tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59497143477086990862024-03-18T19:43:43.841-07:00The NeedleMetaphor of 14 Years of Ferdinand E. Marcos Martial Law DictatorshipAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10908645543292590219noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5949714347708699086.post-25091478032158006742012-12-15T21:40:00.000-08:002015-05-08T01:48:38.526-07:00Epilogue<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif8i6KYIseW70ZgG728fZLKEJ3K16dXly5gbFi4XMzPTOYo4l3AOw_nH7wngo16iKX62mPAumD5dwvamtxuBTWNCfgfDqrdF7ks6pUXupcV6rEbt-CDxk9YzX5hEkbcZfRgbkzea9ctj8/s1600/needle4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif8i6KYIseW70ZgG728fZLKEJ3K16dXly5gbFi4XMzPTOYo4l3AOw_nH7wngo16iKX62mPAumD5dwvamtxuBTWNCfgfDqrdF7ks6pUXupcV6rEbt-CDxk9YzX5hEkbcZfRgbkzea9ctj8/s400/needle4.jpg" width="343" /></a></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Edwardian Script ITC"; font-size: 26.0pt;">Synopsis </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"> The Needle in this fiction embodies Martial
Law. The skull mangled exemplifies the Filipino people specifically human rights victims from all persuasions –
enforced desaparecidos to combatants, students to academicians, civilians to soldiers, peasants to landlords,
laymen to religious, ordinary taxpayers to oligarchs, voters to politicians, officials to
professionals, – all victims of
militarization offered as sacrificial lambs in the altar of
Dictatorship. The crucifix and holy rosary, guns, bullets symbolizes the protagonists – heroes and
villains - and the causes and
institutions they represent. The red roses,
love affair that blooms and blossoms among the main characters. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"> Timeline was September 21, 1972 covering
fourteen long years of dictatorship when Martial Law was declared until
February 24, 1986 during the restoration of democracy ushered in by People’s
Power at Epifanio de los <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Santos</st1:city></st1:place>
or EDSA. Post EDSA events from Fidel V. Ramos
to Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III or Pnoy’s presidency are treated in Epilogue.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"> The choice of fiction was deliberate
because of its timelessness and very
important lesson drawn from that historic event– the restoration of democracy
no less. Most importantly, its didactic
message to all Filipinos specially the
Post Martial Law babies: “Beware and never again to Martial Law!” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"> On format, the author uses four of Irving Wallace criteria in writing fiction
from his “<i>The Writing of One Novel</i>” with some innovation on grounding
characters using flashback and other
tools characterizing bestsellers like Dan Brown, Grisham . . . (not sure how this works though!) to
highlight the author’s premium on the relevance of said historical event and
its political ramifications surrounding the subject all throughout the story. First, no loose ends on plot. Subplot
should be tied together as much as possible all the way to the end. Second,
narrative excitement ringing the bell for readers. Third, the use of research
to disabuse and mitigate elements of violence and sex and lastly, the most
unlikely ending. Breaking the rules of writing known to man is a challenge
here. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"> How
these criteria treated and addressed by the
writer specially the first, third and fourth are left to readers and critics. Editing of the first draft has
been done by the author using relevant
creative writing tips I culled from internet the likes of Ernest Hemingway,
Jeff Goins, Catherine Reid, Cynthia Jones-Shoeman, Joe Bunting of Nanowrimo,
Billy Wilder and Pruelpo, an FB friend and OFW dabbling as free lance writer
and guru. Third is an actual editing
from Ricardo S. Maulion Jr., my son, doing too the proofreading. I have
yet to accept any copy editors to do the favor for me.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"> Any
suggestions and criticism from right
eyes for the better is in order here since this is the first attempt of the
author to break into international market hopefully to register a mark there.
This gauging from the encouraging comment of Mr. Tom Wallace of Publisher’s on Demand
Global of <i>Asia Writes</i> who send in an
online contract after reading and evaluating the First draft of ten chapters of
this work in progress approving for global publishing and marketing right away.
No thanks for the compliment. Bolero man <i>diay
gihapon ning mga <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">kano</st1:city></st1:place></i>
in the highest order. But thanks anyway whatever he meant. He commented: “You
could be one of our future bestseller!” Dorrance and Ex Libris Australia would
similarly extend their contract for this
fiction. So far 5,145 pageviews and 1076 visits as of November 2104 after
posting the book online on top of more than 100 bookworms all over the globe
reserving their copy. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"> Having written too several articles as social
documentaries on issues of the day as columnist of <i>Mindanao Gold Star Daily and SunStar</i> Cagayan de Oro City, it is
welcome development exploring far
challenging genre like fiction writing given valuable resources we have in the
country on as many interesting issues we could share to humanity. Implacable
hostility between military and rebels, hostage taking or <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Sunshine</st1:city> <st1:state w:st="on">Ind</st1:state></st1:place>ustry
of Abu Sayaff in the South, Folk Christian Belief, politics, graft and
corruption – who could not be crazy over this sensitive issues affecting
ordinary tax payers!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"> The
dictatorship or militarization was undoubtedly the darkest era of the country’s
history each Filipino should draw and learn lesson from. For it
is only in learning what happened in the past we could rectify whatever
excesses committed but also refocus our collective energy towards fulfillment
and liberation. From there continue
moving on searching for that
elusive dream of pursuing peace, prosperity and development for our country. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"> Protagonists are heroes of the novel the
plot of the story revolved. Driarco dela Cruz and Taklin dela <st1:place w:st="on">Rosa</st1:place>
once bosom friends the latter morphing into nemesis as plot progresses and
thickens in the context of nationalist’s struggle for survival over two diametrically opposing
paradigm, one the preservation of status quo and the other, the nationalist
struggle for democracy.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"> Specifically, this novel tells the story of
friendship among protagonists Driarco and Taklin, bosom friends when they were
both sacristans to Fr. Julio Lefuve, an Italian missionary, parish priest of Sta.
Rita. Their clique Isagani, Monera, Theodore, Horace, Erly -they developed
while at <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Sta.</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Rita</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Agricultural</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">College</st1:placetype></st1:place> - served as each
other’s support group sustaining their
friendship all the way until the declaration of Martial law shattering their innocence and dreams into
bits and pieces away until they meet again during re-union. Betrayal too was
seen in the story from the twist of events facilitated by the Brown Shirts
represented by repressive town Mayor Jose Torres in cahoots with Power-Brokers that be.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"> Crusaders of peace, social dreamers, sometimes
revolutionary romantics seem to be an apt description of Driarco and Taklin as soon
as they found themselves embarking
similar fate. First up entering religious life starting their journey
on the road less travelled at the
Seminary searching for meaning and
fulfillment only threading separate ways
later. Taklin shifted to <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Military</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">Academy</st1:placetype></st1:place> after his
Philosophy probably emboldened by the accident that happened to his family - his
father’s death and later his elder sister featured as casualty in an unintended
ambush at Mindoro. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"> Honed with discipline their parents vigorously
imbibed, both became masters of their own trade. Oozing with talents, ideals, zest and faith,
each day was lived with meaning by these two gentlemen. Lust for life would
have been the better alternative description sans immoralities characterizing
bona fide artist like Vincent Van Gogh. Both struggled carving niche in their
lives albeit lost in the maze of the system succeeding only to become casualty
while still on their prime at the time yet they’re most productive. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"> Taklin became decorated soldier of the AFP promoted to Major overnight
because of his series of exploits. The
rabid nationalist Driarco became a Catholic priest only to lose his vocation
just like any ordinary priests falling in love in ‘No exit’ predicament fleeing
to the hills at the height of civil
strife joining the underground movement, a decision he never regretted even at
the expense of his own life and vocation. Bp. Valdes of the Diocese of Romblon
once advised the young priest Driarco not to fall into familiar trap committing
any mistake selling his vocation to
Marcos. “That’s the easiest way of
losing one’s vocation,” he remembered the good Bishop admonishing him. But fate
probably had in store for him to that quandary as he finds practicing
priesthood with rebels instead later. “After all, a priest is forever a priest
in the Order of Melchizedek, the archetype of Jesus Christ who gave bread and
wine and blessed Abraham upon his return from battle,” he oftentimes
rationalized. “If this theology of
liberation in practice Leonard Boff, and Cardenal brother-priests of <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Nicaragua</st1:place></st1:country-region> and
other progressive theologians preach and practice, so be it,” he further
qualified. “This is rather better alternative than merely concocting theology
of liberation in papers only,” he once wrote while in prison later.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"> The plot begins with the discovery by Fr.
Driarco on the dirty job done to his father. The needle no less planted on his
cranium was traced as the root cause of his murder. Same with the rest of
protagonists. Similar incident happened
to Taklin’s father but not known though
until both Fr. Driarco and Taklin, erstwhile friends inadvertently met in
Esperanza, the hotbed of militarization in Northern Mindanao changing the scene
of the story. Major Taklin leads his battalion in conducting military operation
with two Toratora, three Sikorsky, five 150 Military gunship and one Huey
helicopter providing air cover spearheading an air strikes in the campaign that ensued. It was the 13th plenary plenum
held by the rebels with Fr. Driarco
coordinating. All is told,
hundreds of civilians including children were caught in the crossfire. Many
died and the survivors were herded in nearby schoolhouses as internal
refugees. Unfortunately, Fr. Driarco
captured the military officer who happened to be Major Taklin de la Rosa. There
ensued the twist of events the military officer killed but survived savoring
renewed freedom or the story told. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"> Friendship transcends boundaries, creed and
ideology so the interrogator priest
renamed Ka Emir surreptitiously released him under cover of darkness. What
could he do he was the one calling the shot while the country was on fire. Yes but not at the
expense of bond of friendship tying
together the two gentlemen no ideology could break. There’s the rule of the
camp alright but there’s also the rule of the forest. Each one should bend a bit meeting at the
center to find meaning of that
friendship. The plot unveils the dirty reality but not when it thickens and in silence
reveals twist of events.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"> Both anyway suffered injustice at the hands
of the wolves spread around silencing those in Order of Battle of RSM. The
brutal killing of both their fathers by Mayor Torres’s men further aggravated their
already partial view reality. It was
clear conspiracy involving not just the Chief Executive himself but also, the rest of local officials
wanting to end their fathers’ political comeback in the local scene. The murder was delivered clean with no
semblance whatsoever nor precedent but not until the young Driarco took a brief
vacation from his overseas missionary work from <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Taiwan</st1:place></st1:country-region> and conducted his own
inquest and post mortem. The needle
securely inserted into his cranium discovered bares it all how ruthless the
Mayor was to his opponent. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"> Debraining is how any student of Animal
Husbandry would call this barbaric slaughter, good only among helpless livestock in slaughter houses. Soon both realized that what they both actually discovered was merely a tip of an
iceberg learning the penchant of the Mayor’s orgy killing those whose faces he
doesn’t like to see. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"> Coming into the full circle of the story
from the rollercoaster ride of action,
hot pursuit and scrimmages protecting his dear life, Driarco has no choice but
fled for safety. But to no avail he succumbed to “No Exit” predicament first
defending the cause of innocent people until he was inadvertently lured and
caught by the underground movement. Where else would innocent man go finding
cover and solace than in collective protection and safety of its people. Must had been luck too God
providing cover His ordained priest in
dire need of protection how to untangled
himself out from the web of conspiracy. There at Mt. Sungcal both protagonist met and
what an end that anyway restored and relived later their friendship during
People Power celebration when Lakay Apo and family were out of power from Malacañang.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"> This is also a story of love, struggle and
quest for lasting peace and better living for every Filipino. As each story
unfolds so too of the country caught reeling from the impact of Martial Law and
American imperialism. The transformation
of the military into important segment of the country proved a great fiasco
however. It did not only arrogate the power of
civilians themselves but also left an indelible mark in the country’s
history as unpredictable opportunists.
Suffering Messianic complex thinking they could run better the
government than their civilian counterpart, they even staged coup d’ etat later
on 1988 and 1989 as if to remake an extension of military dictatorship.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"> Whether Martial Law succeeded in reforming
the Philippine society or merely a military takeover, a deathblow to democracy
creating Constitutional authoritarianism in the process is undoubtedly mere
platitude. Suffice it to say that much
damage has been done to many Filipinos.
Various institutions fell one after the other. Human rights violation documented by Amnesty
International, polarization of the masses from the rich, proliferation of graft
and corruption in bureaucracy, implacable and systematic accumulation and
amassing of wealth by Marcos and his cronies leaving $28 Billion debt on 1986 –
all these and many others are enigma upon the Filipinos. Like cascading waterfalls that swiftly float
into the sea, they would surely go down into the pages of history each one
would account to his children and grandchildren’s children asking whatever
happens and ‘why?’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"> </span> Above all else, this is story of faith.
Despite untrammeled problems and tragedy of Taklin and Driarco, both protagonists were able to
share the value of faith they nurtured and
developed: faith living with
others without fear, and faith going
beyond the fear of death. That life
is only lived once and the best gift from above is a fact nobody can
deny. But it is even more richer living
it rightly for others. That makes it living once more than enough. In a
nutshell, this story is also our story. In the words of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">St. Paul</st1:city></st1:place> to the Romans 12: “As much as
possible as it depends on you, live peaceably with everyone”, a valid maxim the two principals of this work
practice and protect.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"> Lest this work would be misconstrued as
result of stream of consciousness to borrow the oft-repeated words of William
James, it took many years of meticulous and painstaking research, interviews
with those who suffer under Martial Law and critical observation of fourteen
years military rule to come up with this very special project. This work admittedly is never peanuts. For one, atrocities committed by both party
against each camp were so glaring that narrating them in this project it seems,
would make a bias interpretation let alone, might define the progressive
character of the writer. If this is the
case, then be as it may. When would we came out from our shell anyway and
reveal the truth? While we are still breathing or blown away to the world of
the unknown dead!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">After all, who is winning in any civil
strife? Or to put bluntly, who suffers most?
There is family of both military and rebel of course as collateral
damage. The country is also
bleeding to death. But the worst
casualties, according to many observers are civilians themselves caught and
affected by civil strife. In war there are no victors only victims, Ninoy
Aquino would write later in “<i>Testament
from Prison Cell</i>.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"> Why
all this sufferings happened? Aberrations or excesses, you might say. Damn good
answer. Unfortunately, ours is a civilized country and democratic yet whose
civility is not gauged by the number of excesses. Truth or consequence but an International
Body tasked in monitoring and promoting world peace ranks our country in the
lowest later in terms of civility. Not surprising actually as we’ve been
similarly featured as one of most corrupt country in the globe as later
validated by Transparency International Study.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"> War
in general being very prohibitive is always at the expense of civilians. For instance, it has been claimed that those
caught in the crossfire far outweigh the numbers of direct casualties. Such was the trend in the first two world
wars. Just consider the eighty five percent of civilians killed in two World
Wars. Galling! There are no better words of remorse for all the damage upon
victims in war than when Capt. Lewis, American Pilot dropping bomb in <st1:city w:st="on">Nagasaki</st1:city> and <st1:city w:st="on">Hiroshima</st1:city>
seeing all those irreparable damage from the mushrooming smoke uttered in
useless remorse: “My God what have we done to Thy people!”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on"><span lang="EN-US"> Philippines</span></st1:country-region></st1:place><span lang="EN-US"> is just a portion of our small beautiful world. Let it be forever
that way. We don’t own it unless we
could outlive it. But we are no mortals.
“How could you ever own the land that which would outlived us?” narrated by an
Igorot peace advocate Macling Dulag before his murder. Peace, order and happiness in our troubled
land– it’s all what everybody else strive and need. Let there be peace on this planet and let it
begins with us, the songs says. Indeed,
why not. Just stand and be counted. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"> The author recognizes many friends whose
invaluable help and participation enabled him to complete this long-delayed
project albeit late. Special thanks to Mayet and wife, my five children Nikki
for encoding; Mike and Maricar for book cover layout; Ricardo S. Maulion Jr.
for editing of content and John Rafael as stand-by Personal Computer trouble
shooter when entry in the computer got messed up. To Attys. Tibs Palasan,
Macodi Agus and Jojo Ucat for their
legal minds. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"> Ricardo
F. Maulion September
21, 2011 Cagayan de Oro City Mindanao, Philippines</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"> 092763002214</span><span style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0in;"> Email
ad:</span><span style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0in;"> rfmaulion@yahoo.com</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="color: red;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Epilogue</b></span></div>
<div style="color: red;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
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</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Past President Corazon C. Aquino was simply
phenomenal. All freedom-loving Filipinos
owe their gratitude and should return
back the compliment to her she extended to the country specially when it mattered most. Democracy no less! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> How her name beacons in the limelight of
democracy and in the world of politics
is indeed amazing. True she might have not experienced any public
administration from the barangay before history catapulted her as President of the
<st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Philippines</st1:place></st1:country-region>
through People Power of 1986. But the accolades and various recognitions and
standing ovation she reaped in US Congress the prestigious <u>Time Magazine</u>
naming her “Woman of the Century” far validates her niche in world politics as
popular opinionated icon. That other countries in the world practiced her
People Power – from communist mainland China, Germany, Europe to democratic
Asian countries and lately in Middle East and still counting - are proof of the magic she could weave harnessing
the collective energy of the people like EDSA toppling down authoritarian
government. With that incredible feat, she is at par with the great Mahatma
Gandhi, Nelson Mandela and many other world’s great. It’s no wonder that her
name was even nominated by some quarters
after her death into sainthood among Catholics
indicating the miracle her sanctity brought about political changes in
the country and beyond.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> What past presidents failed to do, Cory
simply did it with finesse and style through her celebrated transparent good
governance. No question that no less than
PNOY later would acknowledge his
elevation to presidency to her mother he revealed in one of his visit of <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">China</st1:place></st1:country-region>. So too with the rest of the country who
proved to one and all that not all 68
Million Filipinos back then are that stupid
and coward fighting and subsequently ending the fourteen long years of Marcos’ dictatorship. But Cory just did it showing to the world that no way a dictator could
stay that long in office squeezing government’s coffers empty clean and dry. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Yes, how she won that 1986 snap election
might be suspect,” any Juan de la Cruz might gripe. But as then Sen. Rene
Saguisag, one of her loyal but brilliant apologist bares it in Dong Puno’s
highly rated talk show <u>Viewpoint</u>.
“He who runs<u> </u>away from the fight naturally is a loser.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Of
course, the election was not a derby,” the opposing gentlemen in the show
argued against. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “So what when Juan then was there ready to unleash
delivering the coup de grace to the tough dictator.” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Thanks that People Power saved the day or
conflagration would have eaten innocent Filipinos alive. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Undoubtedly Marcos’ categorical “No!’
response to then Gen. Ver of bombing
Camp Aguinaldo where Ramos,
Enrile and thousands of supporters holed in
proved to be his last remaining saving grace. That more or less bailed
him out from the infamy and disgrace of history. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">True enough, she did great favor to Juan by restoring him back his cherished security and freedom
mangled by Marcos. What more a widow could
offer the Filipinos asking for great change?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> She also formed the Presidential Commission
on Human rights. Though devoid of any
police power, it helped every Filipino seek redress against any human rights
violations. After her declaration of provisional Revolutionary Government,
she proclaimed the creation of
Constitutional Commission to formulate draft of Constitution after consultation
to Filipino people all throughout the country. That vital document is now the 1987 Constitution and By Laws governing
and securing basic rights of each Filipino.
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The transition from dictatorial to
democratic was not at all bed of roses though for President Cory Aquino. Dwindling economy, $28 Billion IMF debt,
sporadic hostilities between the reds and military, bloated bureaucracy,
possible resurgence of fascist rule given the power and unpredictability of Marcos’ loyalist camp, termination of
Military Bases Agreement, internecine strife among Muslims separatists in
Mindanao above all bread and butter for Juan. These were some of the challenges facing the new President. But she faced them nonetheless confronting
them one at a time. Upon assumption of office, she did ala Ramon Magsaysay
opening Malacanang to all general viewing
public revealing the lavish display of wealth of the First Family.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Surprisingly, Cory Aquino’s economic woes was a fulfillment
of an ominous ad in Philippine Daily Inquirer reserving her government’s
program in one whole blank page of paper with the caption: “This page is
reserved for Cory Aquino’s program of government.” Groping for form in the dark
left in the cold was indeed what happened to Cory’s effort nipped in the bud
whatever programs she had for the country. Compounding the hardship of her
administration were series of mutinies staged by military adventurists in 1988 to 1989.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Suffering Messianic complex thinking that
they could run better the country than their civilian counterpart, the highly
ambitious military gentlemen suffering
an amnesia of People’s Power staged series of mutinies. But no way, not over
the dead body of Juan de la Cruz whose
hangover of Martial Law, was still fresh and resolved that no compromise for resurgence of any
semblance of military dictatorship is needed back then. No and never again, were
the words in many placards shown every Martial Law anniversary vindicating that
Filipinos’ romance with dictatorship was already over. Definitely not yet ready too of adopting a banana
republic. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> True to her promise after EDSA, Cory did
not deliberately seek reelection to the consternation of her close friends and
advisers thus setting the tone of an exciting presidential derby among ambitious
presidential timbers of different breed, discipline and persuasions: Fidel
Ramos former Chief of Staff, Eduardo Cojuangco a businessman, Ramon “Monching”
Mitra then holding the second powerful position as Senate President foisting to
outlive his opponent in the race with his ‘Matirang Matibay’ maxim or so it
seems; spitfires Miriam Defensor Santiago who minces no words and have death
threats as her breakfast and last, the
veteran and ever grizzled politician Jovito Salonga who is yet to taste debacle
in his sterling political career. This was one of the second presidential <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Derby</st1:place></st1:city> that happened. The
first one of course happened during Marcos second term reelection in 1969
Presidential election among twelve candidates who run for the highest position
of the land. And while post EDSA election was relatively peaceful that of
Marcos was marked by irregularities from fraud, vote buying and massive
violence. It was said that Marcos spent $56 Million from Philippine Treasury to
fund his campaign.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> The Filipino people who benefitted People
Power might have waived, fall short of the expectation diminishing their commitment to EDSA but thankfully, they
collectively carved a niche as legacy for all people to remember the monster
that is dictatorship. Just like <u>Holocaust</u>
where millions of Jews died in the hands of Hitler stories of their past
in graphical sight and sounds in Israel
were preserved, reminders of Martial Law
from Sept. 21, 1972 to 1981
roughly nine (9) years when it
was recalled by Ferdinand E. Marcos and thereafter towards February 24, 1986 of
People Power EDSA Revolution as rightly enjoined by a letter sender of
Philippine Daily Inquirer is in order here. We need to learn the lesson from
this more than decade of infamy to guide
our children specially those post Martial babies from that dark history of our country were many lives were sacrificed
and significantly, paying the price
dearly restoring democracy. This is to protect
that “ . . . learning from the past experience and ensuring that things
that happen in the past will never happen again,” then Dr. Aurora A. Parong,
Executive Dir., Task Force Detainee of the Philippines said and rightly
so. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Never again and no more Martial Law and Militarization!” should then
be the battle cry or we have again to summon the much abused principle that is
Unarmed Revolution or People Power resting its rightful place in history. What
the country needs is to move on as re-united nation bringing collective towards attainment of peace,
economic prosperity and development in all other facets of life.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Thus far, Martial Law Museum was already
established with files of 6,000 entries among victims on 1999. How much
monetary benefits a victim would get depends on the gravity of his
suffering, it was learned. Imelda Marcos’s antics that “we did not even
pinch a human right victim and that God may strike me anytime of thunder with
dispatch if we committed abuses” she declared to Veteran international
broadcaster Veronica Pedrosa when the latter confronted the issue at Congress
as part of her bio video <u>Imelda and Me</u> shown last September 2011 in You
Tube, US Federal jury in Honolulu would
soon award $1.2 Billion damages to roughly 9,500 victims of tortures, summary
killings and disappearances during Marcos’ regime from Sept. 21, 1972 towards February 24,1986
with interest, the amount grown to nearly $4 Billion in the maze of lawsuits
and legal appeals. Unfortunately all victims have yet to receive that reward as commitment for the payment has
been long overdue though cleared victims will stand receiving the payment. By
far not a single human right victim received cent as of 2005. (PDI February 7,
2005) until six more years later (2011) when some finally were given their claims.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">To her caution to <st1:country-region w:st="on">Switzerland</st1:country-region> government “not to take the money
that does not belong to them,” US Appellate Court promulgated a decision putting beyond their
reach Marcos assets recovered by
Philippine government from Secret Bank accounts in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Switzerland</st1:place></st1:country-region>.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Similarly, Congress passed a law under Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo allowing
the victims share of Marcos bounty which had been deposited in government’s bank. Account too is in and not lost. Victory in defeat is how
this remuneration works as it is “moral obligation of the State to compensate
human rights victims.” (PDI February 7, 2005) DBM would then order and allocate
P8 Billion from the proceeds of Marcos’ wealth to the claimants and portion of
the proceed budgeted for implementation of Comprehensive Agrarian Reform
Program or (CARP). </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Sen. Joker Arroyo made the compensation
bill for this in the Senate and all was
not lost for Martial Law victims until 2005 as indicated when victims
not seen receiving a single cent promised
to be awarded to them. Until the anniversary of Martial Law in Sept. 21,
2010 where Human Rights victims stood
receiving US $1,000.00 each as partial compensation. This was confirmed by
Atty. Rod Domingo Jr. representing the 7,600 victims of human rights violation
in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">US</st1:place></st1:country-region> class suit. Final hearing was
set November 16th that year. This writer wonders if at all money was already
distributed last January and February of 2011 as stipulated. “. . . . This will not compensate their
sufferings. But it’s a start. We are hoping more will come soon. Our victory is after all not symbolic but
real,” Domingo clarified (UCA News 2011).
It did. Marie Ilao who delivered one of her child inside a prison, would
later show receipt of $1,000.00 check as
her partial remuneration from the government shown from Veronica Pedrosa,
international correspondent of Al
Jazeera, latest bio video coverage “<u>Imelda and me</u>” shown lately (Sept. 25-2011) on mainstream TV
and You Tube. Marie Ilao’s younger sister, a student writer back then was not
lucky as her’s. She was never seen again after her abduction. Her crime –
writing an article against the government in her school’s paper organ. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> All is told, Fidel Valdez Ramos whose“ <i>I’m sorry Manong but your time is up</i>!”
pick-up lines against Marcos, actually his relative and master for many years” eked
out plurality votes over his closest rival Miriam Defensor Santiago in that
hotly contested national election of 1992. Some insiders look at Cory’s support
to Ramos as her reward in quelling several coup ‘d etat staged by military
rebels notably Gringo Honasan who later snatched Senate seat in 1994 Senatorial election.
Aggravating her economic woes were insecurities, restlessness and what have you
gradually building into higher proportion spreading its impending danger all
the way from Metro Manila down to the South. The threat came from all fronts –
left, right and middle referring to the resurgence of leftists, Marcos
loyalists and the military rebels. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> There was also the implacable threat from
the century old Muslim separatists camp of MNLF Chief Nur Misuari to dreaded
Abu Sayyaf engaging in kidnap-for-ransom employing high tech weapons yet. Worst
still, her secretaries have to be replaced one after the other to issues
ranging from ineptitude, incompetence, graft and corruption to simple political
pressures beyond control. Sad it to say that despite her honest to goodness
reconciliation program, her relentless efforts fell on deaf ears either abused
or shunned away as an outright attempt of aligning forces with Uncle Sam in
what the leftists would tout as her version of staging Total War aimed at
renewing the faltered hostility against the commies of the past.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> For the meantime, killings went on
unabated. Ceasefire was merely a concoction of liberation in papers only both
government panel and rebels reaching a stalemate over terms of reference the
latter would stretch the law digressing beyond the common line stipulated. No meeting of minds
in other words the rebels insisted of
shelving out Phil. Constitution of 1997 insisting only on their prepared
talking points the government panel could not swallow. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> If ever the ceasefire agreement served its
purpose, it merely facilitated the rebels’ visit to their respective families
and relatives coming out in open talking in different forum – from public
market to universities – the moral of their crusade (arm struggle against the
government) and spelled out litanies of ill will why there is a need of driving out the Americans, implementing progressive land reform and of
fighting the government who has reneged its commitment in delivering basic
services to the people. Whatever happened to Lean Alejandro, labor leader Ka
Lando Olalia and hapless farmers featured in ruthless Mendiola massacre. The
latest case of enforced desaparecidos was Jonas Burgos, the son of Joe Burgos,
an erstwhile noted journalist of <st1:place w:st="on"><i><u>Malaya</u></i></st1:place>. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Another were the Manalo brothers. They were
fortunate that they escaped from the
dragnet and have their tales documented and their lives protected. Writ of Amparo
was the result of their storied journey to freedom. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> These are incidents that otherwise would
have been addressed and the sign of the
times read by government that would have
averted further restlessness. But as this harassment were later included in
history, it’s farfetched it seems to blot out the curse that is dictatorship
until EDSA revolt happened 1986.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> But as rhetorics died down, one lofty
glaring legacy came out: restoration of democracy back to the Filipinos. That
nobody would argue against. Not only did she fulfilled her promise not to run
but also, put herself on line protecting that recovered democracy with all her
might and influence. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">“Follow what I’m doing! Don’t tamper the
Constitution. Delegate the post to anybody else you perceived as protector of
democracy like we did in EDSA in effect warning how far the monster that
is Martial Law capable of making
destruction,” Tita Cory advised driving home her urgent concern to her successor Kuya
Eddie. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> But not after her administration was
dragged too on several burning issues that marred her legacy of social
responsibility and good governance. History this time was not on her side as her short
five years term (1986-1991) was accounted for. Human right violation were as
follows: 816 disaparecidos, 135 cases of massacres, 1064 victims of summary
executions, 20, 523 illegal arrest and detention, 1,200,000 civilian
dislocations. Leaving a mole on her good name were different high profile
massacres. One was Mendiola massacre on January 1987 killing 13 farmers and 39 gunfire injuries fired upon by Cory’s
government forces. Second in a row was Lupao massacre ensued the following month of February killing
15 farmers including 6 children and 2 elders dead. Sword of War was unleashed
according progressive groups as Vigilante
groups hired the notorious Alsa Masa and Tadtad cult killing more than
100 in the process. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> There were other serious and acerbic issues raised against Cory specially coming
from her beleaguered Yellow army who even lobbied her against receiving
international awards and distinction. Among others, she didn’t help Flor
Contemplacion who would have been saved from electrocution in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Singapore</st1:place></st1:country-region> had
she pursued her cause all the way, her detractors contended.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Cory’s endorsement on her Sec. of National
Defense Gen. Fidel Ramos was vindicated when he immediately fixed her house from
disarray upon his assumption of office in Malacañang.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">On a lighter note, Uncle Sam’s presence in the <st1:country-region w:st="on">Philippines</st1:country-region> was ended in 1992 what with Phil.
Congress rejecting new treaty with the country getting back <st1:place w:st="on">Subic
Bay</st1:place> and Clark Airfield from US. Four years later in 1996, guerilla
warfare in the South was also terminated with the granting of sovereignty for the
establishment of Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) as stipulated in
Tripoli Agreement, a deal the government signed
with Chairman Nur Misuari. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> That at least proved that forging peace is
good exercise but if not taken seriously, leads to nowhere. Thus, the need of
working peace for a lifetime or we have
to continue waging war as an alternative which does more harm than good. With
economy secured in the good hands of President Ramos, the country too had
averred his “Philippines 2000” template this as wave of industrialization
started from Marcos to Cory’s term had its defining moment. This happened despite
series of currency devaluation, an offshoot of financial crisis that gripped <st1:place w:st="on">Asia</st1:place> in 1997 Steady Eddie’s term just breezed through
productively.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> With the agreement however between
government and MILF on Bangsamoro Entity, it is hoped that anything for the
better would happen to the country especially Mindanao to end the century’s old
hostility and to finally put various investments in place at <st1:place w:st="on">Mindanao</st1:place>
specially Muslim areas. <i>Pera sa Mindanao
para sa Mindanao</i>, one ad from bank says it all. But this is easier than
done unless what is stipulated in the framework to be approved by Congress and
Senate would be put in place. As it has been characterized, feudal system is
still existing in Muslim areas. Warlordism, loose firearms considered an extension
of their intestines next to cars, a friend said, wholesale graft and corruption
by officials – all these are bottlenecks that should be resolved first. Look whatever
happen now and as earlier cited in the fiction, mostly of all of Muslim
provinces in the Region were in latest (2012) top 10 poor provinces. Where all
the government’s money gone? Poor and yet look on the 2012 Statement of Assets
and Liability Networth (SALN) of government officials, many top officials in
the Region made it to top 2! And yet <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Marawi</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">City</st1:placetype></st1:place>
has even no traffic lights. How is this? Lately the MSU-Main, the biggest University
in terms of students population was not
even spared as site of ambush! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> National identification system, ground
working for unicameralism from bicameralism in the Senate, securing millions of
signatories to amend the Constitution might have been unpopular issues and his drawback but as his pen name ‘Steady Eddie’
would aver all is not lost for Filipino to change for the better.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> </span> ERAP’s time came though when he was elected
President in1998. He did not finished his term however when public outrage
overtook him on charges of corruption. He was unseated when Congress and Senate
impeached him as President in 2001. Like
a movie, the Man of the Masses would soon reclaim his role albeit his own
nemesis. The first ever corruption case in the history transforming his
sobriquet Erap para sa mahihirap to an ex giving him what he could bargain for.
This anecdote would surely qualify for his sick “Eraption Jokes.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “It seems my life is already predestined
and consigned to the dustbin of history as an ‘Ex.’ I was an Ex mayor, Ex
Senator, Ex Vice President, Ex President and unprecedented Ex-convict,” his
double Willie Nepumoceno confessed to an amusement of captive paying audience.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> The economist Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s
turn came in 2004. Narrowly defeating Fernando Poe Jr., Ex-President Joseph
Estrada’s close friend and buddy, getting roughly 3% differential over her
closest rival. Implicated in influencing
2004 election results though revealed in a taped conversation with
COMELEC Chairman Garcillano, calls for her resignation roared in Congress. Fortunately, the issue died down before it
could muster desired number thus voting down impeachment charges against her. But
the curse seems to be on her as her erstwhile political allies in Mindanao ZaldyAmpatuan,
Bedol and other accomplices on that election are turning witnesses against her
spilling the beans how the election was manipulated to her favor and the rest
of candidates on her slate. This should be in order as the crime committed is
far worse than Maguindanao Massacre in that the entire Philippine population
votes was taken in a joyride and massacred compare to roughly 57 victims of
Maguindanao Massacre involving 32 journalists, according to Conrad de Quiros,
columnist of <u>Phil. Daily Inquirer</u>. Thus far, then Senator Juan Miguel
Zubiri who was beneficiary of deduct- add
on scheme in Maguindanao thinking aloud of possible repercussion in his
political career and of saving his face nipped the bud by tendering his resignation. But whether, his case would be vindicated is
yet to be seen.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Aggravating her dark spot of her legacies
were ZTE deal, Macapagal anomalous extension road project and all that. She too held each Filipino captive and hostage leaving roughly P50,000.00 debt for each and
as lasting gift that on top for having grandstanding that her administration
had accomplished more than her previous predecessors combined ever in terms of
infrastructure projects, Gross Domestic Product, Billions of Investments, RORO
and lately poll automation among others.. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Wanting even more not leaving any stones
unturned at least before she’ll left her office, she filled up sensitive vacant
positions slots in the judiciary through midnight appointment. And to appease
the restlessness that sparked the ire among legal profession as immunity from
suit would soon mature and waived from her, she have all lawyers ordered and given equivalent
career officer rank in government service. Some people in media sector who
secure her good image were also rewarded with juicy position. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The list is long. But are you not wondering
why she
practically moved heaven and earth never mind last ditch effort
purportedly leaving such legacy effort
drumbeated in full throttle by media
that incoming administration would be benefiting the most from such bequest? Your guess is as good
as mine. There will be surge and avalanche of lawsuits dragging her
into Court. She would then have her day
full as soon as she steps out from Malacanang. Bayan Muna, Anak Pawis and
Garbriela are all set, eager and rarin’ to sue her for countless irregularities
accounted to her administration. It’s a sad refrain of course for PGMA. But
what could she do. The people whom she might have faithfully served might have
also equally good reasons to make it in
the spirit of transparency and accountability
before bidding her adieu out from
the palace. She did to avail services
of medical experts outside the shores
but her plan was nipped in the bud as she was apprehended before he could board
her flight outside the country. Soon her mug photo with brace on her neck under
house arrest landed as one of the best photo of 2011 adjudged by local TV station.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Until the first ever automated national
elections was introduced and used in 2010 election. Benigno “Noynoy” Simeon
Cojuangco Aquino III in short Pnoy won the Presidential election and sworn in
at <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Rizal</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Park</st1:placetype></st1:place> on June 30, 2011 setting new birth
of Philippine ‘<i>walang wangwang</i>, no
counter flow against and you Filipino ordinary guys are all my bosses’ brand of
politics.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Unfortunately, it’s been more than two
decades since EDSA and yet People Power
hardly registered desirable changes among peoples’ lives. First, we should
stopped an orgy of creating other EDSA. Let the spirit of that people power
rules and governs us. Such is the
continuing challenge for us today. Indiscriminate firing would still fills the
air unabated if there would be no sincerity
in working out lasting peace. Ceasefire would just be in paper. Above
all else, let us put into practice what Cory Aquino painstakingly restored for
us – democracy. How could we ever fail when we have not really practiced
it. Look who controls the economy of the
nation if not mostly Oligarchs who also
control Congress and Senate.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Riding on the crest of people power, Pnoy
finally occupied the seat of power in Malacanang. Will he make true his promise
of New Philippines with zero corruption, an anathema to development. Would he
really lead us to truth and straight
path no detour and taking short cuts
towards development. Hmm, familiar rhetorics. But beware no matter how high
words fly high might </span> bring us up
there, we would not stay there that
long. We’ll still go back to the earth.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> The better really drawing the battle lines this early as shown that addressing this
problem is easier said than done by the past administration. Doing that would definitely
not allow us to be taken only in joyride.
