NO CHOICE: We have been waiting in vain for objectors to the execution of convicted kidnappers to propose an alternative way of meting out justice and deterring would-be kidnappers.

It is not enough for objectors to say that no one, not even the state, may take a human life. They have to suggest measures for stopping or deterring kidnapping for ransom (KFR) and the murder of kidnap victims in some cases.

Having found no alternative, President Arroyo is under pressure to arrest the upsurge in KFR incidents by taking draconian measures, including the carrying out of the death sentences already meted out with finality by the Supreme Court.

We were told that as a result of the President’s lifting the suspension of the executions, some 20 KFR convicts waiting on Death Row are likely to be put to sleep this January by lethal injection.

But we do not see the logic nor the fairness of proceeding with the execution of kidnappers but not of others convicted of rape-murder and such heinous crimes.

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CHECKPOINTS DEFENDED: Another misplaced objection to crime-prevention measures is that of human rights advocates against the setting up of mobile checkpoints in Metro Manila to cramp the operations of kidnap, carnappers and other criminal syndicates.

While random checkpoints are an inconvenience to us who are used to untrammeled mobility and minimal police presence, this minus-point is far outweighed by the improvement in peace and order.

All that peace-loving citizens have to do is cooperate and inspections will proceed smoothly. Let’s give the police, our police, a break.

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SUGGESTIONS: On the other hand, the police can improve motorists’ cooperation by making sure that:

1. The checkpoint area must be well-lighted and clearly identified with a visible signboard identifying the unit and the officer in charge.
2. Landline and cellular phone numbers must be clearly indicated on the signboard for handling complaints.
3. There must be marked police cars with flashers on.
4. All police personnel at the site must be in full uniform, with name strips sewn on their uniforms aside from other identification. No personnel with poor PR (public relations) must be assigned to checkpoints.
5. Inspection will be by exception, meaning only vehicles that police instinct points to as suspicious will be checked. Utmost courtesy and efficiency must be observed.

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HINTS FOR DRIVERS: The season sees more people going around. As safeguard, we share these precautions (slightly rewritten) published by De La Salle University for the Benildean community regarding criminal modus operandi.

Among potential targets are cars with clear windows, lone drivers, with windows open, noticeably loud radios, with drivers smoking or texting, with flashy designs or in some cases modified/customized types, as well as cars caught in traffic jams.

Some methods used:

1. A person comes up and says “Hey, you have a flat tire.” Do not get off to check. Proceed to a gas station. Whatever minimal damage to your tire (if flat) is not worth your personal safety.
2. A person pretending to be a window washer pours soapy water on your windshield to obstruct your vision, potentially angering you into opening your window or getting off. Don’t let anger get the best of you. Stay inside, turn on your windshield wiper and clean your car later.
3. A beggar knocks on your window. Avoid giving food or alms to beggars. Most of them are unaware that they are potential distractions for a criminal strike on you. Vendors are also distractions.
4. A person walks in front of your car deliberately, making you stop abruptly. Do not attempt any confrontation. Let him pass and go on with your driving.

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MORE TIPS: Keep your car windows and your doors locked. If something seems suspicious, honk your horn loudly and repeatedly to draw public attention.

Lower the volume of your radio. Avoid using a mobile phone or smoking as these may distract you from your surroundings.

Take frequently traveled routes as they are generally safer. Be very alert and keep your eyes open for suspicious people or for things that are out of place.

Give your car enough space when in traffic. If you are too close to the vehicle in front, you will find it hard to maneuver in emergencies. A moving car is a harder target.

Use your car horn to call for assistance when a dangerous situation arises.

If you have mace, pepper spray or anything that can be used as a weapon, do not hesitate to use it in self-defense.

If intruders break through your defenses, just give up your valuables. You can get new ones. Your life is not replaceable, and your health is worth more than any material possession.

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SURVIVAL TIPS: More advice for general safety gleaned from the Internet:

Tip from Tae Kwon Do: The elbow is the strongest point on your body. If you are close enough to use it, do!

From a tourist guide in New Orleans: If a robber asks for your wallet and/or purse, do not hand it to him. Toss it away from you. Chances are that he is more interested in your wallet or purse. Run like mad in the opposite direction.

If you are ever thrown into the trunk of a car, kick out the back taillights from inside and stick your arm out the hole and wave like crazy. The driver won’t see you but everybody else will.

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FOR WOMEN: As soon as you get on your car in the parking area, lock the doors and drive off.

Women have a tendency to get into their cars after shopping, eating out, working, etc., and just sit (doing their checkbook, touching up their face, making a list, etc.) Don’t do this. The predator will be watching you, and this is his perfect opportunity to get on.

In a parking lot, or parking garage, always be aware of your surroundings. Look around you, look into your car, at the passenger side, the floor, and the back seat.

If you are parked next to a big van, enter your car from the passenger door. Most serial killers attack their victims by pulling them into their vans while the women are getting into their cars.

Look at the car parked on the driver’s side of your vehicle, and the passenger side. If a male is sitting alone in the seat nearest your car, you may want to walk back into the mall, or work place, and get a guard/policeman to walk you back out. It is better to be paranoid than dead.

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MORATORIUM: In the spirit of the season, we reiterate our suggestion that politicians and their parties agree on a moratorium on political combat effective immediately until the feast of the Three Kings on the first Sunday of January.

Too much venom is being spat around, too much mud being thrown around. Yet there is no showing that this is doing us any good. Many friends have told us that they had stopped reading about politics.

With the resulting quiet of a political ceasefire, the season’s message of peace and love will have a better chance of being heard.