The Philippine killings

The alleged extra-judicial execution in the Philippines recently, of a suspected group of bank robbers, has sparked a fierce debate between the country's protectors of democracy and those fed up with the Ramos government's inability to contain crime.

Supposedly slain during a shootout, that ensued after police had been tipped off as to their whereabouts, the group was said to have been responsible for several bank holdups in the capital.

Initially, everyone heaped praise on Manila's finest. But soon after, two policemen stated that there was never an encounter, that the suspects were actually murdered in cold blood and that there was a massive cover-up being attempted by their superiors.

The controversy raged further when it was discovered that some of the suspects were handcuffed when they died and that none bore any powder burns, which would indicate that none of them fired a gun at all, as claimed by the pursuing police.

A substantial amount of money recovered from the crime scene by investigators, which was said to have been part of the loot from a recent heist, suddenly disappeared.

During the ensuing forensic examination, there were also indications that a number were shot at close range. As such, four high-ranking officials of the Philippine National Police might soon face dismissal as well as murder charges.

In a country where many policemen are notoriously corrupt beyond redemption, where several have been accused of routinely "salvaging" (summarily executing) suspected criminals, and where the pursuit of justice through the courts is practiced minimally by the police, all this is nothing new.

It is the system which needs to be addressed here. A system whereby politicians continue to enrich themselves by staying in power for decades.

A system where government firearms and ammunition are stolen and sold to any buyer. A system where wages for soldiers and policemen are so low that many are forced to pocket bribes. A system that allows such abuses to take place.

These criminals do not fear anything anymore due to the belief that they will be able to get away with whatever crime they commit.

When they see that people in government are able to get away with so many things, they will not have any second thoughts about committing a crime.

-- The Nation, Bangkok