Thursday, January 31, 2008 Editorial: Genabe's conundrum
THE illegal coin-operated video karera and mini-slot machines went to fire first. Then came a parade of suspected criminals (no they were not burned alive, although the shame of being publicly displayed bore the sensation of hellfire), one of them an alleged notorious hustler who had an extraordinary appetite for cell phones. A collection of confiscated illegal gambling paraphernalia was displayed, too.
Yesterday, the line up of suspected lawbreakers grew longer, including the list of confiscated illegal instruments.
These recent developments brought all eyes on the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (Cocpo), the star of the moment. And for good reason: the public hasn't heard anything positive of the local police lately. Except, maybe, a pretend praise or two from some politicians who pander to police officials to protect their skullduggeries.
Let's give it to the newly installed Cocpo chief to preen on these commendable things. But like anyone else, Acting City Police Director Isagani F. Genabe surely knows that this no-nonsense show of crime-busting activities are nothing new for all newbies in the police hierarchy. As a newcomer, a leader's first agendum would be to demonstrate his or her capability. Leadership, it is said, carries with it showmanship. Even famous leaders like Winston Churchill have it, sans the theatrics perhaps.
Sr. Supt. Genabe is no exception, especially so that his appointment is temporary in nature. The threat of being relieved arbitrarily for whatever reason is not plausible, and this possibility hangs like the sword of Damocles upon his head.
It is therefore hoped that Cocpo's latest crackdown against illegal activities is done without the sense of theater that has characterized the past police leaderships. Like the rest, Sr. Supt. Genabe has the right to present himself effectively to the public. That he is doing this without the ulterior design of staging charisma can be proven only if the public sees a sustained drive against criminalities.
With police officials, we don't need "stars for the night." (We may reconsider that in the case of politicians). We need beacons of safety that will protect us and our properties and who make us all feel safe everyday of the year.
