The snuffing out of even one human life always affects us all, more so if the death occurs as a consequence of violence.
The family left behind by businessman Richard King, who was shot dead in Davao City last Thursday, yesterday marked Father’s Day with nothing but his corpse lying in repose at St. Peter’s Funeral Homes in Imus Road, Cebu City.
That is an ordeal no sane human being would wish on a fellow man, save of course if someone were so gripped by a vendetta that nothing but bloodshed could quench.
Law enforcement authorities must be swift in investigating King’s murder and bringing the perpetrators to justice.
That is the least they can do for King’s immediate family, who will, but only with unspeakable anguish come to terms with his abrupt departure from this world.
In light of King’s vast business holdings across the country, there is wisdom in the family’s request for the National Bureau of Investigation to step into the quest for justice.
If only witnesses can step forward. The kind who are aware of their moral obligation and not just attracted by prize money for information are most needed at this time.
It would be prudent for authorities to make sure that enough security is accorded to the family that is still in shock and naturally worried about their safety in light of the killing of their head.
The eyes of many will be on the law enforcement agencies. In the death of King, a family has lost their patriarch, his friend has lost the one closest to him, workers have lost a respected boss and the business industry, indeed, the Philippine economy has lost an important figure.
How the investigation and trial proceeds, when it comes to that, will have repercussions on the perception of both peace and order as well as investment climate in the country.
The prosperity of a family should not make any of its members a target for criminal elements in society.
The government must do more to crack down on the illegal manufacture and spread of guns that find their way into the hands of those who have no qualms in taking the job of hired gun.