“If I don’t have wisdom, I can teach you only ignorance” –Leo Buscaglia
Paranoia compelled the local Philippine National Police (PNP) to convince telecommunication companies to suspend mobile signals to Iloilo City during this weekend’s Iloilo Dinagyang Festival highlights. While the rest of the world texts and chats of their phones, Ilonggos will be trapped inside a dark cave for several hours. If those within the Iloilo City limits are unable to communicate with loved ones between 6:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. this weekend, blame that on stupid act by law enforcement – and the telecommunication companies who complied by that edict.
According to reports, even internet connection – the most vital form of modern communication – would be cut off; a doltish move amid PNP “security measures.” In their assessment, with telecommunications suspended, terrorists utilizing high-tech gadgets will be thwarted and will not be able to disrupt the festive atmosphere; they believe clever bomb experts would not use long distance or wireless explosives.
Law enforcement has imagined the worst possible scenario – it’s part of their job (and paranoia).
Over the last four years, the PNP has had the same morbid doubts and fears; however, with over 2,300 police officers deployed across the area, it’s inconceivable a high tech terror group could breach the security phalanx. The best precautionary measures are still investigating and monitoring.
Geographically, Iloilo City is not a security nightmare. It is surrounded by rivers; the only way a terrorist could sneak in would be via parachute.
***
Over 3,000 years ago, a band of Greek princes and heroes went to war over the city of Troy. They laid siege on the city but the Trojans were not easily beaten and the war went on for 10 years. It might have never ended had it not been for Odysseus, the cleverest of the Greeks, who devised a scheme to overthrow the city.
The Greeks pretended to retreat and built a gigantic wooden horse. They left it on shore as they boarded their ships and sailed away. When the Trojans saw the Greeks depart, they rejoiced. Believing the horse brought them luck, they hauled the horse past the city gates as a prize.
That night, after the Trojans feasted and were fast asleep, a door opened on the side of the wooden structure and a band of Greeks crept outside. They proceeded to open the gates of the city and allowed the Greek army to enter, who had sailed back once darkness had fallen.
Troy was captured and destroyed.
Homer, the blind poet of ancient Greece, told the story of the Trojan horse. Even today, the name is still applied to those who enter enemy territory to help outsiders invade and conquer the area./WDJ