NewsRecord Weekly Publication

Eyes Open 

By  Charmaine Sanchez

“Evil minds and evil people do not excuse anybody. All of us are at risk. All of us can be victims.”

I am just devastated with the Greenville rape case. Many people are. Parents and children all over town are grieving with the victim’s family.

San Carlos was once hailed as a ‘livable city.’ But this recent incident has thrown a cloud of doubt if the title is still appropriate. In our world today, no place is safe; a bitter fact. And we do not know when the world can ever be safe again.

As a young woman, this incident gave me goose bumps. What if the same thing happens to me? What if the same thing happens to my mom? To my sister? To my friends? Every time I try imagining the scenario that little girl went through… I end up cringing. Even thinking about what the poor child faced is unbearable. Can there really be such monsters?

“Mga anak, labi na ni akung mga dalaga, pag amping jud intawn mo pirme ha?”

This was what my father reminded us during a late night dinner and while we were talking about the incident. The situation did not only scare children and young girls, but also a lot of parents. It has indeed served as a flashing red warning to all of us. Well, we can never tell when, where and what incidents could happen, but we can always mitigate. Keep your eyes open, this is one good way in keeping yourself safe.

AVOID BEING ALONE IN SECLUDED AREAS. Usual victims (may that be in kidnapping, rape, etc.) are those who are alone. When you are all by yourself, you become an easy prey. I am addressing this especially to our young ladies. In going out, at night or early in the morning, it would really be better if you are with a group of people. Not only is it fun when you are with a number of pals, you also have enough pairs of eyes to watch out for anything that might call for an emergency situation. And this line may be scratched but it’s golden: As much as possible, AVOID TALKING TO STRANGERS.

GIVE YOURSELF A CURFEW. You don’t have to live on the streets all night. Staying up too late at home in front of your favorite TV show won’t hurt you. Partying till morning in streets might. Yes, it’s all about the fun and the drinks and the dancing when you’re still in bars, when you’re still with your group. But after all the noise and the laughter: “Mag bulag-bulag na lang ta ug uli mga inday, ha. Urban man gud ko, wala gyu’y mu hatod nato ug mag-ipon tang tanan.”

What could happen after that? I am not scaring people about night life here, I am giving everyone a sincere reminder to take care. Just make sure you can manage to have a safe ride home whenever you’re out late. A lot of things can really happen when you’re careless. And even when you think you’re safe, you can never be so sure.

AVOID WEARING CLOTHES THAT EXPOSE YOUR SOUL! Ladies, it might be harmless wearing sexy clothes or your favorite sports attire whenever we are taking strolls or jogging at the park during late afternoons since they make us feel comfortable but, in going out at night it would be better if you wrap yourself up a bit, particularly when you are on an errand or you just want some time alone. That won’t hurt you anyway. Wearing blouses with plunging neck lines and skimpy shorts can tempt saints, what more will there be if you’ll encounter people who are not-much-of-saints?

PARENTS, KEEP WATCH. CHILDREN, LISTEN. Some of us are lucky enough to be able to live in subdivisions. And there are those who live in areas where anything can happen outside. Our parents have this innate talent in predicting what could happen to us. There are really some instances where they might give us a “NO” or an early curfew when we want to spend some time outside our gates. Honestly, I have been bothered by that several times but we will eventually figure out why mom and dad can’t permit all of our actions. Consider yourself lucky if you have parents in the first place. Mind your safety the way they do.

Safety is a matter of being responsible and being responsible would be all up to you. The world has changed 360 degrees and we can never be sure about what could happen in every step we take and in every place we land on. So take care of yourself and keep your eyes open.