Questioning Police Competence in Drug Operations
Amid mounting concerns regarding the efficacy of police-led drug operations, the tragic death of three-year-old Myka Ulpina has ignited fresh doubts about the competence of Philippine law enforcement. The unfortunate incident occurred during a drug-bust operation in Rodriguez, Rizal, on June 29, where four lives were tragically lost. Tragically, Myka Ulpina's name has been added to an expanding register of casualties in the government's war on drugs—a campaign marred by unintended consequences.
Innocence Lost: A Grim Reality in the Wake of Drug Operations
The heartbreaking loss of innocent lives casts a long shadow over law enforcement's ability to conduct drug operations without collateral damage. Amid public uproar demanding an end to this pattern of recklessness, former top cop Senator Ronald "Bato" de la Rosa lent his voice to the defense of the Philippine National Police (PNP) by candidly stating, "shit happens." The blunt statement stirred discomfort amongst his followers, and even fellow Senators voiced their displeasure. Subsequently, De la Rosa rephrased his sentiment, substituting "shit" with "unfortunate incident," clarifying that such occurrences are an inherent aspect of police work.
His analogy of unpredictable accidents akin to stepping on excrement (a scene immortalized in the movie "Forrest Gump") resonates with a degree of understanding. However, it begs the question of whether an administration equipped with vast resources remains powerless to prevent recurring incidents or accidents.
An Elusive Grip on Controllable Factors
The predicament the government confronts necessitates a thorough assessment of factors under its purview. Among the many controllable variables, the paramount one lies in meticulously documenting the 4Ws (Why, Where, When, and What) of every drug operation. Yet, the fate of cases shrouded in investigation remains a mystery to the public, perpetuating uncertainty. Transparency demands comprehensive access to reports to scrutinize lessons learned and collaborate on preventing future mishaps.
The very essence of law enforcement, as espoused by Chief Oscar Albayalde of the PNP, entails addressing inherent risks to protect lives—both of officers and citizens. A pivotal missing link surfaces: the comprehensive investigation and documentation of all drug-related fatalities. The absence of such a comprehensive approach erodes public trust and overshadows police endeavors.
Redefining the Narrative: Beyond the Usual Rhetoric
The narrative of lethal force as a last resort for self-defense has been echoed ad nauseam, diminishing its credibility. The sheer magnitude of casualties—whether estimated at 27,000 or 6,000—normalizes the grim reality of unintended casualties in police operations. The fact that law enforcement agents themselves succumb in the line of duty emphasizes the peril they navigate.
However, this reality underscores the urgency for an exhaustive inquiry by the PNP into all drug-related fatalities. Beyond superficiality, these investigations ought to discern patterns and anomalies to enhance operational conduct and avert tragic outcomes that impede their mission. A comprehensive approach reaffirms their commitment to justice.
Shrouding Accountability: An Evasion of Responsibility
Beneath the casual phrase "shit happens" lingers a grave evasion of accountability and a disregard for the rule of law. Convenience may gratify the present but discards foresight and its consequences. The disregard for today's orphans may well fuel future turmoil. Failure to quell impunity perpetuates a cycle of violence where the ultimate recourse is the extinguishing of lives.
Historical lessons echo loudly; the growth of rebels during the oppressive martial law era serves as an apt reminder. Yet, contemporary military reports, such as the Sulu suicide bombing case implicating a disheartened son as a suicide bomber, provoke introspection. Could mishaps, including the damning incidents in the drug war, have been averted?
Collective Responsibility: A Nation at the Crossroads
Critics may readily place the onus on President Rodrigo Duterte's administration for these tragedies. However, ultimate accountability rests upon a populace of a hundred million Filipinos. When surveys illustrate overwhelming support for the current administration, it inevitably charges the government to maintain its current trajectory. The prevalent sentiment seems to advocate the use of lethal force against suspects, irrespective of due process or human rights, as an avenue to rid streets of criminals and restore personal security.
A responsive government endeavors to meet the demands of its populace. The past three years have witnessed administrative efficacy that cannot be overlooked. Thus, the trajectory unveils either three years of enduring accomplishments for believers or an unsettling continuum of tragedy for skeptics. The onus, it seems, lies in our hands.
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This rewritten article was first published on 3 August 2019 with the title "Solid work soiled by shit".
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