Sunday, May 18, 2008 Editorial: It could happen here
THE cold-blooded execution of nine persons in a bank in Cabuyao, Laguna last Friday has been described as the worst and bloodiest single crime incident in history of the country.
It wasn't only a murder most foul, as one national daily described it. It was a most wicked massacre beyond fathom.
The frightening thing is, it may not be the first considering what hideous and evil acts criminals are capable of doing. It could also have happened anywhere. It is very possible in places where criminals find the greatest incentives to commit crimes.
It is, indeed, possible in this city, or any other city or town in Pampanga, for that matter. The handwriting on the walls is there, and, unless something is done, the chances are there.
The antecedents are quite recent. This week alone, a broad-daylight robbery of bank employees along the busy McArthur Highway near Pilar Village was pulled off with such speed and efficiency, it was over before anybody could call the police. Well, there was a police and a companion near the crime scene, but the suspects were quicker to disarm him and got away with their valuables as well, on top of the P300,000 cash they carted away from their original target.
Two weeks before that, Porac Bank in Dolores, a few blocks away from a police-sub station near the flyover, was also robbed with amazing ease and efficiency. Before that, there was a businessman held up near St. Jude Village and the robbers made off with some P300,000 in loot. Before that, several employees of local firm carrying the company payroll were also stopped at gunpoint and nearly succeeded in running away with the money but for the presence and presence of mind of a policeman passing by. Before that, two residences in Villa Corazon were robbed and one of the occupant was raped even as they had a drinking binge.
And we haven't even mentioned the spate of car thefts that had unsettled the business community.
So much for these heinous crimes that, like the Cabuyao massacre, are perhaps unprecedented in the history of the City of San Fernando and of the province.
If these are not enough to send cold chills down the spine of many people, the possibility that a Cabuyao-like incident could occur should, especially among our local leaders and law enforcers.
