All boils down to character
The military has resorted to locking up uninhabited houses in Marawi, in an effort to prevent looting, and to indicate that the houses are clear of militants. There have been instances of looting by unscrupulous individuals taking advantage of the situation. Two suspected looters were arrested by the police as they were caught carrying stereo systems and a TV. The military also vehemently denies that soldiers were involved in the looting of houses and establishments. I can understand their frustration as having to even deny these accusations, considering what they are sacrificing to keep this country free.
This is really one thing I would rather not see. It's not enough that the residents of Marawi had to leave their houses because of the fighting. Now they might return to a ransacked house, if they even have a house to return to. Many homes have been damaged in the fighting and from airstrikes. I'm all for a "shoot-to-kill" order from the PNP or from the president himself, in order to prevent looters and opportunistic vermin.
We saw this kind of situation the morning after typhoon Yolanda hit Tacloban. People forcefully entered malls and stores and took whatever they could, some even smiling for the cameras. Practically anything not bolted to the floor was taken. I would have understood it if food, water, clothing, and medicines were taken. But appliances, tires, toys, and many more were just whisked away. Authorities could do nothing. Establishment owners could do nothing. The media simply covered the looting. Now, there are reports that some victims of the Resorts World Manila tragedy were also robbed of their belongings.
This seems to be the norm. In times of crisis or calamity, there are those who do not have any qualms about taking what is not theirs. While we do see the good in people, we also see the worst. This kind of behavior shows the disunity of many Filipinos. Instead of helping each other out, they would rather take advantage of the situation in the absence of authority. Even if there were procedures and rules in place, it all boils down to the character of the person. A smidgeon of a bad gene will eventually manifest in times of crisis.
- Latest
