Chapter 16
The Pleb
Capt. Estrada’s service jeep speed off swiftly
after dropping Taklin at PMA façade.
“Good luck and be strong in spirit” is all
what he remembers from his new mentor as the sun set gradually engulfing the
remaining shadow of the Captain outside.
“You can make it in other words,” he told himself. That if I would survive when subjected to
baptism of fire later.
“If I would remain unscathed the better; if
not, it is immaterial as long I lost myself while joining the race,” he
convinced himself.
“At least, I could determine my limit,” he
further qualified.
“Go
for broke if need be,” he recalled an advice to him by Lorna back home.
“Life is like a forest where you are yet to
forage for your food in jungle fall of snakes, bats, wolves and what have you.
He
has already shown his mettle in high school and conquered it; ergo, it’s not
farfetched that he could make it. It’s
been his principle that unless life is lived to the fullest, it is only
half-lived and does not even merit any form of struggle whatsoever. Sounding like St. Paul
The challenge among his classmates –
Driarco, Louie, Tess, Josefil and rest of the gang – so intrigued him still
vividly imprinted in his mind. He would
recall a movie of similar challenge mutually agreed on bunch of friends – all
of them soldiers. The first union held
the following year was successfully attended.
There was almost one hundred percent attendance. But as the years passed
by with them engaging in war zones, the
members gradually decreases until only one was left surviving. Nonetheless the
fellow still visits occasionally the place only as commitment to the
group. He would offer spiritual bouquet
– prayers, attend mass, saying of rosaries on the tomb- to his fallen comrades
in arms. The plot of the movie was so
dramatically woven that the more he searches for meaning of the war, the more
he was drawn to reality. That like the rest of the gang, he too would die. It’s just a question of time and maybe,
timing. Maybe, also luck. But the thought of having harnessed himself
all through the years makes him ready to any eventualities death include. Where would all be heading to anyway.
Where to go, where to go every door seems closed for me, learned from
one plaintive song. Thus far, Taklin
remains undaunted. It’s where the real
action taking place. Who is it who said that life is easy to live once you have
conquered the fear of death.
Sporting a brand new flat top hair cut and
shaving of the remaining whiskers and sideburns, he looks clean, dignified and
oh yes, handsomer from the reflection of the mirror. He did not take any chances when the left the
Teacher’s Camp yesterday anticipating the quota of hundred push-ups and similar
punishments to dirty looking incoming plebs.
True enough, those whose hairs were uncut were given punishment that
early –ten thousand meters run in the oval, executing push-ups in between.
“Your name please,” inquired the military
policy surveying suspecting the neophyte in the organization.
“Taklin de la Rosa Sir,’ He answered on attention.
“Batch what?”
“Of course 1979 Sir.”
“Which province you’re from?”
“Romblon. . . “
“Aha, the Marble county.”
“You’re right Sir.”
“Sponsors . . . . “
“Joselito Ludimer and Capt. Henry Estrada
Sir.”
“Organization?”
“RSM,” his quick reply without any
reservation.
“Great kid. Good you would be one with us .
. .,” The MP acknowledged as he tapped gently the broad shoulder of Taklin.
“Welcome to the club. Hope you would
survive. You would it seems as your
personality is survival personified. Not
all applicants are that fortunate soul you know making it.
Selection process is just very tough and competitive.” Added the medium
built and sinewy military officer as if Taklin is long lost friend coming back
to the organization.
“Okay bro kindly look for your name and your corresponding number at the roster of the incoming PMErs
upstairs. You could proceed to your room
and in three minutes and you should report back for your initial briefing
together with the fortunate freshmen.
Don your athletic outfit please.
We will be touring you all around the campus and most importantly we
would start testing your endurance in the field. Get what I mean?”
“Sir, yes sir,” Taklin snapped back
perfunctorily. He went all the way in
haste to nearby Corregidor looking for his
name. Taklin de la number 37859. Coming
back the formation he complied
activities for the day and was now looking for his room.
He got it. A lady usherette leads him to
his room. It’s quiet spacious with two table, two lampshades, two beds and two cabinets. So it’s for two blebs.
“Yap ,” her
response.
