Treading ever so lightly

“I’m sorry for the loss of lives, hindi naman natin ginusto ‘yan. The country where these guys come from should understand that we have laws to follow.” This heartfelt apology was clearly directed at China after four mainland Chinese drug dealers were killed by law enforcers in an apparent shootout in Zambales. They were caught smuggling ?3.4 billion worth of shabu into the country that could have brought untold death and suffering to so many of our people. I wonder if the operatives were wearing body cams as directed by PNP Chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar? Hopefully, there is a video of the incident, but I'm not holding my breath.

Did he ever offer an apology for the thousands killed in his bloody Oplan Tokhang, where those killed supposedly had a few packets of illegal drugs, or for anyone killed by the police for allegedly resisting and shooting it out? No. He even relished the fact they were killed. These four Chinese bring in 500 kilos of shabu into the country and he offers an apology? Five hundred kilos.

I'm glad the police operatives were able to intercept these criminals. Although I believe many Chinese involved in the drug trade have been successful in bringing in drugs because of our porous borders. I have a good mind to believe they are in cahoots with some officials at our ports of entry to be able to bring in that large amount of drugs. The PNP must look into this. The incident of the empty magnetic lifters in 2018 comes to mind. What has happened to the cases filed against those allegedly involved in the crime? Did Duterte lash out at the Chinese-owned companies allegedly involved in bringing in the lifters? I don't think so.

This is how it is. Wherever China is involved, this administration should placate, appease, and tread ever so lightly. It doesn't matter if billions of pesos in drugs or COVID-19 enter the country from China. Do you recall that statement from DOH Secretary Duque not to ban the entry of mainland Chinese when COVID-19 was just starting to spread due to repercussions? When Filipinos are caught with illegal drugs in other countries and sentenced to death, do their leaders offer apologies?

These four Chinese swiftly received the justice of the country. If Duterte's supposed rage against illegal drugs is to be believed, then he should have turned ballistic against these four Chinese and sternly warned others planning to do the same. He should have sent the message the Philippines is not the illegal drug dumping ground of China. He has been enraged by less, particularly against his perceived enemies who have nothing to do with illegal drugs.