Senior Inspector Rolando del Rosario Mendoza ~ Filipino Hostage-taker, Decorated Cop

Just tonight, I've watched a sad incident over the television that a certain senior inspector (equivalent to lieutenant in Military) has taken a tourist bus under hostage. First thing that came into my mind was, "There must be a reason why he did that." What is this reason?


Senior Inspector Rolando Mendoza WAS a cop who has earned 17  service medals as a police officer -- for his EXCELLENT and honest job performance.  He was even honored as one of the TOP 10 Outstanding Officers in the country.  

Medalya ng Papuri, PNP Badge of Honor, Medalya ng Kasanayan, Medalya ng Kagalingan (Medal of Excellence) and Medalya ng Paglilingkod (Service Medal).

He was supposed to retire this January 2011, at the age of 56. He came from a family of cops -- having a brother and a son who are both active in the service. It keeps me thinking,  what could possibly be the reason why an honorable man like him do such gruesome thing? 


One fateful day in 2008, he and 4 other policemen were accused of extorting money from a chef -- who  allegedly possessed illegal drugs. He was suspended for 90 days and got back to work on September 2008. BUT in February 2009, the Ombudsman has ordered that he and 4 other policemen be dismissed from service -- which forfeits all their retirement benefits and banishment to any government jobs.  


It's truly hard to believe that a cop whom everybody almost looked up would  put his credibility, family's name, retirement benefits  in the line  --  for a small amount as  Php200,000.  An amount he can surely get once he retires. 


I was really disappointed with the performance of the police officers in the area. Where are all the negotiators? The brother of Sr. Inspector Mendoza has told the media that his brother only wants to negotiate. I haven't heard gun shots until the police officers forcefully dragged Mendoza's brother to the police car.  That might have triggered the hostage-taker to do drastic moves. Why do the media have to televise all that? Does it help? Or could a total news blackout change everything? 


The reason for all this bloody incident --  a negotiation which turned out  wrong -- a bid that wasn't heard --  "ALL he wants is to clear his name after being discharged for extortion in 2008, and called on authorities to review his case." HE  just wants his job back so he can have his long awaited and well-deserved retirement benefits after 30 years of service.  


Maybe, maybe not... he wasn't guilty for all the accusations thrown at him. Because if he was, he could have asked for something MORE -- why not ask a MILLION? Why settle for as simple as -- "clear my name and get my job back"? He was so desperate to clear his name. There's no OTHER way. None in this country.  Heck,  no matter how much explanation a poor and a nobody gives, they will NEVER be heard... for this country only serves the rich people. This may be a sad reality, but true. 


Why do it have to end this way... This incident will again PUT the Philippines into the shame List.  Let's all pray for the souls of those people involved in this incident... May this thing will never happen again...




... I rarely post... but this one is worth blogging.