EDITORIAL - Marlons, Angyls, and Kristiannes

Given its status as a metropolis, Cebu City sees its share of petty crimes. Usually those who witness such crimes don’t get involved because they aren’t trained to do so, fear for their own safety, or other similarly practical reasons. However, every once in a while someone rises to the occasion to help someone who became a victim of such a crime.

This happened last May 24 after a snatcher grabbed a person’s bag along Leon Kilat Street then ran off with it. A motorcycle rider for a ridesharing company saw what happened and tailed the robber to Colon Street where he was able to apprehend him.

The victim’s belongings were recovered and the robber arrested.

The police rewarded the rider who was only identified as “Marlon” for his own safety.

“Kami mapasalamaton tungod kay adunay mga tao nga andam ipakita ang ilahang katakos, ang ilahang kaisog para lang makatabang para sa kasulbaran pud sa may naay crime incidents makatabang sa atoang peace and order situation sa Siyudad sa Sugbo,” said Cebu City Police Office director, Police Colonel Ireneo Dalogdog, who also rewarded Marlon with a plaque of recognition and a cash reward.

We need more Marlons in Cebu City. By this we don’t necessarily mean people who will valiantly go after thieves, tackle them to the ground, and hold them there until police arrive --although we certainly wouldn’t mind seeing more of those-- but those who are selflessly willing to go above and beyond to help others whenever and in whatever form they need it.

Just last February, three Nursing students were commended for coming to the aid of a mango vendor who had been inflicted a life-threatening injury by her jealous lover. This became big news and the students who saved her life were rewarded a scholarship by their school.

Notwithstanding petty crimes that are common in major metropolises, if more Marlons, Angyls, Kristiannes, and other such people willing to help emerge when people need them then Cebu may be on the track to becoming the model city we want it to be.