De Lima sees difficulty in enforcing law vs looters in Yolanda-hit areas
Residents force open a small grocery as they start to loot in Tacloban city, Leyte province central Philippines on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013. AP
MANILA, Philippines – Strictly enforcing the law against looting in typhoon ravaged Tacloban is easier said than done, Justice Secretary Leila De Lima said Monday.
“Strictly enforcing the laws, including penal laws on looting (technically, theft or robbery) during extraordinary times such as in times of calamity is easier said than done,” De Lima said.
Under the Revised Penal Code, the crime of theft “shall be punished with a penalty with a higher penalty in case it is, among others, committed on the occasion of fire, earthquake, typhoon, volcanic eruption or any other calamity, vehicular accident or civil disturbance.”
“There’s a lot of sensitivities involved here [victims of typhoon Yolanda]. Application of laws should thus be tempered with compassion, mercy or liberality. What is imperative is real and physical presence of authorities, both local and national, to maintain peace and order,” she added.
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