Reaction to Manila hostage incident

Nobody expected its occurrence. It was just an ordinary day turned extraordinary. The Filipino people had various reactions. Some hated the government for the mode of action they had made while others were ashamed of being a Filipino, something I am totally against of. We should never be ashamed of our own country, no matter what.

The event totally changed a lot of things: from investments and capital to tourists, etc. I have three major points on the Manila hostage incident:

First, it was a major challenge for a young administration to handle. Well, I am not really sure on what the past administrations would have done and whether it will be better or even worse. The Malacanang Palace believed that the hostage incident will end orderly since hostages were released one after the other. But what they thought was wrong.

Honestly, I really wasn’t that confident with the Philippine National Police, especially on its weapons and other armor. And it shows that our government does not prioritize the Police Corps. It is saddening to see our policemen combat in that manner. It shows to other countries what type of security the country has. What if there’s going to be a war tomorrow? Is the Philippines ready to engage? I don’t think so. We have so much lagging in our country, and security is one major area of concern.

My second concern is regarding the various Media groups’ coverage. Three events astonished me. First, there were some crew who hid behind the tree and one of the citizens hiding with them was accidentally shot. Second, the media are about 15 meters near the bus. Where else in the world would you see Media going that near? It is only in the country. According to law, they should stay as far as the shooting range and capacity of the weapon of the hostage taker. And third, Media intensified the incident. Yes, they want to have the best news coverage to get more audience and higher pay but they should also know their limits. Especially, the hostage-taker had the capacity to watch the television inside the bus. The Media should have been more careful.

And my last point would be some of the effects of the incident. First is the anguish of the Hongkong citizens. It was then followed by the act of black listing the Philippines by Hongkong, which was followed by other countries. Second, the percentages of tourists going to the Philippines especially from China and Hongkong were immediately gone. They cancelled their flights and hotel reservations.

Third, the economic market was also affected. The number businesses and investors were decreasing, especially those from China. And third is to the Filipino people, especially to the OFW’s in Hongkong. They were scared. They were maltreated. Some of them were not given food while others were kicked out of their jobs. We should see the incident in a positive point of view.

We must look at the incident as a venue for Filipinos to united rather than to divide. We must help one another, cooperate with the government and never lose hope.