fo•ren•sics (fə-rěn'sĭks, -zĭks). The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition, 2006 by Houghton Mifflin Company, defines forensics as: (1) The art or study of formal debate; argumentation; and (2) The use of science and technology to investigate and establish facts in criminal or civil courts of law.
Fresh off the press: “New York-based media advocacy group Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) on Monday assailed the Arroyo administration for the ‘unsolved’ murders of 24 Filipino journalists, one of the highest number of media killings in the world.”
The Philippine government’s incompetence is once again highlighted. The hopelessness of many is waxing.
Aghambayan wonders how our public agencies are doing forensic work on all these killings.
Numerous killings remain unsolved while government seems overly anxious to let murderers and rapists get lighter sentences or commutations of their prison terms. It’s almost tempting to say that, in this country, the science of forensics is purposely left underdeveloped so that the killers (many of them probably in government) maintain their impunity. And if found guilty anyway, you can get out earlier by just donating here and there… No wonder many Filipinos are drowning in their hopelessness.
Consider these — Ninoy Aquino. Lean Alejandro. Dacer. Corbito. What do these names have in common? Mystery. For who really killed them? Even in the case of Ninoy, the question remains for the mastermind has yet to be identified.
And yes, we also want to raise the ghosts of the Dacer-Corbito case. But where is the solid forensic evidence behind these two killings? To compound matters, how can we fully trust government on this when those involved might have been government agents themselves… or are now “enemies” of the government for they purportedly support certain political interests anti-thetical to the current regime? Why is the Dacer-Corbito twin murders being revived this time around? Eleksiyon na naman? We hope government can put as much effort on other killings and disapperances especially the political ones.
Aghambayan thinks that this country needs more science in its governance and politics. More science in its effort to create a better nation.
Let’s start with forensics and a more critical citizenry.
Posted by: Mr. Justin See, student of Development Studies and Business Management in De La Salle University.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree that numerous unresolved killings that have happened are caused by government officials themselves. It is the contrasting ideologies and interests that get in the way that is why these people get killed.
These people who have risked their lives so that freedom, truth, and justice would be attained by Filipinos do not deserve this. The importance of strengthening and developing forensic investigations in this country is indeed important as this would ensure not only justice for these martyrs but also the future heroes of this country.
Strengthening forensic investigations and solving the unsolved mysteries of killings would make sure that political killings would be lessened and that the masterminds would be punished. Filipinos wouldn't be that scared to fight for what they believe in and risk their lives for what they think is just for the Filipino people.
Improving forensic investigations and security in this country should be increased to the next level so as to achieve a just and free society for Filipinos.
It is indeed apparent that extrajudicial killing is steadfastly becoming a common feature in the Philippine politics. It seems that despite President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s national campaign to fight for human rights, most authorities are still turning a blind eye on this growing concern. Many attributed this lack of response with the fact that government officials, military personnel and policemen are mostly perceived to be the perpetrators. Hence, it is really difficult to pin down offenders due to personal biases of the investigators themselves. I personally believe that contrary to what the government is claiming, some of its officials are certainly involved in these crimes given that activists and journalists particularly those in the oppositions are frequently the target of abduction and murder. Furthermore, it is also a fact that the system is most likely to be bought by certain individuals such as in the case of Jalosjos where it is alleged that the reason why PGMA granted him commutation is because he delivered a 100,000 margin of votes against Fernando Poe Jr. in his bailiwick in Zamboanga del Norte during the 2004 elections. This in effect only shows how our rules can be easily bent to favor certain people.
ReplyDeleteWith this, I deem that all these issues boil down to the upcoming elections. It is important that we only elect people who have the passion to create change and make a difference in the country. We should take time to go over the agenda and programs of each candidate, which should only reflect the country’s most fundamental needs. Lastly, we should also be able to look beyond the persona that the candidates project and be able to critically assess them based on their qualifications and achievements to date.
With science as society's backbone for development and vice versa, we must improve ourselves by becoming a productive member of society, to contribute something back to our society.
