Noting that the series of violent killings that occurred in less than a fortnight may be an indication that a culture of violence and impunity has been adopted in the country, Senator Dick Gordon has called on the Philippine National Police to act swiftly in resolving these cases.
“There is a culture of violence and impunity that must be stopped immediately by ensuring that the police and the people are reminded that we are a country that follows the rule of law! Such appears to have been forgotten as shown by violent events that occurred in the past 10 days,” Gordon stressed.
“These incidents, over a span of slightly more than a week in different parts of the country, show that there are elements in our society that believe that a culture of violence is the only way to change, that a culture of impunity and not the rule of law prevails!” the seasoned legislator added.
“There are elements in our society that believe that a culture of violence is the only way to change, that a culture of impunity and not the rule of law prevails!”
The veteran lawmaker was referring to the series of shootings and killings reported across the country starting December 14, such as the ambush of Councilor Ricardo Tan and his wife in Negros Occidental on December 14; Atty. Erfe del Castillo and Elfren Palmares were fired at by unidentified gunmen while driving along the Bacolod-Silay Airport Access Road also in Negros Occidental on December 22; Ariel Vicencio, son of former Malabon Mayor Amado “Boy” Vicencio, was killed and two of his companions were wounded by a gunman who escaped on board a motorcycle at 3 am in Malabon City also on the same day; and Ako Bicol Representative Rodel Batocabe and his police escort WHO were shot dead in Daraga, Albay at 3 pm, also on December 22; among others.
The senator also pointed to the need for citizens’ participation in resolving these crimes and stopping the culture of violence, calling on witnesses to these crimes to come forward and provide information to aid law enforcers in bringing the perpetrators to justice.
“With the level of technology we have today, with the number of CCTV (closed circuit television cameras) and mobile phone cameras around, dedicated and systematic police work can result in the identification and arrest of the perpetrators of these acts of violence. However, it is not only police work that is important – what is also essential is the participation of the people by providing statements on what they may have witnessed including providing sworn testimonies to ensure that the perpetrators are appropriately punished,” he said.
“It is not only police work that is important – what is also essential is the participation of the people by providing statements on what they may have witnessed including providing sworn testimonies to ensure that the perpetrators are appropriately punished.”
The chairman of the Committee on Justice and Human Rights also reminded that if the rule of law is undertaken judiciously in a fair and fast manner, then citizens would not feel the need to take matters into their own hands through extra legal means and the culture of violence and impunity would subside if not stop.
“At this time of turbulence, we must all return to our fundamental law, the Philippine Constitution for guidance. The Constitution mandates that our government ensure rule of law and due process every step of the way – from criminal investigation to identification of the accused, the filing of criminal charges before our courts, arrest, trial, promulgation of judgment and then imposition of penalties, if warranted by evidence. It also specifies the manner by which we elect our leaders – through free- orderly, honest, peaceful and credible elections,” he said.