Despite having been critical on his term therefore we should all join
forces in the spirit of EDSA participating in his program of government. And
where all this start than in our respective barangay our true home actually
where we are stakeholders of development. Wishing him the best of luck and
hopefully his government would fulfill its avowed promise of development breaking probably all the records set by his predecessors not addressing at all instead
aggravating the problem earning all failing grades after their terms. This is
his moment as in a song to move on and proved they were all wrong. Or we would
soon reap whirlwinds from rhetorics and excuses again. But PNoy should work
doubly hard. The odds incidentally is against him. He was more of a liability
as lawmaker having not really formulated relevant laws of the day. His moral
ascendancy is also suspect as their family’s Hacienda Luisita was secured
through dubious means with some killing incidents involving farmers there
personally instigated by him before he leapfrogged at Malacanang through 2010
election COMELEC officials linked to Conspiracy manipulating said election through
rigging PCOS machines reason some Election
Return ended dumped in garbage dumpsites like in Cagayan de Oro City.
Professionals too rendered him psychologically imbalance after discovering fits
of unpredictability shown by his certified “<i>Ngiting
Aso</i>” stance on relevant issues later. Hostage Crisis in Luneta killing Chinese
Nationals from Hongkong, erratic love affair and ramming the issue of having
Judiciary subordinated to the Executive harassing no less than its Chief
Justice Renato Corona. The Impeachment Case against <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Corona</st1:place></st1:city>
progressed in the House of Senate. The spectacle was dramatic as
majority of Senators voted for Corona’s impeachment save for Madam Miriam
Defensor Santiago, Joker Arroyo and I think Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos. The
result however proved to be undoing of PNoy as wholesale buying their votes for
millions was later discovered. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Today indeed is the start of that crusade
hopefully translating that oft repeated
and much abused term into simple economics.
Chance or opportunity is actually another term for economics. It is then
behooved that President elect would have that
word in focus as he is starting his crusade for better and effective
government. After all, he himself
is an economist though not in the mold
of his predecessor. But who knows if a
student is brighter and better in practice than his mentor. The momentum is definitely on him. He has all resources – people and
money- at his disposal in addressing
them. Add the mandate of more than fourteen
million putting him in office. The pressure is just too strong. I don’t
know how he’ll handle it. He probably needs unsolicited advice and might have gotten
it when he fetched her and took her for a ride to Quirino Grandstand in a
limousine as protocol demanded before she too proceeded to second district in
Pampanga taking her own oath of office.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Sr. was once part of the opposition and human
rights group and many are thinking aloud if the unsolved assassination issue
would be closed by his son and namesake
PNoy now holding the reign of power. Time is running past and his term near
ending. So far, he proved his sincerity of his campaign pledge of eradicating
graft and corruption sending Juan Ponce Enrile,Jinggoy Estrada and Ramon
Revilla in jail. What the nerve the student had facilitating house arrest of
once her mentor PGMA in Ateneo.For the first time, the country too registered
the highest GNP relegating China in the region. On the contrary he is yet to
validate that Certificate of Psychological Imbalance by ADMU was wrong albeit
his mishandling of then Luneta Hostage Crisis, PDAP scam and the still
implacable Mamasapano incident killing many SAF Officers and members. The story continues…. </span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 18.0pt;">. . . . . . . . . . . . .<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Fast forward past EDSA. As an officer of Knights of Columbus it is normally
incumbent upon us to honor our fallen Fourth Degree brothers of our Assembly giving them decent and colorful
necrological service and burial. “<i>Time
flies, remember death</i>!” we are reminded. One that really touched this
writer beyond this practice honoring our
fallen brothers as practical Catholics happened. But this was ugly experience
of the past defying description hitting you real hard beyond human
comprehension. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Across
the chapel where I spent vigil
was another chapel with two military personnel their casket draped by Philippine
flag. Personally, it was the first time I observed a chapel with two
caskets. Incidentally, there were only
three people spending vigil. Along the
road was their service vehicle parked with holes all over, an indication they
were peppered with bullets thus, killing instantly four of them while on their way home after
negotiation with the rebels in Veruela, one of the rivertown in Agusan del Sur.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> But what caught my curiosity was the
declaration of the woman, a sister of one of the casualty that the incident
happened right after the negotiation. Who else could have done it if not those
of the other party engaging in double-cross. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> The
scene was reminiscent of a woman and a toddler standing on a box in a pier
waiting for the boat to carry them back home to Visayas. That wooden box was
the casket actually of her fallen husband who was a military. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> There were many similar images playing on mind down the memory
lane from this incident. Vereula of
course was my first assignment as Municipal Agrarian Reform Officer. I wrote
too and compose many songs including “<i>Magsasaka</i>” which won to me 3<sup>rd</sup>
price in National CARP Songwriting
contest in 1991 prompting me to add twelve others and packaged them into
Himig Mindanao, a CD now on sale in
market.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> That’s more personal and the lighter side
of it. For incident-wise, the experience
buried dark spot in my subconscious.
First, <st1:state w:st="on">Victoria</st1:state> of an earlier anecdote
was actually one and the same Salome a
registered nurse and first cousin in <st1:place w:st="on">Mindoro</st1:place>
became one of the casualty on an ambush of military jeep
carrying military officers on their way home to Roxas, Oriental Mindoro. The
rebels asked forgiveness later and even offered financial help to atone for
their miscalculation brutally killing my cousin in broad daylight who was and
never a party of the military she being a registered nurse except that of taking
her ride for home that afternoon which turned out very costly. But again the
incident simply overtake faster before
they could even think of. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">What could be done when she now became an
added statistics to continuing struggle we don’t know how many more innocent
lives would be charged as excesses. What is there to remedy when damage was already done and
committed? Too many question indeed to ask but answered merely with equally
elusive answer or whimper.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> </span> Then
there’s Renerio Cagang, my bosom friend back then in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Xavier</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">University</st1:placename></st1:place>
in early 80’s whom I have not seen since we parted our ways in 1981. He
actually went to the hills and became
top commander in Bukidnon with P500,000.00 reward for his capture. The last
time I heard him straight from his men in San Luis, Agusan del Sur was when he
too became victim of double-cross, his body looks like Ninoy Aquino’s double in a casket indicating the damage inflicted when
the other party in the negotiating table went back and fired against him and
companions with hail of bullets sealing the fate of their negotiation in 1986.
What a clincher of a truce here. What a waste of life!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Another is the incident involving that very
promising beautiful, talented and naïve lady
student of MSU-IIT, Iligan City, Mindanao, who earned sobriquet as Maam Nars
because the way she took care afflicted
and gullible farmers in highland
Bukidnon. Her fragile body was unfortunately found dead among many casualties in
one encounter in Bukidnon. Her dream of helping her fellowmen just ended that
fast without even realizing her vision. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Similar tragedy are seen from many other
true-to- life story of good Filipino men and women dragged into the limelight
of that wrong war not of their own making their numbers piling the already long
list of faceless casualties. Some were not as
lucky like parents eagerly expecting the return of their beloved sons
and daughters. There’s a mother who is still waiting to see his beloved son – a
student leader – who never went back after his abduction by military men; an
elderly mother waiting to see his beloved son comes back after serving a parish
and was forced joining the Nationalist struggle for democracy and never went
back later. When? This is yet to be seen as rarely they would be reunited
unless they surrender back to the fold of government after going up into the
hills. Same story, same pattern, same results
among military. Bottom line –death and deprivation of parental care
among remaining family. Yes hostility or restlessness is as ugly as war.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Living in <st1:place w:st="on">Mindanao</st1:place>
with all those implacable hostilities, hostage taking and terrorism happening
around us right before our eyes just send us
trembling down in bone and marrow
far more than we imagine. Add the
senseless beheading by Abu Sayyaf, hostage takings of innocent International Red Cross personnel, clergy,
missionaries, teachers and innocent persons –
constitute too that war crimes against the norms and standard set by
Geneva Convention in 1948 and Protocol II.
Hostage taking particularly is so pervasive and unpredictable that it
has been so rampant that it has become sunshine industry among terrorists. Add those senseless killings of men in media industry and you get familiar
picture of crime against humanity. No
wonder that we have dislodged <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Iraq</st1:place></st1:country-region>
as the most dangerous place in the world for any journalist what with the still
unsolved Maguindanao Massacre which according to legal experts would last more
than 200 years to solve given the number of suspects implicated the killing of
more than 50 media personnel. Jhoy Duhay of <i>Mindanao
Gold Star Daily</i> at <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Tacurong</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">City</st1:placetype></st1:place>, was actually my
buddy in the profession although I have not seen him personally. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> It’s sad that albeit those excesses
happening before our eyes, ending those countless innocent people as
additional statistics of crimes against
humanity, there’s hardly collective resolution of addressing them to avert
further escalation of hostilities. Even
those drug related-industry, many suspects ended up freed than prosecuted,
complained by officers who apprehended them. But of course, this is already
another story.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 18.0pt;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 18.0pt;">Notes from fiction and Epilogue Frequently Ask
Questions<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US">1.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">How long the country was under
Martial Law?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-US">Ans: Fourteen (14) long years (Declared Sept. 21,
1972 and ended Feb. 24, 1986 at the height of EDSA People Power); Nine (9)
Years if January 17, 1981 is reckoned when it was officially lifted by Pres.
Ferdinand Marcos. This was prompted by Pope John Paul II’s visit to the
country.)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US">2.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">Reasons of declaration of
Martial Law?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-US">Ans:
Communism threat; Muslim separatists
movement growing in the South; hostility and growing restlessness including 1971 Plaza Miranda
Bombing all over specially in Metro Manila. Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile was finally
the last straw leading and justifying the issuance of PD 1081. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US">3.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">How many were the numbers of
rebels back then in 1988?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-US">Ans:
25,000 spread into 42,00 barangays nationwide of which 16,500 NPAs were
regulars and 2,500 in metro Manila. This number was after two years from Marcos fall in 1986.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US">4.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">What happened during
Dictatorship?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-US">Ans:
Writ of Habeas Corpus was suspended. Tri-Media were closed down. Curfew
imposed. Congress was abolished. Activists and political opposition were
arrested. Highly politicized military carried away extrajudicial killings and
forced disappearances holding thousands in military camps tortured. 1,500
salvagings and 3,200 extrajudicial killings. National Treasury raided. Birth of Crony capitalism.
People were practically ruled by decrees. (Ed Lingao<i>. A Different EDSA Story. Short Memories, Unfinished Businesses</i>.
Feb. 24, 2012)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US">5.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">How long did Marcos reign?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-US">Ans:
Twenty (21) long years. Twelve (12)
years or three terms as elected President and nine (9) years under Dictatorship
to include declaration of Martial Law in Sept. 21, 1972 towards People Revolution in Feb. 24, 1986 when he
created cult personality through Military Dictatorship thereafter. The first
President to be elected thrice actually aptly called “Eternal Pres” after
winning the third term he garnered 88%
votes against two opponents – Alejo Santos of Nationalista Party and Bartolome
Cabangbang of Federal Party! He was
elected in 1965; reelected President in 1969 and third in June of 16,1 981. This
must had been the 4<sup>th</sup> election it seems as Parliamentary Election
was conducted in April 7, 1978 his party winning landslide victory not one from
Aquino’s Laban Party winning a seat in Congress. Declared Martial Law in Sept.
21, 1972 perpetuating himself in power until People Power in February of 1986
installing Pres. Cory Aquino in power.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US">6.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">Brief Biographical sketch of
Pres. Ferdinand Marcos. (Born - ; dead- 1988, Honolulu, Hawaii.)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-US">Ans:
, , , 1935 – political murder of Nalundasan by 18 years old Ferdinand with a 22
caliber rifle; Nov. 1939 young law student indicted for killing and convicted
by district Court. Case appealed to Supreme Court in 1940 where conviction was
overturned despite strong evidence of guilt through influence of Mariano Marcos
and a Judge. Conscripted as Combat Intelligence of the 21<sup>st</sup> Infantry Division, caught but survived the
weak-long Bataan Death March. Rumored to have escaped from prison camp though
disputed. He was Special Assistant to Manuel Roxas, first President of newly
independent Philippines in 1946-47; married Imelda Romualdez in 1954; elected
as Congressman in 1949-59. The apex of his political career came in Dec. 30,
1965 when he was elected Philippine President. There ensued the story of
promoting his cult personality.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US">7.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">How was the economy back then
under President Marcos?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-US">Ans:
Philippines was second only to Japan during his term. US dollar exchange rate
was P2.00 to $1 US. One centavo can buy one lollipop. Rice was in ganta not
kilo. The country reached its sufficiency in rice production and for the first
time exported rice in 1977 through
Masagana 99 launched in May 1973. M-99 means producing 99 cavans almost 5 tons
of palay to a hectare. Agricultural inputs were in abundance. Through US National
Security Study Memorandum or NSSM 200
however headed by Henry Kissinger, Pres.
Richard Nixon’s miracle man, Philippines
one of his target among 13 countries to lower population, the country would soon
nosedive its economy. US Economic Hit Man Shultz made this possible doing dirty work for Uncle
Sam. During his 1983 Manila visit for
instance made possible the 20% devaluation of
Phil. peso adding further burden in liquidating already increasing
problematic foreign debt. (Jules Ragas <i>Troyed
the Philippine Green Revolution.</i>
August 16, 2012)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US">8.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">How much money amassed by Pres. Marcos?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-US"> Ans: There were varied of
figure entries here.$10B reportedly
stashed away in secret offshore account in the names of dummy entities like
William Saunders, Arellano . . . . $4B or P167.636 were recovered funds by PCGG
to the National coffers since 1987 until July 2014 comprising assets and
properties connected to Marcos Swiss accounts, his relatives and alleged
cronies. (INFOGRAPHIC: Marcos’ loot by
numbers. GMANETWORK.COM)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; text-indent: 0in;">
ABS-CBNnews.com
posted at 02/12/2014 reporting that 1.3B
Marcos’ loot or around US429 hidden wealth held up in litigation in Singapore.
The funds might not be used for compensation of human rights victims as enough
funds of P10B was already budgeted for them under the Law.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-US">There’s
the graphic narrative of ASIAN JOURNAL
detailing how the First couple
systematically plundered the money of government coffer’s leaving it clean and
dry starting 1976 towards 1986. The figures would certainly make your mind
reeling. With the remaining Marcos
family posing possible comeback in
political field, the clincher ended with very important request – PLEASE PASS
THIS IMPORTANT PART OF PHI HISTORY TO YOUR FRIENDS, SO WE WILL NOT FORGET . . .</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US">9.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">Cory Aquino’s contribution to Filipino
people?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-US">Ans:
Restoration of democracy after it was clipped under dictatorship ruled by iron
fist; 1987 Constitution drafted after EDSA revolution still officially law of
the land.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US">10.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">Numbers of human rights victims
under Martial Law?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-US"> Ans: Numbers vary – 10,000 were eligible
for claims. But numbers ballooned to 42,564 who filed human rights claims. This
didn’t include those who filed in Regional office. Commissioner Etta Rosales of
CHR was among those who filed. She was arrested and tortured in 1976. (Julie M.
Aurelio. <i>Philippine Daily Inquirer</i>.
Nov. 11, 2014)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US">11.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">How much budget allotted for
human rights claims?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-US"> Ans. There’s P8 Billion Fund to be awarded
to Human Rights victims. Processing has been facilitated through Human Victims
Reparation and Recognition Act of 2013 signed by Pres. Benigno ‘Noynoy’ Aquino
III in Feb. 2013. Same Legal Act will end on May 10, 2016 prescribed by Law.
Initially P50,000.00 were awarded to individual victims some of whom have
already received their respective check.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-US"> It is universal and inalienable
right declared in 1948 and required duty of States to promote and protect all human
rights and fundamental freedom adopted
in 1993 Vienna World Conference.
Specifically, the State assumes to respect, protect and fulfill Human
Rights obligation.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US">12.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">Were child warriors featured in
the hostility?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-US"> Ans: Yes. There is no secret on this
violation as truth becomes the first casualty of war. There are five (5)
disturbing graphics on this on my file showing fighting kids in the country
engaged in hostility representing CCP NPA and Abu Sayyaf. It’s common knowledge
too that minors were used by the military per record.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US">13.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">Any saving grace of Marcos
during EDSA 1986 Peaceful Revolution?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-US">Ans.
His prudence not giving up refusing Gen. Fabian Ver’s advice of firing upon
thousands of assembled crowd proved to be his last plausible hurrah that
otherwise would have been one of the deadliest conflagration. Imagine thousands of people as casualties assembled
in the 54 kilometer long stretch along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue in Manila.
For this he was even perceived and considered a hero by post Martial Law Media.
It depends on who is speaking about it. But the fact remains People Unarmed
Revolution was one of best thing that ever happened to Philippines in Modern
History each one can speak freely his mind on different sensitive issues of the
day. (Ed Lingao<i>. A Different EDSA Story.
Short Memories, Unfinished Businesses</i>. Feb. 24, 2012)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; text-indent: 0in;">
<b><u><span lang="EN-US">Notes and Bibliography cited
from fiction and Epilogue:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-US">(NB;
There were too many from readings. Cited here are just too saved from file –
RFM)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .75in; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span lang="EN-US">1.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">English translation of <b>Ode to Mt. Sungcal:<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">What a bright sunlight
breaking early dawn <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">Bringing hope to still
yearning heart ‘tis brand new day.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">How appalled am I captured in awe and admiration.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">True enough how
beautiful its rays towards the endless
horizon<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<i><span lang="EN-US"> bringing gladness and enchantment.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">Gradually .clouds
descending as if packaging the mountain.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">And how fitting it was done
the gift transformed.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">Up in the skylines of cloud
formation, the light seemingly inviting<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<i><span lang="EN-US"> Calling each one for grand celebration.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">Listen the collective voice
of the people<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">Celebrating in habilitation
without knowing the reason<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">Too many less travelled
roads but not one dared threading on<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">What a pity wasting all
those energy otherwise spent for nation.. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">Come join as we travel on<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">He has been there waiting
for us longing our participation<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">Come, let’s walk on
together in this journey<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">He’s the one to save us
from all this mess and we should carry on. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span lang="EN-US">2.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal;"> </span></span></i><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">Kamtanu Maitra and Gil Billington<u>.<i> True Marcos Legacy</i></u><i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span lang="EN-US">3.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal;"> </span></span></i><!--[endif]--><i><u><span lang="EN-US">Asian Journal:
Chronology of Marcos Plunder</span></u><span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span lang="EN-US">4.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal;"> </span></span></i><!--[endif]--><i><u><span lang="EN-US">My Idol<o:p></o:p></span></u></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span lang="EN-US">5.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal;"> </span></span></i><!--[endif]--><i><span lang="EN-US">Malay, Ed:<u> Ninoy Aquino:
Traitor or Hero? Time to Revisit Tag on Ninoy Aquino as National Hero<o:p></o:p></u></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span lang="EN-US">6.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal;"> </span></span></i><!--[endif]--><i><u><span lang="EN-US">Cory’s Magic.</span></u></i><span lang="EN-US"> August 18, 2009. (13 pages writes up on Cory and Ninoy)<i><u><o:p></o:p></u></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span lang="EN-US">7.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal;"> </span></span></i><!--[endif]--><i><span lang="EN-US">Movement for the
Advancement of Student Power .</span></i><span lang="EN-US">com. <i><u>Scandals
under Gloria Macapagal Arroyo from 2001-2009<o:p></o:p></u></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span lang="EN-US">8.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal;"> </span></span></i><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">Ragas, Jules M.<i><u> Troyed the
Philippines Green Revolution. Aug. 16,2012<o:p></o:p></u></i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US">9.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">Aurelio, Julie M<i><u>. 42,564 File Human Rights Claim</u></i>.
Phil. Daily Inuirer. Nov. 11, 2014</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US">10.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><i><u><span lang="EN-US">$42 M Marcos Ill-gotten wealth
ordered return to Govt.</span></u></i><span lang="EN-US"> Manila Bulletin.
August 28, 2014.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN-US">11.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN-US">Lingao, Ed. <i><u>A Different EDSA Story:Short Memories,
Unfinished businesses.</u></i> Feb. 24, 2012</span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Important Timeline:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">1965 – Ferdinand Marcos elected as
President.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">1969-
re-elected for 2<sup>nd</sup> term</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Sept. 21, 1972 – Pres. Marcos declared PD
1081 or Martial Law</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">1974 –</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">1978 – Plurality Election. Pres. Marcos won
over Bartolome Cabangbang . . . .</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-US">January
1981 – Martial Law officially lifted by Pres. Marcos as gift to Pople John Paul
II visit to the country.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-US">August
21, 1983- Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino’s assassination.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">February 24, 1986 – EDSA People Power
Revolution</span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10908645543292590219noreply@blogger.com0Cagayan de Oro, Philippines8.4542363 124.63189778.2029393 124.3160407 8.705533299999999 124.94775469999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5949714347708699086.post-35084190129309914912012-12-14T21:37:00.000-08:002015-05-07T18:19:21.724-07:00Chapter 34 - EDSA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLOWzbtl0_8YjN1nxqM72mA-0A6KI1wePumrrmaejKOUW1aSyJp3-7upFaUg5JPL9CaQe5SR772bJHa85yVHAz0yfd74zsyS1QDQd8_s8om-dFsbaGpcHO0LC-2b0GNdVPfrRudv0pAC0/s1600/EDSA_Revolution_pic1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLOWzbtl0_8YjN1nxqM72mA-0A6KI1wePumrrmaejKOUW1aSyJp3-7upFaUg5JPL9CaQe5SR772bJHa85yVHAz0yfd74zsyS1QDQd8_s8om-dFsbaGpcHO0LC-2b0GNdVPfrRudv0pAC0/s400/EDSA_Revolution_pic1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Chapter 34</span><br style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;" /><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">EDSA</span></span></span></b><br />
<span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="text-align: justify;"> Two huge mango trees serving as mute
witnesses on the events unfolding in the stage used to stand solidly on the
ground their weight reclining towards the clinic at the back stage of the
schoolcampus. Still robust as ever despite numbers of furious and frenzied
storm rampaging over the past decade that have seen many fruit trees and
coconuts uprooted nearby, they too were once living testament of the history unfolding in the country. For many
years, these mango trees have indeed stood against the test of time braving
even the ferocity of storms withering them away each time they wreck havoc on
the campus. Some of its mature branches were sometimes felled to the ground but
its main trunk remain standing tall against the challenge of the power of the raging probably eye of the storm all the way from Surigao City passing
through Sorsogon of Bicol Region before proceeding Romblon through Masbate.
Just how ferocious these storms are could be seen how galvanized iron sheets roofing flying far and
away thrown in the air like Aladdin’s
magic carpet.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Over
those thirteen long years, their
strength have not withered. Flowers once seen protruding throughout their stems
and branches allowing bees and other insects had their day full feasting on its sweet nectar.
In the evening fireflies would lit themselves up and underneath their
leaves while crickets sang merrily their hearts out as if in celebration
ushering of another bountiful harvests of sweet mangoes.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> But gone were those huge mango trees now
giving way to high rise school buildings to accommodate bigger students as the
school once an Agricultural College morphed into a State University. Gone too
was an old stage. In its stead stands newly built sophisticated multi-purpose
stage with top of the line sound system. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Traveling down the memory lane was fast for
the group as they now joined the students celebrating their anniversary in time
of the schools celebration of successful People Power revolution staged in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Manila</st1:place></st1:city>. Time is indeed as
fleeting as the wind as they bonded and saw personally each other again this
time with all those indications of time taking its toll. Gray hairs, receding
hairlines, loss of teeth, bodies big and wide – all these were very
pronounced. All eyes however were focused
to the stage where it was once the forum of important gatherings from seminars
to workshops, student rallies to concerts. It’s where the young ones Driarco,
Taklin de la Rosa and the rest of the gang had their baptism of fire of their leadership qualities from holding of
various rallies during student elections ventilating whatever platform they
have, singing too as if their concert stage when they have to forcibly squeezed
their lungs out for a song or two in an attempt of winning the needed votes to
win an election. Who could forget too that historic chapter in the country’s
history when declaration of Martial Law was held right there debated on
by Mr. Paler catching many students captive audience wondering whatever
happened stunned and disoriented. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> That was fourteen years passed almost. And
today would be a redo of that incident, a second chapter to witness the
threshold of their dreams, the paradigm shift from dictatorship back to
democracy via Revolutionary government
of Cory Aquino, newly installed Philippine President through Peoples’ Power in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Manila</st1:place></st1:city>. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> The remnants could only sigh deep bated
breath of relief learning that militarization or dictatorship ended. It was just like any dream.
And as it was really bad, it was hoped that its evil would be exorcised not to visit even in dream as it might
instead dreamed away like any proverbial ghost flushed out from consciousness. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> From their seat, happiness could be seen
spread right all over their many faces. Why not hearing and witnessing the good
news that Marcos flew away to <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Hawaii</st1:place></st1:state>
for safety was unbelievable. For who could ever thought that it would end that
way with all those innocent lives lost and sacrificed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “EDSA Revolution, unprecedented in world
history is taking place right in our country,” Mr. Paler, the familiar sight on
the stage broke the news obviously elated before his captive audience.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “I can’t personally believe myself caught
in the threshold of history again today! It was in this same venue and
forum I
once announced then the declaration of Martial Law many years past sending you all students crazy back then,” he
added as the crowd erupted into collective applause. His gray hair now very pronounced probably
the result of too many pressure on his work as College Principal. Putting on
the video presentation, all eyes of the mammoth crowd were glued to the
dramatic show of People Power footages taken few days ago with all yellow
colors and capital “<i>L” for Laban</i> sign seen all over raised while
deafening ‘Cory, Cory, Cory” chanted by people
reverberated in the air featuring Cory Aquino and renegade generals Juan
Ponce Enrile and Fidel Ramos as usual with tobacco in his mouth.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “You must believe this! It’s true,” the
aging Mr. Paler commented while the
great show was on. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Now who was it who said that all 68
million Filipinos were cowards that we have yet to wait a man to be born to challenge Ferdinand
Marcos. They are dead wrong. They should be crucified right here right now for
having erred in their calculation. The
answer is here and now. They miscalculated. For in the first place, it was not
a man but a woman. . . , “ the crowd frenzied roaring in unison before Mr. Paler could even pronounced the
name.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Cory, Cory, Cory . . . ,” they chanted
while pushing their <i>Laban</i> sign up into
the air.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Sorry to tell and let’s accept it in jubilation celebrating that we Filipinos are the bravest animals in
this planet of apes. Witness how our forefathers protected our country against
foreign invaders from Magellan, American, Japs and Spanish Conquistadores and
now rightfully against a dictator and his cohorts running scared their balls
safely secured in between their legs in a bloodless revolution yet.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Must be kidding. But tell me where in the
world you could find a peaceful revolution as that. Not anywhere else but only in this country,”
he emphasized with feelings. Moving on, he cleared.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Sun Tzu was right in his ‘ <u>The ‘Art of
War</u>’ that the best way and most effective way of capturing an enemy is by
capturing them without firing a single shot. We did. Had he been alive today he
would have come over and exchanged give-me-five gestures to each Filipino
congratulating us for showing the way validating his strategy.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “But ladies and gentlemen let us not
however close our guard leaving history to give us the final verdict. For all we know the <st1:place w:st="on">Apo</st1:place>
and Imelda have many aces stuck right under their sleeves. Add their forever
loyalists and you have an unpredictable scenario that could still pull up some
surprises. Among others there seems to be an endless maze to recover their
hidden loot to award the human rights victims of Martial Law.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Correct,” Monera commented. “Good Mr.
Paler emphasized that. For you could not give all your trust to conjugal
dictators,” she added.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “With her stunning beauty, look how Imelda
is so deceiving. Consider her velvety skin wearing her signature mestiza dress.
Isn’t she an angel. . . ?” Monera whispered to Eliza nearby. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Children quiet . . . ,” Romulo fidgeted. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “How
could a devil be an angel!” he mumbled. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Let it be then a strong reminder to all of
us that great disparity between democracy and dictatorship . It should be mistake anyone of us should not mess and afford to commit or we
will be relegated to the dustbin of history later. It’s easy of course to
plunge into given our human frailly but it is hard to get rid from,”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Witness how we in roughly fourteen years
were abused trampled, suppressed, tortured or summarily killed without even
allowing our voices heard. Witness our institutions falling into pieces one
after the other because of this abuse.
Common, let’s wake up! This is real and there’s no other better
alternative than democracy. It’s
everybody else choice to live. But we’ve
got to pay the price for that choice.
History tells us that it was not given in silver platter. On the contrary, we worked it hard
giving credit to where it is due. But
above, we must practice it. For who else could serve as vanguard of our noble
political system if not ourselves.
Forget Uncle Sam. He has his priorities, tinkering with other countries
through his Benevolent Assimilation and Manifest Destiny. They been there all
over and have seen influencing political events more for his own good.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Remember ours is the only country we’ve
got. We are no mortals. Generations come
and go but she remains forever till the end of time outliving all of us. Let it be then our legacy sustaining her
strength never bleeding her to death invigorating her with warmth and tender loving
care taking charge of sustaining her Mother Nature all the way protecting her
environment.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Recall that there’s really no place like
home. I bet you all as I can see all in
your face shining. God is really good if I may sound religious. He allows us to pin the dictator and his
henchmen down not allowing us squeezing
their throat to death. Vengeance is mine, He said. So He give it and Marcos got
it. “</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “But I know reconciliation is tough as we
have to draw the line yet between charity and justice. When you go home, kindly
kiss your father. Remind him that the best gift a father could give to his
children is to love their mother. Tell
him that God created her perfectly that
despite her human frailty, the country needs her above all else as in a home,”
Mr. Paler uttered showing that after all
as a father he is also romantic.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “She was like Mary, the one chosen to
liberate the country from dictatorship. Truly heaven-sent!” he acknowledged. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “In God, everything really is simply
possible. That she gets democracy and
put back in place albeit the claim of
many critics that she’s merely a mere housewife dragged into the limelight by
Ninoy,” is for now more than enough. <br />
“Now that she did very
significant favor for all Filipinos, it is just proper to support and
participate in all her program and projects. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “To close this forum, I suggest that we
hold a ceremony in honor and memory of many lives sacrificed and in
thanksgiving to God for allowing the humble housewife Pres. Cory Aquino for
restoring democracy hopefully leading us back to Promise land that is truly
prosperous and blessed Philippines,” he uttered this time his voice becoming
resonant as lighted candles were distributed around.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Amen, Amen and Amen,” the collective
voices full of entreaty were heard.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Martial Law was no doubt had been a
nightmare to Filipinos. Now that we have driven the dictator again, let an apt
epitaph be embossed on its tombstone: here lies the Devil that is Martial Law.
Let no one allowed disturbing this monster sleeping in perpetuity!” the
Principal prayed his face and all those surrounding him radiant from the
reflection of lighted candles. Soon all candles were put on the makeshift altar
their light hardly extinguished even as
strong winds came rushing blowing them off away.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> How exactly Mr. Paler managed to staged
that symbolic burial of Martial Law right on stage as clincher was amazing. One
thing though is sure, it might be that the spirits of those whose lives have been
sacrificed some of whom might be graduates of the University prodded him to. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “What if it would resurrect?” a student
ventured.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “No way or we would again summon God over
there to purge the bad spirit,” another responded.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “But to give you benefits of your doubt, I
think yours is the best answer. In other
words if you can confuse the Devil that is dictatorship, good. But is there any
better alternative than giving your own life for the love of the country!” the
respond was direct and the message just sink deeper than what is expected.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Shedding blood for the parched country –
this is the highest sacrifice one could ever make,” Fr. Driarco contributed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Amen,” Erly corroborated.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “As my final shot, let it be inched forever
in our hearts as written in the blood of many Filipinos: Please “No more
Martial Law,” Mr. Paler pleaded . </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Once is enough! Yes for democracy,” Mr.
Paler concluded.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “May their souls and the souls of all the departed rest in
peace then,” Mr. Paler completed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> </span> “It
seems like it was twice the thrill and nightmare of the blockbuster Friday the
13<sup>th</sup> movie. The fact is, it’s real and it did happen few days ago,” Grace shared updated and overwhelmed too by the euphoria of People Power.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> </span> “It is just hoped that crime against
humanity this part of the country will soon one day see daylight. When would that be? You may be the
one that could make it happen. As John Lennon sings: I hope someday, you’ll
join us and make the world will be as one,” Mr. Paler intoned back.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “As we just recovered it, I hope to savor
myself the freshness that is democracy. Let us then renew our commitment of
protecting at all cost against any tyrant and pretenders who might be suffering
Messianic complex.,” he added not yet
finished with his commentary revealing all stones unturned. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “We would soon be riding the popularity of
revolutionary government. I hope the
transformation would be properly facilitated. Never mind how long it would take
us there. The point is, the vision is already visible. Let us trace the path
back towards peace until we have a new Constitution to guide us in our journey
towards our complete liberation and fulfillment which is what Tita Cory intends
to do. “</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “As we are caught by yellow fever, let it
be that way and hope that would be our cue in addressing problems we have in
government. Revolutionary government is the best time conducive in auguring desired
changes. Land Reform, purging of
undesirable military officials, streamlining of bloated bureaucracy and that
should be vigorously pursued at all cost.
The landless farmers, the urban poor, the carpenters, teachers and
specially the ordinary Juan de la Cruz on the street should now receive their
due. The government should re-direct their efforts to them addressing their
problem.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Having said all of these, I’m now thanking
each one of you for your general listening patience. Today is the start of an
authentic fiesta, a celebration of EDSA. This event is worth remembering.
Therefore, to be sure that this event would not slip by away like any drifting
sands in our palm, we prepared modest eat-all-can sumptuous feast as
thanksgiving. No limit but there should
be no gluttony. May remind you it’s not yet the end of the world yet. <i>Mabuhay Ang Pilipinas</i>.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The celebration was simply in its festive
mood as jars of draft beers were installed all over the place with matching
lechon and other menu. It was short of fiesta celebration as everybody have
their day full in thanksgiving of the momentous event.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Martial Law ghost simply refused to die
down as each one revealed their own beef. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">And how can you as each one could relate
with the issue. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “What makes the incident doubly outrageous
is the collateral damage it spilled over among concerned families, friends and
relatives,” Louie mumbled. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “That practically explains the futility of
waging war between the military and
perceived enemies. Worst, given this reality of having that orgy of killing, the vicious cycle of civil strife
continues on and on as Solzhenitsyn’s <u>Gulag Archipelago</u> shows,” the heat
simmers from the issue. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Tragedy as there will be no end of war as
the conqueror continue vanquishing the powerless. And who suffers most?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“Not them
but the gullible, mostly the civilians as shown by statistics filing the
already saturated long list of statistics of innocent casualties their lives
sacrificed against their will.</div>
<span lang="EN-US"><div style="text-align: justify;">
“Statistics are vital indicator of reality
that excluding those not counted and registered. They are like bikini – bare,
bold but hiding something essential,” a maxim would say.</div>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> </span> And
speaking of numbers without going into hard figures, history is there
validating for us that the 85% casualty involving the civilians far
outweigh those who are directly involved
in the hostilities. That’s how glaring the first two world wars staring at us. That
not only includes the vast but very prohibitive resources of war chest going
down the drain that otherwise would have been used in many development projects
that would have done good in
facilitating development related projects for the people.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “But the country is still in civil strife
and this is not the time to debate on how much
resources is spent,” you might beg the question. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Maybe valid ground in engaging into war
against the enemies. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “But when would we ever learn? While there
is still time or when we ourselves is blown to bits and pieces?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> </span> Many
of the casualties on the first place did not see daylight because of how they
were drag into the issue by those who love to kill to stop the killing
not out of their own making. Paid mercenaries in other words that is the
military arm of the government against their perceived enemies, whoever they
are. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Have we forgot that truth always becomes
the first casualty in any enmity?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “In war there are no victors, only victims,” Ninoy
even wrote in his <i><u>Testament from Prison Cell</u></i>
emphasizing categorically that as much as possible we should love peace live
it, breathe it and practice it. He knows for he was there seeing and
experiencing the intricacies of war. He himself was once a witness being a
young journalist covering Korean War back then. A car he bought from
the proceeds from such venture was a solace for him, he would reminisced. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Why all this division and war among and
between people?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Ironically, the path towards war is relatively
peanuts than peace. “It is easier to wage war
than forging peace,” Major de la
Rosa remembered then PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat wailed the sad reality of
division as he fought for the restoration of <st1:city w:st="on">Palestine</st1:city>
from <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region>
back to his people. But do we have
any other better way out than living
at peace with everyone? None! In fact, it’s what God enjoins us to do. “As
much as possible as it depends on you, live peaceably with everyone (Romans
12:18) – yourself, friends, enemies, nature, country, environment and with God,”
Fr. Driarco ended. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10908645543292590219noreply@blogger.com0Camella Ave, Cagayan de Oro, Philippines8.4542363 124.63189777.9513308 124.0001837 8.9571418 125.2636117tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5949714347708699086.post-42052449797736129992012-12-13T21:32:00.000-08:002013-01-21T19:29:27.361-08:00Chapter 33 - Coming Home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Chapter 33<br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: red;">Coming Home</span></span></b></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> <i><span style="color: magenta; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">“I’</span></span>m coming home to your loving heart.</i></span><i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">You’re the one that I adore though we broke apart. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I want you. I need you. I know it’s true I made you cry. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I must get back to you somehow. So now I’m coming home to you. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">My life is nothing without you. Please let me stay. . ."</span></i></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">It’s Tom Jones old time classic favorite’s “I’m Coming Home” providing soundtrack as Fr. Driarco was aboard the Cruiser Ship sailing from Manila towards his home Marble County.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“You’re right it’s such a beautiful heart-rending ballad from a lover who having realized how long he has been away, decided to go back home hopefully for good,” his creative subconscious seemingly playing with him listening the song played.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“What an apt music playing the soundtrack of his life reliving those exciting beautiful memories together down the memory lane,” Fr. Driarco thought his eyes set on beautiful sunset melting away from the horizon while occasionally staring on how fast the foam of the ocean is blown away as the Roro boat gathered speed away from highly peaceful and orderly Batangas port.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“Love is never love until you give it away and returns back to you,” the thought playing in his mind now as his yearning to be home is given a fitting close.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“What a sentimental journey it has been indeed reinforced by the nostalgia invoked through that song probably only this great singer with resonant voice could best deliver the message with aplomb and justice,” the thought continue engrossing him as fresh and biting sea breeze caressed his face sending long and straight hair flinging in the air.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Constantly gliding against normal cascading waves, the Roro boat continues sailing Tablas Strait the sun gradually losing its luster as if bidding him goodnight after hard day’s grueling journey from Mindanao finally setting engulfed by dark clouds in the horizon. This as his journey played back those dramatic and beautiful memories together as if too soon gone by.</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>. . . . . . . . . </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"To the General as
well as other military officers who participated in the dirty work, </span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">the dental strategy
was the best thing that happened to Martial Law.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">To them, their tooth
loss was the government’s gain.”</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Robert Ja. Basilio
Jr.</span></div>
</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: 0.5in;">Ah September!
