THERE was never a better time to call this world a civilized society.
Because of current laws existing, we are bound to live vicariously, based on respect for the sanctity of life, democracy and human rights.
But, without proper enforcement, stringent national and international laws do little in promoting and protecting the right of every citizen. When this happens, the world succumbs to senseless violence.
Last week, President Barack Obama urged the country to join him for a “soul searching.” He was commenting on the spate of school shootings and gun violence cases across the country.
“It happens now once a week. And it—it’s a one-day story. There’s no place like this,” Obama said. There have been 75 reported cases in the last two years.
In the Philippines, President Benigno Aquino shares Obama’s sentiments on crime and violence.
Because of an alarming recurrence of high-profile murders in the country, including those of race car drive Enzo Pastor in Quezon City and hotel magnate Richard in King in Davao City, Aquino ordered the Philippine National Police (PNP) to intensify its anti-crime efforts
To address the current dilemma, the Philippine government recommended the PNP to increase its visibility through intensified patrols and checkpoints, stricter enforcement of gun-control measures, neutralization of guns-for-hire and implementation of search warrants for loose firearms.
In Metro Manila, Quezon City has begun setting up mobile police desks in strategic points to give citizens easy access to police assistance.
To improve ideal police-to-population ratio in the country, PNP is also fast-tracking the employment in the force of 18,568 vacancies for police officers and 13,000 positions for non-uniformed personnel. At present, a one police officer for every 675 citizens ratio, this number will improve to 1:579 once the vacancies are filled.
“All crimes that take place in our country have to be solved. All steps should be taken by the national police and [other] law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of our people and give them peace of mind,” Presidential spokesperson Herminio Coloma said.
The government stands firm in putting a stop to the tide of criminality and improve the ability of law enforcement agencies to solve crimes. Coloma also assured the citizenry that the upcoming 2016 elections will not compromise PNP personnel’s duties to man the streets and perform their duties.
A stricter 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.
Prompt police work can only make gun-toting perpetrators—who are meditating crimes—hesitate. 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)
