Aquino's Facebook page flooded with complaints on hostage crisis

Philippine President Benigno Simeon Aquino III's official Facebook page has been swamped with hundreds of complaints in the 24 hours since yesterday's hostage crisis at the Quirino Grandstand.

The hostage situation has been the main topic of discussion on Aquino's Facebook page, where hundreds of postings discussed or commented directly on what happened at the Quirino Grandstand.

Criticism hinged on the drawn-out negotiations; the lack of trained negotiators and equipment; crowd control problems; media's handling of the situation; and even gun use.

A national embarrassment

Many commenters feared that the hostage incident was a national embarrassment and will certainly hurt the Philippines' image in the eyes of international observers as well as its tourism industry.

"Maaari po sana na paki training ang mga kapulisan at ang SWAT team o kaya naman sibakin na po lahat.... nakakakahiya sa international community ang daming namatay (Please either train the SWAT teams or fire them all. They are a shame to the international community)," she said.

Aquino's Fanpage was also bombarded with suggestions, ranging from firing Philippine National Police chief Director General Jesus Verzosa to shooting hostage taker Rolando Mendoza with a tranquilizer.

"Noynoy had Dr. Prisco Nilo relieved from his post as PAG-ASA (Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration) chief because of the poor performance of PAG-ASA. He should do the same thing to the PNP. Gen. Jesus Versoza should be FIRED," said Facebook user "Darwin Pasco". He added that "heads should roll," including those of Manila police director Chief Superintendent Rodolfo Magtibay and Metro Manila police chief Director Leocadio Santiago Jr.

"Mackz Sumatra" pointed out that training is important in such delicate situations: "What if MRT naman un may hinostage.. what plans and actions they would, swat is capable of assaulting terrain in all kinds of scenario," he said.

"Johanna Valbuena" called on Aquino to either train the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) units or fire them.

The President on social media

President Aquino's social media accounts -on Facebook as well as Twitter, Friendster, and Facebook- was launched on August 16 by the Presidential Communications Operations Office as a means to get public feedback online. The accounts are linked to Aquino's official website, www.president.gov.ph. - GMANews.TV