MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III skipped Friday the last day of crisis management exercises that aim to equip policemen to handle hostage situations.

Speaking to reporters, Aquino said he was only informed at the last minute of the 4-day crisis management exercises. “That is a rushed seminar that was not part of the schedule...Normally the schedules are done 2 weeks prior to the day. So medyo a little late," he said.

Aquino graced the public dedication of the Convergys command center in Manila Friday morning. He is scheduled to meet the head of the International Civil Aviation Organization later this afternoon.

The police exercises, which started Tuesday, comprises lectures, training sessions, and simulated crisis management situations and is aimed to prevent a repeat of the August 23 hostage crisis.

On Friday, police displayed their knowledge and capability in handling a hostage drama by running a simulation exercise.

The scenario involved a bank robbery where bank employees and customers became hostages by 5 armed men. The police were quick to respond, the media immediately controlled and kept within a safe distance and a designated spokesperson identified within the first few minutes in order to provide the media with timely updates.

Snipers and Special Weapons and Tactics men were also positioned at strategic areas until the hostage-taker warned that he already killed a hostage. Police were able to immediately force themselves into the bank and kill the hostage-taker.

Director Leocadio Santiago, head of the National Capital Region Police Office, said the exercises are part of their assessment of all their policemen.

Some Hong Kong journalists were also able to watch the simulation exercise. They later said what happened in the August 23 hostage crisis was mainly due to lack of communication and coordination.