“The comfort room is right at the left wing of this building. It’s open twenty four hours a day. It’s all yours.”
“Thanks beautiful lady and the library
please?”
“It’s downstairs and you can have as
materials you’d like to read to make your day. World. History, literature,
geography, sciences and all that. David
Copperfield, Uncle Tom’s Cabin, Wuthering
Heights
“Seems ours’ is one of the most
sophisticated library. . . “
“Not just in Manila
but all throughout Asia . Microfilms and all
latest editions of various discipline.
Name it and we’ve got it here.”
‘”How about the gym?”
“We’ve got it in the separate building.
Physical exercise you know I part of your training here..”
“A man with a healthy body also possesses
healthy mind.”
“You’re right. We have it developed it here unless one bribes the medical; doctor to give him clean certification of health despite deteriorating physical condition.”
“You’re right. We have it developed it here unless one bribes the medical; doctor to give him clean certification of health despite deteriorating physical condition.”
“You mean there those who are undesirable
tin the prestigious military academy.”
“Rarely save their intelligence far
outweigh their physical deformities. But
these are only exception to the roles.”
“Thanks indeed. Unfortunately, I still don’t know your name.’
“Janette Gonzales.”
“Working . . . . “
“As librarian.”
“No wonder you know all the materials
here.”
Jeanette nodded approvingly.
“It’s what I finished in College. Library science. I’ve been thrilled you know by
books since I was small. Whether they
are fiction, history, biography, science or literature. Oh I just dig all of them specially
fiction They are good substitute for
history books and in fact more excellent materials. What do you think?”
“Without
Seeing The Dawn by Lamberto Avellana.”
“Great Filipino classics.”
“:Maybe at par with Rizal’s Noli and Fili.”
“Good but there are too many others. And indeed they tell us better, like inside
commentary of a sportscaster during any boxing championship fight or basketball
contest, who’s fooling whom, the
oppressors and the oppressed, the politicians
or taxpayers, victors or
victims?”
“Gee, very bright ideas making my day. You
should be in institutions or universities of higher learning as professor.”
“No I don’t. I would rather stay here than
working with students. I just hate you
know teaching and then receiving starvation salary. And
what if the students under me are morons.”
“A blessing in this planet of many
ignoramuses. . . . “
“Yes but what would you get teaching dumb people anyway. They should
be made fertilizers. Know what I mean?”
“Killing them you mean!”:
“You’re right but I’m just joking.
You should be hanged first for your subtlety subjecting ignoramuses to
capital punishment.”
“It’s you who said that. I didn’t. Now it’s mutual. Why all this talk
on dying when there is living, of becoming – the very essence of existence as
some existentialist like Sartre would say.”
“Like taking philosophy I supposed.”
“Very much.
In fact I take it as major here in
undergrad.”
“Very nice of your thought I’m wondering
how it is related to killing people later in the field,” Janette tested Taklin
taking the fellow aback.
“What do you think? Just asking like you.
Yours’ is better than mine I guess.”
“O come on why do you intend to become a
military in premier institution like PMA on the first place.?”
“Because you’re around, Taklin teased
sending Janette’s blood up in her face.”
“You’re too young. Study first kid. You’ve got all the time to engage later and
not to me,” the librarian answered.
“Why stay put in this male dominated
academe. Are openings with attractive
salary yet by private agencies or corporations for instance do not tempt you?”
“Big corporation, yes. It is enticing. But not all the time specially when you have
something very important thing in your mind.”
“Like what?”Taklin snapped.
“Like helping put order in this troubled
country through PMA.”
“Are you a member of RSM?” Asked Taklin
taking cue from Janette receiving no
answer in return
“Why is there anything wrong?” the good
lady broke out.
“None, I just admire your gut feeling. Capt. Estrada gave me an impromptu lecture of
your cause.”
“And what about it?”
It’s the real thing.”
“Planning to be one?”
“Hopefully . . . . “
‘Great . Welcome to the club.”
“I think I’m not yet in..”
“Unless you have your worth showing the
battle field.”
“Good you joined RSM.”
“Again
but I don’t believe in the superiority of man over woman. It’s just that our culture puts us women in
bad light as if we’re that cheap commodity.
