I often involve myself in Current Events discussions, whether done inside the classroom, on dorm lobbies or at the dinner table. I make it a point to be aware of what is happening in my side of the world. I have always exercised free speech when it comes to issues of the society. I am vocal of my stand. But sometimes, knowing and speaking too much could be dangerous.

Last May 22, 2008, PNP surprised us of their ‘progress’ in the RCBC Robbery after shooting 4 people in Tanauan, Batangas. I remember very well how they described it as a ’shootout’ that occurred between the Task Force RCBC and their alleged suspects of the said crime. Oh, come on! There was no exchange of bullets, for crying out loud. It was a rub out, an out-and-out execution, so to speak. (Details here) This brutally harsh incident leads me to hastily assume that it was a cover up. I believe that the tagged suspects in the successful robbery of RCBC in Cabuyao, Laguna were killed because they knew too much. And so, there was a need to eliminate the chances of them to speak out.

This kind of ‘drama’ is not new at all. Looking back, you would see that there have been more savage cases of killings than this, all of which have been abruptly dismissed and forgotten due to lack of evidence. We do know that there is always something bigger, more explosive in crimes handled by our police. (The exact words of Ms. Abby) Most, if not all, of our ‘law-enforcing, crime-preventing’ civil force have always done a great job to take this so-called justice into their ruthless hands. (Just because the police are responsible of such acts, does this mean they are impune of the possible legal ramifications that their act entails? Is axing them out of duty enough? Just a thought.)

It’s both sad and alarming to know that the people who should be protecting us are actually the ones most probable of harming us. With all these happening to my motherland, I wouldn’t dare put my trust on them. Because from where I am standing right now, with the police in the picture; justice is horrible, horrendous and horrifying.

In the words of Ricardo Javier, the brother of one of the gunned-down men, “It is no longer safe nowadays. You are being killed inside the comfort of your house. And worse, by policemen,”