Just as the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) announced that 2008 had a comparatively low crime rate, the first week of 2009 opened with the daylight ambush of Cebu City Assistant Prosecutor Patrick Ian Osorio, who died hours later in the hospital. Obviously the killers were hired guns.

What message does this convey to the public? If an assistant prosecutor can be killed in broad daylight and the killers able to escape, just about anybody can be killed and perhaps for a lot less.

Why are killers –especially professionals– getting bolder? Here’s my take on it:

1. There are no visible police patrols. Several months ago my cousin visited with her Brazilian husband. When I took them out to dinner, he asked, “How come I don’t see any patrol cars?” I couldn’t answer him.

Although the ambush of Osorio happened around 100 meters from a police station, where were the policemen?

2. Slow police reaction to crimes. By the time they arrive, the criminals are long gone perhaps already spending their “professional fee” on their first round of beer.

3. Non-solution of crimes. The usual frenzied activities will take place: a task force will be formed; the mayor (or acting mayor in this case) will call a press conference and spew out sound bites; and highly publicized initial investigations will be made. In a few weeks, these will all be forgotten and tucked away in newspaper morgues.

Vice-mayor Mike Rama, who is acting Mayor, should show some muscle and act decisively in this case. He is generally perceived to be a wimp; thus, he should take this opportunity and dispel this perception.

Get cracking, Mayor!