|
Wednesday, July 09, 2003
Editorial: Interesting comments
CAGAYAN de Oro City Mayor Vicente Emano's "declaration of war" against protectors of crime syndicates would have been greeted with a yawn by the average city resident were it not for his admission that his administration somehow failed to address this situation before.
The comment made before City Hall employees and officials last Monday was in keeping with the Arroyo administration's rah-rah campaign against drugs. Naturally hindi tayo magpapahuli (we won't be left behind).
In any case, Emano's neglect to deal with this problem of protection of crime syndicates-drugs, robbery, prostitution whatever's the gag---would have resulted in Cagayan de Oro being the crime capital of the country.
Would have were it not for the somewhat stable maintenance of peace and order situation in the city. But how do they keep the peace in this interesting part of the world?
The answer to that lies in this very interesting comment made by Cogon police precinct chief Sen. Insp. Efren Camaro.
In response to Mayor Emano's plans to re-shuffle the precinct commanders Camaro said it is the mayor's prerogative to do so and that he acknowledges the fact that there are some police officers engaged in the protection racket.
And here's the kicker: Camaro said if it were up to him he would allow these so-called vigilante groups to eliminate these hoodlums in order to solve the problem once and for all.
Terminate with extreme prejudice, so the military directive goes when dealing with terrorists who pose a clear and present danger to society and this motto apparently is taken into heart by Camaro and some other police precinct chiefs.
That comment may pretty much sums up the secret in keeping the peace in Cagayan de Oro.
No magic formula, just one suspected vigilante killing here and there to scare away any would be or prospective crime syndicate based here or outside from engaging in monkey business.
It worked for Davao City and it could certainly work here. Anyway these vigilantes, who interestingly enough have substantial firepower and wheels to do the job can save half the work the city police has leaving them enough room to concentrate on bigger problems like taking care of the traffic.
It would be curious if the public were to take up Camaro's offer. But Emano may insist on re-shuffling the police precinct commanders so it wouldn't be feasible at this time.
At least credit the mayor for admitting a "failure" to solve this problem. Now he still has plenty of time to correct this mistake. |
|
[ return
to top ]
[ home
]
|
LOCAL NEWS
BUSINESS
OPINION
SPORTS
LIFESTYLE
FEATURE
SUPERBALITA
|
