Arresting looters in typhoon-hit areas 'easier said than done', Philippines

Philippines' Justice Secretary Leila de Lima admitted on Monday that the call for the strict implementation of law against looters in Central Philippine city of Tacloban City, which was badly devastated by super typhoon Haiyan, is quite difficult at present. In a text message to reporters, de Lima said instead of using an "iron fist" to address the massive looting in the area, people should show humanitarian attitude towards the survivors and assure them that aid is coming. "Strictly enforcing the laws, including the penal laws on looting (technically theft or robbery), during extraordinary times such as in times of calamity, it is easier said than done," de Lima pointed out. "There are a lot of sensitivities involved here. Application of laws should thus be tempered with compassion, mercy or liberality, " she added. What is important, according to de Lima, is for the government to deploy more local and national government forces to prevent the incidents of looting from further escalating into anarchy. On the other hand, de Lima added that there is no basis to place Tacloban City under a state of martial law to prevent anarchy in the city following reports of massive looting after the devastation caused by super typhoon Haiyan. Instead of declaring martial law, the Philippine government should beef up its security forces in the area to maintain peace and order, she added.