Four likely motives behind the killings

In our moments of introspection we should ponder why there is a recent upsurge of killings these last few days. We should not just take the words of detractors, non-conformists and perennial activists who sow intrigues that these are moves to create a scenario justifying the declaration of Martial Law.

That is possible too, but highly improbable at this point in time. The recent assassinations of local executives are being used by the LP and other anti-administration psywar operators as propaganda against the Duterte administration. Well, maybe, but not really believable considering that the administration is still busy with the proposed Federalization Charter Change and the passage of the Bangsamoro Law.

Instead of those yellow-colored fake news, may I present some theories on the motives behind the killings. The first theory is that those killings were perpetrated by political rivals. The bloody elections next year are starting early. Victims Mayor Halili of Tanauan City, Mayor Bote of General Tinio, and Vice Mayor Lubigan of Trece Martires City, were all very popular among their constituents. Their prospective opponents might have thought there is no way to win against them. It is not farfetched to attribute such killings to politics.

The second theory is possible links to the drug war. When someone is killed in relation to the drug issue, we should not conclude it was sponsored by the government. There are many angles to consider. Maybe drug syndicates are cleansing ranks of their members who know too much. It may be because some drug lords felt the heat of the victims’ relentless drive against drugs. It may also be that some local policemen bypassed the chain of command and took matters into their own hands. Who knows? These are just theories.

The third theory is that the CPP/NPA/NDF did that over the scuttling of the peace talks. They want to embarrass the Duterte administration and show they are in control because they can kill in broad daylight and the authorities are helpless. These are psywar propaganda and the mayors were merely collateral damage. They were chosen because of their demonstrated vulnerability, were not careful with their own security arrangements, and opened themselves to risks.

The fourth theory is one I do not buy but include it in fairness to the opposition; the far-fetched theory of the yellow army, that the president is conditioning us prepare for Martial Law. Duterte has more brains than his detractors’ cheap strategists. He will not choose an option he might lose control of. He is tired and wants to rest in Davao. These killings are done by his enemies to shame him and show the nation he is not on top of the situation. These people just do not know. There is a fifth theory, and I cannot reveal it for now.