Politics and Cebu’s peace and order

The broad daylight armed robbery of the two jewelry stores in the most crowded area in Cebu City last week highlights the need to reassess the peace and order situation of the city. The incident was so well planned and well executed that in less than one minute, the robbery of the two establishments was consummated.

Because the local election is fast approaching, it must challenge those who are running for public office to address in their platforms the public solid perception that illegal drugs and crime are back. They must do something to prevent such incidents from happening in a very highly-urbanized city.

I have always said that all the ordinary people want is a peaceful environment. Workers report to work and go back home exhausted just want to close their eyes and rest their backs as they are seated inside a jeepney or bus free from the probability of being robbed. Students, alternately dreadful and hopeful about what the future holds for them, just want to be safe on their way to school and back home or to their boarding houses.

This is one of the reasons why some people keep on emphasizing how they miss former president Rody Roa Duterte on the aspect of maintaining peace and order. Read the many comments online, and you will see how the public longs for his brand of leadership. Although there are other aspects of governance where some do not like his style also.

The public’s continued support for the Dutertes should teach those who wish to get elected in 2024 a lesson or two: that the people want strong leadership that will be unforgiving against drugs and crime.

The people have long dismissed this “new strategy” (whatever that means) hype in dealing with illegal drugs and crimes. Press releases do not solve problems. Concrete actions do. They saw with their own eyes during Duterte’s leadership what actually worked, which was to put fear in the hearts of the drug lords, pushers, protectors, and criminals. However, there are those who do not like such a style also.

Locally, the voters of Cebu City push those who aspire to lead the city to take a stronger stand against drugs and criminality. They must all present to the voters a clear roadmap in solving the problem. People are tired of slogans and motherhood statements.

As of this writing, one suspect in the robbery has been arrested. Getaway vehicles have been recovered. Authorities identified the robbers as the Parojinog group, also known as the Kuratong Baleleng, a long-time notorious group based in Mindanao. Four of them are from Mindanao, and the rest are local contacts.

I commend our police officers for their tireless efforts. May this crime be solved sooner to send a message to criminals that crime does not pay.

On a positive note, we are thankful that no innocent civilian was killed when the robbery occurred.

Criminality should be decisively crushed. There should be no ifs and buts about that.