Pubdate: Wed, 13 Jul 2016
Source: Philippine Star (Philippines)
Copyright: PhilSTAR Daily Inc. 2016
Contact:  http://www.philstar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/622
Author: Cito Beltran

SHOUT FIRST - CONGRESSIONAL INVESTIGATION LATER

When Mexico declared an all out war on drug cartels and drug dealers, 
they had a real war on their hands. Thousands, not just hundreds of 
Mexican citizens and criminals were slaughtered and the killings 
continue to this day because the drug cartels are not willing to give 
up the illegal trade. In the Philippines, if the situation is as bad 
as authorities have said: 80 percent of barangays infiltrated by drug 
dealers - approximately 2 million +/- drug users - and a billion 
dollar industry, then "You ain't seen nothing yet!"

We are shocked because for the first time we have a nationwide 
crackdown on drugs and are only now hearing of criminals shooting at, 
or fighting back against the police everyday. Let us not forget the 
countless police stories on TV where the cops could never come close 
enough to grab their main targets in drug raids because the 
neighborhoods were wired with CCTV cameras, spotters and look outs as 
well as fortified houses similar to Mexico and Rio.

In the New Normal of the Philippines, it may be unwise for certain 
politicians and lobby groups and NGOs to make statements or 
suggestions that can get in the way of the Duterte Administration 
from doing its job. Unlike past administrations and leaders, the new 
Sheriff and his posse gets in the face of critics and turns the tables on them.

President Duterte's style of expression and communication as well as 
encouragement has influenced the police to act and the people to 
speak out and take a stand on issues and politicians. They don't 
suffer fools or hypocritical political correctness and their rule is 
simple: "You are either for us or against us."

The big mistake or erroneous moves of "well-meaning" individuals such 
as Senator Leila de Lima, Congressman Lito Atienza and officials of 
the Commission on Human Rights, and the VACC is that they have taken 
the issue to media or allowed themselves to be manipulated by media 
instead of sticking to "official channels" (inter-agency) and keeping 
things as "official business." As part of the government it is unwise 
to shoot first with your mouth and ask questions later at the Senate. 
Due to context and content public information can easily turn into 
political agenda. At the very least do the homework, do the numbers 
and build up your case not your trust ratings or public recognition 
for your agency or NGO.

Those calling for a congressional investigation on the alleged 
"summary executions" of drug pushers should first present evidence or 
something beyond reasonable doubt, or actual proposed legislation and 
not mere media speculations or allegations. As another Senator put 
it: "What new laws can we come up with that would justify a Senate 
investigation in aid of legislation?" The statement rings true since 
the argument against law and order in the Philippines is that we have 
more than enough laws but not enough law enforcement.

One reason why media and critics are focusing on "the killings" is 
due to the fact that nothing bigger or more interesting has been on 
the news radar or list of activities under the new administration. 
After a week of presidential speeches, there are no big stories and 
people are getting used to stories of drug dealers getting killed.

Congress should have a higher standard than media stories or a 
Senator's personal privilege or speculation. Enough of the witch 
hunts and expeditions to find a reason or a cause. Put an end to 
partisan politics that ends up with bashing civil servants, the 
police or the armed forces "in aid of legislation." Under the New 
Normal the public demands a mature, responsible and transparent Congress.

* * *

At a glance, there are two if not three types of drug-related 
"killings" that have happened and featured prominently by media. The 
first are those involving encounters with legitimate law enforcers 
conducting legitimate police business such as serving warrants of 
arrests, buy-bust operations, check points, and serving notice to 
known or suspected drug dealers and drug users in the community, the 
latest being an ex-cop turned drug pusher. The second type of 
"killing" are those involving victims of salvaging of known drug 
dealers connected with jail gangs and often with long police records. 
These types could be victims of the competition, victims of their own 
gangs suspected of being informants or scammers, or killed by 
suppliers afraid of being pinpointed, or killed by Vigilantes.

In the case of the police officer painted to be a drug dealer and 
liquidated, he could have been a dirty cop killed by vigilantes or he 
may have also been a clean cop killed by drug dealers. The third 
category and least number are those who died in police custody that 
stands at two counts.

In most cases involving category 1, relatives such as mothers, wives 
and even neighbors do not contest the criminal conduct or involvement 
of the victims. Several mothers have actually said on TV that they 
tried to intervene but their kin simply would not stop using and 
selling drugs. Unlike the thousands of users who have surrendered, 
those in category 1 have held out or resisted arrest and reportedly 
shot at the police.

Critics have also overlooked that there are millions of Filipinos who 
want the drug dealers out of business  dead or alive. They have no 
political parties just family members who have suffered or been 
victimized by drugs or drug users and they will surely let their 
sentiments be known. Under the New Normal, people want more action 
and are fed up with words. You "show the people" and not "tell the people."

Enough of media people and reporters stirring things up or 
engineering issues even before proper investigations and reports have 
been filed by authorities. Enough of kulang sa pansin politicians and 
organizations, who take advantage of theories and controversies just 
to get airtime, look good or authoritative on TV and radio but have 
no legitimate expertise or qualification to be a "resource person" 
except their availability to be interviewed.

In the "New Normal" we are either part of the solution or we are part 
of the problem.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom