Manila's bus siege

The hostage crisis was all over the news, radio and television, and on the internet. But I only learned about it on my way home. [Maybe I was too busy working on my project and other stuff.]  I still was able to catch up with the live actions on TV. It was telecast live! and the whole world was watching!

There are lots of speculations why the hostage ended up with 8 death. Things like, It was the former policeman Rolando Mendoza's brothers fault. There are no coordination among the policemen on the crime scene. The whole thing was aired live on TV and radio and the hostage taker was able to monitor every move outside the bus. The authority failed to give in to his request. Lack of equipment.

According to British Army and Scotland Yard, Charles Shoebridge, there are 10 areas where Manila police could have done better. (Resource)

1) Determination

2) Lack of equipment

3) Lost of opportunity to shoot the gunman

4) Lost of opportunity to disarm the gunman

5) Satisfying the gunman's demand

6) Televised proceedings

7) No element of surprise

8) Safeguarding the public

9) Using the gunman's brother to negotiate

10) Insufficient training

Now the acronym SWAT ( Special Weapon And Tactics ) have different meanings: (source)

Sorry We Aren't Trained

Sugod, Wait, Atras, Tago

Sana Wag Ako Tamaan

Sobrang Wala Akong Training

With regards to Philippine security and Hongkong national's violent reaction about what happen, It could happen anywhere and to anyone! I feel sorry for the families who have lost their love ones who just wanted to go for a tour in our country. But the gunman did not particularly targeted the Hongkong nationals. It just happen that they are on that bus. So it's not fair to be angry to all Filipino's. I feel sorry for the OFWs in HK who were discriminated and greatly affected by the hostage crisis.

Let's just pray for the 8 souls, so they will have a peaceful travel up there. May the Lord be with us all.