SPO2 Gregorio Mendoza surrendered yesterday morning to Justice Secretary Leila de Lima.

He was turned over to National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) accompanied by his lawyer Atty. Romulo Macalintal and Secretary de Lima.

Mendoza denies the accusations that the reason behind his non-appearance on court trials regarding the hostage taking was because he was hiding.

He said he was just in his house in Oroquieta, Sta. Cruz, Manila, contrary to the previous statement of Manila Police District (MPD) warrant section Chief Insp. Edgardo Carpio that they did not see him there and in his other houses in Tanauan, Batangas and in Fairview, Quezon City.

He is being charged with conspiracy to commit serious illegal detention and serious disobedience by Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 14 and Manila Station Metropolitan Trial Court because of the Quirino Grandstand hostage taking.

Gezelyn Banihit, Jessica Castillo and Charlotte Cometa