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