Christmas in the Philippines is the holiday of all holiday seasons. Worldwide, the country is known to have the longest Christmas season, the “ber” season because it starts in September.
But how does one greet people a “merry” Christmas at a time when almost 80 percent of adult Filipinos fear that they would become victims of killings? This result of the latest Social Weather Stations survey is not at all surprising considering the huge number of murders that have happened because of this administration’s so-called “war against drugs.”
Many call these deaths extrajudicial killings (EJKs) but as far as I am concerned, these are plain murders. For as long as death penalty remains illegal, and deaths are not due to self-defense, killings are unjustifiable, and cannot be considered as judicial.
According to the same SWS survey, 80 percent of our people view EJKs as a serious issue and only 3 percent said that the issue is “not serious at all.” Moreover, 94 percent of the respondents consider it important that suspected drug offenders are caught alive. It stands to reason that the big majority of Filipinos want suspects to be subjected to due process and not summarily killed. For the people, it is important that the rule of law prevails.
The fear that prevails among the populace is not only understandable, it is expected. According to Rappler’s reports, for the period July 1 to December 23, there have been around 6,187 “war on drugs”—related killings. The number covers those from police operations and those killed by unknown assailants. 2,138 of the deaths involved police operations, and 4,049 were due to vigilante-style killings.
It cannot be ascertained how many of the deaths are collateral damage to this “war,” and how many are due to mistaken identity. Definitely however, some of the deaths are those of victims who had nothing to do with drugs including a four-year-old girl from Negros Oriental. President Duterte, in an interview in October said that children killed are collateral damage.
What is sure is that all the killed suspects did not have the opportunity to defend themselves in the Court of Law. After all, everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt. Technically therefore, all of the almost 6,200 deaths are those of innocents.
Very recently, in Laguna, two people were killed and others who were hit by stray bullets in what was dubbed as “Simbang Gabi” shooting. The crime happened near a church and those hurt were churchgoers. There are many other heartbreaking stories of innocent people getting killed.
No wonder, people are scared. Who would not be? Imagine going to church and getting killed.
The Philippine National Police has reported a decrease in the crime index BUT a big increase in murders. I, therefore, cannot understand how some politicians can conclude that people feel safer these days. They are so out of touch with people’s sentiments. They live in a different reality. They are busy trying to be on the good side of the president they forget that their mandate is to protect the Filipino people’s welfare. How blind can these politicians be?
To add insult to injury, PNP Chief Director General Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa recently said that the President is giving bonuses to police officials in the hundreds of thousands of pesos depending how many stars one has. While there was a statement that such bonuses would no longer push through, there were counter reports that some officials have already received theirs. I am not averse to giving legal incentives to the police for doing their job which is to enforce our laws. But in this case, if the bonuses are indeed released, what are these for? Is it for the thousands of suspected drug users and pushers they killed? Is this an incentive to kill more?
It is as if we are a nation of barbarians.
This Christmas season is a sad and scary one. What if someone dear to us who is out to celebrate the season becomes a collateral damage? What if a friend becomes a victim of mistaken identity? Government has not announced any cessation of police operations in this “war against drugs.” Instead, we hear the president issuing threats against those who oppose his “war” almost on a daily basis. He has threatened his critics, human rights advocates, lawyers defending suspected users or pushers, and lately, even government officials who he thinks are critical of his actions.
Really, who is safe? Who feels safe?
Even if one is not on any list, how does one party knowing that almost 6,200 families are grieving because of the loss of a loved one. It leaves a bad taste in the mouth. What about these victims’ children? How are they to celebrate the season of love and goodwill? Will they have a happy Christmas? Will they even be in the mood to celebrate?
Christmas in time of killings is a very difficult one.
I cannot wish people a “Merry Christmas.” Instead, let us all try to stay safe and let our “celebration” be a meaningful one. For Catholics, Christmas is supposed to be the celebration of the birth of the Savior. I wish everyone to be the savior of others. Be safe and try to help others stay safe as well. Be counted in the war against killings.
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