Who to blame on this grave episode of carnage?

Will we set our sharp eyes to the alleged person committing the horrible crime or are we to reproach on people who, in their own selfish ways, made everything worst?

THE DISASTROUS EVENT

The world was disturbed by an unfortunate incident happening in the Philippines last Monday, August 23, 2010. A former policeman, known as Rolando Mendoza, took over a tourist bus early in the morning and took every passenger as hostages. Overall, there were 25 passengers in the bus, including the driver: 22 of which were Hong Kong citizens and 3 were Filipinos.

The reason behind Mendoza’s unfavorable act was to be reinstated to his police duty after being accused of extortion and dismissed from his job.

Negotiations followed through all day and nine people were freed at different times, seven tourists including children and two Filipinos. Yet, everything else was futile. Later in the evening, the Filipino driver luckily escaped the bus, passing through the window, leaving behind all Hong Kong nationals and Mendoza in the bus.

The SWAT and other policemen attempted to break in after several gunshots were heard. In the end, Mendoza was killed along with the other tourists. Only several tourists survived in the tragedy.

photo courtesy: CNN/Getty Images

THE DENIED TRUTH

People all over the world have witnessed the sad event that happened in the Philippines. Not only did the Filipinos were affected by the dreadful occurrence of captivity and death but the Chinese community and Hong Kong citizens were grieving on the misfortunes of their fellows. Everyone was glued on their television and the internet hoping to see what Philippine authorities will do to resolve the situation. Yet, everything was concluded with several deaths.

Now, with all the negative emotions we all feel, to whom do we blame this ill-fated situation? To a dead man trying to gain back what was lost to him or to the media who wanted to broadcast everything to the world every detail of this misfortune?

I do believe that Mendoza was a desperate man who just wanted to reinstate his position. Like any other man in need and looking out for his family, desperate times would mean desperate measures. But, of course, what Mendoza had done is obviously not favorable to all.

As the attempt was already done, the solution would lead us to the authorities in charge of the peace and order of this country. Yet, is it enough that they resolve the problem targeting only to capture or kill the assailant without any due concern to the innocent people on the bus?

Yes, the grievous event did finished. But, it ended with a bloodshed, an atrocity that nobody wanted to happen.

The world has seen how our authorities have addressed the situation. They have failed to put an end to the issue with less blood. In fact, anybody could see how these crime specialists have been too weak in resolving the crime. No strategy and initiative were seen in what these authorities had done. It is like their extensive trainings and actual practices are placed in vain.

Are we still to entrust our lives to these so-called peacemakers and defenders of our country when they cannot even end peacefully the violent attempt of one desperate ex-policeman?

As stated above, the world knows every detail of this adversity. It feels like watching an action movie where in reality, it actually is happening. If the world knows, wouldn’t a high-end tourist bus be equipped with a television?

Every move and every detail happening outside the hostage bus is covered by the surrounding media and press people. Even the “secretive” attack of the SWAT was witnessed blow by blow. Is it not an absurd strategy to let the enemy know of your every move? And who do you think is involved in this kind of illogical act?

Media and press people are surrounding the premises trying to cover everything just to disseminate every information to the people. It is their job I suppose but I also believe that part of a professional job is knowing what is best for the good of all. The blow-by-blow coverage of the media was out of hand as they, unknowingly, provide information to the hostage taker, which caused him to divert his move and strategized on how to counterattack the policemen.

In addition, the detailed exposure of the media permits Mendoza to see how his brother and some of his family were harmed by the policemen, making him more livid to the situation.

What matters most? Sending updated information to people all over the world, including the assailant, and get credits for being the first and the most comprehensive in providing reports to the public or execute a media blackout temporarily, aid the authorities in their attempt to resolve the situation and save more lives?

If we all to push through our personal interests without due concern to other people, then I believe we did agreed on the unsolicited bloodshed.