Gringo: Crime's threat to trade is a national issue

CEBU, Philippines - Following the brutal killing of two automobile dealers in Luzon, Sen. Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan said the threat to business posed by carnapping and crime in general has reached a national scale.

Honasan was here in Cebu last Friday to address student leaders at the Southwestern University’s Student Congress and Administrators Forum together with other EDSA I key personalities.

According to Honasan, with crime rising drastically, he can but theorize that there might be a conspiracy between criminals and law enforcers, even some politicians.

“Gusto nating sugpuin ang krimen pero may involved na pulis, may protektor na matataas na opisyal,” he said.

Honasan as the chairman on the committee on public order and drugs will head an inquiry on the current issues shrouding the brutal killings and the need for drastic measures to prevent the continual rise of crime in the country.

“Marami na ngayon ang natatakot iyong taga-Mindanao ayaw nang mag negosyo, kapag umabot na nang dilim, sa bahay nalang nag tatago. Can you imagine kapag nangyari yan dito sa Cebu? ‘the queen city of the south,’ Malaki ang impact niyan sa peace and order at sa ekonomiya,” said Honasan.

Honasan further said that whoever is responsible for the brutal murders have challenged not just the law enforcers but the government, the peace-loving citizens and the rest of the society.

Honasan however assured that they will practice utmost caution in their investigation, looking into all of the angles.

He added that he will urge the strengthening of the witness protection program that will entice citizens to act against threats to social stability.

With the rise of police-related crimes, Honasan also said he will push for the protection of trustworthy and honest policemen who expose anomalies within their ranks.

“Natatakot sila dahil kung minsan kasamahan nila, alam nila,” he added.

For ultimate communal success, Honasan believes good governance is needed, he further urged everyone to “go outside of their comfort zone” and support the government with all of its efforts to improve the country.

He asks Filipinos to give the administration of President Benigno Aquino III enough time to prove itself.

 “Let’s help him, magtulungan, start listing priorities, ang naglagay diyan na Filipino 50 million plus, pagbigyan natin wag tayong maubusan agad ng pasensya,” said Honasan. 

With several people power revolts already etched in our national consciousness, Honasan said we should not abuse “people power” anymore, this time he urges everyone to ignore personal intent and to have a unified goal of national growth. 

“Loyal tayo sa pamilya sa probinsya pero ‘yung loyalty natin sa Philippine Republic parang mas mahina…kailangang loyal tayo sa bansa, Pilipino tayong lahat, tapos kapag mapalakas natin ang bansa lahat mag-iimprove,” he said. (FREEMAN)