Mandatory creation of emergency "Clinic in Malls"

The shopping malls have become a favorite place of Filipinos to relax, unwind and shop. The accessibility of these establishments at workplaces and schools make it even more appealing to the public even on weekdays. Also, they provide a 'one-stop-shop' in which you can purchase all the things you like - from your needs to your wants.

These establishments also replaced the traditional public places like public plazas and parks, and one of the major reasons for this shift is the increasing crimes happening on streets like bag-snatching and kidnappings. The citizens, seeing the private security guards, find the mall as a safer alternative.

However, last September 21, 2011, two teens were killed in a shooting incident inside one of the biggest mall operators in the country. The PNP just passed by on the limp body of the victims while waiting for the rescuers. No first aid was provided.

This incident was the third of such incident that happened in one of the biggest malls in the Philippines. The second, a wife shot his husband who was a sales clerk in the mall, and the third, a security guard who was killed during a shootout. And, there could have been more unreported cases to add on this list.

If there could have just been an emergency clinic with trained medical staff, furnished with emergency equipment, precious lives could have been saved.

Local government units, most especially the chief executive, must act accordingly as mandated to them under the law, that the safety and general welfare of the people must be their utmost consideration. Hence, there should be an ordinance for the mandatory creation of Clinic in Malls to compel mall owners to comply with the requirement.

Let us keep the malls, still, a happy and safe place to go.