Policeman investigating the scene of the crime, the day after the bus hijacking in Manila. Image © Getty Images.
Why did the bus hijacking happen? The hijacker was a disgraced ex-cop, who went from being one of Manila's most-awarded policemen to suspected extortionist. For some reason, he thought he could get his job back by taking tourists hostage and demanding that the government reinstate him.
He figured a busload of Hong Kong tourists were enough to get him the mass media spotlight he needed to get his job back. He was right about the publicity, he was tragically wrong about the job.
Why couldn't the SWAT team do their job right? Corruption in the Philippines. Incompetent officers. Even the Manila police admit, after the fact, that they lacked the tools and competence to overcome the hijacker without harming the hostages.
I can't believe the Manila police/President/government is so incompetent! That's not a question, that's a statement. Yes, many Filipinos think their government sucks too. You don't have to keep reminding them. (I am speaking here as a Filipino myself!)
Is the Philippines safe to travel in? Good question; I will attempt to answer in more detail through this article - The Manila Bus Hijacking: Is the Philippines Safe for Travelers?