Kiko defends PNP, blames congress

August 26, 2010

People’s Tonight    
August 26, 2010

SENATOR Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan yesterday defended the Philippine National Police for the flak it has been getting for last Monday’s 11-hour hostage crisis that left eight people dead.“Hindi dapat ibigay lahat ng blame sa PNP when Congress fails to provide enough budget to enhance police operations of the PNP,” he said during yesterday’s Senate hearing on the hostage crisis.

In a statement, Malacañang also echoed Pangilinan’s observation:  “The previous administration should also answer for what they did [for the police]. Did they provide enough funds for the modernization of the PNP or did it waste funds for cases like the euro-generals and other corruption cases?’’

He said there was a need to uncover the truth on this thing “as this will serve as guide for us to enhance the capability of our police forces.’’

Pangilinan said one of the significant findings in the aftermath of the bus siege drama was the lack of capability and lack of preparations of the SWAT and Special Action Forces which he also said was also a result of the “limitation of the situation.’’

Meantime, police failed to bring their masks when they used tear gas in an attempt to rescue Hong Kong tourists. Manila Police District Chief Superintendent Rodolfo Magtibay made this tacit admission under intense questioning by senators during a joint hearing by the Senate committees on public order, and justice. It was Magtibay, who ordered the assault, after shots were fired from the hostage-taker of the bus.

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