Who’s afraid of the police? 

By Ermin Garcia Jr.

 

BUSINESSMEN and politicians are beginning to wonder if the rash of killings in the province are signs that they should begin hiring more bodyguards for their protection.

The question foremost in their minds, at least with those who expressed their concerns is: Isn’t anybody afraid of the police anymore? Isn’t the police presence no longer enough to serve as a deterrent? They cited the bold robbery of the BHF establishment in broad daylight and at the center of commercial area. Then there was the ambush of Raja Merchandani by hitmen who used long high-powered firearm while a ban on the carrying of licensed firearms outside residence was in effect.

Obviously to the crime syndicates, the police are no longer a factor. Perhaps to them, the police response has been well studied and practically so predictable that they can leisurely pick out the time of day and place to make a kill…and literally get away with murder!

Not a comforting thought.

*          *          *          *          *

The suspension of the permit to carry outside of residence (PTCFOR) issued to licensed firearm holders for the past two months have proven that the ban only served the interests of crime syndicates. Just like the helmet law, the crime syndicates are now literally laughing all the way to the bank with their fees in their pockets on board their motorcycles with their faces completely covered by the crash helmets on their heads that the law allows.

Similarly, the suspension of PTCFOR only made hitmen’s targets more vulnerable like sitting ducks.  Perhaps the police can prove the strategy correct if they arrest the driver of DOJ Sec. Leila De Lima not so much for firing his gun indiscriminately, but for bringing a gun outside of his residence despite of the ban. Worse, if the gun is not licensed or owned by him. (See our page 1 story) But of course, arresting him because of the suspension of PTCFOR cannot translate into an effective policy  in the war vs HRIT because the driver of Sec. De Lima is not known to be a hitman. An intoxicated lover boy perhaps, but that is not a crime neither does it make him a criminal.

So let’s see the PNP enforce that policy on Sec. De Lima’s driver-bodyguard! If it can’t, wonder no more why the hitmen are running around right under the police’s very noses.

Meanwhile, I don’t know what the PNP is waiting to happen before it lifts the suspension of PTCFOR. Is it waiting to be rendered completely helpless to protect the citizenry? Isn’t it already?

*          *          *          *          *

Finally, the helmet ordinance of Dagupan City will be tested for its effectiveness in limiting movements of hitmen-riding-in tandem.

As our reporter Dada Austria correctly cited in the staff ‘s ‘Random Thoughts,’ there really is nothing new about the ordinance because flagging down motorcycle riders in checkpoints is a already a regular chore for both riders and the cops. There has to be something more to it if it should make a difference.

To my mind there are two things that can be done to reinforce the impact of the ordinance.

First, barangays must be able to establish their own checkpoints to ferret out strangers in their area. Resident-motorcycle riders would not feel the inconvenience because they are already known in the community except when they ride around without helmets on.  This way, strangers would have to go through a checkpoint in every barangay. Regular commuters passing through barangays might find this inconvenient initially but familiarity through regular encounter will solve it quickly.

The second is what the PNP in Laguna province had tried. They stationed a checkpoint randomly at the exit of malls to check on ownership and identities of unsuspecting riders. These checkpoints not only yielded unlicensed firearms in the possession of riders but stolen motorcycles abandoned in the parking areas.  (Apparently, the thieves simply abandon the bikes to avoid being found out as thieves since they have no documents to prove ownership of the motorcycles).

Meanwhile, I am curious what LTO regional director Jojo Guadiz has to say now that the regional trial court in Dagupan has determined that the ordinance does not contravene the national helmet law. Tsk-tsk.

Back to Homepage

Share your Comments or Reactions

comments

Powered by Facebook Comments