Live radio interview of Cavite robbers scored
CAVITE, Philippines - Cavite police could not hide their dismay on Thursday, when they lost contact with bank robbers who had taken 6 people hostage.
The reason? Cavite Mayor Strike Revilla called up the bank robbers with the help of a radio station.
Police said they had the situation under control. They were even able to persuade the bank robbers to release one of the hostages.
"Na-derail yung negotiation namin. Maayos na ang sitwasyon namin noon, isang hostage na ang napakawalan," said Senior Superintendent John Bulalacao, Cavite police provincial director.
Revilla, meanwhile, explained that he talked with the bank robbers to help in the negotiations.
"Alam mo naman takot sila sa pulis, gusto nilang makausap media o ang mayor," he said.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), meanwhile, said there should be only one negotiator in a hostage situation.
Although Revilla had the final word on how to handle the situation, DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo said the protocol in dealing with hostage situations may have been violated, when the hostage-takers were interviewed by media.
Robredo cited as example the Manila hostage crisis last year, which led to the deaths of 8 tourists from Hong Kong.
"As the head of the crisis management committee, it's his discretion pero accountability niya rin yon," he explained.
Management of Masuerte Bank was thankful that the hostage crisis ended with no casualty.
The four suspects have been charged with robbery and serious illegal detention. - ANC