EDITORIAL - There may be more out there

Four people who allegedly offered abortion services are set to face charges in court.

The four, Joey Paulino Guirigay, Francisca Rebamonte, Gloria Dalogdog Gabutin, and Meryteissie Rural, were earlier arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation last April 29 in Talisay City.

How did they “advertise” their services to potential clients? They allegedly promoted what they could offer online, using the social media account of Guirigay, a computer programmer from Bohol.

These days it is so easy to find and buy anything online. Almost anything can be had from food to furniture, from plants to groceries, from books to gardening tools, and so much more.

This also includes paid services. Considering how the pandemic has limited how one can canvass one’s own neighborhood for services like minor home repairs, gardening, or transportation, the internet has become one big virtual marketplace where anyone can ask for a particular service or offer a specific set of skills.

And now, it seems, abortion is also one of the services that can be bought.

It seems many criminals or those who want to skirt the law have decided to go online to run their businesses. Not too long ago police suspected people who used drugs were now getting their supply not by the old way --visiting their dealer hanging out in the street corner to score a pack-- but by going online and placing an order.

The advantages of such a move by drug peddlers are obvious; communication becomes more convenient, delivery can be arranged to the satisfaction of both parties with little chance of interception by police, physical money doesn’t even have to change hands anymore. It is practically a dream for many criminals.

The arrest of the four is a small victory. Abortion isn’t just a certain medical procedure that is illegal and unsafe; it is also tantamount to murder.

But considering how many of those who want to avoid the law have decided to move their dealings online, there may be more people offering the same service --or perhaps something else even more sinister -- out there.