City councilor says: Crime statistics not sole basis for peace

CEBU, Philippines — The discovery of remains believed to be those of missing 24-year-old Isaac Virgil Viernes underscores the need for justice, accountability, and stronger peace and order efforts in Cebu City, Councilor Paul Labra said.

In a privilege speech delivered before the City Council, Labra, chairman of the Committee on Public Order, said peace and order should not be judged solely by crime statistics but by whether residents feel safe and confident that the law will protect them.

“Having served in the Philippine National Police, I have come to understand that peace and order cannot be measured by crime statistics alone,” Labra said.

“They are measured by whether our people feel safe in their homes, whether parents can send their children to go out into the streets of the city without constant fear, and whether every Cebuano can trust that the law will protect them when they need it most,” he said.

The councilor made the remarks following the discovery on October 19 of skeletal remains believed to be those of Viernes, who had been reported missing since October 7.

“Peace is not just a promise we make to the people; it is a sense of security they must be able to feel in their everyday lives,” he said.

“That is why the circumstances surrounding Isaac's discovery are deeply disturbing. Reports indicate that the remains were found beneath cement, mud, and other materials, raising serious concerns about the circumstances surrounding the case.”

“This demands a thorough and impartial investigation to establish what happened and determine who may be responsible,” he added.

Labra described the case as heartbreaking, noting that Viernes was “someone's son” whose life and future “should have been his to live.”

“To Isaac's family, we extend our deepest condolences. Please know that your loss matters to us. Your son's life matters to this city, and we stand with you in the call for truth, accountability, and justice,” he said.

The councilor also echoed the earlier call of Mayor Nestor Archival for a swift and thorough investigation and for those responsible to be brought to justice.

“I urge the Cebu City Police Office, under Police Colonel Ricky Sumalde, to pursue every credible lead, carefully examine all available evidence, and establish the circumstances surrounding Isaac's disappearance and the discovery of the remains,” Labra said.

“We ask our men and women in uniform to give this case the urgency and diligence it deserves while ensuring that the investigation remains impartial and that those responsible, if identified and supported by sufficient evidence, are held accountable under the law,” he added.

Labra likewise appealed to anyone who may have information about Viernes' disappearance to cooperate with authorities. He said even seemingly insignificant details could prove crucial in establishing the truth.

He added that the city must focus on preventing similar incidents by strengthening coordination between barangays and law enforcement agencies, encouraging the reporting of suspicious activities and promoting vigilance within communities.

“What makes this case particularly troubling is not only the reported brutality it involved, but the fact that this happened here in our own city, the very city we are entrusted to serve and protect,” he said.

“As public servants, we owe the Cebuanos more than expressions of sympathy. We owe them action. We owe them accountability. We owe them the assurance that when a life is lost under such disturbing circumstances, their government will not turn away, but will stand with them in the pursuit of truth and justice.”

Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña, who presided over the session, thanked Labra for bringing the matter before the City Council and echoed his concerns about public safety.

“It's a reminder that criminality is not a statistic,” Osmeña said. “And we hope that with the death of Isaac, this would prove the vigilance and our determination to make our city safer.”

Earlier, Archival condemned the killing of Viernes and directed the city police to expedite its investigation.

The mayor also met with Viernes' mother, Jenny, on October 20 to convey his condolences and assure the family of the city's support in their pursuit of justice.

Meanwhile, the CCPO, led by Sumalde, said a composite team of investigators continues to conduct a thorough investigation.

Authorities assured the public that all available leads and evidence are being pursued to identify those responsible and hold them accountable. — /MRM (FREEMAN)