It’s good to know that authorities are doing what they can to keep, or at least, make us feel safe amid the heightened terror warning placing the entire country under Alert Level 3. We presume this to be a high alert warning.
We’ve read of assurances from the police and the military they are keeping a close watch on our shorelines, airports, and seaports for any possible attempt to disrupt the peace. There’s also the newly-formed anti-kidnapping task force, which has been conducting dry-runs on rescue situations.
But of course, all these things we are hearing or seeing should not be enough to lull us into believing that we are completely safe.
Individually, we can do something to improve our personal security. Police call this “target hardening”, which means strengthening the security of a building or surrounding to protect it from attacks or to reduce the risks of theft.
Target-hardening is making us ordinary citizens tougher and more complicated for the criminals to victimize without difficulty.
We can improve our fences, and our doors, and window locks. Security alarms, which are getting cheaper these days, could also be a good option.
Our barangay captains can also do something to improve security in their respective turf. Barangay tanods should not only be seen during the Christmas season going from house to house collecting gifts; they should continually scour the neighborhood for suspicious characters, and the like.
We’re glad the Dumaguete government is increasing the budget for CCTVs to be installed around the City. We’ve seen a lot of examples on TV and on social media on how CCTV cameras have proven to deter or lead to the solution of several crimes. Knowing how government procurement systems work, we just hope these cameras would be installed in time.
Some cities in the country have gone a step ahead, requiring offices and businesses the installation of CCTV cameras before renewing their annual licenses and permits.
As we undertake all these preparations, though, let’s not kill ourselves by worrying about what might or what might not happen. Worrying will not do us any good. Let’s continue to enjoy the blessings bestowed upon us with whatever time we have.
