Every end of December, INQUIRER.net compiles 49 of the most compelling stories and issues and groups them into seven key lists that encapsulate the year that’s been. The year 2015 in particular saw the Philippines thrust further into the global stage, whether for reasons good–”Heneral Luna,” COP21 and Miss Universe–or bad–Mamasapano, #APECtado and lumad kilings.
The fifth of the yearend series lists the seven most rage-inducing stories of the year, from the deadly Mamasapano operation in January to how “carmageddon” has become the new normal in Metro Manila.
The Inquirer #BestofSeven for 2015 runs from December 24 to 30. Check out the rest of the lists here or by clicking the image at the end of this article.
1. ‘Oplan Exodus’: The botched Mamasapano operation
The nation was angered by the death of 44 elite commandos of the Philippine National Police’s Special Action Force during an operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao province, that ultimately killed Malaysian terrorist Zulkifi bin Hir alias “Marwan.” The government, military and police drew flak for the avoidable deaths, supposedly due to a lack of proper coordination.
Refresh your memory:
Full report: The Mamasapano incident
Aquino knew Mamasapano mission; Purisima called shots
2. ‘Laglag-bala’ scam strikes fear into the heart of Philippines
Ninoy Aquino International Airport, once tagged the worst in the world, made headlines in Novemeber due to an alleged bullet-planting extortion scheme headed by airport personnel. The racket, dubbed “laglag bala” or “tanim bala,” usually victimized foreign tourists and overseas Filipino workers. The government has since downplayed the reported incidents.
Refresh your memory:
Abaya admits lapses in filing cases vs innocent ‘tanim bala’ victims
Filipino expats, OFWs angry embarrassed over ‘laglag’ bala
Aquino not convinced on ‘tanim-bala’
UN warns staff amid ‘tanim-bala racket’ at Naia
3. Fight of the Century: Pacquiao vs Mayweather underwhelms
It was labeled “Fight of the Century,” but the long-awaited showdown between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. wallowed in its own hype. A bout for the ages was promised but there was never a fight with Mayweather running, Pacquiao chasing and millions of fans disappointed. Mayweather won the 12-round yawner over Pacquiao, who later revealed fighting with an injured shoulder.
Refresh your memory:
#InquirerSeven Best stories written about Fight of the Century
Pacquiao: ‘Still the people’s champ’
Despite loss, Pacquiao still comes home to a hero’s welcome
‘Unbowed’ Pacquiao proud of showing during match, uniting Filipinos
4. ‘Unruly passenger’ offloaded from Cebu Pacific flight
In March, a Cebu Pacific flight had to return to the airport to unload actress Melissa Mendez after she got into a fight with model Andrew Wolff and his friend Rey Pamaran over the latter’s reserved seats. Wolff said Mendez “smelled like a beer brewery” and even punched his friend. The actress, however, said she only wanted to take photos of clouds, and that Pamaran disrespected her.
Refresh your memory:
Cebu Pacific flight returns to airport to unload unruly actress
Cebu Pacific confirms offloading ‘unruly passenger’
Melissa Mendez: I was humiliated, offended, threatened
Rey Pamaran airs side on slapping incident with Melissa Mendez
5. ‘Lumad’ killings anger indigenous groups
The exploitation of indigenous peoples in resource-rich Mindanao earned the ire of the public this year, following the death of “lumad” leaders in September. The harassment has been linked to both military and paramilitary, but the concerned parties have denied the accusation. The lumad later trooped to and camped out in Manila to voice out their grievances.
Refresh your memory:
‘Lumad’ in gold-rich Mindanao targeted
Leave us alone, ‘lumad’ group tells AFP, NPA
UN: Stop ‘Lumad’ killings, harrassment
School children recount Lumad killing incident in Surigao del Sur
6. Paris terror attacks
Darkness shrouded the City of Lights as two major terror attacks struck the French capital this year. Just ten months after the bloodbath in the office of satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo that massacred 12 people, more than 120 people were killed in a series of coordinated attacks in November at multiple locations, including a concert hall and national stadium.
Refresh your memory:
More than 120 people killed in Paris ‘terror’ attacks
Defiant Charlie Hebdo puts Muhammad on first cover since attack
7. ‘Carmageddon’ and the Metro Manila traffic gridlock
In 2015, Metro Manila was named the city with the worst traffic in the world by users of road navigation application Waze. Amid the increasing number of vehicles and a deteriorating mass transport system, numerous torrential downpours this year have left thousands of commuters stranded on the road and have even turned Edsa, the capital region’s major thoroughfare, into a parking lot.
Refresh your memory:
Flash floods trigger Metro Manila ‘carmageddon’
After ‘carmageddon,’ Palace admits lack of ample infrastructure
Waze users rate Metro Manila traffic world’s worst
Did we miss any other rage-inducing stories? Share with us your thoughts!
