Threats come with the territory, especially for public officials who have done good or bad and angered those who wish they were erased from existence.

Death threats — a frightening combination of words that only a heart filled with anger and hatred can conjure — whether personal or not, can induce so much fear.

Threats to take someone’s life do not discriminate as to gender. Anyone, man or woman, can fall victim to such demonic plans. I hate death threats, more so if they are advertised. Only a sick mind would think of harming someone and let the public know about it. That is the worst mental torture.

The recent news of a death threat made against my friend, Cebu Governor Pam Baricuatro, made worse by the alarming revelation of a P2.5-million bounty on her life, casts a dark shadow over the realm of public service in the Philippines.

Such a disturbing situation not only raises questions about the safety of our elected officials but reflects deeper issues within the societal framework regarding violence and impunity.

The order of Philippine National Police Chief P/Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. to intensify intelligence monitoring in this case is a crucial step in addressing the immediate threat faced by Governor Baricuatro.

The magnitude of the threat, reportedly involving a hired killer from Mindanao, opens our eyes to the serious nature of the risks that public officials encounter while executing their duties.

Every day, public officials face the potential consequences of their decisions and the backlash from vested interests, often leading to threats with fatal repercussions.

The governor’s situation calls for heightened security measures not only for herself but for all public officials who may find themselves in similar peril.

The PNP’s deployment of additional tactical security personnel is a positive response to this alarming trend. However, it should not be viewed solely as a reaction but as a proactive strategy to safeguard democracy and the very fabric of our governance.

The situation places a spotlight on the culture of violence that permeates specific sectors of our society. The offer of a bounty on a public official’s life is more than an individual threat; it is a symptom of systemic issues that must be addressed.

There should be zero tolerance for acts of violence and intimidation against public servants. The government, alongside law enforcement, must undertake immediate and comprehensive measures to eradicate such threats at their source.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla have made it clear that the safety and security of elected officials should be prioritized, yet this should extend beyond mere directives.

There needs to be a conscious effort to address and end the root causes of political violence, such as corruption, political rivalry, and criminal networks that thrive in secrecy. Strategies must include public awareness campaigns, community engagement, and the cultivation of an environment where constructive political discourse can flourish without fear of reprisal.

The situation demands unity among officials at all levels of government. Public servants should support one another, especially during crises and emergencies. It is essential for everyone, even those who may stand to gain from a consummated death threat, to condemn them unequivocally.

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