That ninth month of the year ushering in cold breeze gently caressing our faces
sending our hair flinging into the air reminding of Christmas and all the bliss
it brings among employees and lowly paid workers in private companies sending
our hearts into fleeting joyful anticipation of windfall that comes as early as
second week of November. Not indeed a bad premium now that we are nearly
reaching the last quarter of the year. Try more reminiscing the fantasy that
comes out of September. Green grass, love so tender, the Brother’s Four would tell
us; brand new day sending some romance and fantasy, September morn will always
be this way, jazz singer Neil Diamond in his resonant voice would sing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: 0.5in;">"What many beautiful thoughts we could associate with September. But back
to sanity, that’s only part of it unless we would allow history later
condemning our bigotry," his thought reminded him its importance.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Though we could
also associate significant events for September like the holding of first
meeting of Congress in Barasoin Church on the first day on 1896; if you wish,
add Erap’s declaration of an all-out war against the Abu Sayyaf Group on the 16<sup>th</sup>
never mind the implacable skyrocketing exorbitant fuel prices as big fuel
companies are planning for another two pesos hike anyway, momentary media
blackout on military’s campaign in Jolo, and the death of San Lorenzo Ruiz on
the 28, the impact of Martial Law paving the way for ruthless fourteen long
years of dictatorship far outweigh them all."</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">No question
about these events. They are all significant. But for our children and great
grandchildren’s sake, we should not forget Sept. 21 of 1972 as the
day of infamy, an editorial of Daily Inquirer would remind us. And rightly so.
Consider the evil that the monster Martial Law brought to our people. There are
too many of them from massacre or ambushes to assassination, illegal detention
to cronyism in effect, institutionalization of graft and corruption and the
most celebrated of them all – torture par excellence and all other military and
paramilitary abuses. </span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Want to experiment one? <st1:city w:st="on">Manila</st1:city>
and <st1:place w:st="on">Cebu</st1:place>’s answer over the weekend was very
emphatic and resounding: Never again!" But I’m just a Martial Law baby back
then, you might keep bargaining wanting to come closer out of a heck of it to
the thought of what is to live under dictatorial rule. Then brace yourself for
harrowing experience satisfaction guaranteed. How? Simply request any military
to employ systematic torture like maybe forcibly extracting your tooth
squeezing you to the last drop of your blood confessing your sins you never even
thought of committing in the first place. After your first and only experience,
tell me if you would not readily answer “Never again” at the top of your lungs
wanting the whole world to hear your confession.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And call it
coincidence if you want as there’s no parroting here, “Never Again” too slips
through his mind like globules and was used by people staging rallies driving home the message that is Martial Law. Manila protesters led by Sen. Teofisto Guingona, Charito
Planas and many other familiar faces had already staged their protest under the
“Never again” slogan. of this article
is my very honest answer for Martial Law having witness the ruthless rule of
the camp. There’s no need experiencing it. We have already seen its barbarity
with our bare eyes, heard its horrors like nightmares in our dreams driving
each one crazy over radio and word of mouth giving and doing great more harm
and damage than good. So never mind Martial Law. Let’s buried it on the past
and never it allow to resurrect. And if by some miracle manages to survive,
offer oneself as sacrifice for the restoration of democracy. That’s what we did
on EDSA.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fr. Driarco has been alluded its barbarity in his speeches and homilies but let it be said once more with
feelings if only to drive home the message he is driving across: God forbid. No
more Martial Law. It was just like Damocles blade hanging and then falling
among hapless Filipinos on that fateful day of September 1972, twenty eight
long years ago. To those who survived and able to tell the tale from that
incident once is more than enough."</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"His metaphor for dictatorship is a needle
swiftly planted into our cranium sending indescribable pain in our senses or
call it conscience if you wish. That Senate and Congress jointly embarked on
collecting literature, data, journals about Martial Law is definitely a welcome
development notwithstanding too late the effort. The Jews did it to avert
another genocide and in fact, even goes some extra mile by hunting Nazi
butchers overseas through MASSAD. <st1:country-region w:st="on">Cambodia</st1:country-region> on the other hand, had
mountain of files of skeletons to remind them of the horror of the past and to
exorcise the ghost of the barbarity of Khmer Rouge Pol Pot’s reign on 1975-79."</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"When would we do our share? While there is still time or when we would also be
blown into bits and pieces." the question he posed.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: 0.5in;">"Torture was just
one of the dreaded feature of Martial Law. And that experience alone send
tremble down our spine. So you want Martial Law? Better answer “Never again”. And hope
it’s not just a rhetorical answer as you should stand ready to defend and be
judged by your answer and if need be, fight for democracy many Filipinos have
already shed their blood defending and restoring it.. . . " the clincher that take him back to sanity this as passengers were preparing their belonging as the boat would soon dock Odiongan port.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p> </span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">It was like a dream come true indeed going home at last after those long years of wanderlust bringing his political beliefs in different parts of the country. Thus, an excitement surging as he disembarked from the huge metal gangplank from the RoRo boat arriving at the port of Odiongan, Romblon.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“Home at last!” he felt like shouting overwhelmed by the familiar sights beckoning on him - the parola on the beach its light illuminating darkness afar. And lo and behold what a vast and marked improvements feasting his eyes looking around.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“Must have really been long years since I did not visit my beloved Marble County.” True enough given roughly three decades of drama living like fugitive shaking out every dragnet set by authorities forever living like any freeman enjoying satiated from the lust over the beauty that is life.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The port was excellent what with all those improvements put in place. Unlike before where you have to fight it out and finding your way against wild and onrushing passengers and laborers giving you headache wishing you did not travel anymore. Today order is seen all over making traveling practically like a breeze. But to his surprise the motorcycle fare was prohibitively sky-high more than ordinary taxi fare as he paid arriving home. Understandably maybe because the arrival was already past unholy hours midnight.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Just how long he’s been away. “Well if how then magnificent Araneta Coliseum imposing its towering grandeur against Cubao skyline but now mercifully dwarfed by condominiums in the background is the cue, then it is truly long as if far bygone years,” he thought. The vacation was therefore welcome development and definitely colorful traveling back down the memory lane reminiscing those good old days again.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">But all were gone now as Marble Country morphed into a progressive and competitive province teeming with sky-rocketing commercial buildings. Houses like castles like in fairytales changed mostly the residential landscape of the municipality. This was made possible because of the competition of the remittance of Almighty Dollars among the sons and daughters of the homeowners who are mostly Overseas Filipino Workers. Constructed integrating marbles from balustrades in the entrance to sala, kitchen and sleeping quarters and chandeliers you would mistook as hanging giant lanzones in the night when lighted indoors, could make your night sleeping the longest sending your stress and worries away. The colorful ice-cream like flavor given all those sweet looking mixture of yellow, green, scarlet and various color combinations, makes you wonder how Odionganons are agog in exploiting maze of combinations like any rainbow hunters for color.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The town is relatively peaceful now, and cleanliness and order are felt and seen all over as you walk around.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“The roads are mostly paved too. It’s almost all concrete pavement all over in all circumferential road of Tablas,” Julie, Driarco’s stepbrother enthused and confessed meeting him in the port. As usual, superb marble products Romblon is famous could be seen all over. Marble figurines from exquisite dancing swans and galloping horses to colorful key holders among other marble products are still on display. But not anymore on makeshift shanties but on permanent display centers dramatizing the premium provincial government is giving promoting exquisite marble industry, Romblon province is known for.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">It’s sad to note though that politics however is still taking its toll from the province. Gauging from the scandalous and vulgar thread in Facebook and UTube washing dirty linen in public probably dragging the good name even those who carved a niche in the country’s literature the likes of NVM Gonzales and other Romblon greats is annoying.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“Why all this crab mentality mindset have not changed for the better of the Province? This what we get engaging in dirty politics,” Driarco reflected.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">“How in God’s name they could not be more sober and professional in dishing out services to the people when she’s all what we’ve got? What a sign of immaturity giving disservice instead to next generation. Who could afford not giving his best shot for the Province?” the question reverberating in the air.</span><br />
<br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Blast from the past was soon rekindled as he was on his way visiting his once beloved Alma Mater wondering how many from among his cliché would attend today’s Anniversary. Aromatic scent of palay, classmates unrepentant voices as they lend their helping hands planting rice at his farm in RSU, coco beer constantly overflowing in cans and containers once upon a time, afternoon spent away listening and sharing anecdotes and serenading in the evening comes vacationing beautiful ladies from Manila, fishing catching all those fishes by the nets –once regular fixture of yesterday when they were young and innocent cohesive bands of adventurous students sent him fleeting contentment as he smiled hearing banters inside the still Aling Nita’s Refreshment Parlor. Smiling and for sure waiting many happy songs to be sung.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">True enough wave of catcalls erupted as he stepped in. This was followed by the collective rendition of the group’s favorite ditty – <i>“Ibon man may laying lumipad, kulungin mo ma’t umiiyak. Bayan pa kayang sakdal dilag .. . .”</i> This time however a descant was added by Driarco saying <i>“Mindanao O Mindanao. Mindanao Na bayan ko. Ikaw ay nasa puso ko, Mindanao ikaw ang buhay ko!”</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">It’s such a fitting refrain as the group reminisced the good old days again. Mostly so far were sporting formal attire diametrically opposing the good old days. Hairs were noticeably trimmed. Bodily improvement getting bigger is also noticeable. Natural development. Three so far were taken ahead by the Lord – Josie, Lino and Rona – but otherwise, the group still remain intact. What a grand eyeball to eyeball celebration savoring all the thrills and experiences of each one living to the fullest. Some dangerously brought about by the nature of their work but most importantly, by the vision and dreams of joining the National Struggle for liberation restoring back democracy – this Driarco feels the sweetest of them all.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Hugging, shaking, kissing after gestures of give me “Five” were all seen all over renewing bond of friendship. This didn’t escape the enjoyment of each one. And one among the happiest was between Fr. Driarco and Major Taklin de la Rosa each one thought would never see each other again alive. Wrong, they were among the two warm bodies present!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://theneedlechapters.blogspot.com/2012/11/chapter-32-flight.html#.ULncTYM3tyY" target="_blank">The Flight</a> | <a href="http://theneedlechapters.blogspot.com/2012/11/chapter-34-edsa.html#.ULnchIM3tyY" target="_blank">EDSA</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10908645543292590219noreply@blogger.com0Cagayan de Oro, Philippines8.4542363 124.63189778.2029393 124.3160407 8.705533299999999 124.94775469999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5949714347708699086.post-14910239970235421922012-12-01T21:28:00.000-08:002015-05-07T18:43:04.247-07:00Chapter 32 - The Flight<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
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<div style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Chapter 32<br /><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">The Flight</span></b></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span>That Ferdinand Marcos was already
considered a terminal case on the remaining few months of 1985 was mere
platitude among many observers. Words
even circulated around that Uncle Sam was merely waiting in the wings any
opportune time most likely when to drop him without forcing the latter to stage
harakiri running around berserk. Dropping him like hot potato was indeed seems
eminent as Uncle Sam had no other choice as multitude of Filipinos was breath
away from victory already pressing Malacañang main entrance. But not to the man
himself who was still capable of pulling some surprises from under his sleeves. <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> He was not even afraid of the rebel forces whose numbers bloated to
22,500 more than half in 1985 from
measly 10,500 in 1983 in roughly two year’s armed combatant expansion. How much
more that time he was still in power with all the support of the
military.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Sick joke,” Marcos must be mumbling against those pressing him to give up. He still has all those aces stuck under his
sleeve and would be ready picking them
up when the need arises to quell the
fire of rebellion, must have been also
his make believe battle cry. Well
said for
as far as the Apo is concerned, it was not yet time to recapitulate let alone, die pure and
simple not knowing that time for reckoning of his past was fast approaching as
seen from the seas of multitude
gradually swelling advancing to Malacañang to hand over their
verdict. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “How could he afford sleeping away anyway when tons of money
scattered throughout the world great bulk of which were securely deposited in
Swiss Banks whose secrecy has been legend since World War I. Germany, Haiti,
Iran and the Philippines to name a few have opened an account there only that
those depositors are no ordinary mortals,” Driarco analyzed. Imelda Marcos’ anathema on February 2005
seems prophetic when she alarmed <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Switzerland</st1:place></st1:country-region> that they don’t have
any business to open and take the money
that doesn’t belong to them in the same vein when she cautioned US no right of
using power on foreigners specially their Filipino friends! And her bombshell
against those critics alleging the use of tortures during her husband’s twenty
years in power torturing political dissidents. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “We
did not even pinch any human right victim.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “It sucks!” Driarco easily responded.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> </span> “That as far as she is concerned. If she could
only look at those graphics showing systematic torture, she would easily
swallow her alibi faster than she would swallow her saliva!” he retorted
reeling.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Think of Lakay Ferdie and beautiful Imelda
who methodically rob the country’s
wealth blind, clean and dry with impunity leaving it poor owing $28
Billion debt to World Bank and IMF as they leave their power behind while they
enjoy ironically with much gusto their celebrated loot at will. It’s no
ordinary feat for Juan to do it. But
they both did it extra-ordinary,” his thoughts further carried him onward.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Carmen Pedrosa, a columnist would later write
“<i>The Conjugal Dictatorship</i>” narrating
in graphic account how the first couple did it. The other book “<i>The Untold Story of Imelda Romualdez</i> <i>Marcos</i>” is such other engrossing book
relating the dramatic fairy-tale story of
Imelda from a mere bodega girl to a canteen girl in the Senate
before then Congressman Marcos was
smitten by her charm. The rest so to speak was history as she would soon
morphed into a multi-millionaire catching up with the world’s wealthiest
Joneses. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Holding on for dear life, not even his
deteriorating health gradually taking its toll
could force him yielding his celebrated loot. Kidney was no doubt methodically making Marcos’ life difficult. His puffy face tells
it all seen in many TV appearances
sapping his strength gradually like a cankerous cancer eating meticulously his
vital flesh. This proves to one and all
that as citizens of the world, he is also dispensable like all the rest of
creation. Aware that time is pushing him
against the wall, he surprisingly called for a snap election few months later.
That was in February of 1986. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Unfortunately, that call proved to be his
last undoing, a kiss of death to his undefeated political career sealing his
honeymoon with politics beyond his wildest imagination. The Filipinos were
robbed off of victory alleging Cory Aquino’s camp rigging off the result of
election favoring of course Ninoy Aquino’s widow. Ergo, wasting no time, he had Tolentino, his running mate, and
himself proclaimed as winning candidates in Malacañng balcony of course mostly
his loyalists in attendance. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Good grief Charlie Brown! It was the first
time that the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Philippines</st1:place></st1:country-region> had ever two
Presidents,” Driarco exclaimed learning the story in newspapers and TV. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> </span> Sadly though, it confirms to be Marcos’ last hurrah as thousands of Filipinos were already pressing Malacañang’s
gate to probably deliver the final coup ‘d grace. Seething with anger
accumulating over the years, they were seemingly out for the biggest kill
against the greatest plunderer of the nation.
Seeing the great multitude cutting barb wires amidst guns and cannons so
to speak, probably finally convinced Marcos of eating his words that not all 60
million population are that cowards prompting him staging his last and graceful exit from
Malacañang palace and the country. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Good that at least he did not succumb to
the unsolicited advice from Gen. Ver, his once trusted servant leapfrogging
into a rabid Marcos General and loyalist, to bomb Camp Aguinaldo where the
mutineers led by Enrile and Fidel Ramos and thousand others holed in. And or EDSA whose 54 kilometers were filled
with people from all walks of life.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Who says that Judas is only in the bible
giving headache to Jesus. He was right
there in the <st1:country-region w:st="on">Philippines</st1:country-region> too
reincarnated in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">Camp</st1:placetype>
<st1:placename w:st="on">Aguinaldo</st1:placename></st1:place> that time doing great service and favor to
Filipino people, a treachery to Lakay Ferdie.,” Driarco thinking aloud and simply amused more than restless
over the ever unpredictable environment.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> What would have been considered a
historical disgrace to the ailing President incredibly became his last saving
grace interpreted by Post Martial Law Media. That delighting mostly many
loyalists’ camp of course. One thing was sure though, freedom was back and
people could speak their minds raving and ranting on different issues without any fear and
tremble. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> </span> “That’s why there still that tag of greatness attached to his name,” says a
Marcos loyalist forever rightfully intoned. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Maybe.
Unknown though to him and great many others is the fact that it was not
definitely advisable blowing up Camp
Aguinaldo into bits and pieces let alone cooling off the intensity of People
Power gaining momentum sustained by peoples
power coming alive along Epifanio del los Santos Avenue or EDSA providing
him excellent and legitimate excuse of sneaking out from the
palace. He would have been roasted alive
by the Filipinos he exploited had White House did not intervene. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “No thanks to Pentagon connection for
showing great mercy sparing Apo Ferdie’s life his hoarded gold and other
amassed wealth included’” he snapped back in consolation.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Hail, hail the gangs all here. What a heck
together in this stormy weather. . . .” Ka Ferdie, the Cojuangco’s, Bendicto’s
and the rest of Alibaba’s entourage might have sang merrily while aboard that
American jet plane shopping safer country.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Oh no Poaoy men not Hawaii!,” Marcos might
have begged and exclaimed griping as he and the first lady were escorted by an
American servicemen down to Honolulu
tarmac. This was on Feb. 26, 1986. Asian Journal recorded the following
luggage after few hours Marcos party
landed in Honolulu:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span lang="EN-US"> “300
crates on board C-141 cargo jet. .. took 25 custom officers five hours</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span lang="EN-US"> to tag
the bags and identify the contents. . .
. There were 278 crates of jewelry</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span lang="EN-US"> and art worth an estimated US45 million. 22
crates contained more than </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span lang="EN-US"> Ph27.7million in newly minted currency, mostly
hundred-peso denominations</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span lang="EN-US"> worth approximately US$1,270,000.00 . . . . certificates
of deposit from</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span lang="EN-US"> Philippine banks worth about US$1 million, 5 handguns, 154
videotapes, </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span lang="EN-US"> 17 cassette tapes and 2,068 pages of documents . . . .”</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Driarco was disoriented of the
figures and facts learned. But surely of course, such properties were just the
tip of an iceberg.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> The same feather flocks together. Thus, he
joins the likes of Baby Duc Duvalier of <st1:country-region w:st="on">Haiti</st1:country-region>,
Shah Pavlavi of <st1:country-region w:st="on">Iran</st1:country-region>,
Anastacio Somoza of <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Nicaragua</st1:place></st1:country-region>
and later Noriega of Panama driven out from their own country by their own
people becoming stranger of paradise in
other lands. The damages seems to be
deeply imbedded to Filipino psyche that Pinoys have summoned even enough guts
in having the dead body of the dictator double killed by blocking its return for burial in the Philippines. Though incessant lobbying though by several
camps, Apo Ferdie finally became an additional fertilizer to the <st1:country-region w:st="on">Philippines</st1:country-region>’ ground in Laoag much later not
until his double in exquisite wax
was displayed in <st1:placename w:st="on">Aglipayan</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">Church</st1:placetype> right across their residence in
Batac, Ilocos <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Sur.</st1:place></st1:country-region></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 18.0pt;">. . . . . . . . . . .<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> No doubt, the nine long years of military
rule was a nightmare to Juan. “If I were
dreaming about it, I would rather not wake up until I have dreamed it away from
my consciousness,” Driarco opined. So
many lives were wasted from academe to the church, labor unions to farmers,
students to enlisted men and ordinary
citizens to civilians. It’s just what militarization is capable of doing.
Treasured intuitions too collapsed one after the other. To aggravate the problem, the country was
held captive by the International Monetary Fund, World Bank and their Filipino
cohorts practically ramming down into Juan’s mouth what to do with his economy
from levying of additional burdensome taxes from beleaguered tax payers to
prompt payment of his financial obligation.
Debt cap has been rallied only to get categorical “No!” answer from
those powerful international Monetary bodies. Juan suffers all the more. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Most unlikely, you can just even request
for a moratorium of your obligation unless you’d like to have your economy
strangled squeezed to death by IMF the way it did to other countries like those
in Latin American countries like <st1:country-region w:st="on">Brazil</st1:country-region>,
<st1:country-region w:st="on">Peru</st1:country-region> and <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Argentina</st1:place></st1:country-region>,” an
authority of the subject once emphasized. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> </span>Pulling off surprising victory on the just
concluded snap election notwithstanding the claim on the contrary by the
opposing camp that Marcos and Tolentino
actually won, she finally set the tone of her administration opening the
Malacanang to the general viewing public exposing the extravagance of the first
couple. “Gee, how could the first couple can ill afford living that lavish life
while millions of Filipinos were naked, starved to death and homeless,” Juan
exclaimed seeing the ostentatious display of wealth inside the palace.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> He who runs away during a fight naturally
lost, was how Sen. Rene Saguisag justifies the legality of Cory’s victory in
one of his appearance in Dong Puno’s highly rated <u>Viewpoint’s</u> talk show.
Just like in cockfights in other words. But it was not a cockfight, but an
election, the opposing gentleman would openly argue against. So what, Juan might probably intervene. He
has been deprived of basic necessities in life, decent living in his own land for
so long. Enough is enough. It’s time to welcome the widow that is Cory to
provide the necessary lift.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> True enough, she did great favor to Juan by
giving him back his security and freedom to live mangled by Marcos. As
categorically declared in her inaugural address on the 25<sup>th</sup> of
February to be magnanimous in victory, she released the first batch of 441
detainees and 39 prisoners in her third day of office. Horacio Morales, Fr. Ed de le Torre and Lt.
Victor Corpus, an erstwhile professor at Philippine Military Academy in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Baguio</st1:place></st1:city> turned renegade
head the lists of political detainees were released. The next batch included Jose Maria Sison,
Bernabe Buscayno and many others. To
prevent arbitrary arrests and detention of ordinary citizens, she restored the
writ of habeas corpus, brazenly suspended by Marcos. Defanging the military, she had twenty two overstaying
generals including Gen. Fabian Ver, axed by ordering them forcefully
retired. What more could Filipinos ask for
from a widow?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Undoubtedly, the restoration of democracy
buried in the quagmire by the late dictator was swift gradually restoring too Juan’s normal breathing spree savoring anew the freshness of democracy. She also formed the Presidential Commission
on Human Rights. Though devoid of any
police power, it helped every Filipino seek redress against any human right violators. After her declaration of provisional or revolutionary government, she went on
proclaiming the creation of Constitutional Commission primarily tasked in
formulating draft of Constitution after
thorough consultation with Filipino people in a national consensus scale all
throughout the country. Successfully
ratified, it would later became law of
the land stipulating all those principles of
effective and legal governance.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> The transition from dictatorial to
democratic was not all beds and roses though for Juan. Dwindling economy, $28 Billion IMF debt,
sporadic hostilities between the reds and military, bloated bureaucracy,
possible resurgence of fascist rule given the power and unpredictability of
Marcos’ loyalists camp, termination of Military Bases Agreement, internecine
strife of Muslims’ for autonomy and independence in Mindanao, above all else bread and butter for Juan
painted a rather challenging and narrow path for peace and development. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> One of her drawback though was when she
declared the controversial and problematic $2.3 Billion Bataan Nuclear Power Plant not her priority
concern. Such unpopular decision and gesture
boomeranged to her administration waning gradually her popularity giving
pressures to nationalists block and opposition in the House of Congress and
Senate. This white elephant build yet
over a volcanic area draining taxpayers money as the country pays millions of
pesos in interest alone daily should have really been addressed. And there’s no other way to do it than really
facing and addressing the problem squarely. When this would be
however, is yet to be seen as she was top heavy and preoccupied with enormous
problems inherited from Marcos. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Obviously, the homework for President Cory
Aquino was huge and difficult. But there’s no other way out than really facing and start solving it. Gratefully,
democratic space was all there left for consultation. It’s all what Cory
and the people need to move on. It’s what Juan badly needs as he was once
deprived during military rule, many
starved to death that he has no recourse but to go up in the hills. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> The 1,200,000 signatories started it all
proving to one and all that Filipinos are not that stupid and ignorant and that
given the chance to shine, could turn any events upside down such as
restoration of democracy not through the barrel of a gun but through the power
of the ballots in an election. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “It’s time to participate not just support
because supporting is merely saliva power.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">“Nothing is indeed worthwhile than really
serving the country. That Filipinos have
shown to the whole world how to introduce sweeping change through people’s
power without any bloodshed is no ordinary feat. Juan just did it with minimum
damage if at all, to the claim of the
contrary,” the consoling thought giving him fleeting contentment.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Again the transition was far from
over. This is the challenge facing every
Filipino today. Indiscriminate firing would still fill the air unabated if
there would be no sincerity of working out lasting peace for both camps.
Ceasefire would just be in papers only, no substance whatsoever if only
summoned during Christmas and holidays.
Such would be tragedy for democracy. As such the next generation might
soon wake up only to just died down without seeing the dawn of genuine
democracy let alone, worked out and practiced.
We will never fail. How could we
when we have not even tried and worked it, one columnist would succinctly puts
it. Perhaps, the Brother’s Four relevant question would still be asked: When would we ever learn, when would we ever
learn?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> While there is still time to do and act or
when we have ourselves already blown into bits and pieces as Aldous Huxley puts
it bravely fictionalized in his “<i>The
Brave New World”</i>. Let us be therefore
all be brave but not at the expense of squeezing each other’s throat but
by building better working human relationship between and among us
Filipinos. After all, we belong to the
same race, creed and living in the same nation eating the same food in this
rice and corn eating republic.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Earlier, it has been noticeably observed
that the lists of casualties of past dictatorship was long. No doubt on that.
Fr. Driacro, Taklin and the rest of the gang were just part of the great
multitude sacrificed for the freedom of the country. The trend is still progressing and that
should preoccupied everybody’s mind as it seems we have not exorcised the
country’s evil yet. Think for instance
of the statistics gathered by Task force Detainees. It’s alarming to Juan
painting black scenario around him – 4.5 million children affected or exposed
to the conflict, 10 million people killed, injured, sick or displaced by the
conflict. The saddest reality one has to grapple with is that those who
received the worst beatings are mostly civilians from poorest regions. To top it all around 120,000 were already
displace evacuees rivaling boatpeople of <st1:country-region w:st="on">Vietnam</st1:country-region>
in Bataan and <st1:place w:st="on">Palawan</st1:place>. Internal refugees, that’s what Juan would
commonly call unfortunately in his own homeland.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> How to stop this senseless killings is
precisely the challenge hurl to each one of us.
No use wasting lives. It’s only given once. Live it abundantly, advised <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">St. Paul</st1:place></st1:city>. How, Juan asked . What else but no
more Martial Law, the original root cause of all evil and abnormalities. Hence, post Martial Law babies and those who
suffer included beware – No More
Militarization! It pays to be living in democratic country. But I think the brightest place to live is
when you reap dividends like lasting peace. Democracy just doesn’t thrive in a
hostile environment. It does to a free
country. Yes, a Filipino can. Why not indeed. Be a crusader yourself of
peace. Join the silent majority. We will never fail. Overwhelm any division and
strife around. Just stand up and be one!’ </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Driarco finally stop pounding his
typewriter thinking he has bare his soul out and done his part. It was time
for the critics to comment to his piece.
As he marked his character and individuality in it, it’s time to listen to
feedback from the right eyes and see what might be done to improve his piece.
And devil may care. He doesn’t mind for as long as he already delivered his
best shot. Closing with a short prayer, he paused with a consoling thought that his message of peace in this
magnum opus would reverberate saturating the entire 7,100 island of the
archipelago with his Peace! On that note, he could now afford sleeping
peacefully without fear. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 18.0pt;">. . . . . . . . . . .<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> </span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">No doubt, the nine long years of military
rule was a nightmare to Juan.</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">“If I were
dreaming about it, I would rather not wake up until I have dreamed it away from
my consciousness,” Driarco opined.</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">So
many lives were wasted from academe to the church, labor unions to farmers,
students to enlisted men</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">and ordinary
citizens to civilians. It’s just what militarization is capable of doing.
Treasured intuitions too collapsed one after the other.</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">To aggravate the problem, the country was
held captive by the International Monetary Fund, World Bank and their Filipino
cohorts practically ramming down into Juan’s mouth what to do with his economy
from levying of additional burdensome taxes from beleaguered tax payers to
prompt payment of his financial obligation.</span><span style="text-align: justify;">
</span><span style="text-align: justify;">Debt cap has been rallied only to get categorical “No!” answer from
those powerful international Monetary bodies. Juan suffers all the more.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Most unlikely, you can just even request
for a moratorium of your obligation unless you’d like to have your economy
strangled squeezed to death by IMF the way it did to other countries like those
in Latin American countries like <st1:country-region w:st="on">Brazil</st1:country-region>,
<st1:country-region w:st="on">Peru</st1:country-region> and <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Argentina</st1:place></st1:country-region>,” an
authority of the subject once emphasized. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> </span>Pulling off surprising victory on the just
concluded snap election notwithstanding the claim on the contrary by the
opposing camp that Marcos and Tolentino
actually won, she finally set the tone of her administration opening the
Malacanang to the general viewing public exposing the extravagance of the first
couple. “Gee, how could the first couple can ill afford living that lavish life
while millions of Filipinos were naked, starved to death and homeless,” Juan
exclaimed seeing the ostentatious display of wealth inside the palace.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> He who runs away during a fight naturally
lost, was how Sen. Rene Saguisag justifies the legality of Cory’s victory in
one of his appearance in Dong Puno’s highly rated <u>Viewpoint’s</u> talk show.
Just like in cockfights in other words. But it was not a cockfight, but an
election, the opposing gentleman would openly argue against. So what, Juan might probably intervene. He
has been deprived of basic necessities in life, decent living in his own land for
so long. Enough is enough. It’s time to welcome the widow that is Cory to
provide the necessary lift.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> True enough, she did great favor to Juan by
giving him back his security and freedom to live mangled by Marcos. As
categorically declared in her inaugural address on the 25<sup>th</sup> of
February to be magnanimous in victory, she released the first batch of 441
detainees and 39 prisoners in her third day of office. Horacio Morales, Fr. Ed de le Torre and Lt.
Victor Corpus, an erstwhile professor at Philippine Military Academy in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Baguio</st1:place></st1:city> turned renegade
head the lists of political detainees were released. The next batch included Jose Maria Sison,
Bernabe Buscayno and many others. To
prevent arbitrary arrests and detention of ordinary citizens, she restored the
writ of habeas corpus, brazenly suspended by Marcos. Defanging the military, she had twenty two overstaying
generals including Gen. Fabian Ver, axed by ordering them forcefully
retired. What more could Filipinos ask for
from a widow?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Undoubtedly, the restoration of democracy
buried in the quagmire by the late dictator was swift gradually restoring too Juan’s normal breathing spree savoring anew the freshness of democracy. She also formed the Presidential Commission
on Human Rights. Though devoid of any
police power, it helped every Filipino seek redress against any human right violators. After her declaration of provisional or revolutionary government, she went on
proclaiming the creation of Constitutional Commission primarily tasked in
formulating draft of Constitution after
thorough consultation with Filipino people in a national consensus scale all
throughout the country. Successfully
ratified, it would later became law of
the land stipulating all those principles of
effective and legal governance.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> The transition from dictatorial to
democratic was not all beds and roses though for Juan. Dwindling economy, $28 Billion IMF debt,
sporadic hostilities between the reds and military, bloated bureaucracy,
possible resurgence of fascist rule given the power and unpredictability of
Marcos’ loyalists camp, termination of Military Bases Agreement, internecine
strife of Muslims’ for autonomy and independence in Mindanao, above all else bread and butter for Juan
painted a rather challenging and narrow path for peace and development. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> One of her drawback though was when she
declared the controversial and problematic $2.3 Billion Bataan Nuclear Power Plant not her priority
concern. Such unpopular decision and gesture
boomeranged to her administration waning gradually her popularity giving
pressures to nationalists block and opposition in the House of Congress and
Senate. This white elephant build yet
over a volcanic area draining taxpayers money as the country pays millions of
pesos in interest alone daily should have really been addressed. And there’s no other way to do it than really
facing and addressing the problem squarely. When this would be
however, is yet to be seen as she was top heavy and preoccupied with enormous
problems inherited from Marcos. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Obviously, the homework for President Cory
Aquino was huge and difficult. But there’s no other way out than really facing and start solving it. Gratefully,
democratic space was all there left for consultation. It’s all what Cory
and the people need to move on. It’s what Juan badly needs as he was once
deprived during military rule, many
starved to death that he has no recourse but to go up in the hills. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> The 1,200,000 signatories started it all
proving to one and all that Filipinos are not that stupid and ignorant and that
given the chance to shine, could turn any events upside down such as
restoration of democracy not through the barrel of a gun but through the power
of the ballots in an election. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “It’s time to participate not just support
because supporting is merely saliva power.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">“Nothing is indeed worthwhile than really
serving the country. That Filipinos have
shown to the whole world how to introduce sweeping change through people’s
power without any bloodshed is no ordinary feat. Juan just did it with minimum
damage if at all, to the claim of the
contrary,” the consoling thought giving him fleeting contentment.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Again the transition was far from
over. This is the challenge facing every
Filipino today. Indiscriminate firing would still fill the air unabated if
there would be no sincerity of working out lasting peace for both camps.
Ceasefire would just be in papers only, no substance whatsoever if only
summoned during Christmas and holidays.
Such would be tragedy for democracy. As such the next generation might
soon wake up only to just died down without seeing the dawn of genuine
democracy let alone, worked out and practiced.
We will never fail. How could we
when we have not even tried and worked it, one columnist would succinctly puts
it. Perhaps, the Brother’s Four relevant question would still be asked: When would we ever learn, when would we ever
learn?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> While there is still time to do and act or
when we have ourselves already blown into bits and pieces as Aldous Huxley puts
it bravely fictionalized in his “<i>The
Brave New World”</i>. Let us be therefore
all be brave but not at the expense of squeezing each other’s throat but
by building better working human relationship between and among us
Filipinos. After all, we belong to the
same race, creed and living in the same nation eating the same food in this
rice and corn eating republic.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Earlier, it has been noticeably observed
that the lists of casualties of past dictatorship was long. No doubt on that.
Fr. Driacro, Taklin and the rest of the gang were just part of the great
multitude sacrificed for the freedom of the country. The trend is still progressing and that
should preoccupied everybody’s mind as it seems we have not exorcised the
country’s evil yet. Think for instance
of the statistics gathered by Task force Detainees. It’s alarming to Juan
painting black scenario around him – 4.5 million children affected or exposed
to the conflict, 10 million people killed, injured, sick or displaced by the
conflict. The saddest reality one has to grapple with is that those who
received the worst beatings are mostly civilians from poorest regions. To top it all around 120,000 were already
displace evacuees rivaling boatpeople of <st1:country-region w:st="on">Vietnam</st1:country-region>
in Bataan and <st1:place w:st="on">Palawan</st1:place>. Internal refugees, that’s what Juan would
commonly call unfortunately in his own homeland.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> How to stop this senseless killings is
precisely the challenge hurl to each one of us.
No use wasting lives. It’s only given once. Live it abundantly, advised <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">St. Paul</st1:place></st1:city>. How, Juan asked . What else but no
more Martial Law, the original root cause of all evil and abnormalities. Hence, post Martial Law babies and those who
suffer included beware – No More
Militarization! It pays to be living in democratic country. But I think the brightest place to live is
when you reap dividends like lasting peace. Democracy just doesn’t thrive in a
hostile environment. It does to a free
country. Yes, a Filipino can. Why not indeed. Be a crusader yourself of
peace. Join the silent majority. We will never fail. Overwhelm any division and
strife around. Just stand up and be one!’ </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Driarco finally stop pounding his
typewriter thinking he has bare his soul out and done his part. It was time
for the critics to comment to his piece.
As he marked his character and individuality in it, it’s time to listen to
feedback from the right eyes and see what might be done to improve his piece.
And devil may care. He doesn’t mind for as long as he already delivered his
best shot. Closing with a short prayer, he paused with a consoling thought that his message of peace in this
magnum opus would reverberate saturating the entire 7,100 island of the
archipelago with his Peace! On that note, he could now afford sleeping
peacefully without fear. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10908645543292590219noreply@blogger.com0Cagayan de Oro, Philippines8.4542363 124.63189778.2029393 124.3160407 8.705533299999999 124.94775469999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5949714347708699086.post-38617671538584001492012-12-01T06:29:00.000-08:002015-05-07T18:52:11.583-07:00Chapter 31 - Ninoy's Assassination at Tarmac<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Chapter 31</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">Ninoy’s <b>Assassination at Tarmac</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> One major event that stirred the collective
consciousness of Filipinos from its long stupor came on a Sunday of August 21,
1983 at tarmac. It was Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino’s assassination. Event was so
fast that Ninoy was right away dead few seconds after he disembarked down from an airplane that carried him from
Taiwan using ‘Marcial Bonifacio’ name in his passport. The mastermind might had
grinned ear to ear learning the success of the conspiracy. The thrill though
died its natural death. The plot killing the returning popular opposition contributed
more harm than good. The otherwise
repercussion boomeranged later
development validated.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Who could have done this was definitely a nut
miscalculating the tragic incident creating more damage than good facilitating
the beginning of an end of Lakay Apo’s reign,” Major de la Rosa thought
realizing how an ambitious but gullible man he was once falling into the trap
of the deep abyss of the Wolves of RSM contributing making all those mess as an officer of highly politicized institution with all those
ramifications treating him to rollercoaster ride. He was elated nonetheless
recuperating surviving the nightmare from Mt. Sungcal saga. He abhorred tough going
back dreaming that nightmare now that he is wide awake savoring the sweetness of freedom. But how about this Ninoy’s incident? Of
course, he was not privy on this incident.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “What another scandal to the institution he
had been an active member. Could it be an end of my career as military
officer?” he thought. But why he is so affected given the nature of
assassination all over the globe none among
suspects were caught. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Why would I indeed,” he said to himself
learning assassins ran free after delivering their goods.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> The tragedy ushered in new political development as Filipinos were
engulfed by hatred polarizing further from those the Powers-that-be forcing
later the two important military figures Min. Juan Ponce Enrile and Gen. Eddie
‘Steady’ Ramos later swayed to the peoples’ cause. Sealing the fate of this
separation was the Catholic Church titular head His Eminence Cardinal Jaime L.
Sin breaking the backbone of Marcos’ iron fist fast approaching its impending
end already secured in pages of history.
