Once again, the guardians of law and order have failed in their most basic duty: to swiftly deliver justice. The recent arrest of social media personality Diwata, also known as Deo Jarito Balbuena, for slight physical injuries serves as yet another appalling testament to the incompetence and apathy of our police force.

Let us dissect this abhorrent tale of delayed justice. Diwata’s alleged crime took place on May 5, 2018, under the bridge of Diokno Boulevard in Pasay City. Yes, you read that correctly. It took our esteemed law enforcement officials nearly six years to apprehend the accused. Six years of indifference, six years of negligence, six years of callous disregard for the well-being of the victim.

And what was the nature of this egregious offense that warranted such swift and decisive action from our police force? A confrontation that escalated into violence, leaving the complainant, Rogelio Magallanes, a construction worker, with injuries to his head. The accused purportedly struck Magallanes with a bamboo stick, inflicting harm and pain upon him.

But the true travesty lies not only in the brutality of the act itself, but in the unconscionable delay in delivering justice. How many sleepless nights did Rogelio Magallanes endure, his head throbbing with pain and injustice, while the wheels of justice ground to an excruciatingly slow halt? How many days did he spend wondering if he would ever see his assailant held accountable for his actions?

The Pasay City police have utterly failed in their duty to protect and serve. Their inability to promptly apprehend Diwata is a damning indictment of their competence and dedication to upholding the law. The issuance of an arrest warrant in 2018 should have been a call to action, a signal to pursue justice with unwavering determination. Instead, it languished in bureaucratic purgatory, gathering dust while the victim awaited closure.

In light of these grave injustices, I implore both parties involved to seek an amicable settlement, if feasible. While the alleged complainant may seek restitution for the harm inflicted upon him, Diwata, if willing to take responsibility for his actions, could offer sincere apologies and reparations to mitigate the damage caused. A swift and fair resolution through mediation or arbitration would not only bring closure to this painful chapter but also serve as a beacon of hope for others ensnared in legal quagmires.

In conclusion, the arrest of Diwata for slight physical injuries is not just a story of one man’s suffering, but a damning indictment of a broken system. The police must be held accountable for their negligence, and swift action must be taken to ensure that justice is served without delay. Anything less is a betrayal of the trust placed in our law enforcement agencies and a mockery of the principles of justice and fairness upon which our society is built.