Demanding answers

Some things are just beyond belief and comprehension. A van stalls on Katipunan Avenue in Quezon City. As the van was being attended, Jose Maria Abaya, son of a former Philippine Constabulary general, is having a snack adjacent to where the van stalled. But apparently, his mind was already creating scenarios. As he leaves the place where he ate, the van also starts and moves along. His flawed mind taking over, Abaya is convinced that the van was following him and that the occupants were there to take him back to rehab. His mind also convinces him that the passengers are armed, with long firearms even.

He then stops in front of the van, pulls out a pistol, and starts emptying it into the vehicle. After the salvo, three passengers are hit. A female was hit on the head and dies immediately. Two men are hit and brought to a hospital. One of the men has already died, while the other will survive. The shooter surrenders to the police and tells his story, with no remorse at all. My goodness. 

Obviously, with his fear of being brought to rehab, we can assume he is a drug user. It turns out, this man already has a previous case of homicide, where in 2012 he allegedly killed a security guard at the rehab center where he was resisting being taken. Regrettably, the case was dismissed. I wonder why? So for three years, he was roaming the streets free as a bird. Or maybe a cuckoo is more appropriate. So because he was set free, with a history of drug use, and the owner of at least two firearms, he kills again.

Why is this man even free? Why was he allowed to be given licenses to own at least two firearms, even with a history of drug use, and a homicide case? Who issued the licenses? Does his being the son of a former general have everything to do with it? Does he have all the connections in the country? Now, two innocent people who were just trying to get home, are dead because this man roamed the city.

We now know that the gun he used to kill the two people was not even his. It is registered to someone else. Did he borrow the gun? Did the owner lend the gun? Would you lend your gun to a known drug user? Did the registered owner already sell the gun? Did he steal the gun? The owner has lots to explain as well.

There are just so many questions that demand, yes, demand answers. The families that lost loved ones to a senseless killing by an obviously deranged, armed man, demand answers aside from justice. Will this man be able to wriggle out of two murders once again? Will individuals once again step up and influence this case? This man does not deserve to roam the streets, ever. Authorities should step up to make sure. The government should make absolutely sure.