It ushered in the crossroad not how to end but when to end. This developed as Uncle
Sam was just waiting in the wings when would the opportune time to drop him.
1985 declared that Marcos’ was already a
terminal cancer and it was necessary to address the issue as it might eat up
other vital organs creating further complications</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Rolando Galman was the culprit as hired
assassin. That if the news concocted by military circulating around if at all
to be believed. But of course, the claim was just one of the ride-ons as many
others joined riding the fun. Various groups and individuals even distributed
leaflets revealing why Ninoy’s life was terminated. One crazy retiree military
guy even bragged his personal delivery of huge bounty getting the services of
the killer himself! But no. It was a sick joke no one bought the story’s
credibility! Fiesta would soon ensued how this guy did the dirty job killing
Ninoy given his height and trajectory of the bullet which most unlikely unless
he brought a ladder or a chair firing that fatal shot on Ninoy. Like Agatha
Christie’s classic, all persons anything to do with Ninoy were considered
suspects – military, Imelda, Cojuangco, Uncle Sam, communists and yes Marcos. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “What about that American guy who was with
Ninoy all the way from US,” nasty thought played in his mind though most
unlikely to account his participation.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “But who knows, just who knows given how
Uncle Sam plays around influencing world politics,” Taklin further thought. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Lupito Kashiwara’s expose would have make
it solving the crime. As his narratives were run by <i>Philippine Free Press</i>, his charges implicating the military was the
closest. He knows as he accompanied his brother in law all the way from US and
was right there seated at Ninoy’s right in an airplane and went with him
disembarking at the tarmac too hearing only those shots, the last sound he ever
heard. Corazon J. Agrava’s two reports incidentally would corroborate his
observation.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Marcos and Ninoy had been best of
buddies. Respect had been there between
the two. It is no secret even to the President that Madame Imelda had crush on
Ninoy back then. Even when Ninoy in Boston, he would call right away his friend
in Malacanang everytime he runs out of money. True enough few minutes after
each call, $1,000.00 or more becomes
handy saving bad times for Ninoy. Showing further his sincerity giving benefit
of doubts for those who perceived otherwise, he with four others as members –
Dante Santos representing business sector, Ernesto Boy Herrera, labor, Amado C.
Hizon and Atty. Luciano Salazar. It took one year thorough investigation
involving 20,000 pages of testimony from 193 witnesses before coming out with
two reports – one for majority and another for minority. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> The Minority report chaired by Chairman
Agrava herself confirmed that Aquino’s Assassination was a military conspiracy but
cleared Gen Fabian Ver. The report however noted that “Marcos intimidated and
pressured members of the Board persuading not to indict Ver, his first cousin and most trusted
General,” Major de la Rosa learned.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> The Majoirty report on the other hand
indicted many AFP officers – Gen. Luther Custodio, Gen. Prospero Olivas, Heada
of AVSECOM, Gen. Ver also included. There was a plan actually for the group to
convene on Nov. 3, 1983 but Marcos made the thing happened by accusing the
Communists killing Ninoy – decision on the promptings of Rodulfo Salas, Sec.
Gen. of Phil. Communist Party. “Ninoy
befriended but subsequently betrayed his Coomunists comrades,” Major de la Rosa
further learned.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> No one actually testified who fired the
fatal shot. But Rebecca Quijano saw a man
running towards Aquino and his escorts point
a gun at the back of his head then sound of gunshot ensued felling
Ninoy’s body dead. The post mortem conducted later validated. “True he was shot
at close range bullet exiting at the chin downward angle supporting Quijano’s
testimony. The bottom line of it all – the assassin was wearing military
uniform!” Taklin concluded his reading Agrava report. Disturbing him however
were later development creating a mess what otherwise subduing natural trend
toward possible disclosure of the suspect.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Timeline was dizzying but Taklin didn’t
mind. 25 men inlcuidng generals and Colonels and one civilian were charged in
1985 by SandiganBayan, s Spcial Court; 16 were found guilty and sentenced to
life imprisonment in another investigation after Marcos. Brig. Gen Luther
Custodio, Arnulfo de Mesa, Constable Rogelio Moreno and gunman MSgt. Pablo Martinez
. . . . were indicted. An appeal redu ing to 22 years was made claiming that
the assassination was orderd by business partner Eduardo Cojuango Jr. Marcos
business partrner surprisingly cleared by Aquino family. 16 defendants were
finally convicted by Sandigan Bayan and sentenced to lie imprisonment.
Fortunately MSgt Pablo Martinez was later released from National Bilibid Prison
after Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo ordered his release for humanitarian reason
as he was already in his 70s age.
Enthusiasm was however dampened when he recant his earlier declaration
implicating Eduardo Cojuangco as the master mind. His parting shot however just
the same reveal his double-speak of the issue:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><i> “If you are listening Madame Cory Aquino, please
forgive<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span lang="EN-US"> me for the sin I did (have done-words he used) in the past!”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Need to say more,” Taklin convinced of his
analysis to put closure on the issue.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">. . . . . . . . .<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Filipinos have been treated to all sorts of
killings. Ninoy’s death was just the latest. Murder has been there everywhere from Luzon,
Visayas and Mindanao. Election is abnormal if there are no killing. Ambushes were once fad of the
time at Mindanao right during Martial Law.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> </span> “What is happening to our country General
question of then Vice President Emmanuel Pelaez” tells it all the real status
of senseless killing in the country himself would have been added as another
fertilizer. Nothing new except however this one involving high profile
politician possible occupant of Malacanang after Marcos. Ninoy himself was
aware of that.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Marcos would simply not kill me or I’d be
transformed into a hero like Martin
Luther King; same with Communists liquidating me or I become another hero of
the people,” the Media took the story.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> To Any
concerned Filipino tax payers jumped right away their conclusion that Lakay Apo
might have order the killing. But no, sincerity was written right all over the
faces of the First family when they appear on national TV giving their take on
the issue clearing their names of the incident. Major de la Rosa supported and
accepted the explanation his mind wandering who’s that brave soul who did the favor the lifeless body sprawled on tarmac, first ever high profile assassination recorded
incident that happened in the country. Since then the staccato burst of those gunshots that felled Ninoy’s body
still reecho and reverberating today.
Like deafening silence causing more harm than good, that dark spot of our
country’s history aggravated further the speculation generating and fanning further inquiry and theory dragging
that unsolved issue this far.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “We
had already even passed the twenty years prescriptive period long overdue on
2003,” noted by then DOJ Secretary Hernani Perez. But alas the feeling of fear and trembling still gripping the
collective consciousness of the people brought by inaptitude of those in
authority and inability of our justice system in solving the crime of
the century looks even more menacing
what with the even more complication and impatience among concerned taxpayers. PNOY’s call
therefore for the reopening of the case lately was most welcome development.
Admittedly though, pinning down the culprits and meting out desirable penalty
is a Herculean task. For like any work of fiction, it needs honest to goodness
sleuthing requiring the use of scalpel
cutting through the very deep recesses of the issue passing through different layers going out
from the
mazes. However little did you know that
you are caught again in the web
of ramification and that after you came out surviving, discovered to your
amazement that you are barely scratching
the surface and that everything so
far is
only the tip of an iceberg.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Such has been the seemingly elusive and
implacable search for justice of Ninoy’s assassination after Marcos and the
first Lady disowned the assassination towards the still undisclosed result of
Agrava Commission. Whatever happened to our authority and justice system that
they are so inept that they have failed solving the crime. Something fishy here. Incidentally two names
almost did us great favor – Col.Erwin Ver and
Sgt. Martinez, one of the principal witness - both
recanting the gruesome cold blooded murder of Ninoy and categorically
naming Danding Cojuangco as mastermind. It was such very important lead
carrying decisive pronouncement
given the credibility of Martinez having
experienced religious conversion inside
the prison cell. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Unfortunately though whatever happened that he was even faster
taking back his testimony before he
could declare his testimony under oath. As he was granted presidential pardon and retiring home, so too the issue died its natural
death.. It’s all the closest we got and probably would have solved
the crime. That was few years back and as usual he has all the Filipinos
caught in a fix. Thus, Damocles blade still hanging up there and would probably
be lifted only for good from the collective consciousness of the people once
the issue is solved. But when as we are now back to square one. That leaving
proverbial light in the tunnel indubitably remains distant forever, Major de la Rosa uttered in
resignation.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> It was clearly a conspiracy leaving no
trace of accountability as events overtook swiftly leaving all caught off guard
‘who could have done it.’ One thing though is sure that incident was carried
single-handedly with conspiracy hatched in his own mind, carried through no one
bugging him. When solved, it would
surely be such great favor done ever for all Filipinos
specially among post Martial Law babies.
Rizal’s death by musketry and Andres Bonifacio by the men of Aguinaldo were
already closed and done issue in history books and thus left no room for
inquiry and speculation sealing their lofty niche in history. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> From the looks of it, Ninoy’s
assassination is an issue that will
always stand and reappear like batman.
It will simply refuse to die until solved albeit many people have been identified party to the
conspiracy and their voices heard. Assassination of great personalities like US
Presidents is top secret except that of Abraham Lincoln who was gunned down in a lobby of theater and John F. Kennedy where his assassin Lee Oswald was later caught.
Handled by professionals in cahoots with trusted lieutenants, it is carried in such systematic and precise calculated
covert operation leaving authorities in the cold of the night leaving no
imprints to trace of the crimes
committed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> But better for the real suspect recant and
fix the mess as no way they could keep the lead forever in their hearts. They
may even bury them all the way to their grave but no way they could keep
away from it. Comes the time of
reckoning when they travel up there, they would still have to meet God face to
face and recount their participation. If not, there is conflagration. Didn’t St. Mark (9:42-50)
warns us that it’s better to enter the Kingdom of God with hands, feet cut off
and eyes plucked out from their sockets than be thrown to blazing inferno with
all body parts intact. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Unfortunately what we’ve got from Ninoy are
merely sketches of the incident from the wide array of suspects whose inability
of cooperation merely aggravated the
guesswork of the real culprits. For as long as it remains unresolved, I think the more would be written
about him. Ninoy after all is just one of few good man any writers would be
about to explore writing. This is already the rebel priest’s installment
and I must confess that that surge of
excitement from both reflection and research
all the more propelling writing
this kind of piece. Who knows that the answer just lie somewhere and that
honest –to goodness individual might
finally come out and solve once and for all the issue. That would be the best compliment and token we could finally offer to Ninoy in his still
unresolved 32<sup>th</sup> death anniversary and still counting. Only then
Ninoy’s soul will finally rest in peace.
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “So be it.”Taklin prayed! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> But here’s the catch he gathered from the
grapevine revealing connection search for lasting peace for Mindanao.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Edwardian Script ITC"; font-size: 22.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> The latest crazy development of them all –
a picture of Ninoy with a man in Malaysia posted in the internet two days
before Ninoy’s ill-fated trip back to the Phlippines. The man was popular
fixture later between the Government panel and MILF negotiating Bangsamoro. There was too much bravado albeit whose
notoriety has even taken the government
hostage from President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to Benigno ‘PNoy’ in his
participation in Mindanao’s Bangsamoro struggle, actually the brainchild of Nur
Misuari back then as Head of MNLF concocted on 1974 yet dragged till 1996
Tripoli Agreement which lead to the creation of Autonomous Region of Muslim
Mindanno composed of Muslim dominated
provinces and municipalitiespanel..</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Whatever transpired there no one could
guess but as far as Taklin is concerned nothing is new there other than
continuing talks of Sabah, a fact not privy to Ninoy people would later accused as traitor selling the island belonging to the Philippines to
Malaysia. Nothing significant really until you learned the identity of the man
in the picture. The generous host happened to be no less than Datukan
Abbas, a wily and subtle MILF Chief negotiator in a Bangsamoro
struggle later in Mindanao. Nothing new here. This as far as Major de la Rosa
is concerned because Sabah had been on the mind of Ninoy as his tough
bargaining chips in whatever political ambition he had. Reason that he exposed
the Jabidah Massacre, Taklin learned how this
relationship tying two pieces together made sense. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Betrayal of Filipino people continues,”
dawned to him why Ninoy’s namesake Malacanang occupant and his elk at DOJ had
been moving heaven and earth to pass the Bangsamoro Basic Law. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “That doesn’t include the reportedly 300
Million grease money and to as high as P50-200 M signing bonus among lawmakers
in Congress and Senate to pass the BBL,” Taklin threw wry smiled to the air.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> The guy happened to use many aliases. “I’m
into revolutionary government and we’re allowed using as many aliases as
protection,” he would defend his predicament in the subsequent Senate
investigation,” his creative antics however would doom his fate when concerned
senators finally gang up on him giving him benefits of his doubts using various
aliases. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “How could that be when using aliases
constitute criminal offense in Political
Law,” Taklin would have a day later on the issue.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> What a bombshell clincher digging into the original name of
the Chief Negotiator showing he was implicated to several bombings with warrant
of arrest issued on 2003 linking to bombing of Davao International Airport 20
killed and 143 injured and Davao Sasa Wharf where 17 were killed and 56
injured. The man even has the gall publishing
“The Long Road to Peace” using an alias Salah Jubair, an irony as the
title alone smacks right of betrayal right before his face.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> </span> “You
want peace, why not practice it in your own family, community and yourself,”
Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago would later gave him a lesson. That man
incidentally goes by the name of Mohagher Iqbal, same name he affixed in
Bangsamoro document with government peace panel!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Taklin was sad and remembered right
away his good friend Fr. Driarco he
thought might have suffered identity crisis learning Jesuit Mafia had it again
providing even recognition and award to Iqbal. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Recognition for what . . . ? misconception
that peace is delivered in silver platter.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Let’s see where true peace is?” the
thought playing in his mind. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “If this assuming good Jesuit fathers only
learned that a nun was among those
featured in Sasa Wharf bombing . . . . “ he uttered with resignation.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “It’s all rooted in the culture, system and
religion. If poverty, injustice and inequalities, BBL is only good in paper.
Feudalism, arm fetish and bloodshed would remain,” he cleared.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Look how Muslim provinces registered as
top ten poorest provinces in row,”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Whatever happen that there exists ghost
municipalities in the region. Where are the internal revenue allotment that
many of these municipalities are in stark poverty this while their Mayors and
Governors were making as among the top riches CEOs in their SALN!” this and
many other hard facts existed in Taklin’s mind. He has to let it go as few
brave soul has the nerve confronting this group in the concept of free market
of ideas. What more of a fatwah that elders might decree against him.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “So what you want peace, then let’s talk it
over in the table,” he concluded or the issue might further be dragged ad
infinitum.</span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10908645543292590219noreply@blogger.com0Cagayan de Oro, Philippines8.4542363 124.63189778.2027873 124.3160407 8.705685299999999 124.94775469999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5949714347708699086.post-79319948690751873992012-11-30T18:55:00.000-08:002015-05-07T19:02:58.631-07:00Chapter 30 - The Capture<div style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Chapter 30<br /><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">The Capture</span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> “W</span></span></b></span>elcome to my world Officer de la Rosa and
party!” the little youngster beamed arms outstretched then folding them before
they could swim back where they left off. But no
way as another iron bars sealed anew the
underground entry sending chills on his spine. On the background were
rebels with their shoulder firearms
cock-ready to open fire anytime from the instruction of young leader that would sealed their fate as
hapless captive visitors. Some were amazonas.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “This must be it!” the captive Major exclaimed
in resignation realizing the result of his miscalculation of the capability of
the rebels. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> War of the Flea, Protracted War, Filipino
Hostility . . . . now dawned to him loud and clear as sunny day. That confirm
that there’s no way the military can engage in fighting head on collision
against the peoples’ military arm specially right there on their camp. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “The people are the best resource, right
Taklin?” he recalled familiar maxim. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">What a big surprise of his life undeniably!
Big fish caught big-time by mere youngster as adult rebels hogtied each one of his
still surprised men.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Congratulation gentlemen. Why not. It
seems a feast is in order here you having reached this far,” the young man
further said while surveying his brave hearted
captured guests. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">“Isn’t it Maj. de la Cruz Sir?” he said
addressing Taklin looking straight into
his eyes stooping and back. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> No response. How could he say a word or two
when the presence of these innocent young armed combatants so overwhelmed him for
the first time with fear and trembling recalling known incident when military
men and officials were overran by rebels. The young combatants would take their
turn later giving coup ‘d grace among the captors doing unimaginable barbarity
they could think of. Familiar display of treachery among Muslim terrorists like cutting off of fingers, hands and heads, chopping them off behind while
handcuffed, gorging their eyes out from their sockets. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Defeaning silence to the Major as he could
not afford returning back the compliment of addressing Sir the kid before him.
It is simply a disgrace to his solemn profession as military. Having said this,
he was resolved holding on the institution he represents face to face
experiencing now that it is indeed a bridesmaid of death.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “No Sir
vowing to you in surrender . . . “ he talked back with reservation
apparently subdued speech mustering enough courage to cooperate realizing how dear
and sacred those words of respect were before and now is in order whose importance far outweigh what he meant back
then mechanically addressing his senior officers in the
military.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “My
oh my, young teens already involved in armed struggle! How could this be
possible?” the question coming into his mind seeing many others young rebels
keeping guard on them.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">“What if one or two of these young men were
featured among those who gorged out eyeballs from their sockets of those
hapless soldiers captured leaving them dead before they were given coup ‘d
grace . . . “ the thought creeping slowly in his mind sending chills down his
spine giving goose bumps.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “And who knows some of the adults are
merely pretenders to be in armed struggles though in reality were only drawn to
it because of necessity like joining for survival of the fittest staging raid
to get service arms for money. Who knows. Just who knows given the creativity and
free enterprise of Filipinos.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> First things first. Their weapons, sidearm
and rug pack were confiscated. Second, they were stripped off of their shoes
and seven colors uniform. Suited with pajama, and yellow shirt with huge “POW” acronym for ‘Prisoner of War’, letters
printed on it. They were soon formed into column Major de la Rosa leading the
pack. Herded with his men like any sacrificial lambs eyes blindfolded, feet
tied and hands hogtied at the back dragging each other towards slaughterhouse
was the feeling seen all over the faces of the captured military as they were
taken towards a makeshift People’s Court.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> The shrill collective voices of “<i>Mabuhay ang Pilipinas</i>” repeatedly
uttered reverberated in the air
they dragging each other marching
in towards the Peoples’ Court..</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “What say u comrades on the fate of these
enemies?” blared the voice in megaphone.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Kill them, kill them, kill them . . . .” said in unison unceasingly gathering decibels
the longer recited.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Paid mercenaries, wolves, murderers killing innocent people, what say
u?” another kibitzer recited.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Kill ‘em, kill ‘em, kill ‘em. . . . “
thunderous respond anew. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Their lives not enough to compensate those
among our comrades they killed.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Kill them, kill them, kill them . . ..”
chorused as clenched fist were raised into the air while </span> “<i>Mabuhay ang Pilipinas</i>” echoing too in the air.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Fidgeting to observe silence in the Court,
the Presiding officer banged the gavel
indicating the formal opening of the proceeding of litigation.. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> </span> “Did
you hear your verdict from the people . . . ?” the Chairman of the arraignment
addressed each other captured soldier.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “This must be it,” echoed wretched Major feeling
the heat of the situation with resignation.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Now we are paying the crimes against the
people,” the thought coming at the back of his mind learning the reality the hard way paying finally the price of the
system he was part not out of his own making. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> The Presiding Officer’s words were few and
calculated his voice sincere no feeling
there of ill will, <i>trabaho lang</i> in <i>Tagalog</i>.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “You heard them straight from their hearts
gentlemen. I can’t do no less. Sorry but we have been in war and have you held
captive pending the final punishment meted on you from the verdict of this
Court,” the Chairman clarified.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Pray then for the good of your soul and
hope God up there could salvaged you through a miracle from your predicament whatever
I mean here,”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Pray indeed for the couple of days as each
one of you would account how far did you
go harassing our people you vowed to protect in an ensuing official
investigation,”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “If you see that one comes back after an investigation, then that’s your gauge that he
believes in miracle and that God up there does it saving him.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “If he doesn’t, that means he just paid
dearly his own life for the lives of those he arrogated upon himself taking it.
. . . ”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “From all indications and frankly, that is
injustice not even enough compensation for collateral damage such atrocity
committed against the blameless people.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “People who supposed we are to serve are
sacrificed in the altar of dictatorship, of greed of power; same race, same
blood, same color but you consigned to dustbin of history as you ran after them
mercilessly, holding them captive and later rendered them faceless statistics
to this war against the people who in the first place feed you, elected you and
put you in power . . . .”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">For the first time, the declaration was
heart rending but Major dela Rosa just kept his cool or once carried away by it
might suffer identity crisis.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> From
where they were standing in rows,
the Chairman’s message was clear. No need to ask question no one dared. All
they have to do is cooperate and indeed time to pray for miracle to happen . .
. . that is if it still happens roughly
two centuries after the first ever recorded miracle in the bible.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Most unlikely, but why not?”Major dela
Rosa’s unwavering faith soared. That
seems to be subject yet to validation as only few almost half of his men
returned back to their common prison cell.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Few more days as all eight finished facing
an interrogator, Major dela <st1:place w:st="on">Rosa</st1:place>’s turn came
face to face his ill-fated brush with
the Judge-Executioner, his life hanging in balance, his fate relying heavily on
the merit of his case.. The result would
definitely decides where the fulcrum would favor. It could be either life or
death as the case maybe the way some of
his men just experienced.. </span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 18.0pt;">. . . . . . . . . .<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “So you are a military officer . . . ,” the
interrogator probed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “From <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Marble</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">County</st1:placetype></st1:place>
yet . . . ,”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “<st1:place w:st="on">Yap</st1:place>,” nodded Taklin while still blindfolded.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “You seem to have started your life right,”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Yes,”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Lots of talents hmmm on top of being super
active in church eventually entered the Seminary before proceeding to PMA for
military science,” the interrogator revealed elated learning big fish among
several small fishes captured. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “ Nice to know . . . . “</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “And what prompted you executing that 360 sweeping
degrees change of career?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Major dela <st1:place w:st="on">Rosa</st1:place>
narrated all the incident and surprised receiving cold response from the
interrogator. It was long but the Interrogator didn’t mind.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Seems tragic indeed . . . .”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “More than that as not only my beloved were
gone after the other . . . ,“</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “It’s as if there’s unforeseen hand
directing all of these events . .. , “</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “You’re in a military and you appear naïve
here. You should know. . . ,“</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “It’s been there. And let’s accept mistake.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “What do you mean?” the captor quickly queried.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “You’re just too credulous!”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Major de la <st1:place w:st="on">Rosa</st1:place>
thought for a moment whatever implication is there.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Accept when power is held, decided and
controlled in utter secrecy by an exclusive group – you have problem there” the
host declared. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Ever wonder why assassinations here and
all over are not solved?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> The captor nodded.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “That’s it. Like US. You can’t just trust
this people. Who killed Che Guevarra? Who instigated world events for their own
good. In other words who are the most powerful people on earth? One that’s
playing around with other people influencing world events all over the globe.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “<st1:place w:st="on">Yap</st1:place>,”
Major Taklin nodded.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “They should and they must. They are.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “CIA, FBI, Bilderberg over there in US, . .
. “</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “And NBI, Brown Shirts, RSM and all that,
their counterparts right here,” he added. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Need to say more!” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Taklin choked. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “And you’re bonafide officer Major. The
wolf tattooed with RSM logo on your back tells it all . . . .”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> The captive officer remained speechless
relegated captive audience.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “And the bottom line of it all officer is –
truth ending as first casualty and subsequently; people, the most important
economic resource sacrificed in the process. We, the people, the government
vowed to serve and protect .. . .”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Your dreaded organization, well organized
are spread around in the country.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “The farther you’re spread the merrier
isn’t it?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> The captive military officer felt cold
anticipating the next question.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Can afford even disturbing innocent people
and leaders in our Plenum . . . .”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Killing them at will. Either salvaging
those not here or wiping them out from the face of the earth through extra-judicial delivery of
injustice.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Unfortunately you either win some and lose
some in war. Isn’t it Major?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Long pause. There was deafening silence as
two men held Major Taklin’s arm. Let him stand.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> </span> <span style="text-indent: 0in;">“And now your prize
for having been an enemy of the people would be delivered later together with
your men. Nothing personal here gentlemen,” the interrogator ended.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-US"> “That’s what you get gentlemen when
you are against your own people,” he addressed the remaining captured military men stunned! You must be as
intelligent and brave as your Major. Whatever happened to you guys can even afford disrupting our Plenum killing
as many people even innocent ones in attendance here. “</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “What a disservice you are giving to ordinary
people . . . .“</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> The arrested visitors were all still speechless their eyes remained blindfolded but
restored sanity when Maj. De la Rosa was rejoined back to them.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Sorry . . . .” was all they heard from the
Major.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “I’m done questioning the Major earlier.
That applies to all of you too. Same my verdict to him for you!” They were
stunned.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> It’s was the last words they heard before
the rebels herded them to a prison cell. Begging and supplication from some of the captors were heard all over. But not for long however as staccato sounds of armalites filled the air forever clipping
their wailing and crying. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> The cross-examination was loud and clear.
The final verdict swift and tells it all...</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 18.0pt;">. . . . . . . . .<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Reunited with Liza outside, he was met with
staccato sounds of M-16 all over and the shrill noise of “<i>hapon, hapon, hapon</i>” from their embattled comrades. There was
little time left for cover. As each helicopter swarm like bee all over the area hail of bullets unleashed everywhere, they were susceptible easy turkey shot
like practice target.. Their nipa hut was easily consumed by fire as soon
as they jumped for cover and safety. In few more minutes, the area turned into
a raging inferno leaving them unaided from the swift air attack by the
government troopers. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> And no way they could contain the
fire. It’s only by land they could give
a run against marauding peace breakers. The sloping terrain didn’t hamper Ka Emir bringing Liza and the rest to
safety. Ka Emir could probably managed the enemies coming in through the thick
foliage taking care one or two of their strikers. Coming back carrying his top prize bazooka
recovered from one of his encounter against the military, he secured himself by
the base of huge acacia tree.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Throwing first a spit to the ground invoking
good luck and uttering “Ave Maria <i>Purisima,
consecado con si vida</i>, he geared himself one big battle in his life. Suddenly a Sikorsky came hovering closer to
the ground, pressing the pin off the big bang exploded into the air sending a huge
artillery zooming directly hitting the helicopter. It exploded throwing its
main trunk into the air. The propeller scattered into bits and pieces dropping
straight to the grass flat. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> It was a costly attack, the two other
pilots thought seeing one of them beaten to death by the rebels. Ka Aris remain
glued on the acacia tree not shaken by the threat of the two others. He has to go for broke if need be having seen
the damage done to his people. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “All is either winning or losing in war depending on luck.
Fortunately, the charm is with us today as we are the willing host you guys
disturbed, ”he uttered.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> He can’t take chances. He doesn’t care if
he would die, the struggle would still continue anyway ad infinitum until
National struggle for Democracy is achieved. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Meanwhile, the second helicopter was flying
swiftly and was coming seemingly to inflict some more damage. Swooping down
coming from behind it blew makeshift nipa huts into pieces. Dead bodies of
casualties littering all over .The sight was nasty.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> It unleashed rains of bullets anew against
the brave warrior hitting Ka Emir’s left arm blood oozing profusely. Ka Liza came to the rescue banding the
injured portion. The pilot laugh at the
top of his lungs seeing Ka Aris coming out in the open dropped to the ground
shirt drenched red with blood. But it proved to be his last laugh as it
exploded into the thin air from the succeeding sniping of Ka Aris. He whistled
seeing the second helicopter dropping flat to the ground like marshmallow its
spade disintegrating, fuselage thrown in other direction, the rest of the parts
breaking into bits and pieces. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> The third finally defied code of conduct in
war abandoning the attack without any
official advice from his superior. Must be what his instinct dictated him or
suffer similar fate. It’s the most
prudent act he could decide on or he would be turned into ashes the way his
two-pilots suffered from the hands of rebels.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 18.0pt;">. . . . . . . . . . .<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> All was silence in the battlefield. Common
graves were teeming with dead bodies in their tattered uniforms. Burial ground
of fatalities of their comrades were separated with huge cross planted on top
soil as sign of respect to their fallen
warriors. The military casualties were many. Among them were those of Major
Taklin men who were held captive earlier. Included among those buried was Major dela <st1:place w:st="on">Rosa</st1:place>
himself face completely bloody mess, military uniform drenched with blood. His
body bore many shrapnels piercing just
everywhere. Who would survive given that fate. Ka Emir and his men must have
been too angry that they poured in bullets what with the devastation and
atrocities committed against his people
by the military men. Sad indeed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> It was such terrible fate Maj.
De la Rosa suffered at Mt. Sungcal or so people might have
thought.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 18.0pt;">. . . . . . . . .<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> The incident was tough and infernal. But what could he do the country is
at war against rebels. His chosen career shoved him into that hellish
predicament realizing now that death is undeniably bridesmaid of any military in the field. This
as the man gathered thoughts reclaiming
his identity. Except his unusual face,
he felt light all over. This as bulletproof vest was dislodged
from his chest. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> He silently prayed as soon as he reclaimed
his sanity but before he could say ‘Amen!’ a feminine voice disrupted him.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Good morning Major. Been waiting here.
Listen up you have still ten minutes before we would exit you from Mt. Sungcal.
We want to be sure you’re out and freed before 4:00 AM dawn. Time check is 3:00
AM.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Where are the rest of my companion?” he
asked mustering enough strength and courage to stand. It’s early dawn. The
valium taken must have been well timed he would arise on time just before the
sun rises. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “You’re all alone left Major. Don’t worry
we buried separately your dead people,” an amazon standing by uttered while
extending bunch of dogtag nameplates. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “The injured but able ones, set free to be
reunited back with their family,” said adding the pretty Amazona.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Thanks,” is all he could utter but full of
meaning</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> He was elated learning turn of event.
Nothing he could do there as he was merely doing his job. He now realized how
tough the job had been losing many of his men ironically buried with respect as
token of courtesy by their perceived enemies.
No need to cry on spilled milk.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Bless their souls and make them whiter than
snow,” he mumbled. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “No more questions please. Just do as commanded. Don’t
take off prosthetic on your face until you reach the destination. But you can
saw yourself on the mirror if you wish.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Ka Aris!”, the man was stunned seeing his reflection from the mirror. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “That’s your identity you should not
dropped until you’re out,” the lady Amazon cleared. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “What a journey it has been!” he uttered learning the great loss suffered. Praying for forgiveness whatever happened was
all he could muster for the moment. This he reminisced as if waking up from long and deep slumber in the
forest his eyes could see clearly the fresh environment around hearing sweet
chirping of birds merrily singing welcoming another day. He sighed deep bated
breath learning he was alive. In his chest was a folded <st1:place w:st="on">Manila</st1:place>
brown envelop. Inside were two items – a
cellphone, flashlight and a small receptacle with needles inside.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “This
is it!” The note wrote. “You can have one Needle; the other mine. Give to me back
when able ASAP with its leather jacket
please. 443 “ he read the number coded signature corresponding to first letter initial of the
sender of an alphabet revealed who the
sender was.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Playing back on cue the footage of the
cellphone he saw very familiar flashback of the past. Two women bandana
hiding their identity were seen drawing out the coffin of his father.
The procedure was fast and Major de la Rosa played it back all over again and
as slowmo revealed their bandana taken out – the two women were that of Illa
Crispe and Manang Elsa, her mother showing a customized needle taken out from
the cranium of his father in their family’s mausoleum in cemetery. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Hurriedly comparing it with those in his
possession, they were not only similar but identical. Who must be it to
determine the owner, he took one from the vial and inserted to the leather
jacket he had.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Perfect!” he enthused giving him benefits
of doubt.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “But who could have done it?” the question
remaining in his mind. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Seeing her mother and Mang Illa Crispe
convinced him all the more that battle line had been drawn only he was on the
other side. Must be the reason why both mothers did not drag him into the
issue. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Your done! Let’s go,” the guide commanded.
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “This way,” the two others directed him to
an opening of a cave that would carry them to the other side of the mountain. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> They moved fast no talking except with the
lady amazon continuing her instruction. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Different men would take from the mouth of
Mt. Sungcal,” the captive was taken aback.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “How?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Whistle. No flashlight please unless you
invite suspicion along the trails.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Leave your red scarf on your neck. That’s
your gate pass to freedom. And when all is done you can catch up a plane for
Manila. Your plane ticket is in your jacket with your new name, IDs and other
identification cards and documents. You can take off your wig by then. Save
your prosthetic when your finally home.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Goodbye and good luck Major,” the familiar
young guy told thought Taklin would not recognized him.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “And save my regards to him . . . friend!”
the lady last word to him.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> The Major
nodded. glancing back at Mt. Sungcal for the last time heading towards
back to Cagayan de Oro for Manila before finally home at long last.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US"><br />
<b>. . . . . . . . . . .<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10908645543292590219noreply@blogger.com0Cagayan de Oro, Philippines8.4542363 124.63189778.2029393 124.3160407 8.705533299999999 124.94775469999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5949714347708699086.post-78125306538312288122012-11-30T18:50:00.000-08:002015-05-07T19:13:37.496-07:00Chapter 29 - Attack Mode<div style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
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<br /></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Chapter 29<br /><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">Attack Mode</span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> A</span></span></b></span>s if every second was connected to his
heartbeat, Major Taklin moved very fast but calculated each and every steps of
the way. The nearer they go, the faster the beating. Taking a deep bated
breath, he briefly paused and took cover with his two remaining men under thick
foliage through which they could see the panoramic view of an imposing Mt.
Sungcal.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Waterfalls, waterfalls, waterfalls ” he
uttered to himself while reviewing the perimeter of the target through his
telescope.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “There,” he said, seeing the gentle waterfalls
gliding swiftly down into deep bushes underneath whose natural beauty evoke
feeling of awe and enchantment. Guarding the façade are four armed rebels
wearing camouflaged seven colors military uniform carrying telescopic carbine.
And below along the slope were several others; two were playing chess and all
the rest on lookout for possible intruders around.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “That’s where we intend to zero in,” he
said to Sgts. Robles and Marquez who took their turn viewing the dangerous
target.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Recalling what the ten year old boy said
earlier, “Now you can make my day,” Taklin declared. He was damn right of the
focus unless the computation of perimeter was wrong. Maybe, the first serving
of the menu would be remiss of the target but definitely, not the second let
alone, the third.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “This is the day to destroy and drive unwelcome visitors of the mountain away. Never mind if we would
disturb the spirits of <i>anitos</i>’
dwelling and protecting that sacred mountain. We would probably be disturbing their silence. The <i>anitos</i> would understand us why not we
helping restored their domicile back to them away from the grip of unwanted and
dangerous temporary boarders,” he said in jest.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Give me three fried chicken twenty four by
twenty nine degrees heat,” he radioed Lieutenant Benjamin in-charge of the
field artillery battalion ten kilometers away from enemy line. Soon, three huge
deafening explosion with Boybaracks
manning the artillery came rushing by in sweeping cycles flying cutting the
skylines felling trees as they hit the ground revealing great damage of rebels
camp sending hapless rebels scampering for
cover from the unrelenting succeeding outburst of 105 millimeter diameter
Howitzer artillery mortar. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “There,” the first shot finally unleashed
hitting the mark, Maj. Taklin might have exclaimed seeing the rebels helplessly
in panic running wild berserk like ants looking for cover from the blitzkrieg
attack downstream. Seeing the rebels dropping to the ground dead perks him up
wasting no time inflicting some more
damage.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Planting rice,” he commanded his artillery
men through his radio. Soon again combined artillery attack from 89 mm and 91 mm
in diameter mortars dropped all over the target hitting seemingly one after the
other resulting to numerous casualties. No way the rebels could retaliate given
the far distance of the field artillery battalion from their location. The
attack was indeed very costly and lopsided causing severe damage among the
hapless rebels. One was overheard griping in vernacular ‘<i>Walay canyonan, walay bazookahay</i>’ desperately running away from the
target saving his dear life. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> While they were on the big kill, Major de
la Rosa knew that they were just barely scratching the surface starting their
offensive and anything can happen depending on whose cause is lucky. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Conquering Mt. Sungcal would be an icing of
the cake. Unless they have hoisted Philippine flag over it, it’s still
immaterial and inconclusive claiming they could safely bring home the bacon.
For instance he is aware that those killed outside the mouth of the tunnel are
merely forward observers of the rebels probably representing an excess of the
rebels’ strength whose great majority were spread everywhere notably inside the
bunker. That’s giving them great challenge in penetrating the controversial
hideout and it would be the next thing they have to do as soon as the MG 150
would be hovering on the air providing them air cover and spearheading an air
attack. The arrival of additional combatants would be the start of ground
attack. By then, the simultaneous approach would facilitate their victory
faster.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “But that is probably easier said than
done,” Taklin thought. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “The ground attack is most likely more of
the advantage for the reds being hoss and in complete control of the terrain of
the area.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> He
was right. Penetrating the enemy location even after the smoke cleared is just
like going into the proverbial eye of the needle. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “But if this is the bridge we have to cross
now, then be as it may.” As tacitly
agreed between him and Commanding Officer, the four routes towards the bunker
would be exploited from the northeast to southwest, western portion to southern
practically swarming the tunnel as planned. Unfortunately, as has been averred
in the past, guerilla warfare played on the ground would in the end be on the
rebels’ favor the way Vietcong overwhelmed the Americans last Vietnam War. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Reaching the base of the cave, Major de la
Rosa heaved a sigh of deep bated breath anyway. For the first time, he got
nosebleeds feeling the heat and thinking of his family back home. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “What if he would be brought home in casket
too,” the thought playing on his mind.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: left; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-US">“Good,” he answered himself. <br />
“But what if only it is his dog tag left, his body maybe charred
beyond recognition or left rotting in the forest,” an ugly sight further
pops out.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 18.0pt;">. . . . . . . . . . .<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “The ten year old boy seemingly was damn
right,” Taklin recalled. It’s just like scaling two more additional Mt. Sungcal
wiping out the reds on the road, trees and along the slope. This he felt as the
heat of the war was on.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> True enough, the snipers had their day full
hitting the military combatants one after the other in the counter-attack that
ensued. Aggravating their entry were numerous traps, landmines buried in many
strategic places killing sizeable armies, maiming some and worst, blowing many
others into bits and pieces beyond recognition rendering their dead bodies bloody
mess. The unfortunate ones died eating poisonous fruits, tropical ones like
mangoes, guavas injected with poison same for those who were unable to control
their thirst sipping water laced with poison by the spring. Good that
reinforcement just arrived on time providing the necessary cover and support.
