Punchline
Crime statistics don’t solve killings
By Ermin Garcia Jr.
Finally, Smiley PD Barba, the provincial police director, looked like a winner last week. He finally had something worthwhile to report to the province. His command succeeded in collaring the leaders and 3 members of the notorious Colisao Gang, a group believed to be behind series of killings and robberies in the province. Now, that’s what we call a more reassuring response to the series of killings that swept the province in the past months.
It certainly bothered many when Mr. Barba insisted on fighting the crime wave with statistics. Why he (and other PNP commanding officers) believes that numbers would suffice to assuage fears in the community is beyond anyone.
Statistics may be useful in evaluating and weighing results by quantifying achievements for purposes of determining awards and citations but statistics serve no purpose to calm a public in panic, or a helpless government. A doable plan of action does.
Certainly, arrests of target notorious suspects like the members of the Colisao Gang, presence of commanding police officers in the field leading operations make for effective assurances to the public.
Meanwhile credit is due Smiley PD Barba and his men for their recent (but long overdue) feat. We pray this small victory will be topped by a series of arrests, not by another assassination tomorrow.
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MOVING AHEAD AND FAST. Dagupan Mayor Al Fernandez and his city government deserve a belated commendation for a number of reasons.
The public elementary schools and day care centers have been getting royal treatment finally from the city government. Putting its money where its mouth is, the city government has demonstrated it wants to invest in its young by providing for better facilities and ensuring the children’s health welfare. Take a bow Vice Mayor Belen Fernandez and City Nutrition Officer Leah Aquino!
The high rating earned by the Dagupan City Disaster Coordinating Council indicates the level of preparedness of its rescue and respond team to meet emergency situations. While the council’s efforts today may not be fully appreciated in the absence of a real calamity where their mettle could be tested, full preparedness will surely save a life that would otherwise be lost. Take a bow, City Administrator Alvin Fernandez!
The city is on continuous red alert for A(H1N1) and dengue cases. A very reassuring defensive posture to prevent any possibility of an outbreak at anytime. Take a bow, City Health Officer Leonardo Carbonell.
The construction of the Dagupan Seafood Processing Plant is finally underway after months of failed negotiations with the belligerent squatters. The timely demonstration of political will augurs well for the city. Take a bow City Legal Officer George Mejia and City Engineer Virginia Rosario!
Having said that, let’s turn to the city government’s unfinished business. The city awaits the mayor’s and the city council’s move on the District Jail in Bonuan. The pollution of the barangay and the Lingayen Gulf from the jail continues to this day! Inumpisahan nyo na, tapusin nyo na!
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WHY PRIESTS CANNOT BE POLS. Many still fail to understand why Archbishop Oscar Cruz persistently and consistently criticized the entry of then priest Fr. Ed Panlilio in politics after the latter invoking the belief (and right?) that he may still have the option to return to his priestly duties after he’s through with politics.
But even assuming Among Ed is right, at the end of the day, a priest turned politico can only go the way of a worldly man, less honest and power-drunk. That’s because he’s only human. Then the confused community begins to wonder with a tinge of frustration – “Wasn’t he supposed to be a disciple of Jesus?”
Indeed, such a prospect can only be construed as a cheap rationalization by a person who straddles in the name of God and public service for convenience.
The Catholic Church cannot possibly condone such a thought lest it opens the dam’s gates leading people to believe that priests, indeed, make the best candidates to become elected officials in a community because of their inherent and perceived high morals.
We should realize that priests may be equipped to discern and teach morals, placing God above all else, but are not trained to place worldly affairs before God.
One contradicts the other. It is antithetical.
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