RES GESTAE
Mongcal out, Basngi in: Will there be a difference?
The people here have the tendency to stereotype the peace and order situation in Iloilo City. They are more likely to believe that real peace and order lies solely in the hands of the city’s top cop. Or that the lion-share of accountability to make the city crime-free resides in the seat of a city director.
The contention is easy to infer from the case of the erstwhile Iloilo City Director, Police Senior Superintendent Melvin Mongcal. If there was one man who suffered the most criticisms, mockery, insults, contempt and name what yours because of several untoward incidents, it was the gentleman Mongcal.
The same fate awaits Police Senior Superintendent Dennis Basngi should he fail to deter the basag-kotse gangs from striking again, stop another grenade throwing incident to transpire, or discipline his men.
The lessons from Mongcal’s experience are advantages for Basngi though. In order to stay long in his position, he only has to avoid history from repeating itself. There must be no basag-kotse, grenade throwing, or cops’ misdemeanors again. There must only be lower crime volume, higher crime solution efficiency and, most important of all, “yes” to both parties.
This is more of a threat than a challenge. Why? It is because lower crime volume and higher crime solution efficiency are possible. But, in most cases, accomplishments on these areas are less important or no bearing at all in the evaluation of city director’s performance. Otherwise, having Iloilo City Police Office ranked No. 2 during Mongcal’s term was remarkable. He would have deserved to stay longer in his post. But, according to his critics, it wasn’t good enough. Or maybe they were not just aware of the fact. Were they?
This writer contends that Iloilo City remains the most desirable place to live, work and do business. This conviction holds true despite the highly sensationalized basag-kotse incidents, highly politicized grenade throwing/explosion hullabaloos, and exaggerated, bloated opinions on crime situation.
Did I hear anyone saying that politics here make our peace and order worst of its kind?
This premise is near to the truth. Put Jerry and King Raul in one corner and you will get better Iloilo City. No grenade throwing. No harassment.
Separate these political stalwarts and see what we have now?!?
Basngi is still under the circumstances similar to that of Mongcal. There are a lot of disorders in political landscape here that likely to beget a lot of disorders despite all efforts to keep the peace in this city.
Thus, to think that Basngi can make a difference in the city’s peace and order situation is but entertaining pure fantasy.
