THE foiled attempt by four men to take out the streamers of the protesting Balas Boys should serve notice to all concerned officials, notably Governor Eddie Panlilio.
Here's a situation that is potentially violent if some irresponsible people get into the fray. The attempt by the men who were reportedly paid, as admitted by those arrested during the incident, could have turned the situation bloody or worse.
A repeat of the incident is probable, if not likely. And those who sympathize with Panlilio's little inconvenience over the noisy and unpleasant activities of the protesters cannot be the only suspect if such a sorry thing happen again.
The governor cannot simply view this development with a detached and innocent attitude because it's not just about his problem with former colleagues and supporters, but about peace and order.
If some people are willing to spent money to create trouble for anti-Panlilio groups, other people may be tempted to raise the ante by spending more money to create the same problem, the same impression, only more serious.
The bottom line can only be bad or worse for the governor's image, which he can ill-afford.
Commendable
Thanks to the civic responsiveness of a security guard at Wilcon Builders' Depot, the suspect in a rape incident was immediately arrested by Mexico policemen.
How it all happened should be properly acknowledged in a fitting citation for the lowly guard whose name wasn't even mentioned in the story. Certainly, his decision has already made a difference in one heinous crime victim's life and in the community's effort against criminals. It is worthy of emulation, to say the least, by others, guards or not.
It's been often said that for evil to triumph all it takes is for good men to do nothing. Sometimes, all it takes a simple call to the police about a fleeing criminal, like what the guard did.
His action has given this saying the reality and relevance it deserves at a time of need and decision.