ReplyDeleteThe fact that there are a lot of risk to be popular in places like the Philippines scares me a lot. Just by becoming a famous figure, ones life may be in danger. We often see killings of well-known figures mostly in politics. People who are considered as threats are assassinated in cold blood. This alone will make people think twice before taking up position in the government.
I do agree that to have big changes, we need good people in the government but that thought is hindered by the probability of getting killed by other people being obstructed in their "work".
As ideal i may sound, i believe this can be achieved but it requires the citizens cooperation to help in their own small way. One small way is to vote wisely so that the next set of politicians will start strong as they will be leaders that the people trust not because they were bribed.
If there is a need to be filled, fill it with the right person or put up a good suggestion or even an advocacy. Greed shouldnt be the reason of a country's downfall.
There is no doubt that the practice of forensics here in the Philippines is left undeveloped, and the only criminal for this is poverty. However, poverty alone is not responsible for the mystery brought about by the cases left unresolved mentioned in this particular article. I do agree that this could also be blamed on our dishonest government. If only the whole system would make a 360 degree turn, things would change and the remains of the present would be made into a past, however this is only a dream yet to be fulfilled or left untouched. The cases that have been left as a mystery could only end up and turn into reality if someone would be brave enough to stand up for the truth. Because these didn't only happen in an instant as fiction is the only witness to these crimes, we all know that we are all blinded by the lies and traps placed right in front of us.
ReplyDeleteI agree to what is stated in here that our government might be involved on those hideous crimes because if not, they must have a progress about those cases. They show the public that they are helping in solving those crimes but the truth is that they are just trying to cover - up what they have done to those people. Not all that is in the government are involved in this matter,some are innocent and have no connection to those crimes but on the other hand, some of them use their power as government officials to do what they want such as killing people without being caught in order for their name to be protected against the truth that they are not doing their purpose properly. They use their power to break the law, and that is really wrong because they were chosen to have that power so that they can make laws to improve our nation and because they are law makers, we expect that they are the role models who will follow those laws but it seems that it's the opposite that's happening. If the government would decide to concentrate on the development of forensic science, it would be great so the mystery will be solved but until those evil people are their in the government,it's impossible to achieve.
ReplyDelete-Jan Bernard F. Lejano CBE/MMG POLISCI 37
Forensics... Yes, that might be a good and well place to change but... the thing is, it is only ONE of the many many things to change. Even if we had good forensics, we would still fall short as we have a horrible justice system.
ReplyDelete"Guilty of all charges being rape, murder, bribery and theft! You are hereby sentenced... to four years in prison!"
Two years later...
Released for good behavior...
That is how horribly messed up our justice system is! We need a justice system independent of the president. The president controls the Judges, he/she has favor on her side for placing the supreme court officials. And that is just one of the many things wrong! I would say Judges are even more corrupt than politicians. It can take upto five or ten years to solve a case that could have been solved in a month! We need a strong backbone for our justice system. After that... The rest should follow quite easily.
Ryvi/Angelo Villadolid - Pol Sci, MMG, C37
ReplyDeleteOne cannot help but think that the government is linked to all of the mysterious killings stated above. It is a big problem to leave such influential cases 'unsolved'. It is absolutely true that the Philippines needs to develop scientifically. In order to achieve this, the government has to work very hard for it. The truth should not be hidden for the good of a number of people. I personally think that the truth should be told for the good of the majority. In this country, it seems that security is a matter that is poorly concerned. I believe that if security problems would be solved, this country would be a much better place to be in for most of the people. Political killings, as well as the killings outside of Politics must be brought to a halt.
ReplyDeleteJin Hwa Choi [DLSU POLISCI C33]
Cases like these proves how low government officials can go. They even want to hide these things from the publics to protect their image.
ReplyDeleteJacqueline Shi Ong [DLSU CBE POLISCI C33]
I agree completly. Our justice system dare i say is "perverted." Murders go unsolved, rapists get minimal time in jail. No wonder why criminals here in the philippines are becoming more and more daring than ever.
ReplyDeleteDlSU student POLISCI C33
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThings like criminals getting away with minimal to no punishment; and people, who are opposed to the government, suddenly disappearing are things that seem commonplace here in the Philippines. We just have way too many of those and way too many of them remain unsolved. As they say "Only in the Philippines".