What would have been a winning rally by the reds gradually turned to the
armies’ favor. How could they sustain their strength anyway when they were
practically at the mercy of military gunship inflicting severe damage through
its violent offensive spree downstream?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> By Taklin’s rough count, more than hundred
reds were probably dead some their
bodies littered on the ground. Fine, but this was made possible from military
attack down low. Giving the coup ‘d grace is what he is sent for, the notion
now occupying his mind.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Where are the rest?” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “They are definitely holed in the bunker,”
he thought after the firing halted giving them fleeting glimpse of the
devastated surroundings. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Now go . . . .” the command from the base
Camp said on his handset giving him the signal.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Wearing gasmasks, Major de la Rosa heaving
sigh of deep bated breath threw poisonous hand grenade inside the bunker as if
announcing their entry and business of going there He waited for any reds coughing to death but
there was none. After the smoke cleared, what meets them were Immovable Feast
on their eyes: ammunition laboratories, sophisticated facilities, software,
laptop and all that, conference room complete with audio visuals, a big generator,
library and makeshift war room. On the left wing was a huge storage on which ‘Department
of Health’ was posted revealing tons of
rice, canned goods, medicine supplies and kitchen utensils and other stuff.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Excellent camp here with all facilities,” the
Major noted. But what stand out was there was no exit except for the window
overlooking pasture land down below where hundreds of heads of cows thriving on
feedlot securely fenced by barbed wires was seen. Farther down on the distant
horizon were nipa huts and an artillery range where field artillery battalion
unleashed earlier their fury. This what Major de la Rosa and his men passed through earlier towards their entry to Mt. Sungcal. No indication of
life there. No semblance of trade and industry as usual nothing resembling life
whatsoever. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> The area was familiar with Taklin. It was
the same territory he entered twice, in
both cases managed to come back alive. This time not sure though depending
if chance is on his side what with their
entrance sealed with iron bars.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Taking this cue from Lt. Colonel Lim in the
War Room, Sgts. Robles, Marquez and him leading the pack of the advanced troopers
finally made their move lest might suffer reversal of fortune. Walking further,
they reached a subterranean blue lagoon and feels that it’s their only way out
for freedom in so far as the main entrance was sealed already with iron bars. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> As if facing the blind wall, Major de la
Rosa fidgeted two of his men to prepare swimming across the underground river
and to find out what they got inside. As there are no sunlight silhouetting the
bunker, the water dark only the splash and their echo heard frolicking in the
foam. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “That fast!”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Setting the tone of his offensive, Major de
la Rosa sent two of his men swimming across the underground river to find out
what they got inside. As they are in a bunker with no sunlight, the water only
flickered from the reflection of waterproof flashlight used by the divers.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “We’ll manage. Wait we’ll be right back as
soon as we would be in,” Sgt. Robles uttered before diving into the water from
the instruction of Major dela Rosa. Those left were stupefied catching their breath waiting for
the feedback. But none. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Three, five, ten and thirty minutes passed
there were no indication whatsoever of life from them. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Whatever happened to them that they were
not able to send words back to us!” Major Taklin noted unease.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Must have been hooked on treasures they
might have discovered inside,” he said in jest obviously covering up the
reality – real danger – over there. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “But that’s what not they were sent for
rather to see the area and ferret out whatever vital information there is.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> The other story far real seeped into his
consciousness and this one made him sick.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Must have been also held captive by rebels..
. . Quiet a possibility considering their hideout they are in,” the vicious
cycle of insecurity feeding the group’s impatience growing and courage
cankering but whatever confidence left on their hearts. To give him benefits of
his doubt he sends anew third serving three of his men for follow-up mission. As in the first, nothing was heard from the
second and now third. All is left was himself and his few remaining men. And
there’s no other choice but to join the fun. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Whatever
happens indeed why in the world not one returned? There were even no gunshots heard
only silence they way they left earlier. The answer was seen as their
flashlights spotted fresh blood mixing
with water all over coming out from the other side of the bunker! Major dela Rosa
almost vomited what he saw.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Wanting to probe whatever is inside on the
other end; he fidgeted his remaining men to prepare. And the only way is swimming
on the blue lagoon as it is the only way going there. The rest were
strategically on the ground their arms cock-ready for any eventualities. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Negative,” Sgt. Robles promptly answered
back to Major de la Rosa reaching the other side. But it was the last word he
heard as the receiver went off. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Seems
to me we’re heading on to the big
surprise of our lives,” he said to himself. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Bring it on baby, ” he said in jest.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “This is it!” he uttered in disbelief.. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> The heat is on as Maj. Taklin knows they’re
caught in ”No Exit!” dilemma. And now the last straw – he and his few men
remaining.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “No way a person survives after three
minutes breathing or their lungs exploded while underwater,” his conservative
synthesis. Half men of his company were on guard this time and ready to return
firing when provoked and upon slightest instruction. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> But “Negative,” he reported to his
superior.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> As advised, the MG 150 would be in
stationary hovering before the gaping hole directly facing the waterfalls
covering the entrance of the tunnel. Bad luck. The red’s retaliation was on
time. The Sikorsky military gunship was blown away anew its fragments easily
disintegrating into the air, its main trunk and propeller dropped straight to
the ground washed away by strong currents of waterfalls down into the
circuitous del Carmen river noted of pythons and deadly man-eating crocodiles.
And before his two eyes could close for prayer lo the two lifeless bodies of
Sgts. Robles and Marquez gradually sliding down carried by flowing waterfalls.
On their forehead were marks of identical holes most likely complimented by the
rebels sending home the message specifically their fate how far they would go
proceeding with their intrusion on the other end of the bunker. Soon the dead
bodies blood protruding from the forehead followed the current of water one
after the other down swiftly catching the destroyed MG 150 barred by huge
lumber by the river.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Instantly, his radio sent a signal. “Congratulation
Officer you just made my day. Welcome aboard!”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “You are probably requesting us to do our
favor like what we did to the fate of your two sergeants and some members of
your platoon.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “But if you wish, again you still have
enough time to make up your mind. . . . . to save your own soul.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “As your resilience might dictate you, go
ahead further. You might be even able to get us as you already did with
our fallen comrades. Thanks for the
compliment of shedding their blood of this our hallowed ground. By all means, let us continue this hostility
and let’s see who make it at the end of day. . . .” said the voice more
resolved defending the cause of the movement.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “If you think you can conquer this camp and
leaving this place alive Major. Think again! You can, why not. That if you’re
too good outsmarting us. But no way, you and all of your men are now caught in
fix.... in a trap no less!”. Voice off. And then it came back.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “How hard-headed you pigs are and what a
show of arrogance . How short is your memory that no way you could annihilate
us. But no way given our impending victory awaiting us. We’ve been there for
many decades making our struggle the longest in the world.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “And there’s no let up here. That for us
long evil persists. You may kill us. That’s fine and no problem there as we are
most willing to sacrifice our lives for our cause.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Unfortunately, you can’t unless you could
afford to kill many others who would come after us. You could of course by
offering better idea. Incidentally, ours is better than yours, don’t you think
so? Now if we can’t meet on common ground, let our atrocities continues,” said
the familiar voice .</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Yap, bring them on. All rhetoric here. . .
.” Major de la Rosa uttered before the line was off short of saying ‘I’ll be
right back!”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Setting the tone of his offensive, Major de
la Rosa all the way decided to sending five of his men swimming across the
underground river and find out what they got inside. As they are in a bunker
with no sunlight, the water was very dark so waterproof flashlight were given
to each advancing party. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “We’ll just manage. Wait we’ll be right
back as soon as we would be in,” Corporal Donasco quipped before plunging themselves
into the water leaving Major de la Rosa and the rest catching their breath. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Three, five, ten and thirty minutes passed
there were no indication whatsoever of life from them. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Whatever happened to them that they were
not able to send words back. Must have been hooked on treasures they might have
discovered inside. But that’s what they were sent for rather to clean the area
and ferret out whatever vital information there is. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Must have been also held captive by the
rebels. Quiet a possibility considering that it’s their hideout they are in,”
the vicious cycle of insecurity feeding the group’s impatience growing and
courage cankering but whatever confidence left of their hearts. To give him
benefits of his doubt he sends the second serving new set of three men for follow-up mission. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Whatever happened indeed why in the world not
one returned?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “There were even no gunshots heard only
silence they way they left earlier.” The answer was seen as their flashlights
spotted fresh blood mixing with water
all over coming out from the other side of the bunker! Major dela Rosa almost
vomited what he saw. But there’s no time to lose heart.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “This is it,” he said to himself fidgeting
his remaining men preparing themselves for the final show of force.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"> The succeeding event gives the cue what in
store for them next.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US"> From the top of the bunker, the door of
iron bars dropped to the ground one after the other sealing their exit. Windows
too was locked No use shouting challenging them to go out from their hideout. It
would still be their voices re-echoing back to them. Their only way out - to swim across the channel for freedom . The big catch however is it’s the same route Sgts. Robles and Marquez went in earlier. That if they could manage coming out from the
water alive. </span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10908645543292590219noreply@blogger.com0Cagayan de Oro, Philippines8.4542363 124.63189778.2029393 124.3160407 8.705533299999999 124.94775469999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5949714347708699086.post-87093138330707566572012-11-30T18:47:00.000-08:002015-05-07T19:30:23.409-07:00Chapter 28 - Reconnaissance<div style="color: blue; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Chapter 28<br /><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">Reconnaissance</span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> “T</span></span></b></span>he Major should never take any chances. Capture
the enemies without firing a single shoot if need be,” recalled Taklin as he
leads his men in conducting his first reconnaissance work on thick foliage of
Mt. Sungcal thought to be haven of rebels. But what he did know was, the 13<sup>th</sup>
Plenum would be held there..<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Truth or consequence? Nothing there unless
you underestimate intelligence network,” he revealed.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 22.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “But that
is in San Tzu’s <i><u>The Art of War</u></i>
only and might be irrelevant in this initial major mission in the field,” he
checked himself while leading his pact of elite forces of scout rangers tasked
in clearing Mt. Sungcal and ferreting out whatever vital information from the
much-ballyhooed hideout this mountain purports to have. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> The slope itself is winding, its perimeter
covered by thick and green forest exactly an apt cover-up of the opening of the
bunker. To aggravate the problem, thousand of land mines have been buried deep
into the ground manned by hundred of snipers who are cock-ready to press their trigger to any slightest provocation
from any unwanted visitors in the area. Briefing Charlie, his contact and con
artist of the group, mine expert rolled into one, he finally paused from the
base of the camp roughly five hundred meters away from the enemy location
preparing and thinking aloud possible offensive assault later to capture the
dreaded Mt. Sungcal. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Penetrating and pushing beyond enemy lines
into their stronghold would be inviting trouble,” was his valid conclusion. It
would definitely come handily having secured
vital information of the area.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Have a closer look on the opening, it’s
half their way in towards the bunker,” he said offering the telescope to
Charlie to gaze. The rest took their turn one after the other relishing on
their cherished discovery of the target.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Delineating the area then plotting and
checking with compass of the exact location, he finally called it a day after
putting back the binocular securely inside
an encased plastic container hanging by his neck.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “It’s all what we need men. The rest would
follow suit as soon as everything are taken into account in the war room.”
Looking on his wrist watch, it’s exactly 1:45 a.m. Leaving them roughly two
hours to go out from the enemy’s dangerous lair and save their lives. At least
they have to beat the time while luck is still on their side. Arriving Campo
Uno, their way out from Esperanza after 3:00 AM would already be the cause of
suspicion among the spies along the road planted by the rebels. They did. At
exactly 5 AM they were back exactly in the barracks.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 18.0pt;">. . . . . . . . . . .<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Good. Just fine for having plotted the
right target. I do hope it’s what we’re really after,” Col. Lim, the commanding
officer of Alpha Battalion said to Major Taklin de la Rosa and his men
recognizing their effort.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Everybody nodded anticipating for the next
move the Major would command.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “I’d like to make this clear again to
everybody. No shooting unless an order is given by me from the headquarter. I
want to be sure that we are declaring this war not on empty bunker precisely I
sent you all as forward observers. Now
many thanks for bringing the desired statistics – distance and degree of enemy
location and all that stuff. You know what I mean. This guerilla warfare,
protracted, unconventional war whatever
terms they describe for our struggle, should be an all-out war against the
commies. It is indeed quiet intriguing you see learning that there exist
sophisticated armory and telecommunication facilities manned by experts inside.
Now it’s the time to blow them away into bits and pieces including all commies
and their armed combatants in the area.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> The group just listen waiting for the
ultimate command when to start the operation. Taklin is on the other hand
briefed further the Commanding officer the support his men need in the
operation. The dog tags and logistics for issuance their respective families
would get in the event they would passed out becoming additional statistics of
civil strife. They’re all essentials and like a song sang all over again echoes
in the four walls of the war room.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Why is there anybody afraid here to die?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Long silence.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Great at least there are no cowards in our
rank. Remember folks in case you forget, death is the bride of any soldier. And
we will all pass on that stage. Time will only tell. I’d like to make this
clear to avoid anybody being roasted and hanged by the military commission in
military tribunal later. No one is allowed to withdraw without a word from the
commanding officer. Remember the code of conduct we required you to religiously
observe and practice? Mt. Sungcal is definitely an acid test for everybody.
Don’t you worry boys Major de la Rosa is always with you. He has been through
the rigors of training coupled by an actual test in much military operation.
All you have to do is listen to his instructions and mind you we can conquer
that critical mountain. Now are there any question?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Silence ensued.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Good at least I’m happy that there are
young men like you willing to protect and die for democracy in this country.
God bless you and your family.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Bidding adieu goodbye, Taklin and his men
hurriedly went out heading towards the barracks. Whatever would happen, God
only knows. The psychology of it all alone – killing a fellow Filipino is not
peanuts sending shiver down his spine. What could he do, the country is caught
in civil strife. Natural activity once you’re used to it, he was told. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Killing a fellow Filipino is just like
eating rice you know. The hotter the tastier,” he recalls Nong Bal, a retired
military officer telling him. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “No, you’re not killing a Pinoy my dear but
a commie, an insect actually. Better dead than red,” he recalled Sgt. Morales,
another veteran validating the need to kill and the legality of killing. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Just as the commies consider military as
Jap or an alien to them so too they are to us. Commies not Filipinos,” the brave
Sgt. repeated. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “You can never trust commies. They’re
termites feasting on your living bodies. They deserved to be terminated by all
means. That’s precisely our job. What are we in service for paid by Filipinos
taxpayers if we cannot fire a single shot to them,” Lt. David’s familiar pick
up lines recalled, his buddy in the PMA. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Isn’t it that we were sent to PMA in four
years what they could fix things up for
others may for the country in a lifetime?” the thought coming back in his mind.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Nothing indeed is worthwhile than really
offering oneself for the country, he thought. Reviewing the details of his war
plan, he’s optimistic that he could make it to the target that is; swarm Mt.
Sungcal after the smoke cleared from the bombing by field artillery battalion
from as far as sixteen kilometers away range. How could the commies survive
anyway from the 80 or 91 millimeter mortar or from 185 mm diameter Howitzer
artillery bore? Most unlikely, he thought. That excludes the help of military
gunship 520 which could practically wipe out those that could be seen from any
air attack.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> True enough, after the work well done by
Staff 2 Intelligence plan of S3 and S1 Operation order and master list of
personnel respectively were completed and would be enforced in due time.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Meanwhile, the rebel’s camp thrives with
business as usual industry included. To a mere layman, it is the most unlikely
place of the rebels but not when you come closer. Definitely, not to Lt. de la
Rosa’s team of seven who cleared the area for military attack. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> His elite team of scout rangers included
the lead scout, team leader, radio man, assistant radioman, contact man or an
artist of the group and telescout, the eraser of footprints. The contact man
does the dirtiest work of all being in charge of penetrating the target area.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “You can even see people from all walks of
life passing to and fro. Everybody is welcome whether you are a military or not
as long as you don’t tucked in any side arms. When you do, you would not ever
reach your destination. That would be the end of the road for you,” Ka Roy
would later share to government representative visiting the area.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Unfortunately, demarcation line is set by
the rebels and no one is allowed to further encroach inside lest you would be
blown to pieces away by landmines planted along the road. The area actually
used to be a Resettlement area during Magsaysay’s time. Ironically, many of
those resettled were members of Hukbalahaps who having seen Magsaysay’s
sincerity abandoned their armed struggle and volunteered as new partners in
restoring peace and order that part of the country. That was way back then
characterizing the pioneer settlers who first inhabited the area. But their
contemporaries proved to be different, ruthless forcing majority of settlers
away from the periphery of Mt. Sungcal leaving the area for fear of being
squeezed in the crossfire. Thus what once a thriving special community project
with multipurpose buildings and other amenities like infrastructure projects
were transformed into white elephants wasting away millions of pesos invested
in the end. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> How and why it was overtaken by rebels and
converted into their camp was understandable to any settler. Among others, it
nestled in a very strategic place between Surigao del Sur and Bukidnon. Misamis
Oriental is on the West. To the East, is
the shortest route for Davao. At the center of this is Mt. Sungcal. It is in
effect, the best and strategic place they could give a run to any military
attacking the area. It’s no ordinary mountain. Short of fifty feet to become
6,000 feet above sea level, it is one of the tallest mountain in the area.
Words circulated around that the tunnel is so big that it could store eight hundred tons of rice and hundred
variety of supplies for yearlong consumption. In sum, it’s a mountain any true-blooded romantic
rebel could not afford to give away to any
government forces. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">How could the government sustain anyway the
special project when all properties were
lost to the rebels. Tractors, bulldozers, graders and other heavy equipment
facilities were either razed to the ground or cannibalized. The chapel was not
spared. It was converted into a farm house the rebels would use as venue for
forum or negotiation when there are visiting civilians or government
representatives around. It’s quiet scary but not when you learn that all these
are being ob served to spare civilians from crossfire as you found unknowingly
that you are within the rebels camp zone. Once or twice, surveyors from the
Department of Natural Resources were all hogtied and treated to sunburns after
they were caught surveying the area without any official or tacit approval from
the group barring thereafter similar activity. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “If you’re not with us you are not one with
the people. When you are a government
employee chances are you are either an undercover agent sent to this place or
an ordinary employee radiating dishing out social services. Therefore, you have
to see us first to give you clearance of movement, a rule enforced to any
visitors by the rebels,” people would learn the basic rule of the forest.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> How about the local officials? Naturally,
they abide and respect the law of the rebels. Some would say they
constitute mass base. It’s either you
are with us or not, he would later learn from Ka Roy. The other alternative of
course is when you would entertain them during special occasion when you would
force yourself to dance to the tune of staccato and rattling armalites hitting
your feet, a barangay captain would later complain in jest. It’s what a media
man would call as shadow revolutionary government implying among others that
either all or majority of local officials are rebels or have left-leaning
tendencies. Those who don’t identify their cause with them either stay away
from the barrio leaving the command of responsibility to the rebels. As a
result, many barangays covered by them become idle and abandoned. But the most
uncomfortable of all experience is when you sleep with door and window open
until daylight. What for? To allow the host to come over anytime in the evening
to talk with you of your reason visiting
the area, a common practice to their held territories and a revelation to
unsuspecting visitors.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> There are only few people doing business in
the morning noticeably all members of the underground movement. Where are the
rest? They are either in far away mountains or hills on duty and normally come
back before sundown. It’s what Marcos would later claim as armed combatants in
the evening and farmers in the morning. Those staying at the base of the mountain
do familiar house chores. Surprisingly, the children are sporting long armed
barrel and would be quick in asking credentials from the visitors. And when
cleared would either ushered in or take them for a horse ride to an undisclosed
places. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> To Major de la Rosa’s knowledge they go
inside the bunker like a comet swallowed away by </span> vast universe unperceived to
one’s naked eyes.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Others maintain their presence in any
strategic houses like any ordinary dwellers only their tucking in sophisticated
firearms like telescopic Armalite. So when they find you suspicious, it’s
practically very easy to freeze.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “ From the access road along towards the
base of the camp, no one passes by undetected. Thus, the best way you could do
safely is negotiate the area walking without firearms. If the purpose is
deliberate like wanting to have an audience with the big boss, the best remedy
is to bring along anything bearing white color. A chicken or a dove brought means
you are coming for peace.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">“But not coming full packed and in military
uniform yet. Go and you’ll never see again daylights,” the Major ended his
briefing.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Such is the first base Taklin and company
would go. It would be definitely very bad business. But what could he do. The
country is on fire. To aggravate the problem, you’re waging war against an
unknown enemy. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “How could you win when you’re even
fighting almost your own shadow, a veteran of military operation complained?
It’s worst than the second world war because we really saw the Japanese. But
not now in the hinterlands conquering the enemies seem to be shrouded in
mystery,” he would add. Unfortunately,
he remains undaunted as ever.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “That’s only true to people not really
committed in eliminating the commies much less those who just enlisted
themselves out of the heck of it without sufficient background in military
operation such as those high school or college graduates who for economic
reasons volunteered to serve the military but could not fire a single shot.
Worst still, these are the same people who could easily leapfrogged to higher
position at the expense of those better qualified with credible credentials,”
thought Taklin. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> The more he is challenged by this
development. “If there are no people in uniform like the Reform the Old Society
Movement willing to take the challenge, who would care? Then, who suffers most,
not the opportunist but the country,” the head of the initiating team now makes
sense to him. Such has been this sentiment and maybe would remain till he dies.
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Vividly recalling his entry in the PMA
“I’ll just cross the bridge when I’m already there,” is not put in an acid
test. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> True to his calling, finding himself in war
zone seems to be the fulfillment of his vision only each minute appears an
ordeal. Reviewing his reconnaissance work the other week, the task before him
is undoubtedly tall order to accomplish invoking almost a miracle. Praxis of
theory learned right now is how he puts it. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “By foot,” he thought the best way to reach
the first base. The access road is definitely passable but not when you are
already negotiating the ascent of Mt. Sungcal. Once he remembers a six by six
military vehicle turned upside down after passing over hundreds of raw tomatoes
spread on the road. The driver unable to read between the lines just passed through
only all ten tires were flat from the nails safely encased inside several
tomatoes. What follows was the coup ‘d grace of those armies haplessly
sandwiched inside. Not leaving any stone unturned, the rebels even burned the
vehicle after killing all the armies inside. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “At least by foot, the probability of
reaching the base is great only they have to contend with hundreds of land
mines buried into the ground,” his valid
contention. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Recalling Mc Arthur mines killing Capt.
Estrada’s friends instantly induced him to sweat.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span>“What if
one among those buried is similar land mine ending the tragedy of Capt.
Estrada’s exploit. And worst still, what if all buried landmines were as big or
even bigger than Mc Arthur’s tank.<br />
“What an end it would be for
his budding military career.” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Reviewing one by one required precautions,
he convinced himself they could reach the base by all means. By then he could
contact Maj. Lim for both air and ground attack later from behind.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Don’t fire a single shot,” he remembers
again the Major’s advice. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “No short-cutting of trailers and access
road, don’t chase a decoy. Don’t sit on a makeshift chairs and stalls. Don’t
cook on anybody’s dirty kitchen and many other similar ‘Thou shall not
precautions’ linger at the back of his mind as they were halfway of the target.
And yes watch your steps on vines lying across the road, they could caught you
off guard and easily hook you to death. Don’t forget too tall trees covered
with shrubs, they’re homes of snipers. Every precaution was considered as if on
the tip of his fingers. Now the final question is what if any of his man
blunders? Then plan B follows by safely covering and fire when under attack.
Survival in other words. Again even if provoked, no chasing of enemies. That’s
the easiest way to fall into their trap and needs a miracle to save your neck
getting out from. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> So far Taklin has no question on the
conduct of the operation. They’re all basic need and indispensable. Save for
one, waiting for the Commanding Officer’s advice when to fire the first shot.
This is not in other words war of two different nations but rather of people of
the same race, creed and color living in the same nation. Maybe the Major is
kidding leaving him any initiative to exploit. What if the rebels intercept or
cut their communication lines and or if fired upon by the rebels. It’s still
the first shot only coming from the other party. That’s the problem with
military institution, there not much room for elbowing as if the civil strife
going on is theatrical presentation where the director always calls the shot. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “That’s why I would forever stay with the
RSM to help clear this nagging issue,” he kept repeating himself. For the first
time, his commitment to the movement grows by leaps and bounds and declared
that he would wholeheartedly submit his loyalty and commitment to the cause of
the group – help wiping out the commies from the face of the country.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “That’s why you’re in, a bonafide Wolf!”
reminded himself.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Major de la Rosa was practically engrossed in
his reflection before an alert from Charlie brought him back to reality.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “See the smoke that is visible over there,” said Charlie to Taklin nodding.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Seems very suspecting from the looks of
it.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Wait!” Taklin commanded his men to drop on
the ground as he swiftly went towards the house nearby. Getting nearer, silence
was deafening save for chickens loitering around. In spur of a moment two dogs
suddenly came out running towards him. He was about to shot remembering the
rule given by Major. He was right, it might invite suspicion from nearby
residents. Taking out his hunting knife, he lashed the bigger one slitting its
neck. The thrust was fatal as the hapless canine dropped to the ground tail
wagging gasping for his last breath. The other went back to the house his tail
folded down in between his legs. From the window stood an old man his gray hair
solidly hanging touching the back of his tattered white shirt unperturbed of
the sight of his dog lying dead on the ground its blood spurting out to the
hallowed ground. Taklin could only managed to swallow his saliva seeing Mang
Tomas looking at him realizing the gravity of offense he committed against the
old man.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Sorry . . . . Are you the only one in
here,” Taklin said wiping the blooded hunting knife with cogon grass.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Yes. You must be a military,” said an old
man in fine hoarse voice his receding hairline becoming pronounced.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Any business doing in this very remote
place from the town?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “I’ve been farming for the past twenty long
years. My wife been dead and buried here. I’ve got five children. The four
living with their respective families in lowlands. The youngest Ador, in the
movement. That’s what he likes. I haven’t seen him since he joined the rebels
five years ago. And I don’t know either if he’s still alive or dead. I don’t
care it’s his business.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Are you not informed that civilians are
required to leave this place for the military operation going on.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “You’re right. Unfortunately, I don’t care
being switched by the on-going war. You can do what you want. But I don’t want
to leave this place. It’s been my forefathers ancestral land and I will
continue protecting this till I die. Leaving this place is already tantamount
to betrayal accruing us a curse from them.” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> After asking pardon, he hurriedly withdraws
with his men back to their feet negotiating Mt. Sungcal.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Careful. The road over there is
dangerous,” Mang Tomas blared.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “You’re one of your kind and sorry for
killing your dog again,” Taklin thought of Mang Tomas representing the voices
of majority hungering for peace in the country. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “You might not understand the moral
persuasion of our mission but I know your children’s children will in the end.
We have you see to kill to stop the killing to set peace free,” Taklin thought
as he and his men swiftly moved towards their target.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> And
before they knew it, hail of bullets were sprayed towards them coming from both
directions of an access road killing two of his men instantly.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Take cover!” he shouted.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “My
God why did I not learn that Mang Tomas dogs’ bark was a potent of doom,” he
realized reminding himself not to commit the same mistake again.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “No wonder that an old man didn’t mind him
killing the other dog.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Exchange of gunshots ensued unfortunately,
the rebels already retreated from the area before Taklin and his men could
consume half of their ammunitions. After the flames of smoke cleared Taklin
could only whistle from the tragedy they met. From his count four were dead
leaving him two supportive men – assistant radioman and telescout. It was no doubt
a costly mistake specially the land mines blowing right before their faces. The
time was short barely fifteen minutes but it was almost hell, a harrowing
experience to boot. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Where did we blunder?” he said groping for
an answer in the dark. Bingo, his mouth agape recalling Mang Tomas. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Treat every civilian as your enemy,” he
uttered to himself making sure that it becomes a permanent law of his military
operation from now on. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Calling his Superior back in the barracks he was told to proceed
as planned. He would take care the casualties right away by that time they
would have probably reached the base of their target. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “By all means Major de la Rosa proceed,” he was advised. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Yes I will only after I save the four
fallen men carried on the stretcher back to an appropriate place their
respective families would recover later. At least their families would see that
their husbands really died in combat and that we have enough courtesy of
bringing them home even inside their caskets for decent burial,” his subconscious
was telling him.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> The ascent continued charting the unknown
world of Mt. Sungcal this time doubly cautious of every move.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 18.0pt;">. . . . . . . . . . . . . .<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Meanwhile, in the barracks Major de la Rosa
prepared everything he needs for the final assault and capture of Sta. Maria.
Taklin has been through several skirmishes delivering desired blows engaging in
killing spree against the rebels but this one he is yet to show that he’s got
another remaining ace down inside his sleeve.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Everybody should not leave any stones
unturned. Kill all the termites. They deserve to get the necessary cure for
their disease. But don’t overkill. Remember Protocol II of the Geneva
Convention. We have to fight but see to it things are delivered clean. If not
at least there’s semblance of order,” he would recall the final briefing of Lt.
Col. Lim tasked by Malacañang to call the shots.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> In his roughly nine years in military
operation, there were not much damage he could recall that did not encourage
him all the more to strive just like basketball he would remember. An instance
was when they were overran by battalion-size NPAs patrolling the area. It was a
very gross mistake and probably luck was not on their side. So much bloodshed,
too many casualties on their side in a very brutal manner yet. An NPA even
shout out loud in jubilation after stabbing the face of the Commanding Officer
held captive piercing repeatedly. The rebels must have been really gaining
members as he was told that young boys and girls in their early teens were joining
the group earlier staging that midday ambush. The rest of this experience was
blurred by the excessive sufferings his men experienced. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Sometimes you lose, sometimes we win.
That’s all there is in war like Chinese philosophy of yin-yang.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “ We must win this big war this time,” he
thought. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> And why not considering all the basic
support extended to them from logistics to personnel and related basic needs.
What could they ask for more. There is altogether reserve plane for airlifting
any casualties and to deliver ammunition in the event they would run out of
bullets.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 18.0pt;">. . . . . . . . .<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Events happened too swiftly. There was not
much fun in fact that airplanes swooped
down for the final reconnaissance of Mt. Sungcal. Few days later Major de la
Rosa and his men were on the footsteps of the mountain after penetrating
unmolested surprising him and his men how the scaling was done without much
effort and danger, and experience unexpected in making the climb. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Must have been wrong target,” he thought
as he start mobilizing his men.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “But
no and never,” he insisted. His intelligence network do not err at least that
what he learns from the past. How could they fail in clearing the area when so
far they have not experienced failure. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Hope this assault would be completed all
the way capturing this mysterious mountain without firing any single shoot. But
that is easier said than one read in <i>Art
of War,</i>” the idea playing on his mind. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Are you sure we’re on the right target?”
Maj. de la Rosa probed on Corporal Nestor Ravelo on his side wanting to be sure
about it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Unless out intelligence network erred,”
the Corporal readily answered.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Excellent. At least our feeling is mutual.
But you know it’s not bad thinking aloud. Probably we’re close on the target if
not we’re into it,” The Major said.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> The
surrounding is silent save for sustained sounds of crickets providing
musical background as the maneuver continues.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Will conquer this mysterious mountain. I do hope we
would not destroy unseen creatures,” Major de la Rosa initially said oozing
with confidence.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “We would. Why not. But later when killing
starts,” Major Taklin cleared anew boosting the spirit of his men.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Soon they started scaling the dangerous and
winding curves passing through several temporary staircases. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “That’s where we might have the real
trouble we could bargain for,” Major de la Rosa thought. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “But God forbid,” he readily invoked to avert
possible disaster. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Vigilance were all written all over the
faces of each one he commanded his men to get ready in penetrating the cave..
After clearing the area by three of his men, he headed his advance party to a
place of wonder sending him evoking awe and enchantment. Must have been really
the place of fairies and elves. The underground river barred by thick covering
tell them that they’re only up there unless they have to swim to see what is
really behind. Cueing his flashlight on, it dawned to Maj. de la Rosa that they
were entering dangerous place.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “What if the rebels would overran his men
outside and charge them outright against the mysterious waters,” the notion taking him aback. A
tragedy indeed. And what if hundreds of rebels would swoop over them coming out
from the water. Another tragedy. Or what if they would be drown to death inside
the cave. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Who knows really if Mt.Sungcal is powered
and controlled by push buttons that one push would already means their capture
and death inside the cave,” an unsolicited idea giving him chilling effect.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> And while immersed in his battle plan, Sgt.
Robles fidgeted him to come nearer and get the radio. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Major
traffic here. . . “ Sgt. Robles, his surviving telescout, invited his attention
fidgeting him to get the Kenwood radio handset.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Someone, on the line. . . . “ the Sgt.
Said.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Hurriedly, Taklin took the receiver.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “</span>Major de la Rosa welcome aboard! Be my
guest. . . . “</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Enjoy and have fun with your visit here!”
the voice told before he could speak. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “ But if I were you, I would rather join
our nationalist struggle for democracy. We might have not all the logistics you
enjoy to survive. Guns, gold and all economic resources what have you – all
yours. Unfortunately, you miss one important resource whose absence left all
your resources to smithereens. People – no less, the most coveted resource and
prize of this struggle. Add your Armed Forces of the Philippines gradually
breaking into pieces doom to disintegrate let alone killing each other as
witnessed in several coup d etat . . . .”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “That’s what you just think,” Major de la
Rosa reminded himself as the voice in the radio continues.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “That’s what you got because of greed and
hungry for power you guys securing the Grand Apo ruling over us in perpetuity. A
coveted prize awaits you is in order here. That if you ended as victors not
victims otherwise, the trophy would still be to us. Thanks for your courtesy
coming over to receive it. We’ll make your day,” off the radio before it comes
back.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “My deal to you – take it or leave. You
have one move left as we have already stalemated you.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Got my message! You’re already in a fix!”</span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left; text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span>The Major remained speechless not sure his feeling if it is usual
deception to reconsider his impending military operation. But no, they are
right there in their camp. <br /><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span>“ If you can’t, you have still time to go back to the barracks and save
yourself and your men’s lives and most importantly, your family. We advertently
spare your life earlier to do that favor for them. You’re still too young to
die . . . . And you could be man enough.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> The line was instantly cut off before
Taklin could answer. The message to Taklin was crystal-clear only the caller
was merely a ten year old boy. And kid doesn’t lie. The heat is on!</span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10908645543292590219noreply@blogger.com0Cagayan de Oro, Philippines8.4542363 124.63189778.2029393 124.3160407 8.705533299999999 124.94775469999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5949714347708699086.post-26446853716719964322012-11-29T18:44:00.000-08:002015-05-07T19:36:24.827-07:00Chapter 27 - Conscription<div style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Chapter 27<br /><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">Conscription</span></span></b></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"> “</span><span style="color: magenta; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">W</span>ar should all be fought in all fronts.
That’s what we’ve been doing all through those
years in this endless war.
Working with the people the best of our
ability in the community in their socio-economic life building those
farm to market roads securing peace and
order, this indeed has been our avowed mission too.”<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Like any ordinary citizen in other words.
But that’s not enough. Whether we like it or not we should show our force in
times of war or we would be annihilated too ourselves by the enemies.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “We sent volunteers in Vietnam, remember
PHILCAG? Though majority of our men were not directly involved in war zones, we
had at least made our presence felt there. It was not easy though seeing war at
its barest. But that proves to one and all that we have to collectively fight the commies to end this scourge of the
earth. Why can’t they work and not use people to pursue their end?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> </span> “It
was rather weird seeing thousands of Americans and communist killed but that’s
all in war. You either win some or lose some.
After all, death is considered
bridesmaid to any soldier.“</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Quiet surprisingly you could hardly
imagine the very slim built of Phom Phen, fighting against the Americans making
them look like stupid.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “That’s the problem we have with war of the
flea. It’s practically war of the nerve as you seek to have an upper hand with
commies who are better practitioner of the trade than we are in the jungle.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “The American soldiers could alright
wrecked havoc during day time but normally the communists could make it even
and better in the evening when
unexpectedly they strike and ultimately overwhelmed the resting Americans in
their bunker for good. They would simulate same acts in the field forest and
wherever places the Vietcong’s could strike.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Meanwhile, Phom Phen secured in his War
Room in the cave maintains calling the shots there. And as later vindicated,
the foreign invaders were humiliated. I mean considering the proportions 40,000
died out of 80,000 or something to 30,000 out of 60,000 Phom Phen conscripted,
US gets the severest blow. Not only that they also lost face at home.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “I’m not personally surprised if the
Americans would be defeated in the end. Imagine fighting two battles – in war
zones and at home. Tell me what the chances of winning in that situation? Nil
almost.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Alright you might kill all the commies but
winning the battle in your home is hard. You can’t win war you know without any
moral persuasion. Believe me. That’s what US learns with their experience in
Vietnam,” Major de la Rosa further stressed talk feeling confident that he has
give his men benefits of their doubts. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Let’s go back where we are – to the
Philippines -. So far so good. But we’re still far in completing our homework.
This might be our last enemies. And this makes this war tough and dirty. It’s
just like fighting against your shadow you know. It’s really hard to imagine.
And what if you’re fighting against your own brother, father and or relatives
of the same blood, race and nation. Indeed, one could hardly imagine that we
find ourselves in this predicament.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “But what could we do. The Constitution so
stipulates that we have to protect our peoples’ lives. This war our forefather
fought since Lapulapu when Magellan planted his cross in Mactan till they fought
against the Americans, Japs and all that so far would go unabated until peace
in our lives reign supreme. For are not called crusaders of peace ourselves,
living in peace with ourselves, our fellowmen and God. Unfortunately, others
would like courting disasters. That our country would not allow to happen.”<br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Okay I repeat, sheer force is needed when
reason feels. Never mind, how fast the commies multiplies as they normally
brainwashed civilians into joining their movement. The faster the better. If
need be, to fulfill. We can do no less. Our country is all what we’ve got.
Definitely we can’t afford to have it taken from us by the assuming commies.
Even then there’s no guarantee they would ever survive if they won this war.
