Two days after at least eight Hong Kong tourists were killed in an 11-hour hostage crisis in Manila last Monday, the city's police chief offered to go on leave Wednesday.
Radio dzBB's Sam Nielsen reported that Manila Police District (MPD) head Chief Superintendent Rodolfo Magtibay assured he will face his responsibilities over the deadly mess.
"He just offered verbally his intention to go (on leave)," National Police spokesman Senior Superintendent Agrimero Cruz Jr. said.
Magtibay was the ground commander of the police force that has been getting flak for its supposedly poor handling of the hostage crisis.
Killed after the 11-hour standoff were at least eight Hong Kong tourists and the hostage-taker, dismissed Senior Inspector Rolando Mendoza.
Calls had mounted for the ouster of Magtibay, Metro Manila police chief Director Leocadio Santiago Jr., and Philippine National Police chief Director General Jesus Verzosa over the incident.
Earlier, Santiago said he will not resign but will abide by the outcome of an ongoing investigation on the case.
The PNP has formed a Critical Incident Management Committee to handle the investigation.
The committee is composed of members from the PNP directorates for investigation and detective management, intelligence, police community relations, and operations.
"On orders of the Chief PNP, the investigation will be conducted 24/7, walang tulugan (there will be no sleeping)," Cruz said.
He also said the PNP had discussed media relations and ground control, but has not come up with a final decision on the matter.
Meanwhile, Cruz said members of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team that took part in Monday's assault will have to submit the firearms they used for ballistics tests. — LBG/RSJ
