Still Primitive In Many Ways

[Jollygoodfellow]

8 Dead After Christmas Day Fires in Philippines

Authorities in the Philippines say at least eight people are dead after two separate Christmas Day fires in the capital region. One of the blazes left about 1,500 people homeless when it razed their shantytown.

Arson investigator Rosendo Cabillan says a predawn fire Tuesday razed two apartment buildings in Quezon City, a Manila suburb. A veterinarian and six household members died after they were trapped inside.

Fire officer Noel Binwag says another blaze in suburban San Juan city hours earlier destroyed shanties of about 1,500 people.

Binwag says angry residents beat a man to death after accusing him of starting the fire.

He says two firemen also were injured when they were hit by rocks by some residents who grabbed their fire hoses to put out the blaze themselves.

http://abcnews.go.co...24#.UNmzseSTzng

[Mike S]

And the saddest part is that the firemen said the fire was caused by a woman who had no electricity and left a candle burning unattended in her shanty ..... not the guy the crowd beat to death ..... can you say Merry Christmas .... :unsure:

[Curley]

Binwag says angry residents beat a man to death after accusing him of starting the fire. He says two firemen also were injured when they were hit by rocks by some residents who grabbed their fire hoses to put out the blaze themselves.

Fillipinos are the nicest natured people in the world? There really does seem to be two sides to them, happy go lucky smiling people till one little thing upsets them.

[Dave Hounddriver]

You got a real insight into the culture with that statement, Curley. remember filipinos are very passionate. That is a good/bad thing. They are also very social. They like to get together in groups whether they are partying or killing people like that diplomat/marine in the other thread. Now you know why so many people will tell you to keep a low profile.

[JJReyes]

The topic is an example of mob rule. It happens in all cultures and not uniquely Filipino. There is anger and frustration that the fire department was non-responsive even if the shantytowns are so congested there are no roads for the fire trucks to get to the blaze.

[Old55]

I agree with JJR. We know the culture is strongly family-clan oriented. Filipinos attacking firemen and taking fire hoses in order to put out fires on their own homes first is common.

As to the other comments there are evil people from all country's and cultures. Although it is true many Filipinos have a hard time playing nice when they get angry drunk or lose face.