Statement of Sen. Pia S. Cayetano on Quirino Grandstand hostage- taking

"The tragic end to yesterday's hostage taking, which resulted in the deaths of at least 7 hostages, is saddening and leaves another black mark on our image before the international community. My sympathies go with the victim's families and the Hong Kong government. The incident raised several questions on the way the crisis was handled. The DILG should leave no stone unturned in investigating possible lapses committed in the course of negotiations until the final assault on the hijacked tourist bus. Buck-passing is unnecessary and counter-productive at this point, we should allow the investigation to fully take its course. But definitely, the incident should prompt the Ombudsman to be mindful of its duty to act with dispatch on cases pending before it (as the delay triggered Mendoza frustrations) and for the DILG to review its grievance mechanism for police personnel, even as there should be no let-up in the campaign against abusive cops."