Ombudsman, bus driver invited to hostage probe

MANILA, Philippines – Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez has been invited to testify in the investigation on the bungled rescue operation during the hostage-taking incident that resulted in the deaths of eight Hong Kong tourists last Aug. 23.

Guitierrez was the one who handled the criminal charges against the hostage-taker, dismissed policeman Rolando Mendoza. On the day of the hostage crisis, she reportedly gave negotiators a sealed letter with specific instructions to deliver it to Mendoza.

Also invited to shed light on the probe is Alberto Lubang, driver of the Hong Tai tour bus that was hijacked by Mendoza. Lubang successfully escaped from the bus.

The probe, conducted by the incident investigation and review committee (IIRC) led by Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, is expected to last until afternoon. It will reportedly finish on Wednesday.