Evaluating the heist

It was supposedly a long weekend to look forward to, one that was free of any incident that was set to bother us in the next week. However, a group of individuals chose one bright Saturday to rob a pawnshop and jewelry store. They managed to do the heist in less than two minutes where passersby were unaware of what was happening inside. The crime was done spic and span, as they sped off to the south onboard motorcycles. CCTV footage showed how they escaped, transferred to another vehicle to conceal what they had just done.

Who would steal jewelry in broad daylight with the intimidation of high-powered firearms? I wish I could say who, but the authorities couldn't either. As of this writing, they are still doing hot pursuit operations to pin down those involved in this well-crafted crime. However, to my surprise, there were some loopholes in what transpired. For instance, there was an absence of a silent alarm. As far I know, businesses involving expensive items should have a silent alarm to immediately alert authorities. I also saw how loose their security was, especially considering that they were in the middle of the city.

I commend the authorities for their swift action on the incident, as it is a challenge to safeguard Cebu's security. Some of them have spent sleepless nights to go after the perpetrators, to hold them accountable and to retrieve the stolen loot. On the other hand, Cebu's media are abreast in covering the developments in these incidents. They are making sure that they comply with all guidelines set in reporting crime especially with the implementation of the Data Privacy Act. Some headlines may have been sensationalized, which is another point of evaluation. However, what is important is that modus like these are communicated to the public.

Should we fear our own safety after this? I'd say that this is an isolated incident but a reason not to let our guards down. There is really no place to call safe. In my years of experience in covering the defense beat, there is always an element of threat. Security is a factor that should always be involved in planning. That being said, we also owe it to ourselves to keep watch over everything we possess.

The heist is also a symbol that need breeds greed. It could be safe to presume that the criminals wanted money so badly, that they would risk their lives just to get a huge amount in a short amount of time. These basic needs should be addressed by our government. We are living in a time where money is scarce and our salary can only pay so much. With Christmas time looming, and the urge to place something more than the usual on our tables is imminent, money is needed. We should demand a better life from our leaders, one where those below the economic chain would not have to steal or beg. Those promises must be fulfilled.