Aftermath of the Manila Bus Hijacking Incident

courtesy of  http://www.alagukanthavel.blogspot.com

Time and time again I promised myself never to talk about ugly incidents as this will only draw negative energies to my entire well being. But relationships span in every race and creed, and it will only be appropriate to say a few words about the tourist bus hijacking that happened in Manila last August 23, 2010. Call it a case of the hungry ghost month if you like, but what happened during that incident was shameful and a showcase of being unprofessional.

Rolando Mendoza was a decorated police officer. Whatever transpired during his case with the Office of the Ombudsman in Manila will never be known. What is known is the fact that the police senior inspector was dismissed by the Ombudsman on drug related charges. Mendoza is also due for retirement next year but will suffer the consequence of not getting any retirement benefits due to the dismissal order against him.

What Mendoza did, without question, is unfathomably wrong. Wrong in the sense that picking innocent Chinese tourists as his main target should be the last thing on his mind. Staging a hijack would definitely take a lot of balls, but when a person is fueled by rage and desperation then common sense and rightful thinking takes a back seat. Add to the fact the current economic crisis which has left millions in hunger and debt and the situation is further aggravated still.

courtesy of http://www.alagukanthavel.blogspot.com

The Manila bus hijacking that left 8 Hong Kong nationals dead is a source of disgrace amongst the people of the Philippines. Why is this, you may ask? Is the harsh comment really necessary?

What happened that night was shameful beyond words. It only showed inadequacy in handling a delicate and potentially life threatening situation. Such is the case with a country that was fed on corruption and greed. The entire Filipino nation is not to blame for this inadequacy. In fact, nobody wanted the Manila bus hijacking incident to happen. But it did. And when it happened, the police could have shown a little professionalism in handling the claim.

I was amongst the millions of viewers on that rainy Monday night who lay witness to the incident. The way the police handled the situation was, for lack of a better word, humorous. Why? Because all the basics were foregone and everything was left in disarray. Yes, including the chain of command.

Hostage dramas are nothing new. In fact, a lot of hostage dramas could be seen on cable or Hollywood movies. As stupid as this may sound, the movies depict that the first thing to do in a sensitive situation as the Manila bus hijacking was to seal the area and create a solid barrier between the scene of the crime and the onlookers. This should be basic. My apologies to the police officers involved in that incident, but this negligence alone is reason enough for an early retirement.

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I could go on and on, but this would not change a single thing. What needs to change is how the Filipino people should focus on self growth and how discipline should play a major part in everyday life. This is the result of corruption, as the police officers were clearly not equipped to handle the situation. Everything was done harshly and without consequence. No wonder the Chinese people are mad! They have every right to express their anger. They lost someone they know and love. They lost their fellow countrymen. Innocent tourists, at that.

But the President of the Republic of the Philippines is not to blame for this matter. The young President is all too sentimental about the Manila bus hijacking incident. Rest assured that everything will be done in accordance with the law. But this incident should serve as the crossroads towards change.

courtesy of http://www.news.ph.msn.com

To all the Chinese nationals who lost their lives, may all your souls rest in peace in the arms of the Almighty.

Apologies are clearly not accepted but is diligently offered from the heart.

The Manila bus hijacking incident will live forever in the hearts and minds of all those who witnessed it. The Philippines may be concerned about the fall of tourism in the country and deserves every bit of negative data that surveys can come up with. The country deserves all the insults and shame, as when fame and honor was garnered during the winning days of Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao (before becoming a congressman.)

This is the time for true change. Such a pity that innocent lives were sacrificed through the consequences of inadequacy.