The country is suffering from embarrassment and condemnation from the international community especially from the Chinese in Hongkong because of the botched hostage rescue attempt. We read how angry the Hongkong people are and we understand. Nevertheless, it is my personal opinion that our authorities had great courage; did their best in ending the crisis successfully but their best was not enough due to lack of training and equipments.
The police knew that at the time of the crisis, through CNN and BBC hook up, the world was watching them. There is no reason to believe that they were there to stage a show but to restore order. But again, their efforts were not enough simply because of training deficiency, lack of modern weapons, communications and other equipments. Again, make no mistake that they did their best although that was not enough.
As the country is humiliated, I believe that it is time for us to rally behind the president and the Filipino nation. We bond together, stand up and move on without condoning the manner of the rescue operation. Under pressure from all sides, Pres. Noynoy Aquino is doing his best to iron out soured diplomatic issues with China brewed by the recent tragedy. The ruing Philippines has admitted the blunders and China knows that. In their moments of grief and anger, may God and Buddha grant them peace and heal their hearts.
We are so sorry.
Believing that good can spring up from bad, the pointless lose of lives at the Park gives the police force the necessary time to reinvent itself and ponder where they failed and what must be overhauled.
It is too bad that our country cannot match the police equipments of our neighbors here in Asia. Now that we learned a lesson the hard way, hopefully the government finds money to purchase top of the line gadgets. Take note that the raiding police had no tear gas masks. Their bulletproof vests and helmet looked obsolete. Even with M-16 and automatic guns, the assaulting SWAT team compared with foreign SWATs was lightly armed. They did not have a ladder --- they used a vehicle in opening the emergency exit. Despite all of these, Filipinos, known for their bravery in time of war, did the best they can afford.
Now is the time for our police to undergo extensive training in rescue operations. They badly need training from the experts perhaps from the Israelis who are famous with their assault and defense capabilities vis-à-vis terrorist activities. And yes, our cops must be re-indoctrinated with the ideals of protecting the nation, its citizens and foreign visitors.
The Chinese, here in the country as early as pre-Spanish times, knows our hospitality. We have co-existed with them for centuries and there is no reason that we coexist now with tantrums because of an isolated case.
It’s time to move on and a time to act! -30-
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