They might for a short period but not for too long because by then another
group would challenge their legitimacy.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “You can’t stay long you know sitting on a
power taken by bayonets aptly expressed later by Yeltzin after breaking the
backbone of Communism in Russia. True. But that’s practically the other
dimension of war that is, if ever they have the will and the means in
destroying democracy. Nobody thinks it so. You yourself don’t think so. And I
don’t think so,” Major de la Rosa thought secured on his synthesis of his
struggle against the commies.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Having said that setting the tone of
probably the biggest share we could offer to democracy, we hope that we could
capture Esperanza without firing a single shoot. But that is easier said than
done. Never mind we have to kill as many as we could. Let’s just charge them as
an excess of this big military event. We can’t just get rid you know with
excesses.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “It’s the price we have to pay and to
accept in defending democracy. If they would recapitulate, then we should cease
firing if not, then better not be the casualties yourself. Let us try the very
best to survive to be living witness of our successful defense of the country.
If our forefathers were able to suppressed rebellion then we should follow
suit. We have to continually fly the flag of democracy you know forever and
ever.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Amen,” an officer seconded.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “You’re right so really be it,” the Major
complimented.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Major de la Rosa went on to said briefing
the terrain of the target, where to stage the air strike.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “War should all be fought on all fronts.
Sheer force is needed. We should not sit
on our laurels. We’ve got to move faster and faster. Never mind how fast the
commies multiply. Let them multiply geometrically. The many our target the
better,” Major Taklin de la Rosa emphasized before group of officers. He went
on revealing why we could not commies relating the horror shrouding the
movement – the senseless killing, the zombies, the killing fields and the
mistrust feeding among them.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “When mistrust creeps on then that’s near
the collapse of the movement. How can you move when somebody is looking after
your every step. Before we know it killing one another ensued. And that’s the
story of almost all terrorist’s movement like the NPAs.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> The junior officers were all attentive to
the lecture of Maj. de la Rosa.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “You’ve got to believe it. You might not
have known it. But Pentagon released a paper among others listing the NPA as
one of terrorist group along with highjackers, kidnap for ransom and several
others.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Does it not run counter to the very
principle they’re fighting for?” a query from the participant.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “You’re right but you should be practical.
War involves money. How could you fight without ammunitions? How would you feed
your battalion size without money? In other words, how you would survive.
Precisely, we’ve got to drain the water out from the fish to make the catch
easier.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Satisfaction was written all over the face
of the inquisitive officer. But the lecturer went on with his bombshell.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “So where does it leave us. Who is behind
the movement? You know better than me. With the exception of Cuba where people
through Castro and Che Guevarra successfully drove Batista out and establish
themselves in power, all other countries I know of North Korea, Mainland China,
Vietnam, Nicaragua and Philippines had been for one reason or another constant
recipient of rainfall from big countries. Think of the training, their leader
got from the Communist countries like China and Russia. Think of the big
hardware we caught from them.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Recall the MV Karagatan captured in the
shore of Palanan, Isabela many years past. These are the reality we should
accept,” he reiterated back the story of the past.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “As I said let them multiply fast and let’s
hope that they would not die their natural death. Incidentally, it would. Know
what? What would you get out of rhetoric giving justice to where it’s due,
poverty, graft and corruption, land reform and all that. What else if not
barely the emotions attached to it and no substance?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “That what we should be all aware of. Intellectual
dishonesty. Explaining the issues at length until they are explained away. This
war is dirty but we should not fall into the trap of adding complexity to the
problem. There’s the media who handles that and I hope they do their best
reporting the atrocities committed by both parties. But again, we should not
provoke if need be take any surviving casualties with you for treatment in the
headquarter.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Let us engage in war but let us be
compassionate with life. Time would come they would soon realize that they are
fighting a cause on the wrong side, the Major declared recalling the pain on
some of his men experience from the hands of the NPAs when they were overran
killing many of his men at will worst the survivors given <i>coup ‘d grace</i>: survivors lined
up shoot point blank, hacked dead, eyes gouged out from their sockets,
beheaded, shoot in the head and all that barbaric form of killing. They are in
his own words, worst defeat that ever happened to the armed forces of the
Philippines. Precisely there’s a need of rethinking the strategies adopted in
containing the pressure of the underground movement,” he emphasized. But he’s
far from his stimulating lecture.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “That’s what we got in war. Again, we win
some and lose some. It’s just playing basketball we should not let laxity and
complacency lord over us if we have to win. Remember we’ve got the moral
integrity and persuasion in engaging this war. And no less than the great
majority of the millions and millions of population is behind us rallying for
peace and the end of this turmoil. When that I could not tell where there is
division, we would always be on guard.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “What about ceasefire,” a participant
interrupted.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Why not?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Indeed why not,” further interjected.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “See. By all means we’ve got to. To provide
the necessary excuse for the commies to be with their families on holidays and
Christmas. Temporary termination of atrocities they said.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Our men also need the break you’re right.
But I believe no amount of ceasefire could be the final catharsis to the disease
spread by the commies one that could end the fighting once and for all.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Remember they are ideologues graduate of
hard knocks and paperbacks on communism. We can only win them into our side by
destroying their ideology. But that’s very tall order and might not be
addressed at all. You see a theory is good but unless it’s proven sound, we’ve
got to change it with a better workable theory. Unfortunately, the commies
don’t compromise their ideology.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “And that’s bullshit. There is no such
thing as perfect society. You know that. Not even, Mainland China and Russia.
It’s human nature to work hard to give himself additional reward. You can’t
just condemn outright man to work hard to award himself with an incentive. No
wonder that equality exists in any communist countries.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Those who think in the contrary should
examine better their minds. So where can we possibly win them back into our
sides. In any square table. We’ve got to contest their ideas with better if not
best ideas. Beyond that application of sheer force will do. And that’s our
primary concern.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “So who said that we cannot kill an idea.
They’re wrong. By all means. We could. Why not. With a better idea of course,”
so said Major Taklin de la Rosa wanting that his participants would graduate
under his talk with flying colors. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> This talk should indeed be in order as many
senseless killings have been featured in almost all encounter. The farther they
go the harder the challenge. If the commies would go on their own way provoking
further atrocities, he’s more than willing to meet them. No guts, no glory. But
he would readily add honor and country after service of course. If there’s a
need to change this generation we have to, Communism is such dirty ideology. It
doesn’t reconcile with God. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> ‘Who he said who they are? More than God! True that
Philippines being one of a Christian nation in Asia not necessarily a Catholic
country in Asia has not been true to its name. But what could a Church do. It
could not legislate a better world. It’s the work of everybody else not just
the Church,” Taklin defended.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Above all else don’t forget history. He
will be the final judge. When time of reckoning then comes, let it be on our
side. That’s every Filipinos plea and hope for. Let’s just do our share we will
win this war. No one can stop us. It’s a mandate we have to do and deliver. . .
,.” he ended.</span></div>
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> . .
. . . . . . . . . </span></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10908645543292590219noreply@blogger.com0Cagayan de Oro, Philippines8.4542363 124.63189778.2029393 124.3160407 8.705533299999999 124.94775469999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5949714347708699086.post-40878123070457646612012-11-24T18:41:00.000-08:002015-05-07T19:42:28.468-07:00Chapter 26 - Mt. Sungcal<div style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Chapter 26<br /><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">Mt. Sungcal</span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="color: magenta; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">"</span></i>Mt. Sungcal is simply irresistible. She is
the only second active volcano in Mindanao next to the one in Misamis
Occidental. What she lacks however in beauty as she looks like a jarred shark
teeth from afar is compensated as second highest mountain behind grand Mt. Apo;
ergo, still favorite summer destination of extreme mountain climber. It’s
really tough going there. Roads are impassable. You have to walk through
trails, wade through river before arriving there.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> But that was long ago before Martial Law
specifically before the Lakay Apo held
the reign of power. Development gave way to tourism industry since then and
through the help of native tour guides
for a fee, you can reach there. Freezing weather actually because of its height
but tomb-like concrete house await for you to experience the thrill. Once there
on the top, your eyes would be feasted with the view of major cities in
Mindanao – Cagayan de Oro in the North, Davao on West. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> That time its rich forest and watersheds
were at their best preserved under constant control and protection by
authorities. From its bounty springs life to the seven Bukidnon tribes –
Higaonon, Matisulog, Bilaan and other tribes living along the river. It was never
the same again however after the encroachment of the Dumagats from low lands.
Its waters flowing steadily all the way down to Macajalar Bay in Cagayan de Oro
and Iligan was once crystal clear flowing downstream into Macajalar Bay and
other tributary, Iligan. Reason that
thousands of casualties would soon happened on this cities when Sendong
unleashed its fury later. Unfortunately, it losts its luster as pollution
spread its ugly wings killing natural fishes thriving in its water. But all is
not lost with community taking care of the environment. With illegal mining
stopped upstream, what once the so-called orange river was back to its original
blue green color. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Promenaders and gawking tourists passing
Carmen bridge could not help sometimes but admire and thank God that they are
not living in far away Manila when river hardly move because of filth, toxic
materials and garbage dumped by manufacturing firms and industrial
establishments at will showing the ineptitude of the government in instituting
desired mechanisms of preserving cleanliness and fresh air in its surroundings.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Land of promise, that’s what we’ve
been taught by history books about
Mindanao. Indeed it is. In fact, the tag
is simply most fitting given all the
promise the Island has. The millions of migrants coming into the island and
have the rest of their lives spent here speaks for itself how these people were
smitten by various resources Mindanao has. In fact, much of its resources
benefitted too the entire country unfortunately the lion’s share going to
Imperial Manila crumbs flowed back to the island.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> The
island is definitely more blessed than Luzon and Visayas. Witness how Bukidnon
as breadbasket of the island could feed alone its entire population. That not
to mention Davao, Cotabato, General Santos City and the rest of Mindanao
providing an alternative wealth should its supply of livestock, poultry
products and pineapples and all that running dry al throughout two seasons. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> There’s gold rush too at Mt. Diwalwal in
Compostela Valley, blue marlins in our seas specifically Gensan and Zamboanga;
tropical fruits in Davao, tourist haven practically in all places but notably
in Misamis Occidental and Camiguin. Almost heaven indeed is what Mindanao is to
one writer. Moving on reaching your career is also peanuts given all
topnotch accredited university
spread throughout the region.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Truly,
God must be laughing up there realizing His lapses choosing Israel
instead of Mindanao as Promised Land. No
wonder that He has all sorts of religion from Islam to Christianity, animism to
Buddhism and all that established here. Peter Gowing’s <i><u>Island Under the Cross</u></i>
chronicled how the Christian churches have evolved since Magellan
planted the cross in Cebu on March 1521. It’s probably this slice of history
that lend credence to hostility that has remained implacably brewing in the
island all throughout the centuries. Or is it
the case of conquer, rule and divide
characterizing the past that still reign supreme today. What about feudalism existing among many
Muslim culture. Or is there simply an unjust political system given
lopsided top-heavy development enjoyed by Imperial Manila leaving the crumbs
again to Mindanao. There are obviously too many reasons as far as our
imagination would allow. But where all
of these leave us. Peace and no less! That’s the bottom line and seemingly an
incontrovertible proof without which we could safely say that there exist
development at all. in the island, engrossing reflection again catching Taklin
as he was preparing for final ascent of the mountain.. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Unfortunately, the precarious development
of its existence giving rise to various hostilities, sporadic encounter between
the military and perceived enemies support the still alarming situation of Mindanao. As it would
later cause division, the unsettled issue of MOA-AD that brought many
stakeholders holding peace dialogue all over Mindanao is still found wanting.
Second, the unsolved hostilities, killings and that notorious incident Maguindanao Massacre whose infamy
stirred the global conscience of media sector is still haunting us. Bombings
have taken too its toll all over the place from Cotabato to Iligan. And what
about the “Sunshine Industry” of taking innocent people notably tourists and
clergy as hostages demanding ransom money by Abu Sayyaf showing their notoriety brandishing
their brutality beheading their hostages
if demands are not meet. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> This does not include similar cases like rendering failure of election in some
Muslim areas by losing candidates. Broadcasters among media sector were also
killed in Davao. What about their fearsome Vigilantes clearing the city of its
bad elements that drive other City Mayors in the region reviving and or
organizing their own Mayor’s Action Squad cum Death Squad to secure peace and
order from the spate of criminality and killings, nasty thought pre-occupying
still the minds of Maj. De la Rosa.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 18.0pt;">. . . . . . . . . . .<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> ‘Land of Compromise’ it seems has
transformed this once promising island, an apt description today of Mindanao. Never
mind the promise. Leave it to the
marines. Sadly, the peace and order
situation today is barring further development in some region of the island. It
might be because of the cultural tradition of the past specifically feudalism
reigning supreme among Muslim group. Worst their fetish to arms making it an
extension of their intestines, one they could no live without. Add the
bloodbath where even the unborn is already marked up for extinction once revenge
in conflict happens. Maybe it’s time to think twice that more than what the
people outside wrongly perceived the sensitive peace situation in Mindanao is the challenge for authorities and its
people to breath, live and practice peace. There have been various development organizations making stride
on this crusade, hope it’s true and not for media hype, Taklin further prayed. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “But I wonder whatever happen to these
peace-oriented groups that peace remains elusive as ever,” Major Taklin de la
Rosa exactly hit the nerve of the issue back again.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “We should move on not stopping the
momentum already gained progressing
more. Or we would find ourselves overtaken by still volatile unpredictable
events blown away by landmines planted everywhere by the rebels adding us as additional fertilizers for Mindanao.
But God forbid! “ he asked awakened from deep slumber.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “What’s your take? Need to say more?” was
his apt clincher as if there were people listening.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Relating to his travel all over Luzon and
Visayas, comparison ensued.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">“They are truly great spectacles wherever
you are but compare that to the beauty that is Mindanao. Sorry, they just
simply pale in comparison what with all those breathtaking and excellent
landscape, fruits, foods and places
abounding everywhere. The air too is one of the freshest and biting when you
travel Bukidnon.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">“Your eyes are treated to vast, track
of pineapple and banana plantations to
vegetables, coconuts, corn and all that all the way to Davao and Cotabato
making you think that this is the incontrovertible proof it seems that then
Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir might have misinterpreted that theirs’ is the
promise land but Mindanao as it’s
literally flowing with milk and honey.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Why really not when you consider the
fertility of our soil unlike theirs when you either import top soil or just
apply agricultural extension all throughout to
make their land productive.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “I saw this reality unfolding right before
my eyes as I traveled probably covering entire Mindanao as part of my tour of
duty especially hot spots where peace and order is erratic with my ever reliant
KMX-125,” reveals Major de la Rosa.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “So
you want to have a juiciest blue marlin for a kinilaw other than Gensan’s best
in town then go to Mati of Davao
Oriental. And for scenic landscape from mountain resort to excellent seascape
then reroute your travel back home via Pacman’s Saranggani Province all the way
to General Santos City. Going down to Koronadal and Marbel be sure to take a side
trip to Lake Sebu and be treated to a wonder of nature like Sun Moon lake
of Taiwan appreciating how God puts
there this wonder with all bounty of
fishes right on top of a mountain in the same way of the captivating Lake Lanao in Marawi, Mainit Lake
of Surigao del Norte and and that one in
Bukidnon.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “And want a trek more than Baguio’s Kennon
road? Then there’s Mangima Canyon and up to Bukidnon. Real mountain trek
however would never be the same again unless you pass the thrilling Noventa of
Surigao del Sur where you to too would be treated to world’s largest ore
deposit.” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “What about those exotic fishes of fresh
catfish, mudfish and carpa displayed still frolicking in a container right
along the road of Agusan del Sur and Matina of Davao. How about testing a hell
of drive of skylab at Mt. Diwalwal or of wooden cart in upper Carmen, Puerto,
Cagayan de Oro City,” his mind in full throttle as if briefing tourists.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Camiguin too offers excellent wonders of
nature from hot and cold spring to sunken cemetery and White Island. Just be
sure to visit the province in October when sweetest lansones are harvested that
would compliment your appetite for shoot-to-kill for fresh delicacy menu of <i>Sinugba, tinola and kinilaw</i>.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “This is Mindanao and as your second home,
traveling around is simply irresistible.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Its tourism industry is always there
beckoning to be explored whether you are in your own locality or out on a
special trip. As different cities are its melting pot, it offers you everything
all there is life from career development to economic opportunity,” his
thoughts ended making sure invitation to
all travel bugs delivered.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">. . . . . . . . . . .<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Well said but that is only one side of the
story, Maj. De la Rosa deliberately paused. Sensitive story should not be
revealed or his mission would be n
peril. Snipers, landmines, water, fruits laced with poison above all, serenity
of the area is gripping making each footstep an ordeal along the trails. How they were secured by the NPAs is no
accident. The effort is deliberate. It’s a place where they could be free. It’s
what the hierarchy considered secure reason why they give their approval as
venue for the 13<sup>th</sup> Plenum. That however not privy to Maj. De la Rosa
whose forward observers already did their job even before the rebels finished
theirs.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 18.0pt;">. . . . . . . . . . .<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10908645543292590219noreply@blogger.com0Cagayan de Oro, Philippines8.4542363 124.63189778.2029393 124.3160407 8.705533299999999 124.94775469999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5949714347708699086.post-38981588053078429552012-11-23T18:36:00.000-08:002015-05-07T19:46:34.957-07:00Chapter 25 - Sta. Maria Range<div style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Chapter 25<br /><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">Sta. Maria Range</span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> F</span></span></b></span>From afar Sta. Maria range is such a
beautiful mountain. Totally uncorrupted, vast verdant, thick green forest,
pristine crystal clear glistening waterfalls, home of wild life and endangered
species; fauna and exotic wildflowers like orchids and sea urchins are all
there. Silhouetted by cloudy skies, its panoramic grandeur evoking awe and enchantment is seen at its very best early morn. What a magic its creator’s hand
weaved placing such wonder this part of archipelago. A promising poet in fact
accounts its beauty in one poetic piece.. No hunger, no fighting, no disease.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Never
mind treated in vernacular, you can sense how he capture it all: (English
translation in the Notes . . . .)</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Ode to Mt. Sungcal<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">Ang sikat ng araw ngayong umaga<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">Sa puso’y naghatid ng pag-asa.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">Napatititg ako at namangha<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">Kay ganda pala ng liwanag nya.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">Mayamaya’y bundok binalot ng mga ulap<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">At napakaganda ang pagkagayak.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">Sa tuktok nito’y may liwanang<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">Paranga kumakaway tumatawag . . . .<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> And in Visayan, relating the importance of
people empowerment:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">Ang tingog sa katawhan paminawa<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">Walay mapaingnan apan naghuyaka<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">Daghang dalan, lay kasiguruan<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">Kawang na lang unya tanang lakang.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">Duyog na, duyog na<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">S’ya kanimo naghulat.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">Duyog na, duyog<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">Ang kalingkawasan mao S’ya.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> No
pollution. All you hear are sweet chirping of birds, gentle rush of cascading
waterfalls and cold breeze of wind lovingly caressing your face tossing your
strand of hair up in the air. People are one, no division and sharing its
bounty and natural resource ad infinitum.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> But that was long ago before Martial Law
specifically even before the <st1:place w:st="on">Apo</st1:place> held the
reign of power. That time its rich forest range and watersheds were under
constant control and protection giving life to the people from its perimeters
down to Higaonon tribes thriving along the river and the Dumagats of the low
lands. Its waters flowing steadily all the way down to Macajalar Bay in Cagayan
de Oro and Iligan has been devoid of impurities allowing people along the river
banks wash their clothes and swim merrily just like any living fish frolicking
in its fresh water. Promenaders and gawking tourists passing Carmen bridge
could not help sometimes but admire and thank God that they are not living in
far away Manila where river could hardly move because of filth, toxic materials
and garbage dumped by manufacturing firms and industrial establishments at will
showing the ineptitude of the government in instituting desired mechanisms of
preserving fresh air in its surroundings.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> The status of Sta. Maria however now is
completely different. How it has been exploited to the tilt corresponds to what
is the state of <st1:place w:st="on">Mindanao</st1:place> in general. Recipient
of various investments from <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Davao</st1:place></st1:city>
to Iligan especially Misamis Oriental has been emitting toxic wastes despite
serious efforts exerted by respective companies in filtering out poisonous elements
contained in their garbage. And the irony of it all, while foreign investors
sprout out like mushroom in this backdoor of economic development of the
country, the government through PHIVIDEC for instance, an acronym for
Philippine Veterans Industrial Development Incorporated, offer package of
services that could hardly make Juan de la Cruz happy. Just think of the low
cost industrial site, deep blue sea for their boats and tanker other than
possible dumping ground of their wastes, and machination displacing manual
labor to name a few. Worst, many farmers have to give way their lands under
pressure to a price not even acceptable in a market. Thus, the Magna Carta and
the Department of Agrarian Reform mandate of preserving prime agricultural
lands were put to waste. Prime agricultural lands are those lands that are
economically viable for agricultural development irrigable and or near source
of water. But no agricultural enclave, it would destroy the vision of the
government in developing the country, so they said. Such partial outlook of
development has prompted one researcher studying the issue to ask?
Industrialization or Agricultural development- For Whom? Why not allow
agricultural enclave to be developed in the Industrial Estate in the first
place when there are many prime agricultural lands within. Why Taipei, Taichung
all the way down to Kaoshiung, the Industrial City of Taiwan have rice fields
in between big buildings sprawling all throughout the cities making a perfect
blending of agriculture and industry. Why even rice fields are developed under
their bridges. But they are Chinese of different culture, breed and work
ethics. That <st1:country-region w:st="on">Taiwan</st1:country-region> is
practically even smaller than <st1:place w:st="on">Mindanao</st1:place> in
area. Right. But they too, like Filipinos, are also eating rice. Don’t they?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Such
unexplained partial school of thought on economic development has led to
serious problem hovering like Damocles blade over the head of the people in <st1:place w:st="on">Mindanao</st1:place> from restlessness, impending division to
secession. Reuben Canoy of the Mindanao Independence Movement writing several
books and maintaining well-received radio broadcast “Perspective” has been
anticipating that time would soon come when Mindanao would be independent, a
moment of truth when people of the island would finally enjoy the fruits of
their hard labor running their own affair most likely better the way Central
government of Manila is doing.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “It’s just most unfair you know allowing
the government continue exploiting the island’s natural resources siphoning the
lion share leaving merely the crumbs to Mindanao,” many secessionists and MIM
members griped. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Nur Misuari of the Moro National Liberation
Front has also been waging war against the government and when even out from
the country has managed to maintain the momentum pressing Lakay Apo and Meldy
to implement Tripoli Agreement they forged in <st1:place w:st="on">Middle East</st1:place>.
Among others it calls for recognition of several provinces notably those Muslim
held territories from Cotabato to Maguindanao, Zamboanga to as far as <st1:place w:st="on">Palawan</st1:place>, Marawi of Lanao to Jolo and all that. But
whether their efforts would be vindicated is yet to be seen. Filipinos in
general are not for division of their sacred held territories. They’ve been
through years and ages protecting their country against foreign invaders from Spanish
conquistadores, Americans and Japanese giving birth to heroes like Lapulapu,
Raja Sulaiman, Andres Bonifacio, Jose Rizal, Gabriela Silang and many others.
Whatever happens that we are squeezing each others’ throat when the beloved
country <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Philippines</st1:place></st1:country-region>
is the only remaining treasure we’ve got? Where’s our sense of history as Uncle
Sam might castigate us how fast we easily forget it. Containing internal
restlessness in <st1:place w:st="on">Mindanao</st1:place> undoubtedly seems a
far reality. What were once just few resistance thriving has led to other
equally if not more dangerous group like an Abu Sayyaf fanatics engaging in
kidnap and ransom employing high tech hardware and weaponry threatening the
government of beheading their victims, a bad example of barbarity that would
most likely invite resurgence of Christian-Moro hostilities. Probably, leaving
the problem of Filipino Muslims at home would help solve their problems. But
there seems to be strong leverage up specially the oil-rich Middle East
supporting the secessionist movement in <st1:place w:st="on">Mindanao</st1:place>.
In the words of Peter Gowing, a specialist in Muslim-Christian conflict author
of several books like <u>Island Under the Cross</u>. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “The problem of Mindanao is just a picture
of two cocks wanting to slash each other’s neck to death under the protection
of two equally powerful group,” he said in lecture in San Andrew’s Theological
Seminary in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Manila</st1:place></st1:city>.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Indeed why could not a Muslim live side by
side with a Christian when they’re both Filipino of the same race sharing the
same space, breathing the same air. Indeed, why not? It’s a question of history
specifically understanding of history’” a Muslim scholar would say. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Muslim has been there in <st1:place w:st="on">Mindanao</st1:place>
you know ever since before a Christian set his foot in the island. Their
forefathers had successfully protected it against the foreign invaders notably
Spanish and Americans. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “In fact, you would recall that Shariff
Makdum had propagated Islam many centuries before Magellan planted Christianity
in <st1:place w:st="on">Cebu</st1:place> in 1521,” history books would tell us.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Therefore, had Magellan came late to the <st1:country-region w:st="on">Philippines</st1:country-region> say two hundred years later than
when he actually did in 1521, <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Philippines</st1:place></st1:country-region>
would have been an entirely Islamic country,”
said Peter Gowing. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Why in the world then that we have to
project <st1:country-region w:st="on">Philippines</st1:country-region> as the
only Christian nation in <st1:place w:st="on">Asia</st1:place> discrediting
such historical reality,” Muslim scholars would complain. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “They’re right,” Episcopalian Missionary
historian William Henry Scott would concede. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Even student of church history would say
that actually even St. Francis Xavier, the Spanish co-founder of Society of
Jesus and an apostle of Indies having done missionary journeys in Goa, Ceylon,
East Indies, Japan and China journeys way was late than Muslim scholars did for
the country. Assuming even that ours is
a Catholic country and that we shun divorce yet but look how querida system is
almost institutionalized in the country worst actually than divorce. For while
divorce allows the divorcee to enter another legal marriage, a philanderer in
querida could have as many mistresses his libido safely tucked under his belt
allowing him to. And anecdote was told about a tourist liner ship arriving the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">port</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">Manila</st1:placename></st1:place>.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> A captain was caught to have said “Welcome
to the Philippines!”, Pearl of the Orient Sea but as soon as the boat docks the
port, he blared back in the megaphone advising the passengers to hold safely
their bags, there are too many robbers around loitering.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Even
big buses, you would read holy words like “God bless our trip, God is my
co-pilot, the Lord is my Driver and all that.” But on the other side is an
alarm, “Watch for pickpocket!” Another equally amusing story was told of a
priest giving homily inviting concerned churchgoers who have been living a
common-law couples to avail on-going Pre-Cana seminar for a mass wedding later.
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “What God put together, let no man put
asunder. Than once a man and a woman agreed to avail sacred matrimony, they’re
no longer two, but one,” the good priest said. Wanting that all living together
would be included he calls for a count-off. The response was generous elating
the priest until no one suddenly raised their hands. Then out of blue with
reservation, the lady stood up and direct her question to the priest still on
the rostrum asking: “How about us father. When would we get married.” to the
delight naturally of the mammoth church-goers. Good grief.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> If there is one serious damage inflicted on
<st1:place w:st="on">Mindanao</st1:place> gradually bleeding her to death is no
other than the protracted war, civilian war, silent war and all that referring
to internal strife between the communists and the military. For many years,
many of its villages were ravaged and pillaged displacing thousands of
civilians in the process depriving them of peaceful and descent living. Even
cities in the streets are not spared. Bombs find their way exploding in
jeepneys, movie houses, apartments and surprisingly even churches giving untold
suffering to the families. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> One such grenade exploded during an Easter
Sunday dawn procession at Iligan city killing a number of Catholics. San Pedro
Cathedral of <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Davao</st1:place></st1:city>
too suffered the same predicament. Ambuscades seem to be also fad of Martial
Law even later after it was lifted. Too many casualties featured in broad
daylight ambush yet turning upside down the practice before staging ambush in
the cover of darkness during night time. National highways of Misamis
Oriental-Agusan Norte route to Agusan de Sur-Davao City were once sites were
repeated carnage occur. Bachelor Buses were sometimes stopped and military
passengers were forced to go out and there in the eyes of helpless civilians
were liquidated. Such incidents occurred in dangerous
Lagonglong-Subongcogon-Balingasag-Salay routes. In Agusan Sur, the favorite
site of ambush is in San Andres Bukid near Bunawan where the rebels under cover
of pineapple plantation and tall grasses
along the road had killed many military at will burning even their armor cars
like hammer and tanks. Fairies and anitos were not spared. The caves, hills,
and mountains, trees and rivers give way to the destruction as an offshoot of
sporadic skirmishes between the military and the rebels. Fr. Driarco one time
sunk in his sofa thinking the wanton destruction of the surrounding as an
effect of war. He even sulked hearing from a friend who invited him to a
birthday celebration that the celebrant is yet to come to grace the occasion
tended to him yearly by Lito, the eldest son of Nong Tomas who after entering
San Miguel, Surigao del Sur as faith healer doing missionary work has not returned
back home since 1981. Birthday celebration is even observed until today by Lito
whose family thrives on furniture industry. A song “Mindanao” capture the
lamentation of a Filipino sincerely waiting for peace in <st1:place w:st="on">Mindanao</st1:place>,
Fr. Driarco wrote:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<st1:place w:st="on"><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Edwardian Script ITC"; font-size: 18.0pt;">Mindanao</span></i></b></st1:place><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Edwardian Script ITC"; font-size: 18.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">Why Oh <st1:place w:st="on">Mindanao</st1:place>
you’re bleeding to death?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">From people of the same race, nation and creed<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">When all this senseless bloodshed end?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">Tell me brothers aren’t we’re supposed to be friends?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">2<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">Why suffering reaching this far<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">Over the decades of fighting going on<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">unabated staging this wrong war?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">When would real peace and justice truly reign?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">While there’s still tomorrow or everybody else
gone into their graves<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US"> leaving nothing
except grief and hatred, emptiness, division, confusion and
greed.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">3<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">Look what we’ve got all through these years?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">Deafening silence
after all been gone back to the
bosom of mother earth <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">Look how its hallowed grounds morphed into fertile soil soaked in bloodshed<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">graveyards of your beloved sons and daughters.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">4<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">Laid down all arms, she just needs break<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">That if we allow her to live forever in peace
unmolested<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">Learn living serenely nurturing with respect her environment<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">Happiness all to gain
nothing to lose but your fears and pain.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">5<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">How many more bloodshed there would be?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">Death on your hallowed ground buried<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">How many more innocent
children would grieve<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">From the love and care of parents gone too soon.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">6<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">Why outrage lord over love that fast instead<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">Where bullets
fly high as an alternative<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">When true peace truly reigns<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">Look Mindanao,
despite Mother Nature too long suffering<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">Has been caring, securing us from harm nurturing till the end.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 18.0pt;">. . . . . . . . . . . .<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Sta. Maria range’ travails in closer
perspective is what <st1:place w:st="on">Mindanao</st1:place>
predicament in macro. Today the threat is still alarming. Scrupulous illegal
loggers have their day full engaging in callous and wanton destruction of
forest products pirating their loot out of the country of course under the
protection of powerful personalities in the bureaucracy. To think that there
has been log ban brazenly sabotaged by these crocodiles and vultures of
development is not just an outright insult but also big slap of Juan de la
Cruz’ face. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Meanwhile, a national daily carries a
report that Fr. Rutas killer, one of few secular priest deputized by the
Department of Natural Resources is living like any freeman roaming around in this
mountain unmolested. It’s quiet an ironic indeed that while Sta. Maria range is
declared as National Park, people of dubious identity find themselves
completely at peace with her generosity. Words have it that the government hired
services of the Americans to secure everything there is left of the mountain range.
How so? Why where is the community, the first and last vanguard of natural
resources? Presently, this beautiful mountain is on its own way recovering from
destruction though piecemeal forest cover beginning to prosper save on the base
where <i>kaingineros’</i> slash and burn farming practice, like cancer, have
their day full or they would die starving.
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Thanks at least Multi-sectoral Task Force
were doing their job protecting the environment,” Fr. Driarco sighed with bated
brief.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Taken in its entirely, this mysterious
mountain is definitely a perfect place to live even just for a while. It’s tall
rain forest provides privacy and protection. Farther in the heart of the mountain
is a bunker and maintaining well-received radio broadcast ‘<i>Mindanao’</i> has been anticipating the time would soon come when the island would be independent, a moment of
truth when people of the island would finally enjoy the fruits of their labor
running its own affair most likely better if not best from those the way
Central government is doing. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “It’s just most unfair you know allowing
the government continue exploiting the island’s natural resources siphoning the
lion share leaving the crumbs to Mindanao,” many secessionist and MIM members
griped. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> But whether their efforts would be
vindicated is yet to be seen. Filipinos in general are not for division of
their territories. They’ve been through
years and ages protecting their country against foreign invaders. Whatever
happen now that we are squeezing each others’ throat when the beloved country
Philippines is the only remaining treasure we’ve got. Where’s your sense of
history as Uncle Sam would say.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Surprisingly too, a small plane could be
seen passing over its mountainous ranges in many several occasion during night
time. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Father in the heart of the mountain is a
cave where a trail of forty degrees leads there. To any group wanting to hold
very confidential and special sessions, it’s the most practical place to stay. The
higher hierarchy of the NPA just didn’t pass any other opportunity than deciding
it as venue of their 13<sup>th</sup> Plenum.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> It’s
been Ka Lino’s hideout and the rest of other cadre offering them desired
accommodation for recuperation. In short, the cave is a mini hospital,
conference venue and camp rolled into one. All the big guns in the movement and
from Manila would be coming over for the occasion. They would be clandestinely
moving the afternoon and in the evening under cover of darkness. Each
participant is required to wear his security pass and catchword to be
accommodated. For an outsider reaching the area is like passing through the
proverbial eye of the needle. Snipers, landmines, water; fruits laced with
poison above all, serenity of the area is gripping making each footstep an
ordeal along the trails specially. How they were secured by the NPAs is no
accident. The effort was deliberate. It’s a place where they could have
temporary freedom away from the noise and destruction of city life.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">. . . . . . . . . . .<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: center;"> </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10908645543292590219noreply@blogger.com0Cagayan de Oro, Philippines8.4542363 124.63189778.2029393 124.3160407 8.705533299999999 124.94775469999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5949714347708699086.post-90077058287487480992012-11-12T18:32:00.000-08:002015-05-07T19:53:12.349-07:00Chapter 24 - Love in the Forest<div style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Chapter 24<br /><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">Love in the Forest</span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> E</span></span></b>vents happened too quickly, Ka Emir for
the first time finds himself captured by
warm embrace and tender loving arms of Eliza. Save for the birds chirping in
trees, it was love speaking between two passionate creation of opposite
persuasion – he a Catholic priest and she a naïve lady with an urban
upbringing. Mustering enough courage to
maintain his sanity would have been the best thing to do but love was probably
too overwhelming finding its own way out from the clutches of the past between
two unexpected creature wedged by irresistible passion keen on making its day
in the present amid the forest. Two
poles far apart about to bend all in the name of love, a forbidden love affair
getting feverish building into torrid climax about to explode only to be taken
aback by the thought of losing his priestly vocation – all these juxtaposed in
the a fleeting moment of passion and indecision only two people in love holds
the key as an answer.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Such scene would have been a masterpiece of
all creation any artist willing to exploit but there was none except silence
and humming of bees as mute witnesses of two lovers caught in the stillness of
the night. Did Adam not succumb to Eve
anyway at the height of temptation in the Garden of Eden? What could he do
anyway, he’s also mere human being, a knight in
shining armor whose shaft could be as hotter and harder as anybody else.
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> The
young priest reconsidered for a moment wanting to resolve the issue only to lost
completely again his sanity trapped into
the deep abyss as Liza’s moist lips began touching his warm lips scooping his moist tongue against her’s. Like
cascading waterfalls came rushing to the sea, it’s all what Liza needs to break
free Ka Emir’s nerve of steel of pretension
liberating that lust which has
been deprived by the institution he’s representing over centuries of bondage.
No wonder that men and women all throughout the world are sacrificing
themselves as willing victims falling on the same trap playing this very crazy
game called love. Liza was hot too as
her hands reached out his shaft and as she strikes it feeding against her opening
sent her jerking in ecstasy. With her
two tits getting rigid as he kissed them, she would tilt her head upward eyes
closed savoring the indescribable happiness from sustained erotic sensation and
excitement. This, she was convinced was
the fulfillment of her womanhood so graciously exploited rubbing her off her innocence too deflowering
her chastity to a man she taught to be
what God gives her as possible mate for life . Ditto with Ka Emir feeling
lighter after shaking off the bondage of celibacy that has imprisoned him for so long sending his signal
of living the world with all its trappings and sophistication awakened in
jubilation. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Who am I and why can’t I,” were the
questions cropped up addressing the very foundation of his being.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “And why not, why really not . . . ” was
his own answer coming alive his wisdom learned from classics and Existentialism.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Caught in the swirling mood reeling of excitement, he finally mounted over her
anticipating an explosion of immense power down under
accumulating over time from past decades. His phallus now going wild too
hot to handle became crazy. Finding his mark of her opening easily slips
through her vagina penetrating her soft but warm vaginal canal. Hugging her
tightly, he works his way in first gradually thrusting and then as rhythm
regularly established pumping feverishly until in full–throttle her orgasm catching up with him gradually and
later violently. Reaching for the
climax both exploded together
planting everything what he got inside his egg sac into Liza’s uncharted deep holy hole. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Happiness could be seen all over as sweat
continues dropping profusely glistening their tired bodies. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Many thanks and I’m sorry if I was just too fast accommodating you,”
Liza whispered to Driarco now regaining his sanity and she wondering whatever
damage she inflicted into this innocent man in cassock. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> But there was no response except for their
still bated breath as if their
last. His warm lips kissed her forehead
instead wet of perspiration his fingers running gently through her long and
thick black hair.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Why forgiveness?” he uttered. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “What is there to forgive when both of you
love each other with mutual respect still intact,” the young priest qualified
further giving Liza benefits of her doubts. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Isn’t it this what should love be all
about – two people of different persuasions diametrically opposing
uncharacteristic background sacrificing everything toward the middle bending
all in the name of love!”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> True enough love just finds its way out
from religious bigotry of the past. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “But isn’t it all is fair in love ?” his
quick additional defense caught by the viral fast spreading imprisoning his
entire system eating away his ego caught by the magic of her implacable
affection to her. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “And happens yet from the most unexpected
place to boot,” Liza’s rejoinder beaming with smile her silvery tears started
flowing down from her sunken socket to her beautiful well-chiseled beautiful
face carried by the treatise that is love from an unexpected love of her life.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Yap and it looks like Jose Feliciano’s
song was exclusively written for us amidst thick forest under the bright moon.”
