Thank God Iloilo doesn’t have a Quiboloy and cult fanatics

By Alex P. Vidal

“The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, and wiser people so full of doubts.”—Bertrand Russell

THE city and province of Iloilo are lucky because they don’t have an Apollo Quiboloy and obstructive fanatics who will do the cult leader’s bidding even in the most acrimonious and bizarre manner.

With all its glory and prestige in tourism and economy, Iloilo can’t afford to have one now that it has surmounted tremendous challenges and scaled greater heights.

Ilonggos in general have invested a lot to make Iloilo on top and darling of ecotourism and investment opportunities.

Iloilo is blessed to have quality and visionary leaders. Even if they quarrel, Iloilo leaders see to it that the common good of the city and province is always top priority; fanaticism and adherence to strong arm tactics can never rear their unsightly shadows anywhere near the Ilonggos’ cognitive facets.

Ilonggos are law-abiding citizens and aren’t suckers to poor quality and mediocre leadership.

It’s hard to imagine the irreparable damage inflicted on a burgeoning city or province where a violent standoff is brewing between a recalcitrant mob protecting a wanted cult leader and police authorities trying to implement a lawful order.

Like what has been happening in Davao City in Mindanao in the Philippines.

-o0o-

Normally when violence in one city or province dragged on for two or more days and broadcasted “live” on the mainstream and the social media for all the world to watch round-the-clock, the havoc on ecotourism and business industries would be unspeakable.

Investors and tourists think the place needs to be avoided if peace and order isn’t stable and cult followers can stymie a lawful order (the implementation of a legitimate and valid warrant of arrest against several individuals accused of criminal involvement led by a “most wanted person” allegedly hiding in a bunker) and engage law enforcers in dangerous scuffles.

When flights in the airports are canceled and traffic is crippled due to spiraling violence, the uncanny situations will send wrong signals to businessmen and foreign visitors.

While local government and business leaders tirelessly build the city and province, lawless elements, troublemakers and cult fanatics destroy them.

Only because a powerful and moneyed wanted person has refused to submit himself to criminal justice system and, to compound the matter, appeared to be being pampered and tolerated by prominent and influential characters like members of the Duterte family.

Such is the misfortune of the once promising Davao City, which could have been one of the country’s leading favorite tourist destinations and investment hubs if not for the antics and misadventures of Quiboloy and his band of fanatics a.k.a. blind followers.

-o0o-

I received another advisory from Citibank warning me that “scammers are sophisticated.” Here’s the complete information:

Sometimes a basic defense is best. Scammers use many different methods, including technology, impersonation and couriers, attempting to cheat you out of your savings.

While scammers may be increasingly high tech, following these six simple guidelines can help keep your accounts safe no matter how you are targeted.

Legitimate people won’t rush you. If someone is rushing you: Stop. Hang up. Call a trusted friend or family member.

Internet search results don’t always lead to legitimate business websites. To make sure you’re logging into the correct website, check your statements or bills and type in the website. When in doubt: Stop what you’re doing. Call the company.

Providing personal identifiers to anyone can jeopardize your identity. If someone asks for your one-time password, PIN, online credentials or SSN: Stop. Hang up. Call your bank.

Citi won’t ask you to send money to anyone (think Zelle®, wires, etc.). If someone claiming to be from Citi asks you to send money: Stop. Hang up. Call Citi.

Banks, governments and utilities will never ask for payment through non-conventional methods. If you’re asked to do something unusual (like buying gift cards, precious metals or digital currencies), leave your money where it’s stored: Stop. Hang up. Call your bank and the authorities.

Gut feelings are there for a reason. If you feel like something isn’t right, it probably isn’t. Stop. Hang up. Call a trusted friend or family member.

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two daily newspapers in Iloilo.—Ed)