Security hype

About a month and a few weeks is left before Cebu dances off to one of the biggest celebrations for the year -- the Sinulog. The police have been very keen in making sure that all security measures are in place. They are planning to put signal jammers again to prevent those with bad intentions from communicating with each other. A deployment plan has been laid out to make sure all threats are eliminated.

But President Duterte just said that we are under a state of national emergency, especially with the "lawless elements" lurking in our neighboring provinces. The military already gave its word to focus on the insurgency in Negros Oriental and Samar. There is an ongoing investigation that terrorists might traverse to different provinces, including possibly Cebu.

When asked about possibility of the Sinulog being targeted by these lawless elements, authorities just brushed this off and said that they've got it all under control. Although we should always put our trust in our government forces are capable of keeping security intact, we should also not discount the fact that a threat is indeed present. That being said, we must also be vigilant.

Top officials of the Cebu City police office cried foul over several police officers who have been found not been doing their jobs right. Some were caught sleeping, playing and doing activities not in performance in their duty. Director Royina Garma is sure to bring them into disciplinary action; they may be dismissed from service if need be. Having alert policemen is the only thing we need right now amid the security threat we are facing.

But on the bright side, we could also address the situation by giving in to what the opposition needs and wants. They may be lacking of services that the government has been offering us. I don't think they would be mad for no reason. Ideology may be a reason for debate, but there might also be something else behind their anger towards the government.

Just like what the staff of “Ang Probinsyano” said, there is no misunderstanding that couldn't be ironed out. It is very simple but deep when you understand it. Had there been contentment in each of us of how this government is run, I bet there would be no lawless elements.

If you ask me, I also don't feel safe at all. I have friends who were part of the legal forefront of the leftist movement who might also be the target of the authorities. It pains me to know how we are of the same race but also race to kill one another because of ideas that aren't even tangible in the first place. I wish we can all come to an understanding, with peace and love.

My Christmas wish is for us to have a united Philippines. No need to speak of complicated security plans. Just pure enjoyment with whatever there is to celebrate.