FILE

The brutal murder of Chinese businessman Congyuan Guo, known as Anson Tan and his driver, has sent a chilling message about the current state of lawlessness in the Philippines.

This heinous act not only underscores the growing threat posed by criminal syndicates but also highlights the collapse of the very systems designed to protect citizens, as it appears the perpetrators are operating with impunity.

In the wake of this tragedy, several other criminal activities are contributing to the growing sense of fear and insecurity in the country.

A 14-year-old Chinese boy was kidnapped in Parañaque City in February, and just weeks later, a student from the British School Manila and their family driver were abducted in a highly publicized case.

As if this were not enough, reports have surfaced indicating that arrested foreign criminals connected to Philippine offshore gaming operations (POGOs) are spiriting away suspects involved in these illegal activities.

A particularly alarming case in Las Piñas, where eight policemen from the Eastern Police District were caught allegedly robbing Chinese traders, further undermines public confidence in law enforcement.

Despite the gravity of these issues, PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Marbil recently claimed that social media is to blame for the "impression" that crimes in the country are worsening.

According to Marbil, crime rates have declined by 26.76 percent since January 1, 2025, based on the data from the PNP.

However, with all due respect to the PNP chief, these are not mere impressions, these are the stark realities that the Filipino people are living with.

The dead bodies, the kidnapped children, the exploited victims, and the frightened communities speak volumes louder than any statistics.

The public is well aware of the rise in criminality, and they are seeing and feeling the consequences every day.

These are not just numbers to be debated in a press release, but lives that have been lost, families shattered, and communities terrorized.

To dismiss the growing concerns as a matter of public perception is an insult to those directly impacted by this wave of violence.

And as for the Palace mouthpieces who seem obsessed with dragging former President Duterte’s name into every conversation, perhaps it’s time to put the “Duterte playbook” to rest. The people are no longer interested in recycled political narratives.

What they want are answers.

Are we still safe in our own homes? What concrete steps is the government taking to protect us from kidnappers, criminal syndicates, and rogue police officers?

Instead of focusing on political narratives and deflecting blame, the Palace needs to outline clear, actionable steps to ensure the safety of every Filipino.

Moreover, the PNP's usual practice of relieving officials just to control the narrative and create the illusion that something is being done must stop.

The Filipinos are no longer fooled by such tactics. Simply shifting blame or replacing officials without addressing the root causes of the problems only creates more confusion and adds to the lack of accountability.

It is worth remembering a time when the PNP was respected and trusted by the public.

Under former PNP Chief and later Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, the police force was purged of corruption, and discipline was restored. Crime rates dropped, and criminals feared the law.

Now, the situation is dire, with lawlessness seemingly rampant.

Moreover, the rise in crime is particularly concerning as we approach the May 2025 election . There is growing speculation, though not confirmed, that some of these kidnappings and robberies may be linked to efforts to raise funds for political campaigns.

Whether or not this theory holds water, the suggestion alone damages the credibility of the government.

The business community, too, is increasingly worried. Who would invest in a country where foreign nationals and children are being kidnapped in broad daylight, and where business owners are robbed by corrupt police officers? This could have a devastating impact on the economy.

In the 1990s, kidnapping especially of ethnic Chinese, rose to alarming levels, creating a sense of widespread insecurity.

Now, history seems to be repeating itself, as we witness similar patterns of criminality resurfacing. This is no longer just an issue of policing; it is a governance crisis.

The PNP must urgently prioritize cleaning up its ranks, ensuring that officers guilty of criminal activities are swiftly and severely punished.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) must take decisive action to implement meaningful reforms within the police force.

Congress must also stop fixating on impeachment and focus on enacting laws that address the root causes of crime.

The fixation on impeaching Vice President Sara Duterte will not solve the rising tide of criminality nor make our streets safer.

Congress should prioritize passing legislation to strengthen our criminal justice system. The safety and well-being of the Filipino people should be at the forefront of legislative action.

The public must stand together in this fight for safety. Civil society, business groups, and religious organizations should speak out against the growing criminality. Silence only empowers those who profit from fear and violence.

The Filipino people deserve more than just political theater. We deserve a government that will step up, take action, and ensure their safety, not one that clings to the past while the country spirals into chaos.

The clock is ticking, and the public is running out of patience.

Ed Javier

Ed Javier is a veteran communicator with over 34 years of professional experience both in the private and public sectors. He is also an entrepreneur, political analyst, newspaper columnist, broadcast and on-line journalist.