MANILA, Philippines?Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez has affirmed the earlier ruling dismissing hostage-taker Rolando Mendoza from the police force, saying he failed to present any new evidence that would absolve him of liability for illegally arresting chef Christian Kalaw.

Mendoza and four other policemen were found liable for grave misconduct in February 2009. Gutierrez herself reviewed Mendoza's motion for reconsideration.

Kalaw filed a complaint against members of the Manila Police District, including Mendoza for allegedly arresting him from his parked car on allegations of shabu use, extorting P200,000 from him (later reduced to P20,000), and for torturing him by forcing him to swallow shabu.