Magtibay apologizes for 'loss of lives'

The head of the Manila police during the August 23 hostage tragedy has apologized for the bungled rescue operations that resulted in the deaths of eight Hong Kong tourists at the Quirino Grandstand last week. “All I can say is that I’m sorry for the unnecessary loss of lives. I would like to extend my condolences to the families. I did my best, I did my best," Chief Superintendent Rodolfo Magtibay told reporters Wednesday. Magtibay is on leave from his post pending investigation into the August 23 hostage tragedy. He has been under fire because his men supposedly mishandled the crisis that led to a bloodbath, and for the alleged ill-equipped and poorly-trained SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) team that attempted to rescue the hostages. Magtibay, the ground commander at the time of the hostage crisis at the Quirino Grandstand, faced the National Bureau of Investigation's Death Investigation Division (DID) to give his statement on the incident. Aside from Magtibay, hostage deputy negotiator Chief Inspector Romeo Salvador and relieved MPD District Mobile commander Superintendent Nelson Yabut also gave their statements to the NBI. The three policemen declined to divulge what they told the NBI, citing Justice Secretary Leila de Lima's gag order on premature disclosures concerning the hostage tragedy. Manila Vice Mayor Francisco Domagoso (Isko Moreno) was also expected to give his statement to the NBI within the day. 'No ethical violations, no regrets' RMN anchor Michael Rogas, accompanied by lawyer Jorge Sacadalan, also faced the NBI. Rogas was able to intervew hostage-taker Rolando Mendoza, a dismissed policeman who demanded to get his job back. Sacdalan said Rogas has no regrets in interviewing Mendoza during the crucial and final hours of the hostage-taking, saying the radio anchor was only doing his job in following up the hostages' situation and trying to appease Mendoza. The lawyer said the government and the public should not blame RMN for conducting the interview with Mendoza. He added that the radio station did not commit any ethical violations. However, Sacadalan said RMN is ready to face any liabilities from the government only if an impartial investigation is conducted. "Kung anuman ang magiging kalala-basan ay aming haharapin. Ginawa namin ang interview in the spirit of responsible journalism (Whatever is the result of the investigation, we will face it. We did the interview in the spirit of responsible journalism)," said Sacdalan. — RSJ/LBG, GMANews.TV