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SINGAPORE : Filipinos in Singapore have expressed their horror and anger at the hijacking of a tour bus in the Philippine capital of Manila.
Some were also worried that the incident will hurt tourism in the country.
After an 11-hour standoff, the worst was over and the gunman dead. Former policeman Rolando Mendoza had seized the tour bus full of Hong Kong tourists, armed with what reports said was an M-16 assault rifle.
For hours, many were glued to their television sets as the drama unfolded on the news.
In Singapore, Philippine nationals expressed their outrage.
One said: "I feel really bad. It's sad that a fellow Filipino would do that... you know, it's sickening."
"We feel sad and frustrated because we never expect this one to happen in the Philippines," another said.
"We are frustrated because there'll be very few tourists that will be coming into the country because of this happening in the Philippines," a third said.
Some people are already hesitant about travelling to the country.
Between January and March this year, about 28,000 Singaporeans visited the country, 20 per cent more than the same period last year.
"Knowing that these things are happening and you want to go there? I'll think twice," a member of public said.
"I'd be concerned about security because safety is important and I'll be worried about safety," another added.
Others, however, said they will not be deterred by this incident.
"I don't think one situation affects the whole country. So yeah, I'd go there still," an American said.
The Singapore office of Hong Kong's Hong Thai Travel, which ran the tour, declined to comment.
Tour agencies here said that in the event of emergencies, they will get in touch with their local partners as soon as possible.
A 24-hour hotline will be set up for those stranded and their families. They will also provide travellers' details to Singapore embassy officials there.
- CNA/al
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