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Seems like the proposal is in the air, Liza
observes. And all she could do is stare his face speechless melting her heart away waiting his
confirmation.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Would you marry me then?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Yes and I will,” he said in soft voice
appreciating the sincerity of the young Catholic priest.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Unless fate has some other things in store
for us I’m now declaring my commitment to you,” he went on as if every words
spoken count. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Whatever I’ve done on my vocation, God
only knows,” he said secretly.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">He was partly right, remembering the advice
of the Bishop Valdez not to surrender his vocation to </span> Marcos. Now Ka Emir thought that the prince of the
church was also partly wrong.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “There’s love one could easily falls into
at the expense of one’s priestly vocation as well in other words,” he cleared.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> </span> “Many are called but few are chosen was
probably the common denominator. Serving
Him wholeheartedly is after all everybody’s business whether you are a clergy
or mere layman” he clarified. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Liza was similarly unperturbed listening
Driarco and just like him too, leaves the rest to God. As liberated woman herself, she knows what it
takes living without any strict rules to follow planning and executing many
ambitious projects satisfying her intellectual interest with relish until she
finds herself involved in underground movement. Her deliberate efforts in
identifying her cause with that of the rebels
has never been challenged by her good self. She just outgrows it. With Ka Emir now besides her, she is hoping
she should further stretch her imagination serving in whatever capacity she could contribute
helping the movement grow. At least there is still time and she’s still
alive. Right now she doesn’t discount
the idea that she might be caught by any government trooper specially what with that handsome P500,000.00
reward over her head for her capture dead or alive. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Who cares? It’s the price many of her
comrades paid. No problems even if she is put next in line. But not now especially with someone very
special person coming into her life,” she thought bargaining. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> What if she would soon become a mother,
will she change and go back to the fold of law.
She’s not sure. Time could only
tell.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> The candle light flickering on the table
soon ran out of its light. The wax
gradually stopped accumulating one droplet after another. Gush of wind came blowing but its light stood
tall defying each time every whisper of winds strike back. Losing its light, they were engulfed anew by
darkness. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">They’re the only two fortunate creature’s
occupant of that small nipa hut reserved for visitors by Ka Aris, the overall
commander of the group. Learning that
love blooms between Ka Liza and Ka Emir, he offered it to them for their own
special needs. All members recognized
that need and they are willing to welcome any other further development. As former Catholic priest, he has been
accorded with almost a carpet accommodation but <i>Ka Emir</i> deliberately shrugged it off to avoid mistrust
creeping. Others call him “<i>Pads</i>”, Visayan Street English and
corruption of the word “<i>Father</i>”, a
name he doesn’t mind getting.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Both are still wide awake and preoccupied
thinking what would be their life next. Would they continue just living–in as
common-law couple or pursue their wedding ceremony. What if Ka Emir would be
out joining his men in the operation? And what if he would be dead. These are some queries playing on her mind
but she decided to take it one at a time allowing everything to fall into their
proper place separating what is essential from superficial. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “How you’ve been sweetheart,” Driarco
whispered gently.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Fine, feeling great besides you. Hope this would be forever. . . . “</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Till death even do us part then . . . .”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Even beyond death, you mean as it merely
special growth taking place to a love simply immortal and divine.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Really an endless love we should know . .
. ,”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Embracing each other again, their eyes
speak of love once more. Slowly, Liza get
her lips closer to his’. After feasting with each other’s sweetness earlier,
Liza thought that there should be next making the best of their sexual binge.
Reciprocating his industry earlier, she had his phallus fondled shivering Ka
Emir. The more she squeezed the more
however it fights back erect. Masturbating it gently somehow did him good only after he helped her pressed
her two hands back and forth creating friction too hard to handle for him.
Wanting to save his juice, he helped her withdrew her hands and hurriedly feed
his shaft into her watery opening. Realizing she was becoming frenzy, he took
her by the buttocks and guiding his way in pushing anew going back to the
rhythm of the night. Silence was all over the place except for the rhythmic
sound of thatched bamboo flooring created following a simulated beat each time
the thrust was performed in succession.
Nearing climax, he waited for her to catch up her orgasm with him and there
after panting as if gasping for last breath, both again exploded for good. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “I hope we could be married the soonest
possible time this after I would get release paper from <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Vatican</st1:place></st1:country-region>. Never
mind how they would do it. I’m giving them umbrella authority to do it for us
after all we have already unofficially started our married life,” Driarco
cleared.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Both could hardly imagine the sexual
experience they had last night. It was
par excellence. Liza herself experienced
multiple orgasm before since her puberty age.
Self manipulation, fondling of clitoris, caressing of nipples and several other forms – these have
been part of her active sexual life providing her sexual contentment. But what
she encountered last night with Driarco was a revelation. It was the real thing. It makes her fulfilled. Her shining but naïve face reflecting
mirror of contentment and utmost
happiness shows and avers her sense of sexual fulfillment. Silence ensued, this
time for good.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Outside the collective voice of the rebels
in their daily exercise keep on booming.
The goose-stepping is rather awkward. This is obvious because they were
not wearing boots but sandals, the rest barefooted. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> The unwed couple looks fresh after shower
from nearby cold spring. They were
surprised to see comrades in arms preparing a banquet upon their return to the
hut. All the rest were beaming with
smiles and collectively one in spirit for today’s important celebration. For Driarco, it could be a completely
different wedding ceremony he had conducted or administered in parishes he
served in the past. It would also be
officially a culmination of his life as an officiating priest of the Catholic
Church, a fact he doesn’t crow against as he did not solicit it. He just rather outgrows it. And he’s ready defending it against those who
would think otherwise. A priest once
ordained is still a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek only he cannot
dispense any sacrament unless there is an official approval from <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Vatican</st1:place></st1:country-region>. All is fair in love after all whether in war
or in peace.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">On the contrary at
least he should be given credit for his honesty what with his decision of
coming out in the open settling down with Liza albeit the foreign nuptial
ceremony at hand. He recalls too many priests who have sired several children
with their church goers and are still dispensing sacraments or having an
illicit relationship with others, a glaring example of living double standard
of morality. Like any other priests, he
does not discount the idea that the church might allow its priest to
marry. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 47.7pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“But when? Never
mind,” he would readily conceded.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 47.7pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“What is important is
consistency. So what if loving a woman is taking her to the altar showing to
the world you are embarking on such journey despite you’re being an ordained
Catholic priest? At least you earned respect from people and parishioners never
mind harsh to the Catholic hierarchy rocking its long cherished vow of
chastity,” reflected the young priest of his two classmates from the seminary
whose marriage were performed by themselves one after the other. The antics
actually stirred the Catholic Church picked up by the Media.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 47.7pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“No rocking of the
boat baby. Now that you are married, welcome aboard and by all means be happy,”
his message from one of his articles learning the new venture of once his batch
mates and contemporaries from the seminary.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 47.7pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Well said but tough
act to do,” his empathy relating his predicament now to them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 47.7pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> It might not also be a far-fetched idea that
the issue of optional celibacy fanned out by such firebrand theologian Carl
Jung who sparked the ire of <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Vatican</st1:place></st1:country-region>
would remain as controversial and implacable as ever among religious, layman
and other progressive and practicing Christians. Experience has taught him it’s not easy
living everyday inside the four corners of a convent. And priests who don’t know how to manage
their time are rather susceptible to loneliness, any secular priest knows how
hard to handle. Of course, man has
libido permanently tucked right under his belt aptly articulated by such great
minds as James Joyce and Sigmund Freud. But Driarco would like to think that it
would be the height of stupidity
correlating satisfaction of their animal nature desirous of sexual pleasure and
divine calling of priestly vocation.
Otherwise, there would have been no Sts. Augustine, Francis of Assisi.
There would have been no Missionaries and Spanish Prelates assigned before in
the country propagating their race in the process. The ever continuing supply of vocations
especially among the religious life is in itself manifestation of miracle at
work here. Personally, Driarco would
rather be lenient on issue of priest
leaving their vocation despite thousands of exodus to family as experienced in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">U.S.</st1:place></st1:country-region> and in the
country alarming many sensitive theologians. It’s just natural movement. And it’s better definitely than clinging
helplessly to their priestly vocation while maintaining a mistress on the other at the back of the
convent.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 47.7pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“It’s another miracle
at work here,” he supposed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 47.7pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> It’s just a question of honesty therefore,
period. What he feels uncomfortable however is the nagging question among his
peers and parishioners regarding his involvement in the underground first as
supporter and later as leader and now armed combatant. He himself would like to remain calm and
would not engage in rhetoric. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 47.7pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Come, live, see and
experience if you too would not be drawn to Nationalist struggle for democracy,”
he would sometimes explain his side.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 47.7pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It’s one of the
mysteries he is yet to solve. And if he
dies without solving them, he doesn’t mind.
He doesn’t even guarantee that he would remain and dies as a rebel. What he is certain of is that God has many
ways in working His way to all people. It depends on how man responds. He would recall the painful transformation
from a mere parish priest in Esperanza to a rebel right now. Very difficult indeed to explain. Among others, it just doesn’t make any sense
wearing cassock preaching good news without ever practicing it. Anyway, the thought that there have been many others in the movement doing similar work
as he and the rest still coming joining the nationalist struggle, is a lasting
consolation. Again, he would not be surprised if there would consistent supply
of priest to the cause for the peoples’ struggle unless if priest’s conscience
is not working.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 47.7pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“While man engages in
evil, there would always be people like him who would come into their rescue,”
his experience validated. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 47.7pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> What if democracy would be alive and
thriving? That would be time he would
not worry most. He is therefore willing
to come out in the open and help it grows.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 47.7pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: 0in; text-align: center; text-indent: .5in;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">. .
. . . . . . . . . . <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“So congratulations
for both of you Ka Emir and Ka Liza,” <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">K</span>a
Aries said greeting the couple as they come out from the N<i>ipa</i> hut. Both acknowledge the warm good cheer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 47.7pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“We’re grateful to
all of you. <i>Mabuhay ang Pilipinas</i>.
What a surprise gift to us,” Ka Emir responded.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 47.7pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“You’re right. We didn’t deliberately inform you about this
stuff to let you know that you and Liza have done great things to our
Nationalist’s Democratic struggle. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 47.7pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“We have already arranged
your nuptial service this morning precisely you can see many new faces
around. I invited them to come over and
join our celebration. Ka Mario over there would be the one to solemnize your
marriage. In few more minutes we would
be starting the ceremony. Good luck
again to both of you,” the unassuming Ka Aris informed the couple.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 47.7pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I couldn’t believe
this,” Liza exclaimed Ka Emir pressing his palm.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“But it’s true.
Right?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 47.7pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Liza nodded.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Meanwhile, one of a
comrade hoisted a streamer at the back of the table where the couple seated.
It’s red and visibly shown was huge wooden hammer and sickle. Another comrade brought in M-16 Armalite. He
puts it on the table. It signals the start
of the nuptial ceremony. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It was one of the
simplest ceremonies. It started with a
song to the accompaniment of a guitar.
The couple in their casual dress passing through an arm parade proceeded
taking their position facing Ka Mario. With hand clasp, the officiating comrade
extolled the would-be couple to be true to the calling of Nationalist Struggle
for Democracy. As a sign of that commitment both Ka Emir
and Ka Lisa accepted the M-16
Armalite one after the other. They then
repeated the vow of commitment after Ka Mario reads each line from a red
booklet. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">During the wedding
ceremony, the usual informal proceeding was observed – candles lighted and to
bind them together a sponsor draped their shoulder with a cloth with sequined
revolutionary hammer and sickle on flag held in place by a long beaded cord
tied over them symbolizing lasting and stronger married life. And instead of
coins to signify prosperity, live bullets were held in each other’s hand
representing commitment in armed struggle. Soon patriotic songs were sang after
Ka Emir sealed his commitment with a kiss ending the ceremony. Thunderous
applause and catcalls followed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Congratulations
again darling. God bless us,” Ka Emir uttered planting a kiss to her lips
brimming with happiness. Hugging Liza, they both arose acknowledging the good
cheer of their comrade in arms around.
Only then the clapping subsided.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Ka Aris who was
sitting nearby was fidgeting the groom to give a talk, any relevant in-puts to
the well-wishers. Outside the venue
nearby, the smoke still bellows. The
sight of two roasted pigs now almost cooked was very inviting. It would be served for everybody. Ka Emir
begins clearing his throat d said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Many thanks indeed
for everybody specially Ka Aris who made this modest celebration possible. I
never knew that my involvement with the peoples’ struggle would reached this
far. As we all know our lives is only given once as such should also be lived
once. I’m not sure if anybody right here
in this place regretted for having spent part of your life in this crusade for
national liberation. I bet your answer
would be ‘I don’t think so.’ Not surprising.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 47.7pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“In fact, even if we
would trace our footprints together before we found ourselves where we are
today, I would still believe such path is just a prelude to a lasting search
for peace and freedom pursued by our great grandfathers since the revolution of
1898. Remember as I’m always saying it at the point of saturation, freedom is
only for the brave. Right now, as I
embark on a new phase of my life with my lovely wife Liza, I’d like to renew
that commitment. Come what may. As long
as we live that life abundantly even only once is for me more than enough. And
I can’t find no other better opportunity of living it than being with you all
the rest of my life.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 47.7pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Indeed you would
recall that today’s struggle for national liberation is just a continuation of
our forefather’s struggle against the foreign invaders of the past. They have
shown how dear freedom is to our lives.
This they did by fighting the enemies tooth and nail at the last ounce
of their lives to the last drop of their blood.
This what exactly what our national heroes did notably Lapulapu of
Mactan in Visayas, Sultan Kudarat in Mindanao, Bonifacio, Antonio Luna,
Aguinaldo, Mabini and many others in Luzon. As you probably know it, they
fought while they were still in their prime. Rizal, Bonifacio Aguinaldo and the
rest of the gang were still in their early twenties when they raised their
voices and arms against the Spanish conquerors. “<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 47.7pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“So too with
everybody else here today, we are all you know mature, young yet have been
living witnesses to injustices committed by those in the helm of power, young
yet willing to sacrifice our lives for the freedom of the motherland, young and
yet bruised all over by abuses of imperialism perpetuated by Uncle Sam and his
local cohorts and accomplices. Lastly,
young yet brave enough coming
into this place as a community forever
strong imbuing us the power so strong no one can break it because it’s
impregnable collective strength stored
in the heart of every Filipinos not even our enemies to withstand any harrowing
experience are still living as one with
a dream of getting the tyrants out and
we – our leaders most specially -
leading us to the dawn of new day coming
to an age that life is never meant for the selected few only – the rich,
powerful and tyrants but most specially for all, the majority poor and the
downtrodden taken for a ride by those in the corridors of power.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 47.7pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“For a little
digression here, allow me please to give you benefits of your doubts why I’m here
before you,” this one rings a bell to each combatant’s ear. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 47.7pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“There have been
queries why is there a need for me to go this far momentarily taking off my cassock to fight the aggressors. Incidentally, said
question has been rendered moot and academic and I don’t personally think that
it is that surprising. I believe it would only be an amazing tale if we - priests, religious, laity and any other
ordinary Christians – didn’t find our familiar
way here living and fighting with you.
That would be great tragedy in
the light of present situation. I’m not sure if everybody by now already
learned what happened to my family and to me when I was assigned as parish
priest in Esperanza. It’s been an open
secret anyway. If they were able to
commit that abuse against my family and parishioners, I don’t see any reason
why they could not do the same offense against any ordinary men like you here.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 47.7pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Again, this is what
we said ours is merely continuation of the past struggle in whatever form
abuses are committed. The important
variable of this is our response. Precisely our involvement with this struggle
showing how far and to what extent we would allow injustice to go. What we have been doing so far, it’s for
everybody’s business and for the next generation to come. In short for each and
every Filipino’s future. What happens to
you happens to me and to everybody else regardless of age, persuasion and
creed. Unless those who love so much
their lives would not heed the call of the time, I don’t think they would survive
that long. I myself would have not been
before you today had I opted in staying in the convent. And what if those occupying the front pews in
the church are the very persons that caused you misfortunes. It’s ridiculous
giving homily of pardon and love, don’t you think so my friends? That’s what
exactly happened to me and the rest – workers or non-workers of the church –
who went ahead of us up there,” he further clarified his index finger pointing
upward stressing his point.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 47.7pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Taking an important
item inside his pocket, he lifts it up for everybody to see. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 47.7pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">‘Do you see this?” he
said raising up high the small bottle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 47.7pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Small bottle right?”
he probed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 47.7pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“But for the rest who
can’t probably figure out what this is. Of course, just a small receptacle.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 47.7pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“It’s no ordinary
receptacle however.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 47.7pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Look at the items
inside. Three needles right?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 47.7pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“But they are not any
ordinary needles though but customized ones to appear as such but just enough
to cause your death!” he said getting the interest of the people around at the
same time shaking it causing a sound
just enough to be heard. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 47.7pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Indeed these are no
ordinary needles never utilized in sewing nor any other related activities
instead in killing sweetly innocent people covering up what seemingly look like
there’s semblance of ordinary death. But not until you discovered it that was planted right on your cranium in murdering
you . . . ,” audience were stunned. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 47.7pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“The same instrument
incidentally was used in killing my father and another father of a good friend of
mine, accomplices and just anyone else that they don’t like to see their face
again. Poor guys offered as sacrifice by the Powers-that-be in perpetuating
themselves in power,” he confided but not knowing how many more casualties
there is dead that way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 47.7pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I repeat these small
pointed instruments are no ordinary tool of killing people. Tibetan’s have
their own needle as their own prized possession secured in an elegant leather
jacket. The WOLVES of RSM incidentally enhanced that nonetheless used it
leaving their empty jacket to be refilled with new needles once planted to the
cranium of the victim,” he said pausing summoning enough air to breath.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 47.7pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">From the silence, it
was clear that the audience was more shocked than informed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 47.7pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“By the way, I’m
keeping it myself as souvenir to remember what evil men are capable of doing. One
of this would be given back to a son of real owners in an appropriate time comes,” he said but his voice
slowing down learning that his good friend has been on the other side of the
fence protecting the status quo.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 47.7pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Unfortunately . . .
. he might not able to receive it . . . .”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 47.7pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Not sure of his
status now. But hopefully we’ll meet in God’s time.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 47.7pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: 0in; text-align: left; text-indent: .5in;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I
need to meet him because these needles would be restless until they are put
back secured in their original leather jacket!”<br />
“Now
going back to my homily, even if we would stretch further our imagination
across the seas, we would still found out priest themselves ended up not just as mere
supporters but armed combatants as well.
This what exactly happened to Cardenal brother-priests themselves of <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Nicaragua</st1:place></st1:country-region>.
Unfortunately, we have to learn yet what happened to Sandinista revolution, how
they successfully waged their struggle to the end.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 47.7pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“The brutal killing
then of Somoza by the Sandinista’s bazooka in broad daylight yet at <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Asuncion</st1:place></st1:city> indicates a grim
reminder to fascist and dictators that the oppressed could give a run of their
lives in very ugly and brutal fashion yet.
Having said this, I don’t think Liza and me have anything to say more.
Again thanks indeed. <i>Mabuhay and
Pilipinas</i>!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 47.7pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It was well-said piece
despite extemporaneous, Ka Aris thought.
Liza beside him joining the rest leads in giving Ka Emir sustained standing ovation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 47.7pt; margin-top: 0in; mso-add-space: auto; tab-stops: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> “<i>Mabuhay
ang Pilipinas pa rin</i>” collectively and repeatedly chorused by all comrades
raising their clenched fists erupted and vibrated around the open space, their
voices echoing afar among the trees in the forest</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListBulletCxSpLast">
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10908645543292590219noreply@blogger.com0Cagayan de Oro, Philippines8.4542363 124.63189778.2029393 124.3160407 8.705533299999999 124.94775469999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5949714347708699086.post-64258548567085783822012-11-12T18:28:00.000-08:002015-05-07T19:58:16.845-07:00Chapter 23 - Lover's Time<div style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Chapter 23</b><br /><b style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Lover’s Time</span></b></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta; font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> “G</span></b></span></span>ood morning comrade in arms! We have
today new friends coming all the way from far away Esperanza of Marble County
blown away by wind of change this part of the archipelago where great number of
our forces are concentrated. He’s a priest but not any ordinary priest who
preaches theology of liberation in the pulpit. Just like the rest of the
clergy who were once caught in ‘No Exit!’ phenomenon many have been with us,
Fr. Driarco’s experience of harassment was too much he could bargain for. No
need to list them here. Here he is the living testimony of that bondage and
wanted lifting freely that bondage back as compliment through our collective
strength. True he is a priest of God in the tradition of Melchizedek. But most
importantly, a true priest of the people
having experienced the struggle against all forms of injustices until we
intervened rescuing him for our cause,” Ka Aris cleared.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Unfortunately, as averred by your presence
and everybody else in this movement, there’s no way breaking the backbone of
the devil that is dictatorship unless addressed by collective strength.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Marcos’ forces are too strong. Think how
he institutionalized the military institution paving the way to militarization
of different Department of Bureaucracy leaving not enough breathing space for
Juan de la Cruz to live. Worst wanton killing of innocent lives whose only sin
is their tenacity of standing by their right.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “He and family suffered persecution. See
how ruthless the Powers-that-be that even a man in cassock is not spared. There
are too many of them and I bet you guess where they are now. Either they were already
dead and or have joined us in the movement.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “We regret to Fr. Driarco that we have to
pluck you out from your parish our hierarchy commanded us coming to your
rescue,” Ka Aris revealed. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “We did that risking even our own lives. We
hope by now you realized that we need each other if we are to free ourselves
from this endless web of treachery and fascist rule of Mr. Marcos. We have
nothing to lose except the chains of slavery Martial Law handed to us. Who says that Filipinos are coward with
you and now Fr. Driarco joining us in the movement?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “My dear friends let’s welcome him the
Committee decided to address him <i>Kasamang
Emir</i> in memory of our Comrade-in-Arms who zealously fought and died for the
freedom of this country.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Sustained applause followed until Ka Emir
said few words holding on not to go far declaring his commitment to the group
he is yet to confirm his loyalty with action while in the movement. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “If I may die while in the movement so be
it,” he stressed strengthening the bond of camaraderie of the people around. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Their help extended that would have cost
their lives had they been blown away was something he could not forget. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “This is the kind of commitment we need, a
commitment that could definitely destroyed Marcos’ iron fist that is Martial
Law, “he went emphasizing the validity of Nationalist struggle. He beg however
the question that he is yet to keep pace
the blistering step they have undertaken hoping that the rest of
honorable guys should join in the
movement and if not ready should be
given their choice until such time they could make their own decision.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Soon
each one welcome Ka Emir extending their left arm one at a time others
embracing him tightly. Women too have shown happiness and quiet elated that a
man like Ka Emir came albeit not solicited emphasizing the urgency of their
struggle. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Accepting their handshakes so moved him
deeply and recalled that true enough there are many other Gabriela Silang
sacrificing their lives for the love of the country. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">What prompted these people joining the
movement much earlier than him enthralled him convinced that Nationalist’s
struggle knows no gender. Why and how women in their early twenties and
thirties have consecrated their lives for this difficult struggle further
validated that urgency realizing now why even clergy are also drawn by them.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> When would others experience an
awakening coming to the rescue? When they too are persecuted
like him or blown away into bits and pieces? But not all men have that
privilege of being persecuted. Not all men in other words are that brave. That
like him should sacrifice and declare willingness putting their lives
next on line for the love of the country. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Ka
Eliza, the pretty nurse, was one among those who offered him good cheer and
hope would find fulfillment in the movement. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “The people right here need better your
services than those in many parishes,” she opined. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “They are dying without even hearing
confession. A movement like this Ka Emir deserve your service,” was her parting
shot wondering how in the world a beautiful with urban upbringing educated in
prestigious university in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Manila</st1:place></st1:city>
finds her life here in the movement.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Must have been prepared by destiny
crossing their path here,” the thought playing his mind elated as shown from
the smile on his face. Not sure if smitten by her charm and love her simple yet stunning beauty capturing his
heart.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">. . . . . . . . . . .<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Life in the movement has taken Fr.
Driarco’s life behind the scenes. He soon learns how to handle and fire a gun
as protection to save his own life and those of others in the movement
specially the women and children. He too has learned to live in utmost
simplicity thriving on root crops and corn, vegetables and wild animals’ meat.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Three more years past Ka Emir catapulted
becoming the top commander manning his own platoon in lieu of Ka Aris and Mario
who after several skirmishes against the military paid their own lives. Since
then Ka Emir learned the hard way defending the people, organizing rallies, yes
lobbying people’s revolutionary taxes for survival, raiding police stations
accumulating firearms under the thrill of excitement.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> And here’s his chance of a lifetime, facing
eyeball to eyeball against Powers-that-be, their nemesis all the way down.
Here’s his chance too of making it even against the WOLVES and their abusive liquidation squad defending the oppressed, an action indirectly
challenging the Mighty Apo and his men for showdown in the future. Finally,
here’s the ultimate chance of clearing his name liberating Sta. Rita from the
mess out of politics.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Yes indeed all of these issues are staring
before him. But the problem is – who are these
faceless men and how could I ever
know them?” the thought keep flashing back. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Suddenly he recalls whatever happened to
the needles he secured in a vial. “Who
really own them? The three savings were identical. The pattern of killing is
similar too. How many more there are and
to whose possession did they rest secure today? Who are behind all these
killings – from his father, Nong Tonio, Danny, Jojo, Abel and yes the Mayor and
still counting – were the questions giving him nosebleeds. Too many tough questions but hardly answered
given the mystery shrouding the killing.
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">As armed combatant, he too shared the travails and hardships of climbing rugged
terrain, bad weather armed with sardines, few kilos or rice, dried fish, noodles, dangling on his side, sleeping on
makeshift hammock like bats in the forest
engaging the military to several war of the flee employing rudest guerilla tactics. And like all if not
many of those in the movement, he too was felled down by bullets in number of
skirmishes. Legs, arms and the severest of them all, his chest just below his
heart. It would have been his last had he not survived from that fatal shot. That’s how Ka Eliza attended him
handling his medical needs with extra
tender loving care. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “God must have really wanted me to carry on
this struggle,” he thought thinking all those hard earned success defending
tooth and nail against possible setbacks. And the bottom line of it all, that girl who
helped him through attending his medical needs for fast recovery. Ka Eliza, no
less.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> It is in such many occasions recuperating
when strong affection with Ka Eliza gradually grew and developed. It’s her duty
attending the wounded but somehow Ka Emir felt that personal touch Ka Eliza
employed exuding Tender Loving Care had been slowly taking away his heart each time she was visiting him </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Someone special is praying rosary for your
safety and fast recovery every time you’re taken in for medical services here,”
he heard his guardian angel whispering
him. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Who could this be indeed if not her
Florence Nightingale. And who else could do that if not only a woman in love.” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> She must have finally met her soul mate as
something special has been experienced ever since the young priest came around.
He did not only make the movement cohesive and competitive but more so
disciplined. There had been many gentlemen who have shown affection to her - flowers, poetry and special attention – but
none of them have so far smitten her heart stronger than the young priest. Not
until Ka Emir came around. He’s an embodiment of her ideals - tall, strong,
reserved and above all intelligent -. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Since then her days were never the same
again each day shining providing her renewed sense of zest and vigor serving
her comrades in the camp. The only hitch is that Ka Emir is an ordained priest
and that he could not possibly compromise his vocation let alone, forced the
issue. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “But isn’t all is fair in love who knows. Just
who knows all those kindness shown by him to her since he committed himself
joining the movement,” her heart seemingly challenging her. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Love is never love until you give it away
and he returns back to you,” she said recalling an inspiring dictum. Whatever
happens to her that Ka Emir preoccupied her mind while delivering her daily
activities. Must really been in love as she is running out of her mind finding
herself in solitude by the spring keeping
refreshed by the cold breeze of wind listening to sweet chirping of
birds in the forest, staring on the horizon on top of the mountain while
humming a tune or two counting the meteors as they occasionally drop through
the starry night in the horizon.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> </span> Many
more weeks and months passed by, the stronger her feeling towards Ka Emir
developed making her crazy all the more. Must be an indication how her passion
works when she just couldn’t help herself but giving it all. Gone were the days
when she ransacked her family’s Pharmacy taking all medicines she needs used in
extending medical services to her comrades injured in different encounter. What
about the first time she joined the operation her comrades all amazons killed
and she captured but by twist of event freed by her captor.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Crazy. Must have still a mission. This
might be it participating in nationalist struggle for democracy,” she insisted
though with reservation.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> This time it’s far more complicated as it
involves her emotion that morphed into special attraction towards Fr. Driarco.
First affection turning to passion, now
love graduating into irresistible
passion what with her heart now desires.
Obviously, the excitement this obsession creates is uncontrollably engrossing
and here’s the chance giving up to temptation.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">“Love conquers all, why not for those who
really mean it.” It was in this height of madness when she finally decided letting go her feelings. Sneaking out one
night from her quarter, she perfunctorily tiptoed her way in towards Ka Emir’s
hut. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Alerted by the slightest movement, Ka Emir
reached for his pistol underneath the pillow and putting his index finger on
the trigger saw familiar figure slowly pushing the door. It’s Ka Liza gingerly
tip-toeing her steps slowly in her seductive night suit</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Ka Emir choked seeing his unexpected
friendly guest. But the words uttered next defy it all.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Come on in,” he said dropping his pistol
on its leather holster. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> No words described the passion overwhelming
two people in love as both caught in total warm embrace, their moist lips
gladly meet. And as if their hearts had long been entwined the first time they
meet celebrated love in its sweetness
and fullness.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> </span> Outside the moonlight flickered endlessly getting brighter illuminating
dark clouds before it could cover its light on the <i>Nipa </i>hut where two people in love feasted the beauty that is life
maximizing the pleasure from excitement catching up lost chance otherwise would
have been spent together while in the movement.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Everybody’s favorite philosophers the likes of Immanuel
Kant to Aristotle, John Stuart Mill, John Locke to Plato, Friedrich Nietzsche
to John Rawls must have joined too in jubilation celebrating the power of the
unexplained phenomenon only people like Ka Elisa and Emir hold the key of
unlocking its secret reliving and validating the wisdom and relevance of their Valentine’s pick-up lines
– all talking the magic that is love whose grandeur and beauty indeed makes the
whole world go round. This evening’s case, in the forest! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Roses are red my love, violets are blue.
God is dead, now let’s screw’” Ka Liza might have quoted Nietzsche’s verbatim
rarin’ to go challenging finally where her sexual fantasy would led her to.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> To which the young priest gradually feeling
uncontrollably the heat horny might have
also quoted Immanuel Kant’s: “Two things owe me the most (tonight) – the starry
sky above me and you below me.” </span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Edwardian Script ITC"; font-size: 22.0pt;">.
. . . . . . . . . . . <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10908645543292590219noreply@blogger.com0Cagayan de Oro, Philippines8.4542363 124.63189778.2029393 124.3160407 8.705533299999999 124.94775469999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5949714347708699086.post-10030854244721241162012-11-12T18:20:00.000-08:002015-05-07T20:03:36.725-07:00Chapter 22 - Exodus<div style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Chapter 22<br /><b style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Exodus</span></b></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: magenta; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> M/V</span></span></b> Sta. Ana carrying Fr. Driarco, Ka Mario and Roger from <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Iloilo</st1:place></st1:city> to Cagayan de Oro city has been adrift
to the sea for the past six hours. From afar the glittering neon lights flicker
like colored constellation dotting the skies. Blowing its horn, the luxury
liner glided swiftly towards the seaport breaking the dawn and still asleep
city of <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Golden Friendship</st1:place></st1:city>.
From atop the boat, Fr. Driarco could see hundreds of well-wishers including
stevedores in their yellow uniform out positioning each other on the concrete
pavement. Soon hundreds of people came rushing into the boat as the gangplank
was hoisted kissing the concrete seawall. All passengers were already on their
feet, the rest queuing up downstairs wanting to set their foot of their
destination. Ka Mario led the group followed by Roger, Fr. Driarco and another
companion. A van with one way mirror took them in.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Welcome to <st1:place w:st="on">Mindanao</st1:place>.
It’s good to have you around Reverend Fr. . . .”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="ES"> “I’m Driarco Valderama
dela Cruz from Sta. </span><span lang="EN-US">Rita, Romblon.” the visitor quipped taking out the
wig and mustache.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Welcome to the group father. Ka Mario
radioed me of your predicament and thought that we should come to your rescue.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Many thanks and I really owe my life to
your group.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">“Our group from now on Father. What you
meet is practically what everybody else in our movement experienced. There are
too many others you know like you in the movement you would later learn
suffered worst than you had. These gentlemen and concerned ladies would have
been additional forces that could have possibly stifle Marcos’ voice.
Unfortunately, the muzzle of the gun is such terrifying instrument that could
silence their voices forever. Hence, the change of loyalty from the dictatorial
Marcos’ run government to people nationalists’ struggle for liberation. It’s
their choice. We do follow suit. The rest still caught in the quandary what to
do. But we’ve got to move. Time is running out. Marcos men have been on the run
rampaging the innocent lives of civilians shooting at will they could see
crossing against their path. It’s not the way any civilized nation behave you
know. Precisely we have the bill of rights to protect each Filipino his
security and freedom unfortunately no less than the president of the country
transgressed and abused.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Driarco and the rest of the group seated on
the backseat remained composed listening Ka Lino’s food for thought while he
expertly negotiated difficult road passing through scenic beaches and panoramic
towering mountains covered with green forests. Ka Mario once in a while would
look back if there are some suspecting vehicles tailing them. But so far none. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “How long would it take us to get there?” Driarco asked.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “About three hours straight travel,” Ka Lino
holding the steering wheel answered.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">That means we have still roughly an hour to
go, Driarco thought looking on his wristwatch.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “We’ll be there at exactly seven o’clock in
the morning. And another one or two hours would take us to our destination. You
need not ask us ‘where?’ Just come and see. Ka Aris would be very glad seeing
you joining us in liberating this country from the shackles of tyranny.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Our pleasure,” Fr. Driarco uttered
wondering if it is the right answer for the occasion. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Suddenly, the van careened off the road as
hail of bullets rained the vehicle.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Ka Mario’s shout of <i>hapon </i>was late not even able to fire back his M-16. Fr. Driarco was
quick to reach for the steering wheel putting the van back on the road speeding
off hurriedly.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Move fast,” he said realizing Ka Lino was
badly hit on his broad sinewy arm blood gushing out profusely.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Shit,” Ka Mario blared seeing two Nissan
patrol with heavily armed military inside out to finish them off.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Instinctively, Fr. Driarco gathered enough
strength and engages the two vehicles to daredevil fast and furious drive. But
the Nissan patrol speeding off swiftly
and by all indications could overtake the blue van.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Some more nearer, nearer, nearer,” Ka
Mario on the back seat uttered aiming his bazooka towards the speeding military
vehicle. They were jolted as the military started raining them with armalites.
Ka Mario fired back once in a while reserving his bazooka for the final
showdown.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Just continue zigzagging your route Father
and wait for my words to drive straightway to lure them into coming nearer.
That time my bazooka would be ready,” Ka Mario said.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “We’re on. This is a surprise attack. Be
sure to hit them first before they could blow us into oblivion partner,” the
priest replied in jest.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Now,” Ka Mario shouted learning that they
would be trap once they would reach the military post about a kilometer away.
Correct timing should be observed to sustain if ever they have to make their
last ditch effort of keeping hope alive.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Instantly, the good priest drive
straightway allowing the first chasing vehicle gather enough speed.
Unfortunately, it turn upside down before it could ever gets nearer Fr.
Driarco’s van. Ka Mario’s bazooka was no doubt fatal as it hit its mark right exploding
the Nissan patrol on the concrete road pavement. Undaunted, the second military
vehicle give a chase. Fr. Driarco maneuvered anew his van zigzagging as hails
of bullets were sprayed to them.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “While the four wheels are still complete
and air intact we could give a run of their lives, he said setting the tone of
their next target. <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Battle</st1:place></st1:city>
of wits, that what probably the driver of the military vehicle thought as he
also zigzag its route. Aiming for the second shot, Ka Mario unleashed the fury
of his bazooka but it did not hit the target felling a coconut trees instead.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Good heavens,” Fr. Driarco thought seeing
from afar the road barrier set by the military. Hid heart further sank seeing
too from the front mirror the second military vehicle fast approaching muzzle
of their armalites protruding from the window out for the retaliation and the
final application of their brutal force against them who earlier killed their
friends in the profession. Suddenly, a counter ambush staged by the rebels
turned the trend of the occasion anew the other way around caught the second
chasing military vehicle practically off-guard blowing away its front tires all
passengers killed inside as it leaped through deep ravine. Taking the cue, Fr.
Driarco swiftly executed a U-turn speeding away back the pursuing counter
offensive attack occur from those guarding the military outpost. Reaching the
ambushers location, they hurriedly leaped from the van to the ground. Ka Lino
limping taking the needed cover. Roger, Fr. Driarco and Ka Mario followed a man
who later they learned as Ka Aris, the leader of the group. The ground attack
continues as Fr. Driarco and company started withdrawing from the area. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> A registered nurse applied the first aid on
Ka Lino and as soon as bandaging of his destroyed right arm was over and
dextrose properly installed followed Fr. Driarco’s group catching them half way
towards the rebel’s camp. No fatalities featured from the rebels camp except
some injured from the counter attack by the military enforcement group. But it
proved to be their last hurrah and did not show any semblance of good planning
or was Fr. Driarco and company were merely given second chance to make up their
mind that fighting against duly instituted authority like the government is just like courting suicide.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Good we reached this place Father alive. I
thought it was the end when the first military vehicles almost overran us. How
bad our luck would have been have we passed out. Imagine leaving Sta. Rita
alive only to be dead and buried here in <st1:place w:st="on">Mindanao</st1:place>.
Seem to be this is not an <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">Island</st1:placetype>
of <st1:placename w:st="on">Promise</st1:placename></st1:place> as has been
drummed up in my history class but island of fear,” Roger shared while taking
breakfast.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Dead yes. Buried, no. It’s not the
practice of the military of burying their enemies. Throwing them into the sea.
Maybe.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “And torching them to death the way Nero
used the early Christians as torches or most likely as additional fertilizer to
communal cemetery.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Tomb of the unknown you mean. What a
pity.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “That was history, unprecedented. . ..”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Unlike today’s military always abiding the
protocol of war with no less than this
country signatory of that Geneva Convention.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “No,
you don’t. If you die defending your country. Is that not an honorable death. I
think it’s worth the price. Never mind if nobody would claim your dead body.
