I wanted to write about the Quirino Grandstand Hostage Drama sooner but decided to hold it off since I knew I was still raving with anger about the whole incident. Now, here’s my take on the most “talked-about” story not only in the Philippines but I dare say – the whole world.

The first time I heard about the hostage crisis which took place at Quirino Granstand last August 23, 2010, my initial reaction was perhaps the same as everyone else’s. I was angry by what the hostage taker did, not only to demoralize and disgrace his name, but also his family, his friends, the Filipino people, and the country in general.

When I first learned about his achievements, winning a Jaycees International’s Ten Outstanding Policemen of the Philippines (TOPP) in 1986 along with 17 other awards and commendation he garnered when he was still part of the PNP and probable reasons why he could have planned such atrocious act of holding captive 15 innocent people against their will, I was shocked why someone of his rank would do this. Despite his attempts to forcefully grasp the government’s attention, his acts will never be considered enough reason to support his cause.

What he did was selfish and thoughtless. I sympathize with his family whom he left to bear his shameful legacy. I asked myself who in their right mind would do something so hideous and ruthless. He ignited the events that soon led to so much shame and hate for our country. This disgrace got even worst when the whole world discovered how ridiculously incompetent and unskilled our police forces were in their attempt to rescue the frantic hostage victims thanks to our media.

Now, Filipinos are bombarded with angry and vengeful spites from people particularly Chinese who were angered by what happened to their fellow country men. If the positions were reversed then how would WE Filipinos feel about the tragedy? I understand the feelings of animosity that Filipinos are now facing. There’s really nothing that can be said or done to bring back what has already transpired. I am deeply sorrowed by the families whose loved ones were lost during the crisis.

To those who had their pictures taken with the wrecked bus as the backdrop, I cannot understand why you wanted to have your pictures taken knowing that this was an enormous tragedy not only for the Chinese tourists whose lives were taken but more so for our country. The policemen who even smirked while having their pictures taken, you of all people should know better! Where ever did your minds go?

My only hope is for the Philippine government to revolutionize their primitive ways of dealing with hostage situations. Those who are in the position to make this happen should move quickly. We cannot bear another disgraceful incident where the whole world will once again mock us of our incompetence and ignorance.

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