A quick glance of any tabloid paper today would give the public a sickening overview of the worsening criminality in the Philippines. And because of Senator Kiko Pangilinan's law, which exempts criminal liability to minors who perpetrate crimes, the peace and order status in our country is not getting any better. Minors are now the new mercenaries. The rampant criminality in the country could have 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 public transportation vehicles and in crowded 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 crimes of robbery and thief will continue to pose all sorts of problem to our society. People steal things as a means of overcoming a destitute 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 commit 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 a scary haven for foreign tourists and retirees. There can be no meaningful economic growth if we live in constant fear and intimidation. The Aquino administration must be able to deliver its promise of prosperity before its term ends in 2016, or else the next administration will face a gruesome future.