Thursday, May 15, 2008 Editorials: Killing incidents and the police
THE summary execution count-off has a new category, and while it is but a variation of the common perception of what vigilante-style killing is, it is no less bloody.
The target is no longer just anybody with criminal record and the implementation of the summary execution operation plan starts only after the target has posted bail.
Incidentally, the case of the latest victims---Medase Castro, Jose Mecias Magno and Evelyn Bangot Magno---is also unique, as they are swindling, not robbery suspects.
Not easy
Anyway, both planning and execution in this kind of killing is complicated.
Intelligence work entails either discreet contact building with insiders or constant monitoring of the activities of the relatives of the target or both.
Hitting a target on board a vehicle full of people is also more difficult than targeting somebody stationary, which was the case in majority of past vigilante-style killings.
It involves daring, precise information on where the target is located, timely decision on when and where to strike and, most importantly, a sure aim.
One thing going for the killers, of course, is that targets are usually unarmed and the police only come after the operation has been completed, thus the risk is minimal.
Police link
The complexity of the operation and the seeming freedom with which this is being executed time and again is one of the reasons for suspicions of police link.
Which is unfair considering the lack of proof to prop up the suspicion and because daring and expertise in armed assault is not the monopoly of law enforcers.
Besides, not only the police have the motive (eradicate their area of society's dregs) but also criminal elements, who may want to settle a score or silence the targets.
Probe, protection
But the police may have to accept the raising of the suspicion as a challenge instead of complaining or even presenting questionable arguments to defend themselves.
If they really do not have a hand in these bloody incidents, then they should come up with a believable investigation and present a believable result.
In the meantime, they can protect suspects who post bail and put an end to the killings, which muddle people's perception of what the criminal justice system is.
