Philippine authorities must be wondering just what went so badly wrong in their attempt to free hostages from a hotel bus seized by a former police officer seeking reinstatement.
Before the full glare of a live audience, Philippine police blew the operation to end the hostage crisis. Of 15 passengers on the bus, eight were killed along with the deranged perpetrator, Ronaldo Mendoza.
But for the audience watching, the operation smacked of a Keystone Kops movie, replete with confusion, poor coordination, lack of leadership and improper equipment for the officers.
In short, the operation was botched.
Police displayed tactical incompetence with officers cowering around the bus, a variety of weapons drawn, unsure of how and where to attack the hostage-taker.
There was no element of surprise, with the police seen waiting for hours around the vehicle before moving in. And when they did move, there were no coordinated movements, but rather willy-nilly attempts to break windows or pry open emergency doors.
Quite rightly, Hong Kong authorities have demanded a full explanation of the event and the circumstances of the botched rescue attempt.
There can be no excuse for the deranged actions of Mendoza; there can be no excuses for incompetence.
