The Bottom Up

28 AUG 2010

The Bottom Up

Here we are a mere four days after the fiasco that was the Manila Bus Hostage Siege and still, the tragic comedy continues. Police and public officials from the bottom up have been scrambling like mice to get “their versions” of the story out to the press but, as expected, the lies show through as clear as black ink on a white linen sheet. It’s really no different, in their eyes, from any other foul up. They know the population as a whole will believe these absurdities and go on happily with their lives. However, what makes this situation far different from those of the past, and there are many, is the fact that China (especially Hong Kong) is watching this show very closely; and what a show it has been.

From the time Mendoza’s brother was allowed to participate in the negotiations until this very second, 28 AUG 2010 at 09:40HRS, each and every person, police and public official involved has made and continues to make serious lapses in judgment which only serve to make the situation much worse. The latest being the planning session going on right now to explain how anyone in government could even consider placing the Philippine Flag on the coffin of Rolando Mendoza. Thankfully, the Chinese government aware of the latest “SNAFU” complained saying (in so many words);

“Draping his coffin with the Philippine flag is a smear on the dignity of the flag”

Doesn’t it bother anyone (in the Philippines) that, until the Chinese complaint, nobody thought twice about it? Much like the uproar in response to President Aquino’s apparent “smiling” during the tour of the crime scene and subsequent press conference, Chinese officials are not at all pleased with the way things are turning out. Considering the amount of tourist arrivals, trade and labor migration that exists between Manila and Hong Kong, the Philippines should think twice (even three or four times) before they say or do anything related to the Hostage Crisis from this point onward. Sadly, those of us familiar with Philippine Damage Control know the level of stupidity is in its infancy and, given time, must mature into full-grown insanity.

Webster’s Dictionary defines INSANITY as (among other things) “something utterly foolish or unreasonable”. That would be my take on Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim’s statement, “I ordered them to handcuff him, but there was no order to make an arrest.”

Until that insane statement, given the obvious implications which kick-started the mayhem, I had placed Vice President (then Makati mayor) Binay at the top of the all time list of stupid comments made by public officials when he said…

“I didn’t lie… I just kept the truth to myself.”

Mayor Lim, not taking into account the massive LIVE TV coverage of the event and the events occurring in and around the Headquarters of the Manila Police District, ordered the apprehension (arrest) of Gregorio Mendoza, the gunman’s brother (the same brother who was allowed to assist in negotiations earlier in the day) causing said gunman to respond violently. Of course, no one would have been made aware of this had it not been for the grilling questions asked of police officials during the Senate Hearings on the subject. Lim, now backed into a corner, had two choices; accept and admit to his mistake or think up something “really stupid” to explain what he really meant. Well, we all know which route he took.

From the bottom to the very top, all persons involved in this circus, except for the gunman himself, continue to fail miserably. I give exception to the gunman simply because, out of this whole affair, he is the one person who succeeded in his goals.

1. He brought international attention to his grievance
2. He held the Police at bay for an extended period
3. Once his demands weren’t met, he carried out his threats unobstructed

On the other side of the fence, however, the score card is completely different.

1. The OICs refusal to use the Special Action Force Team – FAILURE
2. The SWAT Team – FAILURE
3. PNP Crowd Control – FAILURE
4. Mayor Lim (and Office of) – FAILURE
5. Tourism Secretary’s comments saying “crisis won’t effect tourism” – FAILURE
6. President Aquino smiling at the crime scene & press conference – FAILURE
7. President Aquino’s explanation for smiling – FAILURE
8. Police posing for souvenir pictures in front of the bus - FAILURE
9. Decision to drape Philippine Flag on gunman’s coffin – FAILURE

The list of FAILURES will, no doubt, continue to grow in size, magnitude and stupidity…

JETLAG807

24 AUG 2010
Bang to Breach

I have a few things to say and will try my best to keep my anger & disgust to a minimum. The hostage situation, in and of itself, was unfortunate to say the least. A disgruntled employee lashing out using means of terror and violence to bring the point home is not something limited only to the Philippines. In the US, we have a term called “going postal” which originated after several US Postal workers (some still employed, some discharged) went on murderous rampages of revenge against their co-workers and the public at large. So, this part of the situation is NOT limited to the Philippines at all. There is no difference between the hostage taker last night and anybody “going postal” anywhere in the world. It happens. The differences exist within the procedures of the law enforcement agencies tasked to bring and end to the situation.

Not having the proper equipment, not being trained enough, not being smart enough or not being brave enough is NO EXCUSE! Forty-five minuets from “Bang to Breach” is inexcusable! The spokesman from the NCRPO said the police officers had to consider “the safety of the hostages” when asked why the breach took so long. That BS!!! Once the shots are fired by the hostage taker, IT’S ON (The guy is SHOOTING! What do you think he is SHOOTING at?)! You breach and pray you can take out the bad guy BEFORE he kills (more) hostages! You DON’T wait outside the bus for forty-five minuets while shots inside the bus are continuing! You crack a window, or find one with a big enough hole, toss in a few flash-bangs and MOVE IN! Hostage Rescue 101 people! Instead, the police of the MPD made themselves look like absolute fools to the Philippines and the rest of the world while they struggled to get inside the bus…

It would be funny if it weren’t for the tragic loss of life. They tried entering from the front passenger door with no success. Why? Because they didn’t know what they were doing! They tried smashing the front window to gain entry. Why? Actually, that part boggles my mind. That is the one area of the bus that the gunman has complete field of vision and line of fire. Why would anyone in their right mind even think of attempting a breach there? Then they tried the back window. Another tragic comedy caught on live TV for future episodes of World Stupidest Police Moments. How long did it take them to realize that there was an EMERGENCY EXIT door towards the rear of the bus? This wasn’t a “crack team” of hardened professionals. This was a bunch of clowns stumbling through a situation that was NEVER in their control from start to finish! No wonder the Chinese Government issued the Travel Warning so quickly!

And don’t start all that mess about; “well maybe we should ban all OFWs from Hong Kong”! The Chinese Government, families of the victims and the entire world watched as the situation spiraled out of control due to the stupidity of the MPD! Did the PNP pause and think that maybe the gunman was watching the news on the bus and would possibly become agitated at the sight of his brother being hauled off? Truth be told, that’s probably what turned the whole affair from manageable to a complete mess!

In the “real world” after a circus such as this, the Officer in Charge would (be forced to) resign. The OICs boss would (be forced to) resign. The police district in question would be investigated by the Feds and, most likely, be taken under government receivership. Here in the Philippines things go “a little” different. The OIC will make stupid excuses. The OICs boss will make stupid excuses. The police district in question will make stupid excuses. The people of the Philippines will accept these stupid excuses and wonder why the rest of the world making such a fuss.

Oh yes; One more thing. The footage of President Aquino smiling like a kid seeing his first peep-show as he was escorted through the scene of the crime last night was appalling! But I’m sure there will be plenty of excuses posted about that!

JETLAG807