Acknowledging the cops

Published by the Visayan Daily Star Publications, Inc.

NINFA R. LEONARDIA Editor-in-Chief & President

CARLA P. GOMEZ Editor CHERYL CRUZ Desk Editor PATRICK PANGILINAN Busines Editor NIDA A. BUENAFE Sports Editor RENE GENOVE Bureau Chief, Dumaguete MAJA P. DELY Advertising Coordinator

CARLOS ANTONIO L. LEONARDIA Administrative Officer

The work done by the American police in the case of the Boston Marathon bombings that had caused the death of three watchers, among them an eight-year old boy, should set an example for all those involved in the peace and order of a community.

The dastardly act of exploding bombs in a place where people had converged in fun to watch a sports activity participated in by thousands, had so shocked the city, known for its conservative and laidback style that have given people, particularly tourists, the impression that it is one place in the United States that has not been overly affected by the ways of other communities, particularly its young.

It was therefore unbelievable to most of them that such a thing could happen on that day when thousands had also come out to watch and cheer as participants tried to show how much they had to muster the walk that took several miles. In other words, both participants and viewers were there for some good, clean fun.

None of them suspected that there were elements out to disrupt the event, by a plan, not just to create trouble but to kill. And kill, they managed to do, and caused injuries to others, too.

At first it seemed impossible to determine the culprits, considering the big crowds and the anonymity of the people who composed them. But determined and methodical methods of the police, probably fuelled by their indignation and disgust at what had happened, kept them concentrating on their job, relentlessly, until they had accounted for both suspects.

Of course it can be said that the American police had all the most efficient and modern equipment to aid them while tracking down their quarry. But, let us admit, their doggedness and readiness to sacrifice even their lives while at it, is something that policemen all over the world, should acknowledge and, if at all possible, emulate. What confidence and security all communities will enjoy if that were always the case.*