MY brothers and sisters, “life has become so cheap.”
This is a message from House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo after the murder of her fellow congressman, Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Rodel Batocabe, found having been killed by a riding-in-tandem two days before Christmas in Albay.
And within only two weeks, the police were able to capture the six suspects involved in the murder. Immediately then, a subpoena was delivered to the accused mastermind, Mayor Carlwyn Baldo of Daraga, Albay. According to the authorities, the confession from one of the gunmen who surrendered was a big help to the investigation. They added that politics was the motive; particularly, Mr. Batocabe would be running this coming election, becoming the opposing candidate for Mayor Baldo. The mayor denied these accusations. The investigation is still ongoing to fully know the truth and give justice to the fallen congressman.
The fast action of the police to put the suspects to justice is something new. They became scared after the forceful order of President Duterte to solve the case immediately. There is also a P50-million reward for anyone who will point out the mind behind the crime. Along with this is the political pressure from the heart-rending message from Speaker Arroyo.
What if this is the sort of aggression of the President as well as the Congress in solving close to 23,000 death under inquiry cases, or DUI, recorded by the Philippine National Police from July 2016 until May 2018? Within this period when the Batocabe case was solved, 33 people were reportedly found dead. Many of these cases were related to the government’s campaign against illegal drugs. According to the PNP, from October 2017 until May 2018, around four people die each day from riding-in-tandem related cases, much like what happened to Mr. Batocabe.
It is saddening that the life of the people of this country has “become so cheap.” The foundation of the important teachings of the Church is the sacredness of the life of man, and we believe as Christians that it is never right to commit murder. The greatest sacrilege to the good ways of God for us all is murder or committing murder. There is no acceptable reason—whether political or for the safety of the people—for us to take the lives of our fellowmen. It is also absurd to believe that the essence of humanity of drug addicts, pushers or anyone not abiding by the law is reduced.
The lack of justice is worsening with the continuing rise of the culture of cruelty and murder in our country. We see this in the case of Mr. Batocabe along with the 23,000 Filipinos murdered without true reason. On one hand, we are pleased with the fast action taken in the case of the murdered congressman. On the other hand, the action of the ones appointed to give justice to the thousands of Filipinos denied of the proper process of law is scarce. Most of these people come from the poor—no position in government, no connections, not even a say in society. However, this does not erase the truth that their dignity is no different from that of a congressman’s.
We are also taught by societal teachings of the Church that justice is at the heart of what is right for our fellowmen. Ergo, if the government will not hold itself liable for those behind the killings because of the war against drugs, it becomes an instrument to the absence of justice and rights.
Brothers and sisters, we are part of those calling for justice for Mr. Batocabe. But we must all call for justice, especially to our leaders, for the thousands wanted and let murdered by those in power and their allies. Justice and rights are meant for all. Everyone’s life is significant.
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