DURING my childhood days, reading World War II comics, I often get to encounter "verboten," a German word connoting Nazi authoritarianism.
Now in my adult years, verboten is resurrected in my mind. Now, the government is warning the public not to bring pork and pork by-products as "pasalubong" or present given by one arriving from a trip, when coming home to Western Visayas. Verboten!
For most Christian Visayans, what would Christmas revelry be without these pork products? And yet as a precautionary measure against the threat of the African swine fever, verboten.
For returning Visayans, bring "pasalubong" but not ham and other pork products.
Here in Negros, the Provincial African Swine Fever Task Force is not backing down on its crackdown on pork and pork products coming from Luzon to keep the province safe from the dreaded virus.
This week, the task force has intercepted P2.567 million worth of pork products in port terminals and establishments in Negros Occidental from September 18 to November 30, said Dr. Ryan Janoya, chairperson of the task force quarantine team.
Verboten included siopao, pork kasim, chicharon, Ma Ling, hot meat, pork jowl, skinless chorizo, uncooked beef, and siomai.
According to a report, 5,307 kilograms of pork products were shipped back to the points of origin, while 256 kilograms of pork products were burned. Better safe than sorry.
Another verboten is what the Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI) expressed in the recent killing incidents in Bacolod City. Its official, Frank Carbon, MBCCI chief executive officer, said crimes especially killings are eyesores to the city.
Carbon said the recent killings in the city whether, or not, involving businessmen are already alarming.
"For the business sector, this is worrisome," he said, adding that "killing in general is an eyesore as it negatively impacts the business climate of the city."
Our local governments have cleared illegal structures. One can move around the Bacolod downtown.
What is verboten is the killing incidents when a businessman who was abducted by three armed men was found dead at a grassy area in Barangay Mandalagan.
The recent murder victim is Ontao Sacar, 66, a native of Marawi City. His body was festooned with a placard stating "Wag Tularan. Bigtime Pusher."
As an officer of the court, I am aghast at these crimes. I agree with Mr. Carbon. This killing is an eyesore, to say the least.
Aside from his alleged involvement in illegal drugs, authorities are also looking into the possibility that the crime has something to do with his business.
For the love of God, may the PNP crack down on the murderers. Verboten!