The gunman had previously released nine of the hostages, including a mother and her three children, a man with diabetes and two photographers. The bus driver escaped.
Earlier, Santiago said police killed none of the hostages, though a ballistics investigation has yet to be completed.
The deadly standoff unfolded live on television, which the gunman was able to watch on a monitor on the bus.
Santiago blamed the live broadcasts for contributing to the violence as the standoff quickly deteriorated while police surrounded the vehicle.
"We do not want to pass sweeping judgment or make early conclusions except to say that our intention to peacefully end this hostage drama was spoiled when the hostage-taker suddenly exhibited violent behavior and began shooting the hostages," Philippine National Police Chief Director Gen. Jesus A. Verzosa said the day after the standoff.
National police said officials noted "some observations and defects during their close monitoring of the unfolding events."
No comments:
Post a Comment