THERE is a looming breakdown of peace and order throughout the country, if the number of ambushes, shooting incidents and political killings is any indication. We began the year with the weeks-long investigation on the gruesome ambush-murder of radio broadcaster-columnist Percy Lapid in Las Piñas in October 2022.
Consider these recent cases: Vice Mayor Rommel Alameda of Aparri, Cagayan and five others were ambushed by gunmen wearing police uniforms on Sunday morning, February 19.
A former cockpit security guard who turned to driving a tricycle was gunned down in Zamboanga City on February 22
A couple and their companion were shot dead in an ambush in Pasay City on February 2
Four policemen were killed while Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal Adiong and two others were wounded in a roadside ambush in Maguing town, Lanao del Sur, on February 17. The area was reportedly controlled by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
‘More political killings and murders connected with gambling are expected to occur as the nation prepares for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections this October, with the filing of candidacy in July.’
While we all might be desensitized by murders because of politics and illegal drugs trade, killings involving gambling — both legal and illegal — are now becoming rampant.
The latest in the tally was Rizia Mae Pardillo, an agent of the small town lottery (STL), who was gunned down outside her shop in Cotabato City earlier this month. Pardillo, 24, sustained a bullet from a 9-mm pistol fired by a lone gunman in front of an STL outlet on Malagapas Street, Rosary Heights 10 in Cotabato City.
Police investigators reported that Pardillo’s killing could be the work of an illegal gambling operator whose operation was being affected by the STL. Sources in Cotabato City said that the operation of the legal STL is taking a toll on the revenues of the businessmen operating the various illegal numbers games. It could be that the gambling lords are sending a sinister message to the government and their private STL partners: that they are not to be touched.
These developments beg the question: What is the Philippine National Police (PNP) doing to solve the ongoing cases, and to prevent the occurrence of similar crimes?
The laudable policy of former President Rodrigo Duterte to increase the salaries and allowances of policemen along with incentives and privileges was incentive enough for our policemen to do their job well. More so today when President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has vowed to continue with this caring policy for our cops.
More political killings and murders connected with gambling are expected to occur as the nation prepares for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections this October, with the filing of candidacy in July.
We hope the PNP can deliver a better job this time, now that they have more time to prepare.
