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Wednesday, August 24, 2005
Editorials: Indifference to the murders
Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, archbishop of Cebu, the other day complained about Cebuanos being indifferent to the unsolved murders in Cebu City.
“Cebuanos do not seem to value life as much as before,” Cebu’s spiritual leader said.
We don’t know whether Cebuanos strongly valued life before. These vigilante or vigilante-style killings had not happened in the past, not like this, not with the magnitude and intensity we have seen since late December. The work of nameless and faceless killers whose contempt for life must exceed the zeal of the penitentiary berdugo.
More than 80 people had been summarily executed, at home while asleep or outside while spending time with family and friends. Often helpless with nothing to defend themselves with, maybe worse than being strapped on a chair, waiting for the lethal injection.
The killings are clearly and unarguably illegal and immoral:
l It is not what law and system prescribe for dealing with crime suspects. There is no trial, no appeal, no review---just bullets suddenly flying and tearing into flesh.
l The punishment is hugely disproportionate to the crime, mostly thievery or small-time drug peddling, surely much less than the grievous offenses that bring convicts to death row.
On whose tab shall we charge the illegal murders?
We doubt if the mayor and other elected officials of Cebu City will accept the bill.
But they are accountable. The chilling defiance of the law and the utter breakdown of peace are happening during their watch.
If the voters won’t make them answer for their tolerance or neglect, perhaps heaven’s justice will.
Not yet, Cardinal
Cardinal Vidal was reported as saying he has long voiced out concern about the rising number of victims of serial executions.
“I have already done the necessary actions...” he said. “It is now up to the people to stand up and stop these killings.”
Not yet, Your Eminence. Please don’t give up just yet.
As you yourself have noted, the people are being indifferent. There is then greater need for you to continue helping stop the slaughter.
As spiritual leader, you have immense influence over your flock, which
must include most of the elected officials, the police, fiscals and judges, and other bureaucrats who, more than the plain folk, have bigger responsibility to the community to uphold law and order.
Without you and the church, the murders can only get worse.
(August 24, 2005 issue)
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