Gotham City police would've resorted to the 'Bat-Signal' in such crisis. And perhaps the Philippine National Police could've used the help of 'Wapakman' during the hostage saga seen by the whole world that went down at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila last Monday which led to the death of several innocent tourists, mostly Hong Kong nationals. Unfortunately, Bat Man and Wapakman are mere fictional characters, and the sad and harsh reality in third world countries such as the Philippines, movie-type SWAT and law enforcement only exists on the big screens and cable TV reruns of the show COPS.
An outpour of outrage has come from all angles, and who can blame them? The scenes from the tragic hostage drama that was captured by cameras for the whole world to see showcased the incompetence of the Philippine Police.
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But I'm not here to further state the obvious and ridicule or condemn the brave men who risked their lives in the line of fire. You can't pinpoint and lay the blame solely on the Philippine Police who lacked not only the proper training, but also the proper equipment as they were fed into the fire without even the right gear such as bulletproof vests and gas masks. Sadly, that's just how the system works down there. And obviously, the system isn't working. These cops do not make anywhere near their American or even Hong Kong counterparts nor are they given the same level of training. For that you can thank your friendly corrupt politician. I can go forever on this, but this column is about sports, and during tragic and depressing times like this similar to last year with Typhoon Ondoy, the country turns to their National Hero to help mend.
That man is Manny Pacquiao.
Although his boxing fights and lighting-fast fists may not offer any real solutions to any of the ongoing problems the country is dealing with, it serves as an anesthetic while each victory restores pride and hope for brighter days. If there were people like myself who complained about the prospect of Pacquiao fighting a disgraced fighter like Margarito for his next fight, at the moment, Filipinos could care less really who Pacquiao faces as long as they can watch their hero put on a show once more and so that they could escape yet again, even for a couple of hours, and forget about the harsh realities they face.
On the bright side, Pacquiao is also no longer just a sports attraction. The newly-elected Congressman, who represents his countryman's hopes and dreams as a boxer, can take that initiative to the next level with his new responsibilities as a public servant and utilize the power and resources that come with it.
In behalf of all of the Filipinos worldwide, my condolences and prayers go out to the victims and their families. Nothing good ever comes out of tragedies like this. August 25th may have been declared by the President of the Philippines as a national day of mourning, but this harrowing nightmare will be remembered for years to come which hopefully leads to better law enforcement in the Philippines at all levels.
Dennis 'dSource' Guillermo is a freelance sportswriter. You can reach him through e-mail at dennisguillermo2@yahoo.com
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Comments
im filipino but im not hppy that what thay do! thay need more 20years traning theway they did.. fuck me one person pilipino stupid police man.. why you goo inside that lats of chines? people?? always think life of others.. life in philippines like a dog.. mga taong gusto mag pakilala na matalino puro utak pulburon mga tanga! im filipino but im not happy.. goverment very ba very bad gusto nyo lang mangurakot. walang kwenta tayong lahat if we donty change nakakahiya tayo..
"that's just how the system works down there."
d'Source, get off your high horse....donkey......ass
The politicians are extending an invite for you in the Phils, they would like to take you on a tour, in their tour bus.
and how is manny going to help his country since he's a congressman?
dennis, super powers in similar situation, has more horrible results than ours. in russia, the moscow theatre siege resulted in140 dead hostages. in beslan student hostage crisis, also in russia, 340 students were killed, when their commandos stormed the school compound. in waco texas, 80 were killed when US authorities attacked the branch davidians ranch. in ma'alot israel, 22 israeli student hostages were killed when soldiers attacked the school compound. in germany, 11 israeli munich olympic athletes were killed in chaotic rescue attempt. those are just some of botched rescue operation by advanced countries.
in our situation, there are so many mistakes committed, but on circumstances stated below:
1) the hostage taker was a fellow police officer, who knows how police operates
2) the police who secured the area were OVERLY confident that the hostage drama would end peacefully and totally unprepared to assault.
3) because of that confidence, the handling was " localized ". meaning, it was handled by local authorities of WPD which lacks proper equiptment...unlike the SAF anti terror group of the PNP-NCRPO.
4) when the negotiation bogged down, the brother of the hostage taker, who was part of the negotiating team, was ordered arrested...UNKNOWINGLY, LIVE ON TV!!!!!
5) there was lack of coordination between authorities and broadcast media, resulting in the LIVE AIRING of the arrest of the hostage taker's brother. THIS TRIGGERED THE HOSTAGE TAKER TO FIRE IN ANGER, AT THE HOSTAGES ...because he saw it on tv (gma channel 7).
6) the escaped driver declared in panic that all hostages are dead, and the police was forced to attack unprepared with:
A) no element of surprise and diversionary tactics/attacks
B) no cover fire, even while breaking doors, windows and windshield which turned out to be fiberglass, not pyrex.
C) towing chains, ladders, gas masks, bullet proof vests and helmets left somewhere in confusion.
D) hesitant to throw tear gas or stun grenades.
E) uncoordinated and hesitant assault.
F) absence of ambulances and medical personnel.
AND MANY MORE LAPSES......
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dont be a dork dennis , pacman's fight will only provide us with entertainement but it wont help improve our SWAT team nor will it heal the woundn of the loved one's that were left , nor will it benefit relationships between HK China and us.
i dont know why you alwasy kiss Mannys behind , you try to relate everything to Manny
the Phils dont need to be comfrorted bec were not the one's offended nor did we lose any of our citizens
you know what Dennis your pachugger side is weighing too much on your articles , now your STOOOPID side beginning to show
you adore pacman too much man wake up !!
So, what are you blubbering about. Read your piece. It's empty! Kumo-quota ka lang para me s'weldohin. Why did you write this? Ano objective mo? Walang direksyon, man. Walang message. Walang enlightment. Kung baga sa chibog, walang sustansya. Recycled ang infos. Baduy and gastado ang opening. dSource ka ba talaga ng ano?
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