Be Kinder than Necessary: Manila Hostage Drama

CEBU, Philippines ----- I write this with great empathy for the recently concluded Manila hostage drama which carved Philippines again in a negative spotlight in world history. 

Capt. Rolando Mendoza(+) was a victim of injustice. He was illegally dismissed from his duties, stripped-off of retirement benefits, and disqualified from holding any government office, after a case was filed against him with 4 other policemen by a Mandarin Hotel Chef two years ago. 

The case never progressed as the complainant failed to show-up in the preliminary proceedings. Sadly, the administrative sanctions were not reversed by the Ombudsman Office.  "Justice delayed is justice denied". 

Capt. Mendoza's professional records showed impressive 17 awards including multiple citations of Medal of Commendation, Badge of Honor, Efficiency Medal, Merit Medal, Service Medal, and a Letter of Commendation. The Jaycees International conferred him in 1986 an Award for Ten Outstanding Policemen of the Philippines.  

However, holding hostage a busload of Chinese tourists in an effort to accelerate justice was a desperate move. "The end does not justify the means". No matter how noble an end one is seeking, the outcome is worthless if rules of human conduct are broken to achieve it. 

I dare not analyze how a disgruntled officer hit international limelight. Neither would I point fingers of blame to the Philippine National Police (PNP) for utilizing force in their negotiation table, nor to the Ombudsman Office who asserts their moral competence, and not even to the media for commercializing the coverage. 

As a country, we all learn from this. As a person, this urges us to be kinder. As Paulo Coelho aptly quotes, "Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of  battle".