Look on the announcements on several job openings. What has age, height,
experience and all that got to do with the capability of female to deliver the
goods? What is so special to men that we
women could not do or perform. I
couldn’t think of any. To think that
even the texture of skin, figure of fingers and all that they sum up as
pleasing personality are solicited it seems to me they are up to something evil
making their intent doubly suspicious. Look whatever it means here that gender becomes
a variable”
“Nice meeting you Jeanette. I’m 437859 or simply Taklin. May name is in vernacular. But mind you it’s one of the best name we
have in village at least, it’s what my mother told me. Don’t worry I’ll pass later an order opening PMA admission for women –
the bright ones – like you,” he said reciprocating the good cheer of his new
found friend inside the academy.
Little of course, did Taklin realized than
when his conjecture became reality PMA opens its admission to female applicants
later.
“I wish you good luck. Save your adrenaline to your difficult
training here and in the library. And
remember your promise when you become President of the PMA.”
He hurriedly put on his sport outfit and
after surveying his room, the cabinet, study table and spring bed, went
downstairs.
Executing a snappy salute to Lot . Co. Pancho the Supt. Of the PMA standing over the
platform, he situated himself at the hearing distance to hear all things the Supt. would
deliver. Looking around, he would notice
that almost all, save one, are shaven.
Their eyes were all fixed to the Superintendent.
“Good morning boys,” the superintendent
blared through the megaphone.
“Good morning to Sir,” roared the incoming
plebes.
“It’s good to see you folks young as your
are enjoying young vitality to this noble institution. I welcome you all with
open hearts and minds to this holy place.
Many Filipinos have already come and go in the portals of this academy.
“Some survived the rest have their bodied
felled to the ground. The unfortunate
ones died of course, why not. We are not mortals anyway. But mind you dying for the love and defense
of the country, is the sweetest legacy one could ever leave in his world.
Just asking, what if the cause of
death is a bullet from a Filipino himself
there in war zone. We don’t
care. The country is caught on fire said
St. Teresa of Avila
There ensued brief silence as Col. Pancho
surveys once more his audience waiting
for any brave souls to raise
questions and or clarification. None.”
“I definitely hate giving you this kind of
talk as I might pre-empt your sanity and judgment. But better to lay down this early our card
than not at all because our life is practically different consecrated to far
higher noble purpose from other men –
protect life, property and country from godlessness, restlessness and
lawlessness.”
“But like a priest, ours is also
consecrated for a nobler purpose that of defending our country, securing its
territories form the enemies both from the left, right and center. I mean the communist and
those who have messianic complex from the ranks of bureaucracy.”
“Quite incredible but true. I might too idealistic about it but I believe
that loving our country is tantamount to lying oneself and of God. Isn’t it
that God so command us to love our neighbor as ourselves anyway,” the
superintendent preaches. That makes his
statement infallibly valid no one among his listeners challenged. He went on narrating his exploits, the drama
unfolding on his life in school, battle field, community and church.
“Life is full of challenge. And it’s good to redirect our energies to
that direction. Our country you see is
the only one we’ve got. There ‘s no used
fighting against it. There should be
order in the first place But look there is chaos instead. No wonder President
Marcos came to the rescue. Ours is also
part of that effort. The President can’t
do alone containing that restlessness.
We should come to his rescue.
Thus, the need of enforcing the
law. And what would you do when reason fails. Probably, force will!”
“What’s the use of creating these laws if
we could not promulgate it in our land, if I may ask you?”
“Mind you our task ahead is never
peanuts. Those who think otherwise are
encouraged to leave this premises anytime.
In fact, you need not inform me.
You can arrange it yourself with the registrar anytime. And you can have your fare back home
free. We need only those who have heart
to withstand the rigor of the
training. In short, we don’t need
cowards. We need men who could answer
the need of the time that of defending the country, its territories and yes
most importantly, its people. You’re
right, there’s no substitute for bravery.”
“Freedom’s for the brave only Sir,” Taklin
recalling the familiar maxim from Horace in high school.
“O thanks.
I’m giving you extra merit of your candidness. Must be freedom loving
gentleman yourself Mister?”
