In a viral Facebook post by Former Professor and Chairperson of Ateneo de Manila University Christina A. Astorga asking to bring back the “Oplan Lambat Sibat” of former DILG Sec. Mar Roxas, and urging to “Stop Duterte’s blitzkrieg vigilante killing” adding that it is “Unconstitutional,Illegal and Immoral”.
She added that the “Oplan Lambat Sibat” was more effective than Duterte’s vigilante’s killing, “Bring back Roxas’ Oplan Lambat Sibat, or better still, bring back Roxas! He is the more intelligent, strategic, and effective crime czar than Duterte! And he operates within the law and he does not need emergency powers!”.
“Stop Duterte’s blitzkrieg vigilante killing that is unconstitutional, illegal, and immoral. Duterte is giving all citizens license to kill on mere suspicion. The poorest among us will be most likely the victims of false arrest and false executions. The rich can buy guns, hire lawyers, and also hire security guards to provide 24 hour protection. The poor will be defenseless victims of brutal violation of their right to due process and just law. When everyone is given by the president license to kill on mere suspicion, a lawless society is created. Is this president in his right mind. We have a killer president who seems to be trigger happy. Kill, kill, kill is his mantra!” she said.
Citing the statistics of “Oplan Lambat Sibat”, she said the crime rate in Manila was reduced by 60% since June 2014 when it was first implemented ” The cases of crime came down from 900 to 300 in August 2015. 146 of the 440 most wanted drug suspects were arrested in just 6 weeks!”. she added.
“Why is Oplan Lambat Sibat effective? It employs intensified police intervention like putting up checkpoints; it deploys mobile and foot patrol, and it engages in intelligence-driven operations. Roxas cites the three strategies that Oplan Lambat Sibat engages in– First, it audits the police blotters; second, it geo-tag crimes by location; and third it concentrates operations in places with the high incidences of crime. With these strategies, everyday, of 900, less than 500 people are not victimized by crime according to reports.”
“The difference of Roxas Oplan Lambat Sibat and Duterte’s Vigilante Killing is that Oplan Lambat Sibat is within the law. It employs only those with professional license and training to deal with crime. It is based on methodic intelligence work, coupled with strategies to effectively reduce crimes. Duterte’s vigilante killing is extra judicial– it is outside of the law– unconstitutional, illegal, and also immoral. It violates due process and fair trial. It is not based on methodic intelligence work. It is “bara bara”.. Just shoot to kill on mere suspicion. And Duterte is giving all citizens license to kill, and certainly includes those who are trigger happy! When crime is used to stop crime, it will only create more crimes and other social problems.”
“Bring back Roxas’ Oplan Lambat Sibat. Strengthen the police and military force; deepen and broaden intelligence work that help locate the places with highest incidences of crimes and drug; deploy more mobile and foot patrol in cities and towns. Get the participation of the community by employing citizens as the eyes and ears of the professional military and police force, but not the carriers of killer guns themselves with license to kill.”