Pacete: Heal the Wound

LET us wholeheartedly admit that it was a big mistake. The operatives of the Manila Police District - Special Weapon and Tactics (MPD-SWAT) is not capable of handling the hostage crisis; and probably not just this group only but also the other SWATs in the country.

Our policemen lack the training, the facilities and the experience. Remember, it is not every day that a hostage crisis is happening in our country. The negotiation between our negotiators and the dismissed police officer, Rolando Mendoza (hostage taker), was not systematic. Experts find major lapses in the process. The incident commander was myopic. I just don't know who was on top of him. He failed to realize that the hostages were Chinese nationals and the hostage taking was already feasted by international television networks. The case will not simply end in police precinct blotter report but it will become headlines in local and international newspapers and embassies will be involved here.

Post your reaction to the Manila hostage crisis

That was a painful experience and a fatal blow in our tourism industry. The Secretary of the Department of Tourism, Berte Lim, was correct when he said that let us hope that we will not miss our 300,000 Chinese tourists every year. When Hong Kong passed the travel advisory that Chinese tourists should not go to the Philippines, other countries made a hitch ride - Russia, Pakistan, Thailand, Indonesia, Nepal...expect for more. Well, they want Chinese tourists to go to their countries also. In tourism, just like in fishing business, we call it - distract and hook. If not in the Philippines, where? But, I am sure Sec. Berte Lim will formulate his own strategy too.

Remember, September is World Tourism Month. All countries are placing their best feet forward to attract tourists. Travel agencies, tour operators, even backpackers are now on the move or have made reservations already. Tourism prime movers of our country should not linger on a mourning mood. Let's have our best form and show the world that the Philippines has the sun, sugar beach, green landscape, accommodating people, exotic food, tropical fruits, fantastic culture and colorful festivals.

We appeal to the honorable ladies and gentlemen of our Congress - Senate and the House of Representatives - to refrain from grandstanding. We all know that you are part of the guilt. President Noy should face the music. Admit the failure of our police force and ask for sincere apology. Our investigators should provide a truthful result of the investigation. No bias. No white-wash. No cover up. Yes, we know that the Chinese will ignore our official apology. That is to be expected. They are hurt.

It is not easy for China President Hu Jintao and Hong Kong Chief Executive Donald Tsang to take what we offer while their people are on mass action against our incapability to handle a hostage crisis. Mourning for them may take months. Filipinos from all walks of life must stay calm. If you have friends in Hong Kong, send them e-mail which would appeal to emotion. Stop making funny faces in your facebooks. We sympathize with them because many Filipinos have Chinese ancestors.

The Chinese were already trading with the Malays long before the Spaniards came. Some worked as artisans - producing fine furniture and carved images of saints with slanting eyes. Our turn-of-the-century houses here in Silay were constructed and designed with the help of Chinese carpenters. They pioneered the trading of cheap Chinese goods and by the time that the Galleon Trade ended in 1815, the Chinese were already on top of Philippine economy.

They intermarried with the locals and because of their business acumen many of them emerged as urbanized indios who became hacenderos and were called ilustrados - the enlightened ones. So, there is no need to start a quarrel with the Chinese. Our domestic helpers in Hong Kong should always stick to good manners and right conduct. We don't want to hear another case of racial discrimination. Our Chinese priests in Hong Kong and in the Philippines should try their best to create by way of spiritual advice the attainment of a harmonious relationship in both worlds.

We don't want to hear additional abuses of Chinese Masters to their Filipina maids. We know that Filipina maids have been hostages already in the household of Chinese Masters for economic reasons. Filipinas clean their toilets, feed their babies, wash their clothes, or may even do things outside of the contract. Let us have faith on the best things to come. Our God is not blind and deaf. He will help us overcome this crisis.

It is not always true that China will win in the long run. Let us work it this way- Philippines and China will win. Filipinos must run for opportunities so as not to be overtaken by vulture neighbors who are just waiting for the perfect timing. Let us ponder on this: When a new day breaks, new hope springs in our hearts. No matter how dark the night has been, let the rising sun remind us that life is a beautiful morning. Together, let us do great things and hope for the best.