Luneta hostage-taker’s brod on hunger strike

MANILA, Philippines - The younger brother of slain hostage-taker Senior Inspector Rolando Mendoza yesterday started a hunger strike to seek justice for the latter’s death in 2010.

Senior Police Officer 2 Gregorio Mendoza, 50, of the Northern Police District, began his hunger strike in front of the Philippine Rabbit bus terminal on Oroquieta street in Recto, Manila.

Rolando was killed during the hostage crisis in Luneta that left eight Hong Kong tourists dead in August 2010.

According to Gregorio, President Aquino did not act on the recommendation of former Interior and Local Government secretary Jesse Robredo that Mayor Alfredo Lim should be suspended for one month after he was found guilty of simple neglect of duty.

He called on the President to implement Lim’s suspension.

Gregorio was charged with conspiracy to commit serious illegal detention in connection with the hostage crisis.

His arrest at the height of the hostage-taking incident reportedly forced his brother to kill some of the hostages.

The older Mendoza took hostage a tourist bus in Luneta after the Office of the Ombudsman dismissed him from the service for extortion.