Notes on the Hostage Crisis Incident

Key Events

• Location: A bus in Manila, Philippines
• Situation: More than 20 passengers held hostage
• Gunman: Rolando Mendoza, a former policeman

Timeline of Events

1. Initial Negotiations

   • Negotiator delivers food to the bus.
   • Mendoza opens the door to speak with negotiators.
   • One negotiator enters the bus; situation appears to improve.
   • One hostage is released and walks back to freedom.
   • Passengers peek through the curtain, showing hope for resolution.

2. Demands

   • Mendoza posts demands on the bus's windscreen.
   • Main demand: Wants his old job back.
   • Mendoza previously accused of drug-related crimes and extortion.

3. Arrival of Gregory Mendoza

   • Rolando's brother arrives but is taken and disarmed by police.
   • He later describes Rolando as "not in his right mind".

4. Progress Stalled

   • As daylight fades and rain begins, progress in negotiations stalls.
   • Around 7 PM, the bus starts to move; police fire at it.
   • The bus driver escapes, claims all passengers are dead.

5. Police Action

   • Police surround the bus, smash windows to gain entry.
   • Initial reports of gunfire from the bus; police briefly retreat.
   • First dead body appears.
   • After prolonged ordeal, police finally enter the bus to assist.

Casualties

• Total Deaths: At least seven people, including the gunman.
• Survivors: Some passengers survive the harrowing day.

Reflection on the Incident

• The incident marks a tragic day for both the hostages and law enforcement.
• Highlights the dangers of police turning against those they once protected.
• Nicole Johnston, reporting for Al Jazeera.