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Beyond political anger

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The death of Kian delos Santos caused an explosion of feelings, debates, and even political grandstanding.

However, it is also an important moment for all of us to understand our fears, positions, and yes, even our anger.

Let us be clear: People who rally against extrajudicial killings and call for justice for people like Kian are not out to disrespect the victims of crimes committed by drug addicts. They are not pro-drug addicts.

Likewise, people who cry for justice for the victims of crimes committed by drug addicts are not all in favor of extrajudicial, merciless, and bloody killings on the streets. They are not pro-bloody killings of innocent people, including children.

Our legal and moral obligation is this: to call for justice for the victims of crimes committed by drug addicts AND the victims of extrajudicial killings.

Many opportunistic parties are using this issue to divide the nation — making people believe that we should make a choice: Are you pro-EJK or pro-drug addicts?

However, last I checked, we are still a humane and intelligent society, and we are aware that we must not be fooled into making a choice because really, there’s no such thing as a kwarta o kahon dilemma here: pro-EJK or pro-drug addicts.

Only those who choose to fall for the tactics of opportunistic parties will make a choice. Magpadala sa mga diskurso sa mga tawo na wala kasabot ug unsa man jud ang ilang posisyon.

This is not a yellowtard versus Dutertard issue. This is not a Duterte versus PNoy issue. This is not about lawyers versus non-lawyers. This is about justice and due process.

We have a greater challenge ahead of us — something that can only be met if we are brave enough to go beyond our keyboard warrior-selves. Dili pwede na sa Facebook, magpa-isog-isog ta pero wala man pud diay ta gibuhat para makatabang.

We have to present our commitments to help stop the killings, and to stop the drug trade in this country.

We cannot win these wars if we just debate like madmen, fuming and shouting until our lips bleed. We should refuse to be divided by pointless debates, while thousands die — either as victims of extrajudicial killings or as victims of drug addicts.

Ask yourself now: What can I do to help stop the killings of innocent persons and stop the drug trade? These are my commitments:

I will continue to praise the decent members of the police force and call for the removal and punishment of those who kill indiscriminately –giving them due process as well.

I will say yes to invitations to train our police force so they can properly handle evidence, and make sure that drug lords are put to jail forever.

I will teach law and ethics, side by side, with the hope that my future students will not yield to corruption when they have to handle drug cases either as prosecutors, public defenders, or judges.

Ikaw, unsay imong matabang aning atong dako na problema?

____________________________________

Author’s email: [email protected]

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