A SUSPECTED bomb exploded in a trashcan in New York’s affluent Chelsea neighborhood in Manhattan last night (Saturday night in the US), injuring at least 29.
Once again, the appeal for vigilance.
Terrorists will always be out there, waiting for the time to inflict pain among the greatest number possible, whether it be physical or mental pain. Then there are the joiners, those with ill intention who will be inclined to join the fray, in the twisted attempt to appear bigger than they really are. That’s how terrorism works. They feed on fear, they grow stronger with lamentations and despair.
Terrorism, however, cannot work in a community where people look out for each other. It cannot grow in a community that is united and determined to protect their people. It cannot thrive in a community that is willing to stand their ground and show the world that they cannot be cowed as a people. It cannot prosper where people care for each other.
Even the safest city cannot stop a determined bomber, but people can if they keep an eye out for each and everyone. Even an upscale neighborhood cannot prevent a determined bomber but damage can be reduced if people cooperate with authorities.
Now on to more positive things, it has been proposed that injured soldiers who can no longer be deployed for back for combat due to disability be hired as 911 dispatchers. This is contained in the House Bill 2743 entitled Warning, Alert and Response Network (Warn) 911 Act filed by Surigao del Sur Representative Johnny Pimentel, Malabon Representative Federico Sandayol, and Samar Representative Edgar Mary Sarmiento. The bill seeks to establish the 911 hotline as the country’s perpetual repository of emergency calls down to the barangay level.
We count ourselves lucky that Central 911 in Davao City has long been established and made fully operational 24/7 for any concerns, including a neighbor that refuses to turn down the volume of his videoke late at night. But the same cannot be said of other areas in the whole country.
It’s about time that such a service becomes available even after the term of President Rodrigo Duterte. It’s a nice thought to that permanently disabled former soldiers are being considered to man this, that somehow brings hope to personnel who have given their all just to serve the country. We can only say, this might just work and is thus worth pursuing.
Every Dabawenyo can attest to the big relief such an emergency service gives, one that is free, fast, and efficient. We have had enough of services that are only good for one season or a government official’s tenure, it’s about time that we demand efficiency and get it.