Senate sets probe into media coverage of hostage drama

MANILA, Philippines - The Senate will start its probe on possible lapses in the media coverage that detailed the developments of the bloody hostage incident in Manila on national television.

Sen. Ramon Revilla Jr., chairman of the Senate committee on public services that approves the franchises of broadcast media, has ordered the issuance of invitations to media personalities that covered the incident.

On the other hand, Sen. Gregorio Honasan, chairman of the Senate committees on public information and mass media, and public order and illegal drugs, has invited the officials involved in the investigation of the hostage taking.

Honasan wanted Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, as well as Secretaries Ricky Carandang, Herminio Coloma, and Edwin Lacierda of Malacañang’s Communications Group to attend the Senate hearing on Tuesday.

Also invited to attend the hearing are Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, Vice-Mayor Isko Moreno, and National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) chairman Gamaliel Cordova.

Media personalities invited to attend the hearing include the officials of the National Press Club, Kapisanan ng mga Broadkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP), GMA 7 Network, Radio Mindanao Network, and TV5.

The Senate also summoned Philippine National Police chief Director General Jesus Verzosa, PNP’s National Capital Police Office (NCRPO) chief Director Leocadio Santiago Jr., Chief Superintendent Roberto Rongavilla, acting chief of the Manila Police District; Chief Inspector Santiago Pascual III, the SWAT commander of MPD; former MPD director Chief Superintendent Rodolfo Magtibay and MPD hostage negotiator Superintendent Orlando Yebra.

Honasan and Revilla stressed the Senate inquiry would be different from the initial congressional investigation conducted last week over the issue.

They pointed out last week’s hearing was initiated by the joint Senate committees on public order and justice and human rights.

Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile ordered earlier this week the deferment of the Senate inquiry into the hostage-taking incident to allow the authorities to complete its investigation.

President Aquino has tasked the Justice Department under Secretary De Lima to lead the investigation. De Lima, on the other hand, ordered all investigating agencies not to make statements to avoid conflicting reports.