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ShareMr. 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.
ShareThe 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.
ShareI 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.
ShareHeavy 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
realizes 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
