HK experts pore over hostage bus
Source: Agencies |
August 31, 2010, Tuesday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
Hong Kong forensic experts yesterday inspected the bullet-peppered bus in which a hijacker killed eight tourists in Manila last week.
Anger has been rising in Hong Kong since the August 23 carnage in which a disgruntled former Philippine policeman took hostage the busload of Hong Kong tourists in a bid to win back his job.
Hong Kongers have blasted a failed rescue operation and botched negotiations that seemed to enrage the hostage-taker, who was eventually killed by a police sharpshooter.
Organizers said about 80,000 people marched in Hong Kong on Sunday, denouncing the Philippine police and demanding justice for the dead.
President Benigno Aquino III has ordered a thorough investigation into the crisis and the police response, and yesterday the Philippines allowed Hong Kong forensic experts to inspect the bus.
"We want to appease them and show that we're not hiding anything," Philippine National Police spokesman Agrimero Cruz said. "This is a show of transparency."
Guided by Filipino investigators, the Hong Kong team used flashlights as they examined the bloodied passenger compartment, taking pictures of bullet holes and shattered windows, and checked the bus tires shot out by police to prevent the hostage-taker from moving. They refused to talk to a throng of Chinese and Filipino journalists.
Justice Secretary Leila de Lima met Hong Kong officials yesterday. Philippine investigators plan to question Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, who helped oversee the hostage negotiations, as well as journalists who interviewed hostage-taker Rolando Mendoza by phone during the drama, de Lima said. They may also travel to Hong Kong to talk to survivors of the nearly 12-hour standoff.
At a press conference yesterday, de Lima said the Philippines discussed certain protocols with the Hong Kong police, who asked for permission to inspect the bus, examine the firearms and review witness interviews.
De Lima said that only after Philippine authorities complete their own examination can Hong Kong investigators start their survey.
"We expect to receive this week the autopsy report, the ballistics examination report, the firearms exam report," she said. The Philippines will evaluate these reports and determine who will be summoned or invited in the proceedings for further clarification, she added.
Hong Kong investigators can attend and observe. If they want to ask questions, they can run them through the Philippine investigation committee, she said.
Also yesterday, Filipino anti-crime activists placed flowers at the site of the carnage in a Manila park. "We couldn't stomach this crime," said activist Dante Jimenez.
Anger has been rising in Hong Kong since the August 23 carnage in which a disgruntled former Philippine policeman took hostage the busload of Hong Kong tourists in a bid to win back his job.
Hong Kongers have blasted a failed rescue operation and botched negotiations that seemed to enrage the hostage-taker, who was eventually killed by a police sharpshooter.
Organizers said about 80,000 people marched in Hong Kong on Sunday, denouncing the Philippine police and demanding justice for the dead.
President Benigno Aquino III has ordered a thorough investigation into the crisis and the police response, and yesterday the Philippines allowed Hong Kong forensic experts to inspect the bus.
"We want to appease them and show that we're not hiding anything," Philippine National Police spokesman Agrimero Cruz said. "This is a show of transparency."
Guided by Filipino investigators, the Hong Kong team used flashlights as they examined the bloodied passenger compartment, taking pictures of bullet holes and shattered windows, and checked the bus tires shot out by police to prevent the hostage-taker from moving. They refused to talk to a throng of Chinese and Filipino journalists.
Justice Secretary Leila de Lima met Hong Kong officials yesterday. Philippine investigators plan to question Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, who helped oversee the hostage negotiations, as well as journalists who interviewed hostage-taker Rolando Mendoza by phone during the drama, de Lima said. They may also travel to Hong Kong to talk to survivors of the nearly 12-hour standoff.
At a press conference yesterday, de Lima said the Philippines discussed certain protocols with the Hong Kong police, who asked for permission to inspect the bus, examine the firearms and review witness interviews.
De Lima said that only after Philippine authorities complete their own examination can Hong Kong investigators start their survey.
"We expect to receive this week the autopsy report, the ballistics examination report, the firearms exam report," she said. The Philippines will evaluate these reports and determine who will be summoned or invited in the proceedings for further clarification, she added.
Hong Kong investigators can attend and observe. If they want to ask questions, they can run them through the Philippine investigation committee, she said.
Also yesterday, Filipino anti-crime activists placed flowers at the site of the carnage in a Manila park. "We couldn't stomach this crime," said activist Dante Jimenez.
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