INQUIRER Global Nation

MANILA, Philippines ? President Benigno Aquino III said on Thursday his directive to authorities at the height of the August 23 hostage crisis at the Quirino Grandstand was to ensure foremost the safety of the foreign hostages.

?I told them to make sure not to put the lives of the hostages in danger and that an assault was the last option,? the President said in a media panel interview carried live nationwide in three broadcast stations.