Bang Lu Min Survivor, Quirino Bloodbath share his side of

story
by Jane Cortez Ü on Tuesday, August 24, 2010 at 6:17pm

Mr. Mendoza was already upset even before he saw on television what the policemen did to his
brother. The other tourists who remained inside the bus were complaining. Wei Ji Jiang wanted
to go to the bathroom. Dao Chi Yu was hungry and the rest were just groaning and whining like
they have forgotten that our lives rest in Mr. Mendoza's hands. The hostage taker, as you know
him was really nice. He treated us okay and even let the elders and the children leave the bus. He
said your policemen treated him unfairly. He was a policeman too and was accused of doing
something he had no knowledge of. But your government didn't listen so he used us to get
everyone's attention. Things would have never turned for the worst if he didn't see how his
family was dragged out of their house and taken into custody. He was watching the news all the
time as we huddled around each other behind the bus. He shouted some words in your language
then started shooting in the air. A girl about my age started screaming. Mr. Mendoza demanded
her to stop but she didn't understand English. God, he had to slash her neck with a knife just to
put her to rest. Her boyfriend who tried to hit him was shot in the head. Tension was rising. You
can see in his face how scared and confused he was. The bus driver ran away leaving him alone
with strangers from a distant land. I can see him walking across the aisle, sometimes pointing his
machine gun to one of the tourists. But he tried his best not to hurt us, especially those who
really cooperate. I guess its in your nature not to inflict pain on others unless it was necessary. I
remember him saying that he will free us before sundown and implored us to forget everything
when we return home. But his words don't matter now. The policemen were trying to force their
way in, while we all lied down to shield ourselves from bullets. Mister Mendoza blindly shoots
at his enemies which I think kept them from rescuing us. I hear sobs under the chairs. Some were
even shouting the names of their loved ones even when the air merely eat their words. Kevin
Tang tried to escape when the glass door was was shattered, but one shot and he slumped on the
floor with blood gushing from his mouth. Heavy rain pitter-pattered on the rooftop. In old
Chinese saying, it means an end to a struggle. Finally, somebody was able to open the escape
hatch at the back of the bus. Freedom. But I knew Mister Mendoza was still alive. I knew he was
just waiting for a chance to strike back at his enemies. So I told those around me not to escape.
Let the authorities come for us instead. Then there was gunfire. He was firing at his enemies with
a machine gun. Those who were at the escape hatch fled abandoning us once again. It's like a
nightmare with no end and to wake up means a certain death. Then somebody from outside the
bus threw a canister. It forced out a black smoke that is so painful to the eyes and putrid smelling
to the nose. People started screaming. We cannot breathe. Some ran in front of the bus but Mister
Mendoza warned them of stray bullets. It was too late. One was hit on the head, the other was hit
on the shoulders. Bullets were now flying. Its like the authorities thought we were all dead.
Mister Mendoza finally admits his mistake and said sorry to everyone, dead or alive. He then ran
towards the front of the bus where he would meet his maker. As he passed by my chair with
bullets whistling overhead, I clutched my hand on the velvet curtain and wrapped it around my
face. All I could think of was to stay alive - for my child who is waiting for me back in Xinjang.
I know I will survive, I will come home. Bang Lu Min Survivor, Quirino Bloodbath