It was October last year when Given Grace Cebanico, a computer science student at the University of the Phil­ippines Los Banos was raped and murdered just outside the school campus.

The tragic event caused such an alarm. The townspeople forced their officers to impose stronger security ordinances – more security guards, more CCTV cameras and stricter curfews.

Barely a year later, news of a student at Batong Malake National High School being raped and killed broke out and spread throughout the city. Soon enough, residents grew afraid to step out of their homes at night, their main reason being “it’s no longer safe.”

(source: http://www.bukidresort.com)

But let’s face it: No city is truly safe these days. Those crimes captured on CCTVs from all over the country and broadcast on primetime news programs are just one proof of this fact.

What is to blame for this growing trend? Poverty? Corruption? Greed?

Safety, above everything else, begins with discipline. A little discipline goes a long way. If more people had restraint, then crime rates in the Philippines would decrease. That way there would be less stealing, less murders and fewer victims.

Also, choose who you trust wisely. This is an essential tool in building a safer place for future generations. Citizens should be responsible enough to maintain that trust.

Lastly, there is the matter of conscience. Know the difference between right and wrong, good and bad. Safety cannot be achieved if we ourselves are the perpetrators.

In the end, it all comes down to our ignorance. As citizens and as individuals, we all must make an effort to make our city safer for the better of us citizens. After all, it won’t hurt to try.

Tina Magpusao