Next to the oft-quoted mantra “not to fight City Hall” is the dreaded underworld taboo not to tangle with the police, much less kill or shoot any of them.
Even the powerful Mafia then whose underworld tentacles once controlled the American netherworld economy, and even politics, had the unwritten rule of “omerta” on its members or hitmen who dared square off or sniped at a policeman.
To a certain extent, that gangland taboo is also true among the so-called seasoned Pinoy underworld denizens. They stress to their thugs not to prick unnecessarily the police pride, lest violating it would result in vengeance against them by the full force of all crimebusters.
However, just as there are rogue policemen, there are also rogue criminals who defy the underworld taboos or unwritten rules. Or perhaps, the new breed of felons now, are so daring and insolently brash and reckless as to pick a policeman for a victim.
The fatal case of Mandaue PNP SPO1 Pedro Sucion, as well as the wounding of PO2 Darius Conejos, is illustrative of such criminal brashness. Confessed killer Lauro “Jogro” Lumapas was in no time nabbed while in hiding in Day-as, Cebu City, and his sidekick Leo dela Victoria whom Jogro had implicated, was likewise arrested few days later in Linao, Talisay City. Another implicated suspect, a certain Rino Macasero voluntarily surrendered in Alcantara, Cebu through a broadcast journalist.
That it was a senseless derring-do by Lumapas, Dela Victoria, and a third suspect, that is, after robbing a taxi driver somewhere in the vicinity of CICC in Tipolo, Mandaue City is also illustrative of the shallow mindset of small-time criminals. To offset their puny minds, they resort to being trigger-quick. Lumapas’ claim of harboring grudge against Sucion for allegedly planting evidence that resulted in his repeated incarceration in the past, appears an afterthought. Even assuming that he had recognized Sucion as his purported object of vengeance, which is doubtful in the absence of adequate street lighting at the vicinity where they were flagged down, what about the wounding of PO2 Conejos?
If the victims were civilians, not policemen on the beat, could the Mandaue PNP have had exerted efficient, speedy, and concerted efforts to round up the criminals that fast and early? For that matter, are crimebusters anywhere else in the length and breadth of the country that efficient in cases of crimes victimizing persons outside their circle, or beyond the sphere of their “esprit de corps”?
In all likelihood, the answers are in the negative. In fact, many a felony victim don’t bother to report them anymore because of the perception that nothing positive would ensue. Besides, there have been reported instances that victims got frustrated because of the SOP would be that following-up a crime entails expenses, such as, gasoline for police vehicle, tips for whistle blowers, or so-called assets, and the like. Of course, there could be rare exceptions who plod along in pursuing leads or possible solution, but rarely.
It’s thus quite likely as in the SPO1 Sucion and PO2 Conejos case, that when law enforcers be so duty-minded or so self-motivated enough, they can be efficient and effective in catching criminals and solving crimes. For all we know, those who qualify under the honor of “The Finest” as the cream and elite of the crop, may constitute majority of the peace officers. And only a very few could be rogues or simply unmotivated misfits, or just calendar watchers biding their time awaiting their retirement.
And, to the decent, dedicated, and courageous peace officers who are true and loyal to their oath, they have to be recognized, honored, and awarded with proper commendations and rank promotions. But, definitely, giving cash rewards which is now becoming an SOP for performing their duties, could be another matter altogether.
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Email: lparadiangjr@yahoo.com