No charges for officials over Manila bus hijack: Aquino

[CardSharp]

MANILA (Reuters) - Civil and police officials will face administrative sanctions, not criminal charges, over their handling of a deadly bus hijacking, Philippine President Benigno Aquino said on Monday.

The final report of the president's legal team, tasked to review a government inquiry on the mismanagement of the August 23 hostage crisis in which eight Hong Kong tourists were killed, ignored most of the recommendations of the inquiry panel despite Aquino's pledge to improve government accountability.

The drawn-out, disorganized attempt to rescue hostages held on a bus for more than 10 hours by a disgruntled ex-policeman sparked outrage in China and Hong Kong. Soon after the deaths, Beijing had said a fair and thorough investigation would help relieve the anger and loss of Hong Kong and Chinese people.

The inquiry panel had recommended that criminal charges be filed against Manila city Mayor Alfredo Lim, an Aquino ally, and the former chief of the Manila police.

"I pledged from the very start that there would be accountability," Aquino told a news conference, adding his government was taking steps to improve its ability to respond to future crises.

The president's legal team recommended that Lim and 4 police officers -- including two generals -- should face administrative cases. An official of the anti-graft body will also face administrative sanction.

Aquino ordered the filing of criminal cases against the brother of the bus hijacker, a police officer, for illegal gun possession and for acting as an accomplice in the bus hijack.

But he cleared from any liability his close friend, interior deputy minister Rico Puno, saying he did not violate any law or rule. Two other officials also had no case to answer.

Two journalists who interfered in the police actions and three major TV networks were also spared.

"We will continue to champion freedom of the press as guaranteed in our constitution," Aquino said. However, he said the behavior of two radio reporters was "irresponsible bordering on the criminal."

In the face of the most incompetent hostage rescue in history, no one will be held accountable in that cesspit of a country.

 

[below_freezing]

In the face of the most incompetent hostage rescue in history, no one will be held accountable in that cesspit of a country.

Doesn't matter, small price to pay for continued source of cheap maids.