Manila hostage debacle VIEWPOINTS Archbishop Oscar V. Cruz 09/12/2010

Manila hostage debacle

VIEWPOINTS

Archbishop Oscar V. Cruz

09/12/2010
Still going on in its hideous reality, its shameful significance and detestable implications, the now so called recently experienced hostage “crisis,” “phenomenon” and similar nomenclature, remains a ignominious entry in Philippine history. Its open and extensive staging in no less than a signal place in the heart of Metro-Manila — plus its rather prolonged “real time” video coverage by international media for the whole world to witness — cannot be faulted in its vivid and impressive presentation, showing both its shocking nature and pitiful consequences. While some foreigners irremediably lost their lives, this country as a whole, lost not only its face but its honor as well.

In other words, the hostage debacle exhibited for the world to witness to, in no less than a prominent open park named even after a Filipino great hero, is something guaranteed to remain in local stinging memory and bitter foreign recall. 

It is said that no country and no people is the beneficiary of the horrendous event. The Philippines, however, remains as its biggest loser — courtesy of the Philippine National Police, its built-in hierarchy plus its highest supervising official chosen and appointed by no less than Malacañang itself. The same personality, however, had to admit his ignorance about hostage-taking, its proper handling and satisfactory resolution. It is so darn different from at-leisure shooting of downright inanimate, standing-still and conveniently arranged targets..... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20100912com7.html