lima did not identify them, but said their testimonies would clarify the “crucial moments when [the hostage-taker] started to act wrongly.”

She said Justice Undersecretary Jose Vicente Salazar is now communicating with Hong Kong authorities to be able to link up with the survivors, who initially refused to talk due to psychological traumas.

At least 18 personnel from the Department of Justice (DoJ) and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) would go to Hong Kong as soon as possible, she said.

She said, however, that if the statements prepared by Hong Kong police on their behalf are clear enough “we could probably dispense with the trip…Otherwise, it is best that investigators personally go there.”

She also stressed that the government will not be sharing findings with Hong Kong counterparts while the process is ongoing.

“We agreed on the protocol that…during the investigation, there will be no sharing of reports yet,” she said. Hong Kong authorities are also doing a parallel investigation on the matter.