Philippine police chief accepts blame for botched hostage rescue

Sep 5, 2010, 11:39 GMT

Manila - The head of the Philippine national police on Sunday accepted blame for a botched hostage rescue that left eight Hong Kong tourists dead two weeks ago.

Director General Jesus Verzosa said the national police would be undergoing 'a time of transition' to improve its capabilities following the August 23 hostage crisis in Manila.

The national police earlier announced that Verzosa was retiring from his post on September 14, three months ahead of mandatory retirement on December 25.

While stressing that his retirement had nothing to do with the tragic ending to the 11-hour stand-off, Verzosa said it was 'imperative' for him to take responsibility for what had transpired.

'As chief of the national police, I take responsibility and accountability of all police units and all police personnel in everything they do and failed to do,' he said.

'It is now the time to move forward and start anew,' he added. 'Rest assured that the national police will continue its sworn duty to serve and protect, as well as tender credible, effective and reliable service to the public.'

The crisis, which played out live on national and international television, began when dismissed police officer Rolando Del Rosario Mendoza seized a tour bus carrying Hong Kong tourists in a bid to get back his job.

While Mendoza initially freed nine hostages during negotiations, the stand-off ended in violence when he opened fire after seeing his brother arrested for alleged obstruction.

Mendoza, who was armed with an M16 rifle, was later shot dead by police officers. But eight of Hong Kong hostages were also killed in the stand-off.

A government committee investigating the hostage incident has already uncovered lapses in the police operation and judgment of local officials overseeing the crisis.