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