The rampant criminality in the country has a direct link to a widespread poverty. A quick browse of daily news of Metro Manila shows that most recent crimes are related with robbery and theft. Robbery in jeepneys, buses, and other prominent public places has become very common these days. Perpetrators are also inclined to commit murder as a robbery progresses, thus the complex crime of robbery with homicide has tainted the reputation of the country, as far as tourism image is concerned. Police authorities may be able to arrest robbers and thieves. However, such arrest would not assure us that the country will be finally free of robbers and thieves. Arrest would only provide a temporary respite. But in Davao City and lately Cebu City, certain mysterious groups handle the rampant criminality in a violent way. With the piling up of the number of deaths of habitual criminal offenders, there is a generally accepted notion that crime has diminished in cities where there are summary executions of suspected criminals. Will it solve the problem?

Without touching the legal and human rights aspects of summary execution, we should be quick in pointing out that violence may just breed further violence, and a violent response to crime may not be the best way to address rampant crimes. For as long as there are poor individuals, the jobless, and those living in slam areas, the crime of robbery and thief will continue to pose a problem to our society. It is like surviving in the fittest. People steal things as a way of surviving in a hard life. But if the economic status of most Filipinos would significantly improve, it is very unlikely that people who have stable jobs and are earning a fixed monthly income would get involved in robbery, thief, or swindling. Police authorities must also understand that their mere presence in a public place could deter the commission of a crime. So both the efficiency of national economic production and the improved police duties and responsibilities can help lessen the instances of robbery and thief. Robbery with homicide is a serious problem that could ultimately make our country as a scary place for foreign tourists and retirees. The Aquino administration must be able to deliver its promises, after long years of drought of real public service. There can be no meaningful economic growth if we residents in the country and visitors to our land live in constant fear and intimidation.