“I am!” Taklin echoed getting the attention
of the plebs nearby.
“Remember, democracy was never given in a
silver platter by our ancestors to us.
They fought for it against the Japanese, Spanish Colonizers, Americans,
commies and what have you. You should know we are still fighting it out securing
democracy this time not against foreign invaders but against our very own
brothers waylaid by godless ideology who are up in grabbing power from us.”
“What a shame? For their extra effort of
grabbing if from us, we’re returning back the compliment due them: bullets on
their heads! Why not. We will fight
whatever the cost whether in any battlefields or in any forum in community,
university and even inside the church.
If we could confuse them while fighting, the better. If we have to fight tooth and nail to
preserve democracy, we will do it as we’ve done it in the past. We are doing it today and we will continue
doing it in the future. God only knows if we would survive. Better die fighting than die as cowards so to
speak.”
“Never mind whatever happen as long as we are
doing our share.
That’s why we have PMA. It will help us fix what in a lifetime we could
do it in four years. By that time, you are ready. Then history would already be there to
vindicate us whether we became heroes or villains. But I hope the exploits of Lapulapu, Rajah
Sulaiman, Andres Bonifacio, Apolinario Mabini, Luna brothers and scores of
others who for many centuries had kept the flag of democracy alive waving
proudly in the skies, would not be in vain. Or I’ll have what you’re got in
between your legs cut off. . . , your two balls I mean,” he said sending his captive audience
laughing.
The audience eyes were all glued to the
Superintendent and it seems that he is making their day and animated.
“And now for a sensitive issue each one
would probably like to ask but couldn’t. What’s the status now of our struggle
in the country? State is in limbo, the reds might say. There’s power struggle in the AFP itself and
chances are might lead to disintegration of the entire Armed Forces, another
would say. There’s bloodshed everywhere,
the media might also sensationalized.”
“Which one is true? Depending on who is speaking
perhaps.”
“Well, to put it bluntly, whether we like
it or not there are always excesses in
our fight against the rebels. Others would call it aversion. What’s in a name. It’s the price we have to
pay for our defense of democracy. It’s
rather scary alright but what could we do sometimes fate is not on our side. So if you feel like turning back. By all means. We’re gentlemen anyway. I’m not intimidating you all either.”
“I repeat, it’s the only one we’ve got just
as we have also that one life given to us by God. I may sound religious about
it. But it’s a fact no one can probably
deny.”
“For your training here, we have all the
facilities I think you need for your stay with us. It’s all yours. I hope you make the best of them.
Mind you, they are considered as one of the best in Asia . You need not got to visit other libraries nor
gym to read or sweat it out. Ours is
quiet sophisticated than theirs. There’s
aso St. Ignatius chapel, the oval and classroom complete with laboratories.
Everything are well prepared for you here – refectory, dormitory and the rest.”
“The weather, yes, here is also perfect. Keep both your mind and body always
fresh. It’s important. The government takes cognizant of that too. That’s why we have this academy established
right here on top of this mountain. Okey boys are you still listening or just
pretending listening to me?”
“Sir yes Sir . . . , “ the thunderous
reply.
“We’re quiet up wide awake and I think your
resonant voice would allow us to even
just one minute nap,” Taklin volunteered anew. Unsolicited laughter from the
audience ensued.
“Great gentleman. At least I know that you’re all wide awake,“
the Superintendent voice booms once more.
“Any question so far?”
“What if I would not survive Sir . . . ?”
asked one applicant out of the blue.
“Then report to the registrar’s office for
your fare back home. Must be sleeping
while I was talking earlier.
“I’m right here before you listening,”
answered swiftly by the pleb obviously burdened by the implication of the Superintendent’s
query.
“Better for you to go back home and plant
sweet potato than staying with us wasting your time. What would you do anyway if chances are you
withstand the rigors of training but could not even fire a single bullet
against your enemies later in war zones.
If I were you, I would rather have my balls in between my legs cut off
than serving military. Never mind if my
girlfriend would leave me. How would I make her happy anyway without one anyway,”
sustained laughter ensued.
