Will prank-terrorism work in the Philippines?
Hostage-taker Armando Ducat didn’t really mean to harm the children. He just wanted to make a point. But he was armed with two grenades (later found fake), an assault rifle and a .45-caliber pistol.
Frustrated with the way the country was being run, Ducat held hostage the 26 school children and 4 teachers of his own daycare center inside a bus in Manila Wednesday. He demanded support for the education of the children of his daycare and improved housing for them and their families. He was running a daycare in a slum area in Parola, Tondo.
It was a weird kind of atmosphere as a crowd of supporters gathered around the bus, chanting Ducat’s name. The children were even seen waving and smiling for the camera, and eating pizza. The press was even allowed to go near the bus and let Ducat speak through a wireless microphone, asking people to light candles for the election candidates.
Parents at the scene, although afraid for their children, expressed sympathy for Ducat’s demands and had kind words for his work in their slum, particularly the free day-care center he founded where he pays the teachers’ salaries.
As he was led away, dozens of slum-dwellers yelled his name like a hero.
“Let the candles be a warning,” Ducat said. “If the promises remain unfulfilled, you will see those candles again.”
At the end of the crisis, Ducat had Senator Bong Revilla promise to pay for the education of the children, MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando saying he would help improve Parola, Tondo to make it more conducice to live in.
So, what do you think? Will prank-terrorism such as this pave way for improvements?
[Source: Inquirer]
Tags: Armando Ducat, hostage, children, Manila, Tondo
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