In a live interview over ABS-CBN Bicol Patrol last night P/Sr. Edwin Nemenzo, Naga City Police Director said that the killing of the late market superintendent Paco Ojeda was an isolated case. The next morning following that interview, a young nursing graduate from Guinobatan, Albay undergoing loyalty service at the Bicol Medical Center here in Naga was discovered dead inside her rented room obviously slain by still unidentified assailant.

        I think P/Sr. Supt. Nemenso should wake up to realities instead of dismissing the criminal incidents in this so called “Maogmang Lugar” as isolated incidents. For the truth is that with the rising crime incidents in Naga, it is generally felt that Naga has deteriorated to practically a “no man’s land.” While Naga’s Hizzoner Jesse M. Robredo has attained popularity nationally and even abroad, the city which he is supposed to govern and administer is fast attaining notoriety.

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        As a knee-jerk re-action to what is happening in Naga in terms of crime incidents Acting Mayor Gabby Bordado has proudly announced the passage by the Sangguniang Panlungsod of the appropriation of the sum on P700 million pesos for the purchase of motorcycles, high powered firearms and other equipment for use of the Naga Police District under Supt. Nemenzo and the elements of the Public Safety Office. Although belatedly, this is a welcome move. Kudos therefore, to the city Sanggunian for its fast and generous act.

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        In the issue of this paper last August 8, I expressed in no uncertain terms my views on the MOA creating the Bangsamoro Juridical Entity as an unconstitutional sell-out of a Philippine territorial domain. The issues of national broadsheets which came out the same day also carried reports of strong and vigorous oppositions from local government officials of Zamboanga, Cotabato and Iligan and their constituencies. The events of the following days showed mounting oppositions to the MOA which included even congressmen identified with the administration.

        Perhaps realizing the folly pushing thru with the MOA, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo back-tracked and Malacañang officials later announced the withdrawal of the MOA, notwithstanding the presence of known personalities which included no less than United States Ambassador Kenny and our own Foreign Affairs Secretary Roberto Romulo who would have witnessed the signing of the MOA in Malaysia.

        Unfazed, however, by the initial failure, President GMA and some Malacañang officials have found an excuse to ruse on Senator Aquilino Pimentel Sr.’s Resolution No. 10 proposing the creation of a federal form of government for the Philippines.

        Sensing that President GMA might ride on Resolution No. 10 to extend her term of office, Senator Pimentel announced that he is withdrawing his Resolution. Despite President GMA’s denial, no one seems to believe her anymore.

        Remember the boy who cried wolf?

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        As later events would prove, what’s happening in Mindanao right now is the best argument against the MOA.

QUOTATION OF THE WEEK:

        “Above all, to thine own self be true,

        And it must follow, as the night the

        Day, thou canst not then be false to

        Any man.”

From Shakepear’s
“Hamlet”

For our word of life:

        “Every kingdom divided against itself

        Will be laid waste and house will

        Fall against house.”

Luke 11:17