Failed Individual or Failed System
Mendoza’s actions, though horrible, cannot be viewed as an isolated event but must be seen within a wider social context. Essentially, we should examine the police force that fuelled Mendoza’s anger, the decision to terminate his position, the legal process, and any chances of impartiality.
In retrospect, Mendoza was seen as a decorated policeman who succeeded in his job. His identity and pride were based on his career as a policeman. If his peers and the system he dedicated his life to cheated him, his actions are indicative of his frustration and thus worthy of further investigation. After all, an individual, when backed against a corner with no way out is capable of almost anything: murder, theft, suicide, homicide, etc.
The Philippines is well known for its non-existent due process laws. Many citizens aren’t able to seek redress or have a legitimate hearing over their case if they have no financial means, limited legal support, little connections. If Mendoza wanted a fair trial regarding his crimes, did he get one? And if he indeed got a trial, who handed the decision to terminate his position? His peers/superiors or a neutral panel? These are all questions that need to be examined because it can help determine if Mendoza is, indeed, a failed individual or a product of a failed system.
I am no way justifying his actions because I know it is definitely wrong. However, I have seen how feelings of frustration, stress, unfairness, and helplessness can push any individual to their breaking point. Mendoza’s actions, though sad, is small in a wider spectrum of individual violence. For example, in April 2007 Seung-Hui Cho held hostage and eventually killed 32 individuals in the Virginia Tech massacre. When police found his manifesto, they found comments relating to his frustrations and extreme dislike for the wealthy and privileged. In April 1999, two students held a hostage and killed 15 people in Columbine High School, in Colorado. When police found their website, they found writings that expressed anger and resentment levelled against the bullying of their peers.
Mendoza’s actions may not be as similar or severe as the Virginia Tech or Columbine incidents. However, the same resentment and helpless feelings existed. Mendoza used violence to be heard because he said he was not given a fair hearing when he was kicked out of the force. Before we further accuse and misjudge, I want to see the reports of his hearing. I want to see the accusations levelled against him and the people who handed it to him. For alleged drug handling, such issues should be held in a court room, with due process, and an impartial judge. Where those privileges given to a man accused? Unless those things are delivered for the public to see, it will not be fair to judge him without FIRST analysing the legal and police system that first got him on that bus.