"I pray for peace in our country."
"I pray for peace in our country."
Today is Christmas Eve. While many of us are preparing a simple noche buena in our own homes, there are others who are far from celebrating. Early this week, the country saw a mother and a son mercilessly killed in broad daylight in front of their family and a child—such a blatant disregard for human life. The incident sparked public outrage.
The suspect, Police Senior Master Sergeant Jonel Nuezca, was assigned to the Paranaque City Police Crime Laboratory and was not on official duty when he committed the crime. As clear as day, this senseless killing was a double murder, a crime punished by reclusion perpetua. More than that, it was another story among the countless incidents of abuse of authority by the police, another statistic among the victims of police brutality.
This is alarming. While it is unfair to generalize and conclude such behavior among the members of the police, this should instigate a reassessment of the values inculcated in our police force. The police are meant to serve and protect. Their badges bear the words, “service,” “honor” and “justice” which are meant to be upheld at all times. Often, our police are accused of impunity given the records of police abuses that lead to merely a dismissal of the offending party, without proper judicial conviction. Guilty police officers run scot-free. This practice of committing heinous crimes and condoning such misbehavior among the police force is contrary to their sworn duty and values. This explains the public mistrust in our police.
The President has assured us that he will not condone or protect Nuezca. I fervently hope that the police and the courts will do the same. The behavior of Nuezca has no place in law enforcement. I hope that the criminal case filed against Nuezca will proceed until justice is properly served. This way, the police can reclaim and preserve their honor.
While the Filipino Christmas spirit is known to be unfaltering, this incident seems to have dampened our joyous mood. It is hard enough to celebrate Christmas confined in our homes, missing our relatives and friends, all the more it is harder to enjoy knowing that many families are grieving from the loss of their loved ones this year. My Christmas wish perhaps is that may these people find peace and comfort from the Lord. Ironic, we celebrate the Lord’s nativity while many mourn the loss of life. Nonetheless, may Christ’s birth bring hope that better days are coming, and that we will be saved from our own pains and tragedies.
I pray for peace in our country. A Merry Christmas to all.
