Brother of slain Manila hostage taker surrenders

MANILA, Philippines — (UPDATE 2) Justice Secretary Leila De Lima turned over to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Senior Police Officer 2 Gregorio Mendoza, brother of the slain hostage taker of a busload of Hong Kong tourists in August 2010.

The Manila police failed to arrest Mendoza, who is facing a case for serious illegal detention and conspiracy before the Manila court for allegedly conspiring with brother Rolando in holding captive Hong Kong tourists at the Quirino Grandstand.

Rolando Mendoza and eight of the hostages died during botched rescue operations by local authorities.

A P200,000 bail has been set by the court, said Cecilio Zamora, NBI spokesman, adding that he will be in the custody of the bureau until he posts bail. Judge Albert Tenorio Jr. of the Manila regional trial court Branch 14 ordered Mendoza’s s arrest for his failure to attend court hearings.

“He will be processed-booking [his photo will be taken] and later he will be subjected to medical examination. He will be under Anti-Terrorism Division, just so there is an agency that will handle him,” Zamora told reporters.

He also said they would inform the court of Mendoza’s surrender.

Gregorio Mendoza said he did not trust his fellow police officers in Manila that was why he decided to give himself up to De Lima.

“Akoy nakahandang harapin ang aking kaso [I’m ready to face my charges],” Mendoza told reporters after he was turned over to the NBI.

“I surrendered here because I fear for my life. This has happened. I was harassed by my fellow policemen,” Mendoza said in Filipino.

On Wednesday and Thursday, Mendoza had planned to surrender to the MPD

warrant section but backed.

He told the Philippine Daily Inquirer on Wednesday afternoon that he might be set up in an “agaw-armas” scenario. He did not however explain how and who could possibly make up the scenario should he place himself under MPD

custody.

Meanwhile, Mendoza’s lawyer Romulo Macalintal said there was no basis to file a case against Mendoza.

“He does not know that his brother took hostage that bus. He only knew of the incident after his superiors informed him and asked for his help in the negotiation,” Macalintal said.

Macalintal said Mendoza would stay at the NBI.

He added that they would also move for the reduction of the P200,000 bail set by the court for his temporary liberty.

“We hope that it will be reduced to at least P85,000 or P75,000,” Macalintal said, adding that he is hoping that Mendoza will only remain at the NBI today (Friday) or up to Monday.

With reports from Danica Hermogenes, INQUIRER.net, and Jeannette Andrade, Inquirer