To survive

Last Friday night, a horrifying crime unfolded in Barangay Basak-San Nicolas. A college student was tragically shot in the head while attempting to resist a robbery. The assailant took the victim’s phone and money, leaving the young man dead, despite being in the company of his girlfriend who witnessed the entire ordeal. The victim’s family is now engulfed in grief, desperately seeking justice. In a chilling statement, the suspect claimed he committed this act out of necessity --to buy rice. While the truth of his words remains uncertain, it’s clear that the end does not justify the means.

This incident has cast a shadow of fear over potential visitors and newcomers to our city. As someone who prefers walking through our vibrant streets instead of dealing with the hassle of parking, I am worried. It raises a significant safety concern especially at night. It’s easy to blame the police and local authorities for failure to secure public spaces. However, the reality is more complex. The police and barangay officials have revamped their strategies, placing patrols in high-risk areas and formulating plans to combat crime. Unfortunately, like many public institutions, they face the persistent challenge of inadequate manpower in a densely-populated city.

Yet, we must not lose sight of the root causes of such violence. In an interview, the suspect justified his actions with his need to provide for his family. This need leads to a larger societal issue: poverty. While this problem has persisted for years, it’s crucial that our government implements stronger, more effective solutions. We must create opportunities that empower individuals, especially those without educational qualifications, to seek legitimate work rather than resort to crime for survival.

The temptation to take the easy, illegal route is often overwhelming for those in desperate situations. Thus, initiatives like cash-for-work programs and job training need to be prioritized. By ensuring that our most vulnerable citizens have access to legitimate means of income, we can work towards a future where crime is not seen as the only option for survival.

As we approach the holiday season, which attracts numerous tourists to our city, my concerns grow. With Christmas and the Fiesta Señor nearing, it’s crucial that we foster a safe environment for both locals and visitors. While new leadership in our police force brings hope for improvements, safety cannot rest solely on their shoulders. It requires a collective effort from our community to be vigilant and proactive.

To feel safe is also to make sure that we are not subjecting ourselves to threat. As it is now, we need future leaders who can address basic problems such as hunger and the need to survive. With the current economic climate, to survive is what we can do at most. The tragic events of last Friday serve as a reminder of the work that lies ahead. Let us push for changes that address the root causes of crime, ensuring that survival no longer comes at the cost of another life.