SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – The social networking site Facebook is abuzz about the stories behind the tragic hostage-taking at the Quirino Grandstand while the Miss Universe beauty pageant is certainly not far behind.

Users of the famous networking site has been howling over the sloppy police operation which resulted in the death of some eight hostages and suspect police officer Rolando Mendoza during his daring hijack of a tourist bus infront of the Quirino Grandstand in Manila.

Criticism over how the authorities handled the situation has been the shout-outs and wall messages of most of the Filipino members of Facebook (FB).

“Sobrang Walang Training ang tamang pangalan ng SWAT ng Manila,” a user commented, mocking the raiding team’s efforts to rescue the hostages.

Another user also commented, “We spend millions in advertising to attract tourists & investors, govt officials go to other countries to encourage investments. Today, we had a hostage taking that practically destroyed all our efforts.”

The irked user also posted, “RP should help the PNP, AFP, NBI, etc get the best training, equipment & pay - make them really professionals,” adding that the hostages were killed, the reputation of the Philippines is also massacred as well.

But despite the many criticisms Manila’s Finest has been receiving, FB members were also commenting on the progress of Maria Venus Raj in the Miss Universe tilt held Tuesday.

FB members posted Raj’s position into the top 15, commenting on how beautiful she looks. After which, FB members posted on their walls that they are thrilled to see Raj in the top ten spot.

After announcing the top five spots, FB members were in argue over how Raj should have answered William Baldwin's question and how she would have won the title if she elaborated on her answer.

But after the pageant, FB members were back on bashing the Leocadio Santiago-led raiding team, pointing out the lapses the raiding team made.

Facebook has been a powerful tool in expressing personal opinions and views, and with the two recent events, it has made itself “vox populi.”