Rolando Mendoza, a disgraced former police officer, initiated a hostage situation involving a bus full of tourists in Manila. The bus contained 25 individuals, primarily from Hong Kong, who were being shown pivotal landmarks in the city. Mendoza's motive stemmed from a prior dismissal from the police force due to extortion, and he sought to clear his name and regain his previous position. The crisis began in the morning and rapidly escalated as negotiations between Mendoza and law enforcement took a critical turn. Mendoza was seen interacting with the media, utilizing them to communicate his demands and grievances. As the day unfolded, a series of miscommunications and actions led to a police assault, ultimately resulting in deadly consequences.

The Philippine National Police attempted a negotiation that was hampered by language barriers and mismanagement, attracting media attention and international concern. A tactical assault was launched after negotiations failed, but it was poorly executed. Mendoza opened fire on the hostages during the assault, leading to fatalities and injuries, creating chaos in the middle of Manila's popular tourist district. Rescuers managed to free only 16 individuals, resulting in the deaths of nine people, including Mendoza, raising questions about police protocols and the crisis management strategies in high-stakes hostage situations. The incident underscored the complexities of crisis negotiation and the significance of effective training for law enforcement agencies.