So now that you'll be our next mayor pañero John Bongat, kindly first ensure that our streets will be safe again. After all, your legislative record for Naga is supposed to be proudly anchored on peace and order. And as chief executive, it will be your sworn duty to implement that program to the fullest with no exceptions, especially for drug-related matters and even if that will include certain personalities and politicians.
It is long common knowledge-and this fact cannot be hidden even with a carpet of awards, Naga's streets have become quite unsafe for residents and tourists alike.
Only last month, a friend of a close friend of mine came home to Naga for a much-needed vacation. While they were walking along a commercial avenue, a helmeted, motorcycle-riding male breezed by, grabbed the friend's handbag, and quickly sped away. And this happened at around 1pm in broad daylight!
The lady's handbag was a priceless "pasalubong" from abroad. Inside were her cell phone, wallet with all her cash, IDs, ATM cards, credit cards, and driver's license, All her personal life was practically in that bag, and there it went in an instant.
What a "Maogmang Lugar" we now have!
Her case is not an isolated one and snatching has targeted women, especially young professionals. Snatching incidents have included passengers at the back of a tricycle driver or even while inside the sidecar. This is not to mention violent crimes committed in the city, one of which was even done inside the Peñafrancia Basilica compound.
For sure, getting a gender sensitivity award is totally meaningless and just for show if our women have to walk along our streets in fear of preying bag snatchers and other criminals whether at daytime or during nighttime.
Worse, the two found no one willing to help them and no police or barangay tanod was in sight.
I guess if you're an ordinary citizen and not a moneyed corporate sponsor of the city, you'll have to fend for yourself. Surely, if the city government can swamp our streets with police and other security during merry-making in beer drinking fests and street parties, there is no reason why our women cannot be given adequate protection during their more important day-to-day lives like coming home for relaxation or from work.
Verily, a safe Naga must be an overriding concern especially with the increasing number of balikbayans, tourists, and pilgrims coming to Naga for INA's 300-year anniversary.
For one, money wasted for self-praising billboards and streamers should rather be used for increasing police visibility as well as purchase of a city-wide camera monitoring system.
In fine, the people's general welfare is a 24/7 job. And if you're the mayor and all you can do is give excuses or put your face on giant billboards while the people live in fear, then you're plain kapalmuks.
So Mayor-elect Bongat, keep Naga safe please.