“You see folks don’t ever get me
wrong. There’s just no substitute for
bravery. Intelligence and bravery should go hand in hand. Of course, we need luck but that is only
considered as an X-factor by a military.
If we could conquer our enemies without firing a single bullet, we
should pursue it. The Academy, “he
emphasized pointing his forefinger to the ground.
“To err is human indeed but to fix things
up requires four years stay in the PMA so to speak. Good luck.
Hope you would have nice and fruitful stay with us. My great thanks for your general listening
patience. May all you survive,” the
superintendent said before withdrawing from audience.
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Taklin’s first year was very tough.
Normally, it’s the toughest of the four years stay in PMA. And as it gradually elevated to higher year, the manageable the training
became. Lt. Col. Pancho was right, he thought. Only few survived, half of his classmates were out. But he remains undaunted if only to prove
that he really meant business taking military science there. It’s just a
question of patience. He got bravery and
intelligence, he’s right. But they’re
not enough. That’s where the
superintendent fails. Patience is the
missing nexus. It outlives is abhorrence of paying forced respect to the senior
officers who are exacting “Sir” from the subordinates. Thousands of push –ups, jogging and other
punishments out of the heck of it made at the slightest provocation became
routinely in the end. It’s part of the
challenge of becoming one with the chosen group like Capt. Estrada and Major
Ludimer nothing less. No shortcut. The harder, the better.
On the contrary, there were dramatic and
colorful chapters in his stay at PMA.
“It’s the reality,” Taklin himself later
learns. Who could also forget the mock battles he engaged in sending terror
down his spine. Ambush, psyche-war, snake crawl, commando tactics, blitzkrieg
attack and the rest. They ‘re all baptism
of fire. But it’s only a prelude to
harsher reality he’s bound to meet later.
And that’s were survival of the fittest would finally be tested.
Would he survive? This is another dimension
of his life he is yet to face and experience.
“If others were able to make it, why couldn’t he follow suit,” he challenged himself again.
“It just doesn’t make any sense investing so much
time and effort at the PMA for many years marked by grueling hardships and then
folds away like marshmallow in the last stretch of your stay in the academy. Unwise investment indeed.”
“I’ll go there once I’ll cross the first bridge,” he told himself.
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Unfortunately, it was ironic that while he
just graduated with flying colors, tragedy right away beckoned on him. Rona was
abducted from her school having been mistakenly included in the Roll of Battle
by the military. She was never seen again nor returned to her teaching post
since then. Two more of his brothers were not as lucky. They were brutally
murdered one after the other of forces beyond
his knowledge. This incident prompted his parents withdraw from their
farm and resettled in Poblacion leaving farming for good. Good that Mang Tonio
and Eliza evacuated otherwise, they too would have been burned to death when
armed combatants with bonnet set their house on fire without any justifiable
reason at all. Fortunately they were lucky they miraculously survived the
ordeal when the armed men returned back and burned their farm house. Cenon,
their youngest son was not as lucky. He never came back after he was taken as
guide by the group. Must have been shot while coming back from their mission.
“Thrice in a row!”Taklin could hardly
believe the fate happened involving his
family.
The pattern is fast unfolding like fiction
caught in a maze leaving many
observers reeling in the background.
Ordinary but concerned taxpayers of Sta. Rita are also caught in deep bated breath probably reeking with anger and
impatience over the incredibly slow pace addressing the hostility going on.
“What would happen next as the plot
and sub plots thickens building into a
classic story in the making catching everybody off guard from an unexpected
turn and twist of events. Who’s just really next?” sometimes were disturbing questions
filing the air unanswered.
Unfortunately, Taklin family’s massacre is such
a despicable story earning bad niche probably
as the country’s most dangerous place
for any taxpayers engaging their business
relegating some hotspots in Mindanao in the
background. Lately, two or three journalists were added in a separate incidents
to the long list of statistics further aggravating that infamy smacking right before
peace-loving Sta. Rita residents. As enjoined by concerned public
officials albeit considered as road less
traveled, it was behooved upon our officials
in authority to fast track solving the problem. Sadly though it’s the other way around. They
mess up instead with the issue in the case of Commission of Human Rights and
Department of Justice passing the buck instead among themselves.
