Fatalism is when you say Dios ra ang nagbuot! (It is God’s will). It is the resignation to the fact that all events are predetermined or subject to fate.
This is the usual Filipino response to the question: “Why is criminality rising in our City?” or “Why is it that many crimes — murder, robbery, akyat-bahay, and carnapping remain unsolved?”
And the one who gets blamed are the police officials– because it is their duty “to protect and to serve”.
Yes, they are at the frontline because it is their job. And yet, they should not be alone in addressing/attacking this malady that has blighted our City of Gentle People.
Have we examined the type of crimes, the anatomy of the crimes committed in the City?
If we have to put the peace and order situation as the number 1 priority, is this reflected in the actions of all sectors concerned?
All of us have elected our representatives to our City Council and our Provincial Council. These bands of legislators are obligated to address the prime concerns of the populace through legislation and budget allocations.
What is the priority agenda and expenditure of the legislative units of our local governments? Did we channel all our resources to solving and curbing the escalating criminality? Are we putting more financial resources towards improving intelligence gathering through training, equipment, or increased manpower to capacitate our crime-busters?
Most of us who watch TV have seen how crimes are addressed — from the first responders through an efficient, fast, and effective radio alert system; fast moving vehicles to catch up with the bad guys; then the scene-of-the-crime investigation — evidence gathering, interviewing all the witnesses, following up leads, activating informants from all walks of life: tricycle drivers, parking boys, security guards, barangay tanods.
Do we have a crime laboratory? Does the Mayor get regular updates on the progress of investigations and follow ups? Did we organize the community- schools, church groups, associations, to address a network for crime prevention?
Please channel our limited resources to crime prevention, and make sure that all perpetrators are identified and prosecuted.
For all the talk and the rhetoric, this is “NATO” (No Action-Talk Only). Most people are expecting a concerted action which should be made known to the public. If we want our City to be peaceful, we should put our money where our mouth is.
