Last night was the breaking news of all breaking news since the recent election was over in the Philippines. Almost all Filipinos were tuned in to the live coverage of different TV networks on the Manila bus siege by a former policeman named Rolando Mendoza, a man who has been an outstanding policeman in the Philippines. He was upset that he will not be able to receive any retirement benefits after decades of working as a policeman. He and others were involved in some situations were his benefits were cut off then. He wants to be reinstated on the police work so that he can get the benefits, for him and for his family.

So why did he do that? Why the tourist bus? Because it is the only way to get the attention of the people he wanted to talk to. But things did not go his way, 9 people died during last night’s hostage crisis. And he is to be blame for that. People like him during those times are not on their right minds. They are very emotional and fearful of what is to come. The fact that the bus they were on has a TV set wherein he can watch what is going on outside the bus because of the media coverage, just triggered his hell’s bells. And seeing his brother captured by the police thinking that his brother is also his accomplice, just released the beast in him.
What could have been done by the authorities was to have a good negotiator. Sadly, there was none. The government could have talk to Mendoza about his desires and thus preventing what happened yesterday. And God! Is that the SWAT team of the Philippines? I was embarrassed of what they have done (maybe they should have watch those military/rescue movies so that they can pick some hints on how to do it well :)). They did not act as an elite force, they are just bunch of neophytes. They need more training. Also, they just don’t lack the knowledge, they are in need of gadgets and equipment for that kind of operation.

And now because of this, Philippines is on the negative side. Hongkong placing a travel ban to our country is not a good sign, but they have a point. They need to warn their people about the hazards that they may encounter just like what happened last night. This is a bad start for the Aquino administration, and where was Mr. President last night? What did his officials do? Did they just sleep or formulated a haphazard rescue plan? They could have shot Mendoza with a tranquilizer during the early hours of the hostage taking. They could have coordinated with the TV news crew to stop the live broadcast. And they could have put a police line so that those bystanders will not be near the area! So much has to be done to the police force. I bet this is an awakening for them.

Sometimes we really need heroes just like what we saw on movies. Too bad there is no Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock riding on yesterday’s bus. We can only wish. I just hope that Philippines will be able to overcome the bad effects caused by this hostage crisis. And after the turmoil of last night’s scene grabber, I’m just glad of what Venus Raj accomplished. For me, it is already a “major, major”  feat to be the 5th beautiful woman on the planet. Although she could have given a better answer. But hey, Ms. Raj and Mendoza are just human—bound to make mistakes just like any of us. And there’s a bit of Mendoza in every race, too bad we can’t stop the other race thinking that all Filipinos are like him. We can only grieve.

sometimes, I wish super heroes really do exist 😦
sometimes, I wish super heroes really do exist (ty for a friend for this image)