MANILA, Philippines ? The government panel headed by the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Saturday resumed its investigation into the police assault on the hijacked tourist bus on August 23.

Manila City vice mayor Francisco Domagoso faced the panel to explain his role during negotiations to prod the hostage-taker, Senior Inspector Rolando Mendoza, to surrender.

Also expected to appear is Superintendent Orlando Yebra, the chief negotiator.

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima heads the Incident Investigation and Review Committee (IIRC) tasked by President Benigno Aquino III to investigate the incident, which was aired live on television.

Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo acts as the vice chairman. Robredo earlier said he was left ?out of the loop? in the efforts to resolve the crisis because his Undersecretary Rico E. Puno was earlier designated by the President to handle police affairs.

Eight Hong Kong tourists died in the incident.