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Saturday, December 03, 2005
Editorials: Radioman’s killing
The killing the other day of Bantay Radyo's George Benaojan has lengthened the list of people felled by assassin's bullets in Cebu the past few months and has bolstered perceptions that a culture of violence has already blanketed the province.
Benaojan's killing followed that of The Freeman photographer Allan Dizon in November 2004, or two members of the Cebu media felled in a little more than a year.
Police investigators are still identifying Benaojan's killer and looking into the possible motives, thus, it is premature to say at this point whether the incident has something to do with his media work or with his other activities.
Benaojan was a reporter, handled a radio program and wrote in minor publications tackling mostly issues in the local customs bureau---activities that made him controversial and which has apparently angered some sectors.
Also, he was into other endeavors that are equally prone to producing enemies.
But whatever were Benaojan's activities or however objectionable these may have been to some people, there is really no justification for resorting to murder.
This is the reason why there has been vehement opposition by many sectors to the summary execution of suspected criminals even if it is supposedly meant to lower the incidents of robberies in Cebu City.
The biggest threat to the peace in any society is always when its people no longer adhere to the rule of law and instead resort to extra-judicial means to redress grievances.
It is in this sense that Benaojan's killing should be condemned.
Mayor’s statements
After he downplayed the significance of the recent hosting of Cebu City of the Ad Congress, Mayor Tomas Osmeña has set his eyes on the 23rd Southeast Asian Games (Seag), saying the city has not gained anything from it in terms of international exposure.
Like in the Ad Congress, the statement dampened the fervor of some sectors for the holding of this important sporting activity in Cebu.
That the mayor presents contrary views is not surprising; what is objectionable for some people however is that this is being done at the expense of those who worked hard to make the hosting of the two major events successful.
Besides, while his views are well taken, it does not mean these are correct.
(December 3, 2005 issue)
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