by ERNESTO T. SOLIDUM
Oplan Kaluluwa was the main subject of discussion in the Kapehan Sa Aklan last Saturday, October 24 with PS1 Arnolito Laguerta as the main resource person (center). Assisting him at his right is SPO3 Julius Barrientos, Chief of Operations, while SPO3 Benny Jones Mendoza, Chief of Traffic Section is at his left.
The Kalibo Philippine National Police (PNP) on October 24, 2009 briefed tri-media on the on-going "Oplan Kaluluwa" at a weekly Kapehan forum. The panelists were PS1 Arnolito Laguerta, Kalibo PNP Chief, SPO3 Julius Barrientos, Chief of Operations and SPO3 Benny Jones Mendoza, Chief of Traffic Section.
Atty. Ronquillo C. Tolentino cited that death is the most universal and democratic of all human functions. It strikes people of all ages, at any time with little respect to age, class, creed or color. J. Kerby Anderson said that "definitely all will experience death".
A biblical passage in Job 14: 1-2 says that Man who is born of woman is of few days and full of trouble. He comes forth like flower and fades away. He flees like a shadow and does not return.
The once somnolent ambience of cemeteries all throughout the archipelago will be abuzz with people drawn to their departed loved ones. Passion and color display from churches worship to cemeteries are indicative of Filipinos’ strong affiliation with those in the twilight zone. Candles, flowers, prayers, and sometimes food are offered on marked and unmarked graves by family bond that knows no boundaries. For Christians, there is hope of seeing each other again when Christ returns but unsaved ones, unfortunately will be forever lost.
PS1 Laguerta discussed "Oplan Kaluluwa" management plan for the two day celebration on November 1 and 2 (All Soul’s Day and All Saint’s Day). Laguerta said, the present police force will be augmented by Barangay Tanods of Poblacion, Estancia, and Andagao to man the three police assistance centers in cemeteries, traffic re-routing and mobile patrol will be done. Police assistance center will be beefed up by paramedics’ team to address health concerns. Center will also cater to local calls.
Strict enforcement of rules and regulations will be carried out against gambling, carrying of deadly weapons, drinking liquor, and unnecessary noises inside the four cemeteries of Kalibo, assured SPO3 Barrientos. Identified sites are Municipal, Catholic, Milagrosa, and Chinese cemeteries which are traditionally overflowing to capacity. Deployment of law enforces will be early to prevent private vehicles from parking inside cemetery grounds. This is to maintain orderliness, reduce disturbance as people move in and out.
Based on police intelligence, notorious shoplifters and pick pocketers from other places are already here in Kalibo to ply their trade. It is advisable that someone or a neighbor must be left at home as precaution against criminal elements, warned Barrientos. The same holds true for mobile phones, jewelries, hand-bag, and wallets since these are prime targets.
SPO3 Mendoza mentioned traffic re-routing on Osmeña Avenue fronting Milagrosa cemetery and Kalachuchi road (site of Municipal cemetery). The vehicles from Iloilo will take right turn to Jose Raz Meñez St., (capitol site), thence Fernandez St.. Those coming from Caticlan will take the same route. Kalachuchi road will be closed to traffic. Parking of PUJ (New Washington) fronting Municipal cemetery will be temporarily relocated to Fernandez St. (Comelec corridor).
Is there the need to mobilize the entire police department and its resource for two days around the clock for an affair that is supposed to be religious? This is also the case with the yearly Ati-Atihan which betrays our Christian values as to decency and respect for law and order. The bottom line is our religious values which are shallow and laden with hypocrisy. It is high time that we rethink and embrace the ideals of true faith, love, and freedom.
Visiting the dead could be done all throughout the year. Why wait for a particular day when travel and time could be unbearable and constricting? It is absurd to see families spending the whole day and far into the night when this could be done in an hour or two. After all prayers, lighting of candles, and saying the rosary can be done at home.
The recent death of one male college student in Cavite due to hazing in a fraternity initiation is very significant. At least two schools here in Kalibo admit the same problem. Atty. Allen S. Quimpo, President of NVC confirmed that one of their students was traumatized and decided to quit schooling. It seems that hazing is still rearing its ugly head in schools despite laws and regulations against it.
Police Chief Laguerta reported that Kalibo’s crime incidence is limited to petty crimes like theft and robbery. However, law enforces are still vigilant especially criminal syndicates. He vowed to look into the status of fraternity organizations and illegal numbers game that may crop up as election fever heats up.
Local intelligence operatives know of the presence of criminal elements yet, wait for them to strike before making formal arrest. Wait and see attitude do not jibe with modern police crime management. On line electronic gadgets provide timely information on rouges’ profile and modus operation. Identi-fication of hiding places of wanted persons must be known, criminals arrested and placed behind bars.
Deterrence to crime is always increased police visibility but the best can be the presence of law abiding citizens. It is lamentable that even in religious celebrations, law enforcers need to be watchful and vigilant when other more pressing tasks need to be addressed. Oplan Kaluluwa definitely is wasteful spending of government resources, a futile exercise the dead could rise up and protest. /MP
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