“Where is now our justice and legal system
in solving the case whose victims are innocent civilians?”
“The incident hit us really hard and we
would not probably recover lost prestige and confidence from people around the country
should the issue further dragged all the more ad infinitum,” Taklin
synthesized.
“Fiction should have no room in this story.
But look what happened to the case. Instead of addressing the issue and solving
the crime of the day with dispatch, it seems it would take a miracle closing
the case dragging further to nowhere turning the event the
other way around. “
“Two vital witnesses’ lives were already silenced
and maybe their blood would continue haunting us the longer while our authority are sitting on their job.
It is just hoped that DOJ would make
good their promise doing their job delivering justice to where it is due,” were
some of the complaint not addressed.
First to fall
was an uncle of a witness. That happened two months after. Next casualty
falling on the dragnet ending as another
statistics of the case was Sostheno Phame,
alias Koko the self-confessed accomplice of suspect. As of the latest, Larry
Quero, the counsel of the family said they are in possession of four vital witnesses to the massacre. But better coordinating with DOJ in providing protection or the two
vital witnesses might again be
considered dead men walking.
Koko
openly admitted, he was a willing
participant in the conspiracy for a fee leading to cold blooded death of de la Rosas shocking
the taxpayers of Esperanza. The motive – clearing the road towards election
next year.
“If so then, the casualties were mere
sacrificial lambs. Nong Tonio was actually
the target. Possibly because of his winnability for Mayor next election,”
the thought playing in his mind.
“What happened therefore was sending home a
message –scaring his family to leave the town for good or the series of events would go further
unabated until they are wiped out from the municipality,” the scary reality
unfolding.
Koko was actually in Manila
two months earlier in March and April but returned back in town when DOJ denied protection for his
two scheduled interview. Leaving Manila Manila
Koko stated that Rona was the first to be
killed followed by his two brothers to give the family no chance of filing Mang
Tonio’s candidacy. The mastermind. would then ordered seven gunmen firing indiscriminately towards their
houses or while inside their vehicle despite earnest request pleading saving
their lives.
At least four more others were killed outright in that arbitrary burst
of gunfire, he declared. Shown at the
height of arrogance, the mastermind has
even the gall uttering ominous phrase as he bade adieu his men after surrender:
“Nothing will happen to their case. I have all the guns, gold and goons to
handle that,” the Philippine Star columnist would write later of the incident
quoting categorically the words of the mastermind.. And true enough, Koko just suffered in silence. Why really not as the Mastermind
already insinuated. That problem is they didn’t take his words for it. Now they
are reaping the dirty dividend.
This is what gripping the town as peace is
so illusive what with the untouchable Almighty
Big Brother intimidating to silence any witnesses.
Meanwhile, Asst. Chief Prosecutor Richard Nolledo
assigned handling the case will validate and conduct cross examination of the
new witnesses in due time. He is Dino Osias, self-confessed trusted assistant
of OIC Vice Mayor Victor Reyes, replacement of Mayor Torres. Will he or will he
not spilled the beans.”
“Or will he not succumbed to temptation to
almighty peso and buckle in the end before the closure of the case.”
“The better DOJ now provides him security
to secure his safety and the revelation he will declare.” Taklin thought.
“Enough for Cagra and other high ranking
officials whose impartiality of treating the case was proven suspect. Too many blood already spilled out
in Esperanza.”
“Their voices from the mass grave have
been crying justice to high heaven.
Better to act swiftly or another unexpected incident happens from this episode as
in a fiction.,” the thought pre-occupying Taklin.
Truth to tell, Taklin’s words proved
prophetic. His most dreaded incident happened completing vicious cycle of
violence in his province. The impact hit him really hard like no other. Now,
asking what happened becomes an elusive question.
And granting there are answers, how in the
world that his family with him identified with the Powers-that-be as military
are even not exempted from violence.
Death happened to Fr. Driarco’s family
representing innocent sector being identified with church. Here he is now
suffering the same fate for reasons could not understand let alone, accept.
“How is this and what’s up for all of
this?” he queried possible answer blown in the wind.
.
. . . . . . . . . . .
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