TRANSNATIONAL CRIME (SEM-CDA)

Transnational crime is a threat to domestic and international interest and security which has to be addressed by individual states. The (PCTC) Philippine Center of Transnational Crime enumerated their six major concerns on the elements of the transnational crimes namely; illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, money laundering, terrorism, arms smuggling, trafficking in persons and piracy. The kidnapping of local and foreign nationals by members of the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Sipadan, an island resort of Malaysia and a cyber crime involving the spread of a love bug virus that crippled computer softwares worldwide are clear examples of recent crimes falling under this category. The trafficking of Filipino nationals to Italy using Hungary and other countries as transit points and the smuggling of illegal drugs from Mainland China to our shores are some of the frequent transnational crime incidence encountered by Philippine authorities.

The objective of all law enforcement, both domestic and international, is to help maintain the viability of those institutions of state that collectively express the character of a country and embody the commitment of the citizenry to that country. Although clearly open to variation in emphasis and form from state to state, the core principles of the security of nations are; preserving sovereign control over the direction and function of social, political, and economic systems; preserving the interests of their citizenry and maintaining an interest in the stability and functionality of neighbors and affiliated nations. All countries are, at various times and for a range of crimes, both victim and host. Apportioning blame to individual states neither cures crime nor prevents it recurring. It merely serves to marginalize those so labeled, and reduces the likelihood of interventions by those and other states.

One of the responses of the Philippines to this problem is stated in the Executive Order No. 100 s1999 which was signed by President Estrada empowering the PCTC to exercise and control over the “Loop Center of the National Action Committee on Anti-Hijacking and Terrorism (NACAHT), International Criminal Police Organization ICPO-INTERPOL NCB-Manila, Police Attachés of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Political Attachés/ Counselors for Security Matters of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)” (PCTC, 2008)

The most significant threats to regional security and stability are the developing sophistication and globalization of organized crime groups, which are likely to increase their cooperation in areas of mutual interest; all forms of fraud, money laundering, cyber crime, and corruption, which will continue to have a significant impact on regional economies; the increase and diversification in regional drug production, abuse and trafficking; and the likelihood that insurgency groups in the region are likely to become more dependent on crime- particularly drug production and trafficking - to finance their political campaigns.

WORLD VISION (SEM-CDA)

"To follow our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ in working with the poor and oppressed to promote human transformation, seek justice and bear witness to the good news of the Kingdom of God” is the stated goal of the international relief and development organization, World Vision. Although the World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organization and is inspired by our Christian values, they serve all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender.

Globally, this organization helps transform the lives of the world’s poorest children and families in nearly 100 countries. It s considered the largest child sponsorship agency globally. In the Philippines, World Vision currently helps improve the lives of more than 120,000 children and 16 million Filipinos in 33 provinces and 44 cities nationwide. In fact, my mother has sponsored a child in World Vision and when I asked her if she has plan of stopping it, she said “If only I earn 9 figures a month, I will sponsor more and more children”. Just like her, helping children is one of my goals in life. I often thank God for being so blessed that I have never experienced looking for someone who can pay for my tuition fee. I have never tried going somewhere just to beg for some money in order to survive. I promised to myself that I will not die unless I have accomplished my goal working with the Lord Jesus Christ in transforming the lives of the poor children.

In line with the economic development, “Philippine poverty threshold recorded at PhP15,057 or 26.9% poverty incidence of families in the whole country. In order to send children to school, provide health care and feed nutritious food, parents has to make a way to increase income. However, the lowering of peso purchasing power coupled with unpredictable weather patterns makes poor Filipino families even more vulnerable”. (World Vision, Phils) An access to capital is not enough to succeed without practical trainings towards family economic growth. The organization believes that in order to enable the poorest of the poor families to meet their needs, a holistic and effective economic development intervention is of utmost importance. Economic Development of World Vision in the Philippines upholds the integrated, holistic development rooted in the description of Jesus’ as a child in Luke 2:52. I hope that no matter what criticisms the World Vision would get from other international organizations, they will continue to change the lives of people. I don’t see anything wrong with their deeds and I know that if anyone would take the World Vision away from the Philippine settings, 1/8 of the population would suffer and that is something that I do not want to happen.

REAL DRAMA.. August 23, 2010

Who will not be saddened and disappointed with the infamous hostage taking drama that happened in the Philippines last August 23, 2010? This incident had a big impact in the Philippines. In fact, I consider this as another slap on our country.

I am a Filipino and I love this country but I can’t help myself not to feel embarrassed on how the authorities handled the whole situation. Why? First, there was only one hostage taker, and how many policemen were present during that time? It was very obvious that our policemen lacked the training, evidently unequipped and highly incompetent. Second, I would like to criticize the role of the media. As a democratic country, citizens have the right to be informed and I believe in the right of free press but I would like to emphasize their limits. The hostage taker is the mere beneficiary of the all the information that the media broadcasted to the public. It is their duty to relay information but they should know their limitations. Next, we could have spared the lives of all the Hong Kong citizens if only the SWAT, the PNP and the government didn’t mess up. My analysis to this one has something to do with the “democracy” that the Philippines has. The growing public concern about the government and media’s compliance with democratic rules are undermining the legitimacy of the freedom. I would not be surprised if the public lose faith in the integrity of the government’s aims for this country.

People say, “The damage has been done”. It only means that people wants to move forward and not to point fingers to anyone. What I know is that ROLANDO MENDOZA is the one primarily to be blamed for this incident. I cannot blame the decisions and actions that the Hong Kong government did. Moreover, I pray that the Philippine government will be able to responsibly learn from this incident in all aspects and I would like the other countries to know that to harm anyone is never and will never be the intention of the “entire” Filipino people.