Wednesday, August 27, 2008 Calinao: Snatchers By Nick Prill Calinao Free and Easy
SAVORING the afternoon breeze while swinging on my hammock, and puffing the day away with my pipe last Sunday, the alarming incidents of theft, particularly snatching and pickpockets filled my thoughts.
According to reports, Baguio City accounted for 70 percent of theft and robbery cases in the Cordillera region from January to July this year. Whew!!! Now that's an attention-grabbing figure.
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Here's more, according to statistics at the police precinct in the market area, about 40 cases of theft which are mostly incidents of cell phone snatching and pickpockets were tallied for the month of August alone. Out of the 40 incidents recorded, only four were reportedly resolved. Now this does not include statistics of snatching and pickpocket victims in areas within the central business district (CBD).
It does seem that petty criminals are on the rise once again. Well, petty or not, they still are criminals preying on the unsuspecting public. When caught and interrogated, these petty criminals and thieves tend to blame financial and employment difficulties as the reason behind their illegal acts.
It is rather amusing for these criminals to think they are the only ones affected by the "financial dilemma" in the country. The truth is, no less than their very victims are experiencing "tough times" too.
Another rather amusing facet of the matter is that pickpockets and snatchers maintain and operate at their "favorite and select areas" in the CBD. Areas identified as "pickpocket hotspots" remain as such. Well, it's either these areas are actually "maintained" by pickpockets, snatchers and their syndicates; or enforcers are simply helpless and useless against them. Which is which?
In other areas, a different kind of "snatching" is taking place. If at the CBD, snatchers are limited to pickpockets and cell phone thieves, there are places where land is being snatched or grabbed from rightful owners.
There are cases where illegal settlers, or simply put -- squatters build houses on privately owned properties and "cry foul" when eviction notices are served.
Worse, there are those who would not only "squat," but would further claim ownership then threaten rightful landowners.
Worst, are "land grabbers/snatchers" who after "squatting" on private land sell parcels of the land to others in order to establish a "squatting community." Man!!! These people are "gaining" from the dreams, hard work, and hard-earned money of legit landowners.
"Where and what is the law doing about such instances?" one may ask.... Well the truth is despite decisions from lower and higher tribunals, implementation seems to be a difficulty due to certain "cultures," which are embarrassments to the system.
Take for example a demolition order somewhere in Itogon, which lapsed simply because the "enforcing office/officer" wanted certain "considerations" from an afflicted party. Perhaps such officers and officials took "an oath of, by, and for themselves" instead of one which is "of, by, and for the people" when they took their oaths of office.
Shame on them! They should...and believe me...they would be exposed in due time.
Now is the time for the "watchers and guardians of truth" to be more straightforward in exposing such "cheap" and corrupt acts. As well as prove to the public that today's "guardians of truth cannot and will not be bought, influenced, nor threatened."
Man!!! The gall of those in office who demand "certain considerations" in order to be motivated enough to do duties which are actually mandatory for public servants.
Such officers from certain departments of local and national agencies who "prey" on citizens and the very taxpayers responsible for their monthly paychecks are embarrassments to the system. They should be exposed, embarrassed, sanctioned, and never again be allowed to serve the public.
Public servants who engage in such despicable, "cheap," and unwarranted activities are actually no better than the many kinds of "snatchers" who rob others not only of money, possessions, and property; but the right to be protected by the government and system as well.
Yes, I agree with others when they say "the worst of 'snatchers' are those in office and public service who snatch certain rights from the very people they are supposed to serve and protect in a democratic setup."
