The Emergence of Random Violence

A couple of months ago, two twelve-year-olds from Ilocos Sur raped their seven-year-old playmate and claimed that they were unaware of what they did as they were heavily intoxicated with liquor.

Last November, four men ganged up and killed George Anikow, a foreign national, after an altercation in Bel-Air. On January 4, Ronald Bae, purportedly under the influence of drugs, randomly opened fire in Kawit, Cavite leaving eight people dead and 12 others wounded.  

In Davao last week, a six-year-old girl was raped by her 18-year-old brother who was under the influence of drugs.  Just a few days ago, a cab driver in Manila was shot in a road rage where the gunmen fled off.

Crime and violence is not an unfamiliar story with dozens of crimes across the nation being reported daily. What is more alarming now is the increase in random acts of violence mostly perpetrated by drug-crazed individuals.  Even more disturbing is that a number of these perpetrators are minors who cannot be penalized.

Are we in need now of gun slinging constables in Silverbelly Cowboy Hats to patrol our streets and keep it safe from criminals?

The Philippine National Police, admittedly lacking in appropriate number of law enforcers, has called citizens to be more vigilant especially at night when criminals carry out their misdeeds. 

However, they should also carry out more stringent ways in eradicating drug trafficking which are more often what gives these criminals the gall to perform such violent acts.