What happened was, without a doubt, criminal. Just to share with you guys, what makes this killing of the former champ more complicated is, it happened in Davao City which is known (or notorious) for extrajudicial, vigilante murders of suspected criminals. Purportedly, it's their macho, Dirty Harry-type mayor who is behind its operation -- with the tacit consent of the general public because this liquidation of alleged criminals is seen as effective in maintaining peace and order in that city. The chilling effect, as they say. (The mayor, who has openly declared that he'll be on a killing spree versus criminals in this country in case he gets elected president, has recently denied his hand in vigilante-type killings perpetrated in his city. Though, many think that the denial, his not manning up to it, is just politicking -- to make him more palatable to more voters as a candidate for a national position next year.)
Not to sully the champ's memory, but some are theorizing that the champ may have been involved in criminal activities. Just the same, innocent or not, he was murdered in cold blood -- which is also a crime -- and he, now a fatal crime victim. Sorry if he was innocent of any wrongdoing; sorry that he was not afforded the right to defend his name just in case he was guilty of anything.
May his death serve as a lesson to us Filipinos, to still appreciate due process, and justice dealt in our proper courts. And may our law enforcement agencies be more effective in maintaining peace and order lawfully; and our courts more efficient and expeditious in meting out justice. Otherwise, more Filipinos will become frustrated and lulled into thinking that extrajudicial, vigilante-type killings is a viable option and practice: dark justice than no justice at all.
Justice for Ale Cali!
