Address social problems at root of killings

Professor Randy David tried to explain the cause of the three recent killings on our insecurities (Public Lives, “Killings that showcase our insecurities,” 3/12/23).

Although I am not a social scientist, I have some ideas on how to prevent these unnecessary killings. For the political killing of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo, my only suggestion is to destroy all political dynasties in the Philippines. The constitution “prohibits” the establishment of political dynasties (Article II, Section 26 of the 1987 Constitution) which is never followed, and I think, at this time in the Philippines, is even promoted. These political dynasties even start from the local government, the barangay unit, up to the executive level. Although I would like to suggest something, with the feudal mindset of most people, this can not be corrected, probably not in my lifetime.

Regarding the killing of Adamson University student, John Matthew Salilig, following an initiation, but actually, the hazing of a neophyte, the most practical suggestion is to have a faculty member present at all times during the initiation process. I don’t suggest removing fraternities/sororities from colleges, since David himself stated that there is a “need to belong” in these groups. At the same time, there is an unusual lifelong bond that binds the “sis” and the “brods.” Unfortunately, with fraternities, there is the “testosterone” and “macho man syndrome.” The school, with the guidance of the Department of Education, must set rules: During initiation rites, there must be a faculty member present and if rules are broken, especially if there is significant physical damage (worst is death), the faculty member/s and all his cohorts are expelled from the school, the fraternity is banned from the campus forever, and criminal charges must be made.

With the third case, the killing of four innocent children in Cavite by the live-in boyfriend of an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) mother, the only comment on this is for the government to try to improve our economy with better wages. This may be hard to initiate, so in the meantime, the government must be strict in regulations both in the Philippines and in the receiving countries. We should try to limit OFWs but encourage legal immigration. With legal immigration, the worker is treated as a person while with overseas contract workers, they are treated as labor. When one immigrates, the children usually join the parents initially or eventually. We should also change the mindset of most Filipinos who believe that money is everything, but it could not replace what is lost. I have heard that Indonesia at this time is trying to cut down the numbers of their OFWs.

Ida M. Tiongco,

New York, NY