”If this explosion is terrorist act, I think the President should appoint a peace and order czar to fully solve these heinous crimes and acts of terrorism,” Zubiri said.

Zubiri also suggested to the President to call for a peace and order summit to discuss immediate solutions to the recent series of crimes that also include the killing of broadcaster Gerardo Ortega, who is known to be a staunch critic of mining operations in Palawan.

”When you get a peace and order czar, let’s appoint somebody with experience, with the training, and the education and the background for it, so avoid politicians for this role,” Zubiri said.

”Nobody is afraid of the law now. It seems the criminals want to tempt our President to come out with extraordinary measures for extraordinary situations,” Zubiri said.

However, Zubiri’s proposal drew opposition from his colleagues, with Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and Senator Loren Legarda saying what the government needs is honest-to-goodness and strict law enforcement.

”It’s simple. Let’s strictly implement the law that we have passed. All public servants, police and investigators, should do their work. Don’t leave criminals unpunished. The summit and czar are not necessary,” Legarda said.

Legarda, however, admitted that there is a wanton disregard to the law and order.

Enrile agreed with Legarda, asking the law enforcers to implement proper investigation on the spate of crimes, including the recent carjack-slaying incidents.

”There should be arrest of perpetrators and send them to jail so that we will have peaceful society,” Enrile said.

Senator Gregorio "Gringo" Honasan described the situation as "alarming," saying the Senate will push through with the investigation on Wednesday about the national crime situation.

”This is an alarming trend. We are concerned but our concern is translated into the need to amend or strengthen or make new laws to respond to this rising criminality,” Honasan said.

Meanwhile, Senator Pia Cayetano joined Legarda in condemning the killing of Ortega, demanding swift justice for the senseless and brutal death of the broadcaster from Palawan.

”The PNP should leave no stone unturned in getting to the bottom of this case and bring to justice the mastermind behind the hired gunman who took his life,” Cayetano said.

Legarda stressed the urgency of passing a proposed legislation that will qualify as murder the killing of members of media in the performance of their duties.

Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero, chairman of the Senate committee on justice, said they will push for the proposal to qualify as murder the killing of mediamen.

Manila Bulletin