ReplyDeletePowell Lu (CBE POLISCI C33)
The seemingly endless reports about extrajudicial killings in our country about media men who were apparently involved with some politicians and military personnel are filling the headlines especially during the election period. What I don’t understand is that despite many organizations’ call towards our government to remind them to give more attention to these atrocities, politicians still haven’t done pretty much anything to improve the security of the people who risk their lives in order to let the people know what some government officials doesn’t want us to know, maybe it’s because they are one of those officials? I’m sure many people will agree with me when I say that some of these politicians are today’s worst human rights violator in the country’s modern history.
ReplyDeleteWhile we can all hope that the killings will cease immediately, I am not optimistic about this becoming a reality. I am confident, however that through the efforts put in by NGO’s and civil society leaders, these cycle violence can be prevented.
With regard to the punishment issue, I think that the rich people are still above the poor. With just a small amount from their bank accounts, they can escape from punishment once again. The true essence of this punishment is learning from our mistakes but as i see it, it doesn't serve its true meaning.
Maria Theresa M. Nogoy
C33 POLISCI
ID #: 10935746
International shows about forensic investigations flood the television. I’m just wondering if these things are being done here. Im not even sure if the police really do the simple finger-print lifting in many robbery cases. On the otherhand, what can a finger-print do when people’s file take ages to access? Shall we blame it to the lack of fund for the technological gadgets necessary? Shall we blame the authorities? Maybe. If they could carry as much as 7M to Moscow during their seminar, then they could afford to do these investigations efficiently. Why the hell are they slowing things up?
ReplyDeleteThey always say in public television that they need the budget to keep the investigation going. However, why investigate if they already know the culprit? Philippine’s situation is very complicated. I don’t even know who the real enemies are. The public may be confused right now, but surely Filipinos are not imbeciles who would just swallow whatever these deceitful manipulative authorities feed.
Jo, Hyun Min, Lee(AnYeong)
POLISCI_C33
ID:10192756
We have professionals very good professionals but they are not supported by government because of one reason they want to hide the truth they want to be the best and they don't want all of us to progress because they are selfish.
ReplyDeleteSila lang ang uunlad dahil sila ang kumukontrol sa marami.
here we go again, these hiding stuff that the government is trying to do. they kill people against the government for they are afraid that one day, the people might get stronger and wiser. if the people will outrun them, they have nothing to do but hide. what we need to do is show them that we are more than them, that we have the RIGHT and the POWER to decide for our own country and stop following the cycle of corruption and cheating!
ReplyDeletebakit ung mga ganitong cases ng killings they don't give a damn to investigate? bakit ung kay trina etong-failon binigyan nila ng pansin? un yung isang example ng pagiging stupid ng government eh! dapat di lang suspension eh, they should be imprisoned for degrading the family failon! bakit kapag ibang tao ang nagdegrade ng pagkatao ng iba at saktan ang iba they are ordered to be imprisoned? bakit kapag policemen and politicians kapag nagkasala they are given all the considerations and worst is they don't get the sanction they deserve! where's the equality? wala! they're all corrupted and it will be the virus that will keep on spreading and it will come to a point na hindi na natin maaagapan yan.
Darlene Co C33 POLISCI
"Aghambayan thinks that this country needs more science in its governance and politics. More science in its effort to create a better nation. "
ReplyDelete-- JUSTICE is certainly NEEDED!!
; therefore, we need to have a better forensic processing.
Aine Therese Ong Tambalque
MMG
C37
I think the unsolves cases have something to do with the government. It is actually the government's role to be strictly implementing laws that would be able to solve this cases as soon as possible in order to prevent other cases. However, the officials in the higher positions tend to do the hidding and doing things behind the back. It seems that it is like passed on the positions next to him. Then what would happen next? You mean to say that there would be no one to solve the cases if they are not feed would money? It is really a problem that we should solve. The handling of cases should be developed in this country.
ReplyDeleteDa Eun K. Lee (CBE)
C33 POLISCI (DLSU)