Police admit mistakes in Philippines hostage crisis

Authorities in the Philippines admitted on Tuesday that they made mistakes during an attempt to rescue 15 Hong Kong tourists held captive on a bus, an operation that left eight hostages dead and one in critical condition. Philippine President Benigno Aquino has declared Wednesday a national day of mourning and pledged to launch an investigation into the incident.

路透社/Erik de Castro

The Philippine National Police said the assault team that led the rescue bid was inadequately trained, equipped and directed.

The ground commander failed to take control of the situation and his team, Rommel Banlaoi, executive director of the Philippines Institute of Peace, Violence and Terrorism, told RFI.

These failings angered the gunman - himself a disgraced former policeman - further, Banlaoi says.

Another crucial problem was the presence of the media as the hostage crisis unfolded.

Typically in a hostage situation authorities assign a media strategist to direct live coverage, in order to "deny the hostage taker vital information that might undermine the tactical operation of the assault team or negotiators," Banlaoi says.

Yet, he points out, on Monday the hostage taker was able to follow the police's operation step-by-step on the television set inside the bus.

In Hong Kong, protesters gathered outside the Philippine consulate to express their anger at the handling of the seige.

The city's government has issued a maximum alert against all travel to the Philippines.

"We demand that the Philippine authorities conduct a detailed and comprehensive investigation on the incident," said Hong Kong Chief Executive Donald Tsang.

Hong Kong will pursue those responsible "until the end", he said.

Philippine President Benigno Aquino has promised a "thorough investigation". A high-level delegation headed by Foreign Minister Alberto Romulo will travel to Hong Kong in the next few days to explain what happened, according to a government spokesman.

Authorities are keen to appease Hong Kong's anger, reports RFI's correspondent in Manila, Girlie Linao.

The government has offered to pay victims' and relatives' expenses in the Philippines, and is assuring tourists that police will be increasing their guard against any more such incidents in the future, she says.