Bus assault by MPD’s SWAT was Magtibay’s call, says PNP chief 09/11/2010

Bus assault by MPD’s SWAT was Magtibay’s call, says PNP chief
09/11/2010
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Jesus Verzosa yesterday said that the decision to assault the ill-fated Hong Tai bus using local Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) operatives, instead of the better trained and equipped Special Action Force (SAF), was initiated by Manila Police District (MPD) director Chief Supt. Rodolfo Magtibay.

Verzosa bared this when asked why the PNP did not field the SAF during last Aug. 23 hostage stand-off at the Luneta Grandstand, despite the presence of numerous operatives of this elite force within a striking distance from the crime scene.

He said that as ground commander, Magtibay has the discretion on what forces to use in neutralizing hostage- taker, dismissed Senior Insp. Rolando Mendoza.... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/nation/20100911nat9.html