Swat the SWAT
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The lousy handling of the hostage-taking incident in Manila last week has
generated a severe “image-problem for the country. The president, who was
conspicuously inaccessible, also scored negative review from Hongkong and
Chinese officials. He is also getting terrible bashing in his Facebook account.
The officials of the PNP are also subjected to microscopic probe and those
directly responsible are grilled day in and day out both in the Senate and in
the bar of public opinion.
Indeed, everybody is condemning the SWAT. It has caused not only shame
and embarrassment but also terrible loss in the tourism industry. Even their
peers in the province are joining the condemnation. In fact, they are no longer
using the SWAT. Insofar as Bohol PNP provincial director is concerned, there
will be no more SWAT for Bohol. It will be changed to Police Intervention
Tactical Unit (PITU).
Good enough that the provincial government, in coordination with the
Provincial Tourism Council, has adopted measures to deal with the “lean
months” ahead. This is anchored on the tested principle that the tourism
industry is resilient. It will rebound, as proven in the Phuket and Bali
experience. And hopefully, the same will apply in the Philippine experience.
Well, after everything has been said and done, there’s no use crying over
spilt milk. Rather than spending time bashing and condemning every walking
soul, better to tighten the belt and survive the days ahead. The tourism sector
should take stock and make better preparations for the expected rebound.
Also time to give those in government enough breathing space so they can
think and plan ahead!
