By Negros News
The recent Pamplona massacre that claimed the lives of nine people, including Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo, has once again exposed the deep-rooted problems of violence, corruption and impunity in our society. While the authorities are still investigating the motive and mastermind behind this heinous crime, some have already pointed out the possible links to illegal activities such as drugs and gambling⁴⁶.
This is not surprising, given that these vices have been plaguing our country for decades, despite countless efforts by various sectors to eradicate them. Jueteng and e-sabong are everywhere and no big government officials, religious leaders or big-time media seriously fought against these criminalities despite billions of resources. Only the late Bishop Cruz criticized this illegal activity. The names of those involved cannot even be mentioned by the powerful people of these powerful institutions (government, church and media) because the persons involved are sacred to them? Syndicates exist. How many crimes are committed because of the money from illegal activities? How many died due to e-sabong and jueteng? How many mercenaries and nerve-trembling crimes are financed by gambling lords and drug lords?
And then solutions would be to spend public money, deploy elite men and use sophisticated weapons to guard and protect powerful government, religious and business leaders and their establishments, clear the area where they go. How about small-time and ordinary people? The fight and effort, the goal, should be to make the community safe for all, not to allow violence and injustice in the community, and protect the few from the violent world. Ideally.
The helpless people even prefer Tulfo as their protector, refuge and pillar of justice because they see no better institution that could help them⁴. And in the recent Pamplona massacre, many manifested their indignation but only Senator Tulfo had the balls to say- that until drug lords and gambling lords exist with their money this kind of crime will also exist.
This is a sad reflection of how far we have fallen from our ideals of democracy, human rights and rule of law. Until now no government no church no media or powerful institutions exist which truly work for true equality justice peace development for all for people Why? There are still many sacred cows favored groups which are untouchable or allowed to exist grow Private armed groups exist mostly in Luzon anf Mindanao even Visayas this is because there lot illegal money used finance them.
We need a radical change in our system that will address these root causes of violence corruption impunity We need leaders who have integrity courage vision who will not tolerate any form of evil who will uphold justice for all who will serve people not themselves We need citizens who will participate actively in governance who will demand accountability transparency who will resist oppression exploitation who will promote peace harmony We need institutions that will function effectively efficiently who will collaborate coordinate who will innovate reform who will empower educate
We cannot afford to lose more lives more hope more dignity We cannot let Pamplona massacre be another forgotten tragedy We must act now before it's too late.
Source: 08/03/2023(1) Remulla: Gov Degamo killing soon to be ‘closed case with mastermind identified’.
https://mb.com.ph/2023/03/08/remulla-gov-degamo-killing-soon-to-be-closed-case-with-mastermind-identified/ Accessed 08/03/2023.
(2) Degamo's widow believes husband's killer previously threatened the governor.
https://www.msn.com/en-ph/news/other/degamo-s-widow-believes-husband-s-killer-previously-threatened-the-governor/ar-AA18lFs9 Accessed 08/03/2023.
(3) 6 key developments on the shooting that killed Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo.
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1955088/cebu/local-news/6-key-developments-on-the-shooting-incident-that-killed-negros-oriental-governor-roel-degamo Accessed 08/03/2023.
(4) Siege of Pamplona (1813) - Wikipedia.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siege_of_Pamplona_(1813) Accessed 08/03/2023.
(5) Zubiri on Pamplona massacre: This is political terrorism.
https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/492326/zubiri-on-pamplona-massacre-this-is-political-terrorism Accessed 08/03/2023.
(6) Two ex-soldiers among three held over shooting of Philippine governor ....
https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2023/03/05/two-ex-soldiers-among-three-held-over-shooting-of-philippine-governor-and-marcos-ally-update Accessed 08/03/2023.
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