Nothing takes longer to heal than innocence shattered. It seems that the Boholanos' comfort zone has been irreversibly violated by the spate of crimes, petty and big. Miles away, I can almost feel the pall of fear that overcasts the land we all love. Browsing through this forum, I could discern that fear has gripped not only the residents and overseas Boholanos, but also the foreigners who have considered this their home.
There is nothing more numbing than fear. What is more frightening, however, is what fear does to us. It immobilizes us, makes us paranoid and feel powerless. I can feel it not only among the ordinary Boholanos, but also among those whom we've entrusted to safeguard our peace. Even as a neophyte here at TB, I have immediately felt this undercurrent of fear. If I were closer to the epicenter of this tremblor, I would perhaps get a better sense of why even the more levelheaded among us are verbally pelting officials and calling them names.
At the risk of being irreverent (since I am writing from the secure walls of one of the most peaceful cities in the world), I would like to invite Boholanos all over the world to put their heads together on what we can do pro-actively about the situation. We all want to go home one day, and the best time to prepare ourselves is now.
I am sure we are capable of being more that just the wait-and-see spectators or joining the tomato-pelting bandwagon. To rephrase JFK, "My fellow Boholanos, ask not what your country can do for you -- ask what can you do for your country." Was it Voltaire who said that "Evil triumphs because good men do nothing?"
So what do you think we can do? Those who live in places in Northern Europe, Japan, NZ, etc. where crime rates are known to be low, what security policies and laws are implemented or community activities undertaken that make your surroundings comparatively safe? Maybe some will work for us, some will not. But let's share our observations and personal experiences. There are people with decision-making powers here at TB. I believe they would appreciate constructive inputs. I am sure this is a better exercise that blame-throwing that only provides temporary catharsis but no long-term solution.
These lawless elements will have won the day if we concede to them by doing nothing.
Linkback:
https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=4299.0