“The world is a dangerous place to live not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who don’t do anything about it.” –Albert Einstein
Amid unabated riding-in-tandem violence, active law enforcement personnel and former colleagues of slain Iloilo City police officer Ronaldo ‘Apple’ Alag on President Rodrigo Duterte’s “narco-list” should not let their guard down – even politicians, lawyers, judges, journalists, housewives, teachers, sidewalk vendors, and other civilians are not exempt.
As boxers are told at the start of a bout, “Protect yourselves at all times” – there is no guarantee when another pair of assassins strike. There have been scores of individuals linked to illegal drugs waylaid and executed by notorious motorcycle-riding gunmen, but not a single assailant has been arrested or identified.
However, in the case of Police Officer 2 (PO2) Dorben ‘Benjo’ Acap of the Philippine National Police-Regional Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit, based at Camp Delgado in Iloilo City, he survived an attempted ambush last June at Sitio Pajo in Barangay Dulonan, located in the city’s Arevalo district, and managed to fire back as his attacker, PO2 Melvin Mocorro. Yet, even if Mocorro were arrested and charged, nobody would expect him to serve time. Many suspect his superiors would make sure he was let off the hook.
Also on Duterte’s “narco-list” are retired Iloilo cops Elvis Donasco and Remy Donasco, who have both denied any involvement in illegal activity, including drug trafficking. They also denied acting as protectors for drug traffickers in the Western Visayas.
If the charges against them are false and based on erratic intelligence, they should not be harmed; if they are guilty, file charges in court – no to summary executions.
The Donascos, along with others on the “narco-list,” may be victims of jealousy and envy. Unless the “intelligence reports” reaching the president have been verified and substantiated, it is not fair to attach their names to unlawful activity.
Like all victims of extrajudicial killings, suspects must be given their day in court.
In addition, it is not just a matter of not trusting anybody riding a motorcycle, there are also those in cabs and private vehicles who roam neighborhoods – it’s better to be safe than sorry.
With such a climate of fear and impunity along the horizon, it would appear anybody outside one’s household cannot be trusted; some colleagues will even offer a Judas kiss to ensure our downfall and imminent death./WDJ