Res Gestae
'Big Bang' revelations
Days following the publication of my article "Politics versus Police Operational Procedure" (TNT, July 11-13, 2008) my mobile phone was running out of spaces for messages from readers who were reacting at (read: commending) my boldness in tackling the issue involving a 'powerful' clan in Sara, Iloilo.
Well, it was not I who referred to Salcedos as 'powerful' clan; the texters did. I simply referred them as 'political' clan. By political clan, I could sometimes mean a brood politically-minded people who make politics as a means of livelihood instead of it being a source of obligation towards the electorate. The connotation may apply to the Salcedos or it may not. And, only the 'Saraons' or 'Saranhons', whichever they call themselves, are in best position to judge whichever is appropriate.
Though the text messages were countless, I was more interested with an email I received from one who claimed as a 'Saraon' himself, JS. His message has really caught my attention because it was not a mere 'congratulations'; it was a 'big bang' revelation.
Yes, 'big bang' because while in 'Politics versus Police Operational Procedure' I did not make any accusation against the Salcedos, neither did I come in rescue of Police Chief Inspector Leroy Rapiz. The article was but an objective and logical reasoning based on accounts from a news report and police doctrines.
Well, what was this 'big bang' that JS sent me? JS said Aspera's accusations against Rapiz were but lame defenses for his master. He called the master 'King Tuli'. I don't have any hint who the man is. Have you?
By the way, I learned from JS that a Tagalog connotation of a 'lapdog' is 'asong pakawala', using it as an allusion for any person who will do everything to please his master even to the extent of wiping his master's ass since they are of the same kind.
Back to the 'big bang' revelation, JS further said that instead of Aspera's suggestion of throwing Rapiz out to Mindanao, it would be helpful for the town of Sara if the accuser would be the one who will be exiled to Jolo Sulu. Was his contention a choice between the good and the bad? Or, did he decide in favor of the lesser evil?
JS went on saying, nay commending, Rapiz's non-coordination with Sara Police Station in the conduct of checkpoint. "It would surprise the illegal elements who are freely roaming around our town," JS added. Was he implying that an insider leaks information to spoil any police operation against illegal activities in Sara? If not, why does he favor the non-coordination of 608th Iloilo Provincial Mobile Group with Sara Police Station in the conduct of checkpoint? There must be an investigation to this effect. Don't you think Mamang Pulis?
This 'whistle blower' JS also claimed that an illegal numbers game exists in their town. With this I am reminded of Republic Act 8551, Section 63 amending Section 51 (b) (4) of Republic Act 6975 which provides, among other functions and powers of the Local Government Executives, that "the control and supervision of anti-gambling operations shall be within the jurisdiction of local government executives". JS must be aware that alleging the existence of illegal numbers game in Sara would create question, like what does a mayor in that town do then…'control' and 'supervision'? (lol)
While the foregoing revelations made me "Oh!!!"… "Reeeally?!?"…"Whaaattt?!?", I was more surprised when JS claimed that 'most of the people from Sara are behind him (Rapiz) and are happy that may katapat na ang mga Salcedos'. Is it not ironic? Does he mean while the Salcedos are political top brasses in Sara for decades, it will only take one man, a police officer like Rapiz, to break the history? This reminds of the adage that goes, "nothing is more stranger (read: ironic) than the truth."
As a writer, I consider it my moral obligation to entertain my readers and consider their thoughts, how effete or trivial these may seem.
JS is a reader of this column, who after getting through my article, 'Politics versus Police Operational Procedure', cannot contain his heart's contents; thus, he has spoken!
Speak and be heard!
(For your comments and suggestions, text SMS to 09193161190 or email at rogatepnp@yahoo.com)