THERE has seemingly been a string of criminal incidents where police officers have instantly shot suspected drug peddlers and pushers upon encounter. Is change really coming to address criminality and the growing illegal drug trade in the Philippines? Or is this a ploy to clean up their ranks?
It is unpleasant to see officers you expect to uphold the law and apprehend criminals, as the same people the citizenry should be afraid of. It is a betrayal of trust and a degradation of peace and security.
They are after all, in-charge of ensuring the public’s safety and purging misfits from the streets.
Incoming President Rodrigo Duterte has continuously warned that he will be aggressive in addressing criminality in the country. He even insists on the return of the death penalty and the public hanging of convicted criminals.
Duterte wants capital punishment for criminals convicted in illegal drugs, gun-for-hire syndicates and those who commit “heinous crimes” like rapists, robbers or car thieves who kill their victims.
Since the elections in May, there have been 34 alleged drug pushers killed in a supposed shootout with law enforcers. The Catholic Church has commended the authorities in their strong anti-crime crusade.
However, it said that vigilante-style murders may also be on the rise as it expressed disapproval of bounties for criminals.
Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Pres. and Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas reminded authorities that “to kill a suspect outright, no matter how much surveillance work may have antecedently been done on the suspect, is not morally justified.”
“We understand the difficulties that law-enforcers face, the daily risk to life and limb, but not only civil society but also the Church counts on them for the flourishing of a society where all enjoy the blessings of a regime under laws that are just and institutions that are fair,” Villegas said.
There was never a better time to call this world a civilized society. Because of various national and international laws existing, we are bound to live decently, based on respect for the sanctity of life, democracy and human rights.
An intensified law enforcement may only serve as a deterrent against crimes, to lessen opportunities for criminal elements. But the severity of the string of recent crimes reported still leaves anyone vulnerable.
The situation calls for strong and effective civilian oversight of the police. Going on an all-out war against crime is beyond the power of the government alone. This campaign can only be deemed successful with the engagement of the public. (AJPress)
