THE DAVAO City Police Office (DCPO) is launching its so-called proactive means of reducing crimes in the city, the “Operation Tuyok.” In English, “tuyok” means to roam.
And that is exactly what DCPO Director Col. Mannan Muarip intends to do – have his policemen conduct mobile operations all over the city. By “all over,” it means all areas within the jurisdiction of the Davao City government will be covered in the police operation.
There is no doubt that the idea is a noble one, and indeed it will result in either the prevention of crimes or arrest of suspects done immediately as the members of the police are expected to be able to respond in the fastest means. Or, they may be just within the area where a crime has been committed.
The question, however, is, “Does the DCPO have the manpower and other resources needed to effectively carry out ‘Operation Tuyok?’”
Say, do the local police operatives have enough vehicles to make the policemen mobile all the time? If the DCPO has the required number of vehicles, does the office have the necessary budgetary requirements to procure gasoline and other fuel products in order to keep the patrol vehicles mobile all the time?
If all these resources are not substantial, then the DCPO’s Operation Tuyok will only be a simple announcement of a measure that is hard to implement, even if this is one good assurance as an effective crime deterrent.
Meanwhile, the local government of Davao City may provide material, even financial support, for a police activity that will surely benefit not just the individual residents but also the population in general, who will be the first to enjoy it should the operation succeed.
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What is this report about the International Criminal Court (ICC) renewing its call for witnesses in its forthcoming trial of former Philippine President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s crime against humanity case?
More specifically, the ICC is calling on law enforcers who may have direct knowledge of how Duterte’s war on drugs was conducted, which resulted in the death of thousands. The ICC wants potential witnesses to get in touch with the court through its dedicated microsite intended solely for Duterte’s case.
If we are to be asked about our take on this development we would say that the international court is now starting to doubt the sufficiency of witnesses who are in its custody and disposal, or have committed to give the court the appropriate evidence to convict the former Philippine leader.
And assuming that there will be witnesses who are willing to testify, will the ICC allow them to make their testimonies via video calls? If not, who will foot their bills in going to The Hague to attend the hearing?
And is such a plea by the ICC for more witnesses to come out not an admission that the present witnesses and documentary evidence that it has are far from enough to convict Duterte?
Well, this possibility could be one reason for the supporters of the former President to celebrate. Yes, if the ICC has denied the petition of the Duterte defense team to have the former President released, even if temporarily, the ICC’s call for more witnesses is enough hint for a better chance of winning the case.
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Now what?
Ousted Negros Oriental Congressman Arnulfo Teves, who was charged with murder for the death of the late Governor Ruel Degamo of the same Province, was cleared of the crime by a Manila Regional Trial Court Judge.
So, all the so-called strong evidence against the former lawmaker and the legal dictum that “Flight of a suspect in a crime is evidence of guilt” were proven wrong by the trial judge?
What will happen? Will Teves be compensated for the months that he was to be serving as Congressman butwas prevented from doing so because of his ouster? In all likelihood, he will run again.
What about the crime of illegally possessing several heavy and high-powered firearms? Has it also been dismissed?
Now, who says there is no difference between a moneyed accused and one who belongs to the margin?