God will.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Excuse me but I hope you’re fine now. I’m
Ka Aris,” said the leader of the group.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Glad to meet you and thanks for the
necessary lift otherwise we would have been six feet below the ground,” Fr.
Driarco intoned gripping tightly Ka Aris left hand extended to him.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “If you’re ready now to join us in our
struggle against Marcos dictatorship I could formally request the group to
gather around and formally accept you giving you a new sobriquet we require for
anybody who would be joining us. It is a name you could forever be proud of
while you are in the movement.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “My pleasure,”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Momentarily, the members together and
waited for the words of Ka Aris.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Good morning our comrade in arms. We have
today a new friends coming all the way from far away marble country blown away
by wind of change in this part of the country where great number of our forces
are concentrated. He’s a priest but not any ordinary priest who preaches
liberation in the pulpit. He is the priest of the people having joined them in
their struggle against all forms of injustices. Unfortunately, as averred by
your good self and everybody else who joined this movement for a lasting cause
there’s no way to break Marcos dictatorship by any individual. Marcos forces
are too strong. Think of how he institutionalized the military institution
paving the way of militarization of different department of the government
leaving not enough breathing space for Juan de la Cruz and worst of willful
killing of lives whose voices could have helped silenced the fascist ruler. He
and his family has been persecuted. See how ruthless the president is that even
a man in sultana is not spared. There are too many of them and I bet you guess
where they are now. Either they were dead and or have joined us in the movement.
We regret to Fr. Driarco that we have to pluck you out from your parish our
hierarchy tells us to come to your rescue. We did at the risk of our own lives.
We hope by now you realized that we need each other if we are to free ourselves
from this endless web of treachery and fascist rule of Mr. Marcos. We have
nothing to lost except the chains of slavery for many years since Martial Law
was handed to us. Who says that Filipinos are coward with you and now Fr.
Driarco joining us in the movement? My dear friends let’s welcome him the
committee decided to address him <i>Kasamang
Emir</i> in memory of our brother in arms who zealously fought and died for the
freedom of this country.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Sustained applause followed until Ka Emir
said few words holding on not to go far declaring his commitment to the group
he is yet to confirm his loyalty with action while in the movement. If I may
die while in the movement so be it, he stressed strengthening the bond of
camaraderie ship of the people around. Their help extended to him at the cost
of their lives had they were blown away was something he could not forget. This
is the kind of commitment we need, a commitment that could definitely destroyed
Marcos Martial Law, he went on to emphasize. He beg however that he is yet to
keep pace with the blistering step they have undertaken and hope that Abel and
Roger could also be in the movement and if not ready should be given their
choice until such time they could make their own decision. Soon each one
welcome Ka Emir extending their left arm one at a time others embracing him
tightly. Women too have shown happiness and quiet elated that a man like Ka
Emir empathized with their struggle. Accepting their handshakes so moved him
deeply and recalls that true enough there are many other Gabriela Silang in the
country. What prompted these creations to have been in the movement much
earlier than him enthralled him convincing him that if women in their early
twenties and thirties have consecrated their heart for the struggle why and how
long would it take for men like him to follow suit. Indeed so much suffering
has been experienced by Juan de la Cruz. When would they come to the rescue
when they too are persecuted like him. But not all men have that privilege of
being persecuted. Not all men in other words are that brave that unlike him
that they have to declare willingness to put their lives next on line. Ka
Eliza, the pretty nurse, was one among those who offered him good cheer and
hope he would have his fulfillment in the movement. The people right here need
better your services than those in many parishes. They died without even
hearing confession. A movement like this Ka Emir deserves your services, he was
told.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Life in the movement has taken Fr.
Driarco’s life behind the scenes. He soon learns how to handle and fire a gun
to save his own self and protect the lives of those in the movement specially
the women and children. He too has learned to live in utmost simplicity
thriving on root crops and corn, vegetables and wild animals.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> One, two, three more years past Ka Emir
catapulted to become a commander manning his own brigade in lieu of Ka Lino who
after several skirmishes against the military paid his own life. Since then Ka
Aris elevated Ka Emir to take the vacant post the former did not mind. Here’s
chance to make it even against the WOLVES and the abusive military and defending
the oppressed at all cost, an action indirectly challenging the Mighty Apo and
his men. Here’s the ultimate chance of liberating Esperanza and of clearing his
name. Suddenly he recalls whatever happens to the needle he dearly protected.
To whose possession did it rest secure today. Was it turned into ashes after
his convent was blazed with fire? And whoever killed the Mayor on that fateful
night when he was resting on the convent?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> As armed combatant, he too shares the
travails and hardships of climbing rugged terrain, bad weather, sleeping on top
of trees like bats and of engaging the military to several war of the flee
employing the rudest guerilla tactics. And like all if not many of those in the
movement he too felled down by bullets, legs, arms and the severest of all, his
chest, just below his heart. It would have been a fatal shot. God must have
wanted me to carry on the struggle. He so wish. So be it, he would affirmed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> It is in such many occasions he was
recuperating when strong affectionate attachment to Ka Eliza grows and
developed. It’s her duty to attend the wounded but somehow Ka Emir feels that
there was personal touch Ka Eliza exudes every time she visited him. Someone
special is praying for your fast recovery here that every time you’re in
operation she’s saying the rosary and praying your safety so you could be back
safe and alive. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “You would know it later who’s she when
time comes,” she would whisper gently to Ka Emir. In his mind, he knows only a
woman in love could say those words<br /> “She must be that woman. Who else?” he would tell himself.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> There had been many gentlemen who have
shown affection to her - flowers, poetry
and special attention – but none of them have so far smitten her heart. Not
until Ka Emir came around. He’s an embodiment of her ideals, tall, strong,
reserved and above all intelligent. Since then her days seem to be rosy and
complete. The only hitch is that Ka Emir was an ordained priest and that he
could not possibly compromise his vocation. But isn’t it that ‘all in love is
fair,’ her heart tells her. Love is never love until you give it away and
returns back to you, she would recall an inspiring dictum. Whatever happens to
her that Ka Emir preoccupied her mind while delivering her daily activities.
Sometimes, she would be running out of her mind finding herself in solitude
staring on the horizon by the spring humming a tune or two and in the evening
keeping herself refreshed by the cold breeze of wind.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “If this is not that special feeling called
love, what is this?” she must be asking.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">That bold feeling unfortunately have that
temerity holding her affection back just maybe
waiting the right time to show it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Many more weeks and months passed, the
stronger her feeling towards Ka Emir making her nuts driving all the more crazier
as days and nights passed. Love conquers all, why not for those who really mean
it. It was in this height of madness when she finally decided of letting her
feelings go. Sneaking out one night from her quarter, she perfunctorily tiptoed
her way towards Ka Emir’s hut. Alerted by the slightest movement, Ka Emir
reached for his pistol underneath the pillow and put his index finger on the
trigger until Ka Liza push slowly the door and let herself in her night suit. Ka Emir choked seeing his
unexpected friendly guest.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 18.0pt;">. . . . . . . . . . . . .<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10908645543292590219noreply@blogger.com0Cagayan de Oro, Philippines8.4542363 124.63189778.2029393 124.3160407 8.705533299999999 124.94775469999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5949714347708699086.post-6272919690348425302012-11-10T18:11:00.000-08:002015-05-07T20:16:16.392-07:00Chapter 21 - Imprisonment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8qBuCLorjWdbYZ5YAvyo9SFK2LhTeMVYEV0lRyx2gT8OiTUh9GZ9VCNrEJZ3gnrKJaJVJ4172YWveDYS8z0_uEYtWz_7IiiJjUzs_ZSk9INJJed6k4EA3JNOv8UE5EKHwtLyZYpdhsiU/s1600/imprisonment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8qBuCLorjWdbYZ5YAvyo9SFK2LhTeMVYEV0lRyx2gT8OiTUh9GZ9VCNrEJZ3gnrKJaJVJ4172YWveDYS8z0_uEYtWz_7IiiJjUzs_ZSk9INJJed6k4EA3JNOv8UE5EKHwtLyZYpdhsiU/s400/imprisonment.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Chapter 21</span></b></span></div>
<div style="color: red; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Imprisonment</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta; font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> E</span></b></span></span>vents just happened that fast. Fr. Driarco
was herded in a prison like a lamb, willing victim from the virtue of warrant
of arrest issued by Judge Pedrosa. His crime – death of Mayor Jose Torres!<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> How could it be when nothing is heard about
the incident until today when warrant of arrest was tendered to him.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “He was discovered dead in his office last
night still sitting on his chair with a hole in his forehead. . . .” Police Inspector told him.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “That simple and here you are arresting me
. . . “</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Sorry, but a witness is there to testify
how and when you did it . . . . “</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Who?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “One of your trusted sacristan . . . . “</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Come again . . . . “ he protested in
disbelief.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Roger! How could he be a Judas . . . . “ </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “You have the time for your defense Fr.
Your counsel could handle that,” the Inspector retorted locking the key for his
temporary incarceration until formal complaint charged against him. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><u><span lang="EN-US">The
National Tribune</span></u><span lang="EN-US">,</span></i><span lang="EN-US"> a
nationwide daily picked up the incarceration of Fr. Driarco and Rene, the fourth
sacristan he took under his wings after Jojo, Abel and Roger. The newspaper
wrote that the faithful has been remiss of their parish priest’s services. His
Excellency, Bishop Julian Valdes, was also quoted saying he would not send any
replacement in protest of the injustices committed against his parishioners
notably Fr. Driarco, Rene and their families. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Due process of law, that’s what everybody
else are after for,” the good Bishop was quoted.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Mayor Torres’ was Marcos top gun in the
province and the <st1:place w:st="on">Apo</st1:place> might just want to show
his invincibility and strong grip of the law all the way down to the lowest
local officials and yes even priests!.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> The parish on the one hand, has been moving
heaven and earth to bail Fr. Driarco and his sacristan Rene out from the prison
cell.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “If you would only be after my freedom
leaving behind Rene inside the prison cell, then better forget it. But if you do I’ll be most happy,” he said. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> The bail was two hundred fifty thousand
pesos probably thinking that the priest could not afford. The amount included
that of Rene implicated in the issue who in his early twenty is yet to
understand his bitter metamorphosis from a mere sacristan to a prisoner in his
tender years. He is yet to complete his high school in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Sta.</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Rita</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Agricultural</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">School</st1:placetype></st1:place>.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Sedition, serious political offense and
murder was slapped on Fr. Driarco. To his surprise, the force was deliberate effort from the top to drag
further the issue to his disadvantage. He is undaunted however
knowing his innocence. He knows
for a fact that the case would not prosper and would not stand a day in
Court. He is even optimistic that his
case might be the key to open Pandora’s box of salvaging and extra-judicial
killing in the province. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Tip of an iceberg indeed,” he said.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> </span> Should that happen, that would be the perfect
time unmasking the ruthlessness of the Mayor or whoever the Mastermind is to
the whole world behind his persecution.
The needle would definitely ignite the explosion of the devil that has gripped
the once peaceful Sta. Rita.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “This once sleepy town would no longer be
the same again,” he said thinking aloud of possibly reaching that scenario. The
needle is encased in a small bottle on the altar in the convent. What if it has
been gone taken by the policemen when they ransacked the convent? So far to his
knowledge, the Chief of Police, Ben Yalung, Mayor Torres’ firebrand loyalist,
did his own work recovering Fr. Driarco’s .38 Magnum caliber. Alas, an
additional charge of illegal possession of firearms was added on his case
having recovered several rounds of ammunitions, explosives and confidential
documents linking him to an underground movement. Driarco could only blow a
whistle from the trumped up charges convincing him anew that the lowland is not
a place for a freeman given an atmosphere of Martial law, anything
could happen. The hinterlands, yes. The mountains and hills, they are the
strong fortress of those who have been driven away by the military. Where else
would these people go? Not in court. The more their issues would be
complicated. Chief of Police? No, he is Mayor’s eyes and ears too. Parish
priest? Yes because they are most
comfortable with. Fr. Driarco’s spirit
sunk deeper knowing that an addition of seventeen years and four months would
be meted against him should the court proved that he owns those explosives and
ammunitions and highly classified subversive documents.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Now it dawned to him the reality of a
Catholic priest. People put him in pedestal but same people persecuting him. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “The path towards the road less travelled
is indeed tough. But the harder the journey the Christ-like your travel is” he
remembered a note shared by his co-priest overcoming similar sad experience.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">What happened to the Apostles came to his mind. Among the twelve, only John
died his natural death. Judas, the traitor of course committed suicide. The
rest suffered tragic end. James the Greater stabbed with sword; James
the Lesser, stoned to death; Thadeus (Jude) felled with arrows; Thomas thrust
with a spear; Matthew stabbed with sword; Mathias, Andrew, Phillip and Simon –
all crucified. And the brutal and dirtiest tragedy of them all given their
roles as strong pillars of the Church – St. Paul beheaded and Peter crucified
upside down!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> The most unlikely prisoner didn’t mind his
present persecution reflecting on the tragic fate of earliest precursor and
defender faith of the Church.. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Too far from what his predecessors
experienced,” he related.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “But who knows the conspiracy putting him
Order of Battle by the Powers-that-be! Just who knows,” an idea cropped up not
far fetched too learning how unpredictable devil
is working.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">. . . . . . . . .<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Meanwhile with the tacit approval of the
warden after exchanging ideas he was allowed to conduct socio-economic survey
among the inmates around the prison camp
ironically he once served. And true to his observation, the result of the
survey he conducted inside the prison camp validate his theory namely, not all
those put behind barbed wire are per se criminal. How could they be when the
court has not proven them guilty beyond reasonable doubt. Reviewing his simple
statistics – 113 prisoners, 52 females, 61 males. Crimes committed: estafa,
arson, murder, qualified theft and surprisingly libel. The rest were not that
serious. Mostly with the exemption of some, were ordinary workers. Masons,
farmers, carpenters, fishermen and laborers. Taken in its entirely, what irked
him most from his observation was the thought that roughly half of the
prisoners’ cases have not been solved. This is a good homework when I would be
out from the prison cell, he would remind himself.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Unfortunately, the young priest was not
allowed to say mass openly in the prison cell. There’s separation of church and
state we observe in this jail, the warden would tell him the latter did not
question. But this did not dampen his zeal in saying the mass. He would
celebrate the holy Eucharist by himself and when Abel wakes up, between them
and God. It’s a commitment I vowed to comply no matter what the cost might be.
Despite his sometimes heavy schedule in the prison cell, he would always find
time writing his friends. If by working with my parishioners giving them and
teaching them how to fish, freeing them from the bondage of sins and injustices
is theology of liberation in practice, then so be it. I believe this is better
alternative than concocting it on the rostrum in the church. Did Christ not
instructed us to help the oppressed, the poor, the marginalized and those
manipulated by those in powers-that-be?” he would qualify his present
predicament, to selected friends he wrote.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Similarly, he finds too time writing
speaking his minds so to speak giving social commentaries on different issues
of the day. But for the meantime, as he is in prison, he opted three writing
articles, his reflection on engrossing issue for his readers and parishioners. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">“No way writing his cause. It’s hard
comprising the devil or he would be slapped anew of libel as his case and that
of Abel is still scheduled for arraignment beginning next week. Reading this
three articles he thought, it’s okay keeping his sanity kept intact. Reading them over reviewing them,
seeing if there are some loose ends, he felt they’re good reflection on issues
of the day:</span>“Accept nothing short of your best. Put
such a quality into your work. That anyone who comes across anything you
have ever done will see character in it,
individuality in it, your trademark of superiority upon it.” Og Mandino – <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">University</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">Success</st1:placename></st1:place></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “It seems probable that the corrupted V<i>isayan</i> and English phrase “<i>If
I know pa lamang, I will never gayod</i>!” sums up mostly the surviving
capacity and attitude of would-be writers vis-a-vis to writing either as hobby
or as profession. But is writing really
that scary undertaking to do or not? It depends on where you stand. Do you like taking it as mere lip-service
activity just to have the feeling of it? In that case you should reconsider
exerting extra effort in learning the craft or you might only end up doing
great disservice to yourself wasting away precious time. The reverse also holds true Once you treat it
seriously as very important profession you would soon discover to your heart’s
delight that writing actually has been the missing nexus lacking in our
sometimes dreary and superfluous life. Raising family, planting a tree and
writing a book, a writer would contend makes life complete.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “. . . I foresee that media being the
vanguard of morality would exercise vigilance all the more. I don’t think that media considered as the
fourth branch of the government in this Republic would just allow the
destruction of the society’s moral fiber to go on unabated by being so lenient
on issues, like gambling, that actually gives more than good. Pretending of seeing nothing. That’s not media but comedia.” He reads
delighted on his writing baring his soul out giving premium on that urge to
write.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">“So why are you here in the first place if
you would like to become a writer, I would recall somewhere National Artist
Nick Joaquin begging question from participants attending related development
communication seminar short of saying: go back to your typewriter and write!
Indeed, I‘d like to think that time is the most precious commodity among
writers. Although that testy habit of
beating the deadline does pump up our adrenaline writing straight news for
general reading public in a hurry before typewriter for instance, dirty work or
necessary spadework collecting and verifying data had already been done earlier
and that packaging the story into news report is merely an icing of the cake.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “What kind of stuff writers are made of?
Well, like you we all eat rice in this rice eating Republic only that we have
more patience and appetite doing our homework.
We all have nerve and instinct to write. No question about this. Accept
it. Or call it as gift from above, if you wish lending credence to the truth
that writing senses is actually natural and inherent in us. But to think that writers are relaying mostly
on the power of pure instinct to do all the work borders on wrong notion that
writing is as easy as singing do-re-mi-. That does not justify the making
of a writer. Consider the magnitude of
materials one has to reckon with needed in processing a write-up. Unless they are on the tip of your fingers or
close to it, you can’t just move your pen writing. Hence, pure instinct or news sense does not
guarantee a decent write-up. Most
important thing is the writing skill acquired through learning. In the words of Vergel O. Santos, veteran
journalist and recent speaker of MGSD staff and writers: lies beneath a news
writer’s instinct is the very force itself that has given rise and now propels
it. Ergo, the importance of knowing and practicing the formula of news writing,
editorial and or opinion as the case maybe using English as second language for
easy comprehension and interesting reading by general reading public.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “We don’t have that gift all right, you
might say. Well-taken buddy but you are dead wrong. You do have only you didn’t
bother opening it instead allowing it to
gather dust in a corner. Never mind if
re-awakening comes to you this late. You
don’t actually have to worry. There are
too many topics to write about, writing prompts you might say. What are the
common issues today many are afraid to bring out in the open? Whatever happens to our environment,
agriculture and industry! What about the government’s way o f handling hostage
crisis, recruitment of CAFGU as paramilitary etc. As an honest taxpayer at least you too feel
crazy about these issues. That could be
a good start.” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">“Conrad de Quiros, that fiery and
articulate columnist of <i><u>Philippine
Daily Inquirer</u></i> was right when he said that talent plus desperation is
the mother of invention, in your case, writing career. Thus, there seems to be no strict rule when
to formally start building the foundation of your career. Irving Wallace, one of my favorite fiction
writer whose works “<i>The Prize</i>,” “<i>The Seventh Secret</i>”, “<i>The Second Lady</i>” and many other
certified best sellers embarked writing his best novels after he voluntarily
resigned from US military service. Our
very own Sen. Blas Ople, though stammers and incoherent when he talks but very
articulate in his column “<i><u>Horizon</u></i>”
in Manila Bulleting is actually graduate more of paperbacks like many
others. Fictionists NVM Gonzales and
Nick Joaquin had little formal schooling if at all yet became master of their
craft par excellence. . . . Obviously,
each one has the chance to become a writer as long as he wills it capitalizing
on instinct and mastery on the use of theories needed in making interesting
story.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “. . . Being in early forties, it’s time to share experiences
to any aspiring writers out there. In brief, the following are my few advices
for general effective writing:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><u><span lang="EN-US">Write
The way you talk</span></u></i><u><span lang="EN-US">.</span></u><span lang="EN-US"> Write directly to your reader straight into his eyes. Observe
accepted rule in grammar and composition like consistent use of tense sequence,
simple use of punctuation mark and related accepted theories in writing. Consistency is required or you would end with
a puzzle instead of an interesting write-up.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><u><span lang="EN-US">Use
action and picture words</span></u></i><u><span lang="EN-US">.</span></u><span lang="EN-US"> It is said that writing is
just like drawing. A writer is
considered a wordsmith; hence, the importance of selecting from various entries
relevant words and coming out with the word that best expresses your thoughts. As an artist makes sure that your product has
the necessary tone color required for a beautiful portrait nor merely a mixture
of color splashed on the canvass ending in abstract only you as an artist can
interpret or decipher. Observe semantics. Don’t just assume the meaning of
words. A word has as many as sixteen
shades of meanings so better consult it form
either Mr. Webster or Mr. Thesaurus as the case may be.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><u><span lang="EN-US">Spice
you work with sense of humor</span></u></i><u><span lang="EN-US">.</span></u><span lang="EN-US"> Unless you are writing straight news which does not require
embellishment, garnish your work occasionally with sense of humor making it
palatable. Humor helps lessening the
load of our weary hearts. Listen how
broadcasters capitalize on humor to heighten the interest of their listeners.<u><o:p></o:p></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><u><span lang="EN-US">User
your common sense</span></u></i><u><span lang="EN-US">.</span></u><span lang="EN-US"> Drop abstract modifiers that
would drag the meaning you’re driving across.
Use both the active voice and positive form as needed but not at the
expense of your paper.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><u><span lang="EN-US">Wordwatch.</span></u></i><span lang="EN-US"> Watch out using undesirable
words. Use specific words that convey
best meaning avoiding sissy words. I
would always hear people saying “self-explanatory” even in many offices. It’s
redundant. Change that to “explainable.”
And then there’s the use of the phrase “it goes without saying” or “needless to
say”, “as to whether or not”, etc. Why make yourself difficult and pompous when
you can just simple use “whether” or mere simple declaration on t he reality of
the subject like “To me, the case is closed.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><u><span lang="EN-US">Be
real</span></u></i><u><span lang="EN-US">.</span></u><span lang="EN-US"> To borrow
one Filipino writer. You opted to become
a writer. By all means stand by it. The
world owes you nothing. No one poke a gun on your face to write. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">As you would like to become a writer
anyway. make the best of it by practicing it learning the craft from masters.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><u><span lang="EN-US">Character</span></u></i><u><span lang="EN-US">.</span></u><span lang="EN-US">
Finally , you should only rest from writing before submitting it for
publication after you have marked your character in it. At least you are ready
to be judged by what you wrote. In the words of Og Mandino: There is nothing like being enamored of
accuracy, being ground in thoroughness as a life-principle of always thriving
for excellence. And push more squeezing your adrenaline when all the rest are
standouts by making yourself or your work as standard.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">“Having done this, wish yourself good
luck. Little of course did you know that
you have already established yourself a reputation as another writer in the
making. As you have done your best,
never mind if at the back of your mind lingers the thought of what about some
lapses. Forget it. You have already done your job. It’s now your editor’s turn to return the
favor on you by repackaging your write-up.
If it is accepted and published.
Fine. If not, you are transformed into a philosopher. Thanks just the
same, many philosophers being lover of wisdom, are mostly best writers.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Just fine,” he said after reading.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “At least readers would think aloud if he
is to engage writing. Taking again his
underworld typewriter he writes back this time as his special message to his
parishioners on the occasion of Easter never mind if they knew he is imprisoned
now. He aptly titled it “Playing with God” he wrote: </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">“It’s early Saturday morning and probably
this piece would see print Easter Sunday
or later where Christendom would be celebrating the best and the
happiest part of Church’s calendar of the year hearing all those Alleluias in
every Christian churches. Far significant and
better than Christmas, the heart and soul of Christianity and where the
Church grows, the resurrection of Jesus
Christ, is by far the best experience
albeit it might have baffled many people
of other beliefs all through the ages.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Why not? Here’s a first century Galilean
Jew who bearing no credentials and certification has changed the face of the
world forever. It’s unprecedented in the history of salvation eclipsing the
beauty and wisdom of earlier beliefs from Buddhism, Confucianism, Hinduism and
yes later, Islam pervading back then and
still now practiced by millions. But it’s loud and clear that while these great
religious leaders in history all slept
for good after their appearance and preaching, Christ went all the way up there with a promise of
returning back to make us one. His indomitable proof, God raising him up from the dead after hanging in
the cross six hours at <st1:place w:st="on">Golgotha</st1:place> under the watch of twenty four Roman guards.
That no other equals dared to claim is explainable. It’s such a vital cog that
spark that belief in Christianity, claims R.C. Spruce, a theologian.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> It
is. In fact, it was such an unprecedented development in salvation history that
even nature (the earth quakes, birds chirp ….) as Paul Tillich, great American
Theologian taking the Gospel account of the resurrection observed, join in
celebrating mankind’s greatest achievement. That albeit many doubting Thomases, skeptics, agnostics
and atheists are yet to come into full circle of reality before they would
probably accept, embrace and live such
historical reality in practice. Man will
rot and nothing, not even his own ego will survive, Bertrand Russell, Atheistic
Philosopher, bared. No problem there for as long as he stands and dies for it. He did and there rots like
his peers, becoming as good fertilizer to mother earth. John Mc Dovell, another
skeptic theologian should have probably seen daylights had he added more research hours than what he did in
getting 700 hours research concluding
that the “resurrection of Jesus Christ is one of the most wicked, vicious,
heartless hoaxes ever foisted upon the minds of men exclaiming it was such a
fantastic fact of history.” How so? He may spent researching lifetime but if he
constantly tiptoeing the resurrection account, nothing would ever convince
him saving his predicament.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Lindell Black of course similarly imposed
his conspiracy theory in his St. Peter’s obra. Well taken. But it’s all in the
mind. Where has all the ripple effect he concocted indicating of possible waves
generated by throwing a pebble in the
middle of the ocean anyway? Hello there! That he is even sued for parroting
what Abraham et al earlier wrote in their epic and gripping Sacred Blood, Blessed
Grail scholarly work, indicates that his theory is simply suspect. Plain and
simple. Of course, there’s the discovery of the Ossuary, the Titanic director
misconstrued to refute Christ’s resurrection. That would have indeed set an
unprecedented discovery requiring the re-writing of the Bible. But not until
authority dumped his tentative theory in the absence of DNA test. Lately as uploaded in internet,
there’s this nine lead codices discovered after the deluge in <st1:country-region w:st="on">Oman</st1:country-region> and now in safe possession of Bible
Scholars in <st1:place w:st="on">Europe</st1:place> for possible study
hopefully to shed light on the last days of Christ. So what when <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Vatican</st1:place></st1:country-region> has
been open in accepting even a married Christ . . . !”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> It was such the shortest piece but it’s good
to have speak his minds out specially that next Sunday would be Easter. At
least his general reading public would be keep posted on his thoughts. But not
on his incarceration. He doesn’t have any business talking his predicament to
save when the people get the news from secondary data.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Writing
some more this time on the horror that is war sending a strong message
that peace is all what we need, he aptly
titled it “War Crimes” having read the moving
book earlier graphics of true story contributed by journalists themselves too
cruel hurting the human eyes.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Who knows Mayor Torres and his cohorts
might come across on this piece and read and get the wisdom awakening them to
become crusaders of peace themselves.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “What the public should know about crimes
of war? Where do you stand as far as war
in general is concerned? I do know that as we live in a civilized world, how I
wish that there is no such thing as war
and that there should be peace zones that as they engaged in war, there are no
civilian casualties sacrificed.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “But let’s accept the hard truth: sometimes we have to kill to stop the
killing,” he recalled a professor back then at Xavier Univ. supporting the immediacy of war.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Thus, the concept of <i>Jus ad Bellum</i> and <i>Jus in
Bello </i>or that branch of international law governing the reasons <i>why you fight and how you fight</i>. In
effect, the two are inseparable distinct
ways of looking at war with the second concept deserving strict
compliance if only to mitigate the prohibitive cost of war. But have we?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> The United Nation is even more emphatic on
the necessity of war. Article 2 from the
Charter of United Nations declares: “All members shall refrain in their
international relations from the threat or the use of force against the territorial
integrity or political independence of any state . . . and in Article 51:
“Nothing in the present charter shall impair the inherently right of individual
or collective self-defense if an armed attack occurs against a Member of the
United Nations.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Such branch of law relies the customary
law, based on recognized practices of war, as well as treaty laws (such as the
Hague Regulations of 1899 and 1907) which set out the rules of
hostilities. Other principal documents include the four Geneva
Conventions of 1949 which protect war victims – the sick and wounded (first);
the shipwrecked (second); prisoners of war (third); and civilians in the
territories of the countries in conflict (fourth) – and the additional
Protocols of 1977, which definite key terms such a s <i>combatants</i>, contain detailed provisions to protect noncombatants,
medical transports, and civil defense and prohibit practices such as
indiscriminate attack.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Thus said to what extent have we
complied such criteria? Regrettably,
excesses far outweigh the casualties incurred on both sides. By excesses, I mean those crimes against humanity incurred in the conduct of
war, that irreversible result of crimes of war.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> There are actually only 23 letters in the
alphabet but if we sum up all war crimes committed as presented in the book
would give dizzying figures that cannot be swallowed, let alone,
accepted. Add several graphics too gruesome to see as they were presented uncut
and you have the worst excesses of atrocities of war crimes of the century. And the saddest reality of these figures, they
are far from stopping as crimes against humanity are still happening around us, right in our own backyard, country and the rest of the
world.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Of course, we thought that gone are the
days of Holocaust where millions of Jews died courtesy of Hitler’s Superiority
of Aryan race; annihilation of Nagasaki
and Hiroshima and the use of agent orange and napalm strike leading
to senseless massacre as in My Lai in
Vietnam survivors utilized as human mine detectors as perpetrated by USA. Who too would
forget Pol Pot of Cambodia whose
insanity through his dreaded Khmer Rouge’s taking pictures of victims before
torturing and killing them led to
killing fields; or the use of
humans as guinea pig in medical experiments for their medical students as we experienced it in World War II
against the Japanese.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">And who thought that war in its ugliest
would end after the Fall of Berlin Wall
in <st1:country-region w:st="on">Germany</st1:country-region> paving the way
for restoration of democracy not just in Europe, Asia but also <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">China</st1:place></st1:country-region> and other
countries in the world of the 21’s Century.
Sadly, what once abhorred for its evil and prohibitive cost has metamorphosed instead into highly
dangerous warfare characterized by the use of sophisticated weapons through
terrorism and mass extermination, another
name for ethnic cleansing.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> This I know after reading the <i>War Crimes</i> edited by Roy Gutman and
David Rieff (W.W. Norton & Com. Inc., New York, New York 1999 397 pp). No
doubt that war happening in the 21st Century is
unparalleled in that it is ruthless,
savage and gruesome than those preceding ones.
True enough, truth becomes the first casualty in every war. Ninoy Aquino’s dictum “In war there are no
victors only victims!” interrelated facts could be summarized from the wisdom of the book. First, numbers of casualties in crimes against humanity far
offsetting than the combatants and second; comprehensive
excluding none regardless of color, age, creed and religion. Third, its
unprecedented as how the warfare was conducted gives you feeling of fear and
trembling. Oh how I wish, there’s Genie
in a bottle that would invent more peace than war, unity than division and
justice instead of prejudices and discrimination. Of course that would only be
true in the mind, just imagined as John Lennon sings. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Consider the sad reality of apartheid Nelson Mandela clears as “color
lines that all too often determines who is rich
or poor. . . who shall get food, clothing and health care . . . and who
will live and who will die.”; use of
biological weapons for ethnic cleansing as in Sarajevo and Bosnia; carpet or
area bombing as in Saigon, Vietnam in 1968 giving rise to bomb craters ensuing
from B-52 strikes; Iraqi chemical warfare as used by Saddam Hussein against
Iran and Kuwait; and using children as
soldiers and killers as in Afghanistan, Liberia, Jordan, Iran, Sri Lanka and
Spain; collateral damage and collective punishment typified by Israel against Palestine.
Concentration camps in 1992 ran by Serbs for Bosnians images reminiscent of Hitler’s Nazi camp, destruction of cultural
property and historical landmarks; disappearances, executions and
extra-judicial killings; free fire zones, genocides, hostage taking,
indiscriminate attack. By far, the graphics of Sept. 11 bombing of World Trade
Center as captured by CNN remains indelibly
imbedded in my subconscious but those in the book contributed by
different journalists just simply tell
them The list is long and sad it to say that it is still counting.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Incidentally, <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Philippines</st1:place></st1:country-region> had its slice of
atrocity featured in the book. One, government. general Sostheno Fernandez, a
Cambodian of Filipino ancestry who rose into Chief of Armed Forces was a
notorious architect of “new form of psychological warfare “ euphemism for using
ethnic Vietnamese civilians as protective shields for his advancing troops into
the waiting guns of the Vietcong. Second, several healthy young Filipino
prisoners, used as guinea pig used to teach neophyte Japanese physicians the
art of surgery After the lesson is over,
proper technique shown, patients would then be shoot by the surgeons for good.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Living in <st1:place w:st="on">Mindanao</st1:place>
with all those implacable hostilities, hostage taking and terrorism happening
around us right before our eyes just send us
trembling down in bone and marrow
far more than we imagine. Add the
senseless beheading by Abu Sayyaf, hostage takings of innocent International Red Cross personnel, clergy,
missionaries, teachers and innocent persons –
constitute too that war crimes against the norms and standard set by
Geneva Convention in 1948 and Protocol II.
Hostage taking particularly is so pervasive and unpredictable that it
has been so rampant that it has become sunshine industry among terrorists. Add those senseless killings of men in media industry and you get familiar
picture of crime against humanity. No
wonder that we have dislodged <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Iraq</st1:place></st1:country-region>
as the most dangerous place in the world for any journalist..</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> It’s sad that notwithstanding that those
excesses happening before our eyes, ending those countless innocent people as
additional statistics of crimes against
humanity, there’s hardly collective resolution of addressing them to avert
further escalation of hostilities. Even
those related in drug related-industry,
many suspects ended up freed than prosecuted, complained by officers who
apprehended them in region 10. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> It is just hoped that crimes against
humanity this part of the country will soon one day will see daylight. When
would that be? You maybe one that could make it happen. As John Lennon sings: I
hope someday, you’ll join us and make the world will be as one.”</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 18.0pt;">. . . . . . . . . . . .</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> .</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> True to the parishioners’ promise and those
of his co-priests, they were able to secure the bail bond. There was joyful
celebration in the convent when he and Roger were finally bailed out. The
parish was able to dish out one hundred thousand pesos cash and the rest to Fr.
Driarco’s glee, were all ten sacks in all courtesy of his co-priests in the
diocese. Undoubtedly, the Cashier of Esperanza had her day full counting
thousands of coins.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Among those who attended Fr. Driarco’s and Rene’s
celebration was Roger who has grown bigger sporting long hair. He was told a
very special friend had an urgent message for him. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “How you’ve been? I’m sorry I’m a bit
disoriented . . . ,” said the priest
extending his hand.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Been fine and sorry leaving the convent
without a word. Confidential . . . . Would share to you when able . . . .”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “And who was that guy acted as witness to
my case . . . clean shaven one,” clarified the priest. Roger was taken aback.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Hmm I’m very sorry and I regret to inform you that . . . .”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “You’re double . . . .”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Got it and more than that,”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “My twin actually . . . .”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “My oh my and that explains all the mess in
your parish. The good mayor just did it to you even at the extent of buying the
participation of innocent people holding
himself in power liquidating those people barring his way. “</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “And making sure putting people behind bars if need whoever
they are concocting all those evidences.. <br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Seems indeed there’s urgency of matter . .
. . “ said the priest enlightened but shaking his head as if taking away the
cobwebs out from his mind.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “You’re right. And please do him a favor now.” Roger whispered fidgeting him to
go right away.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “In your study room, he’s there . . . .”
Roger told the good priest hurriedly complied with.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> It’s
Ka Mario. The visitor speak right away before he could open his mouth. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “You must leave immediately this convent Fr. A plot
awaits on you,” the visitor confided shocking the priest.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “<i>Oplan
Kasiyahan</i>, that’s what they call, hatched by the Wolves, a joint military-civilian
organization out to deliver the goods to
whom they are due. Their specialties are salvaging and extrajudicial killing. The
operatives were plucked out from different places. They don’t mind their
target. They don’t know them anyway. But they have your picture!”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Who could have provided him . . . ?” the
poor priest reflected for a moment.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “You’ve been in their OB. That’s what
matter. And they would not go home until they brought home the bacon. Your head
no less! They’ve been head hunting you and better confusing their presence
now. Anything will happen.” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Guess who their godfather is. Big Brother no
less and their counterparts – Brown shirts spread just everywhere. The Governor or the Mayor of
course is his top gun here in the
province who else?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Why me?” the priest ventured.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “You’ve been bugged sorry . . . . Let’s
go.” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “ The order came from the top. They could
not just operate you know without the godfather’s blessing.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “What’s all this . . . !”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Maybe all for power and money, why not.
Please know time is of the essence. If
you don’t have any more question . . . . “</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> The visitor said as the priest rummaged
important belongings and documents his hands could get setting all the rest on fire to leave no further traces of
evidence.. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “They’re in government payroll receiving
fat salary of course. Think of the dirtiest job they’re doing for the
President.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Hired mercenaries you mean!”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Not ordinary ones definitely but
specialists in their own trade. Yours is a choice in fact depending on the
deal. They could kill you anywhere and anytime. That’s how they do it. You
probably wonder all those senseless killings – murder, cold-blooded ones but
done in secrecy and conspiracy happening around. That’s their handwork, their
mark of work ethics. Again all these were done with the imprimatur and
blessings of the Big Bro”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Fr. Driarco was astounded listening the
revelation. It was like small pieces are falling into their place relating to all
spate of killings lately from left, right and center? No limit for as
long as they are enemies of the state or are promising pretenders and trouble
makers of the government.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> The nasty thought including his father and
Mang Tonio, hyphenated priests, church workers and the rest sent again shiver
down his spine.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “The Mayor then and his men delivering the
dirty work were just accomplices.” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “That including people working with me in the church . . . .”
the priest thought tying the pieces together.
Tough revelation here thinking of how Jojo, Abel, Roger and their
parents sold him to Big Brother counterpart in the province.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “What now of Rene as the guy is most
unlikely far from suspicion,” he was disturbed for the first time.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Is he a bug? If so could hold the key of
solving the mystery for all those mess in the province . . . .”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Problem however is, he’s part of the team
and would in fact be joining with them seeking refuge for safety somewhere. But
how sure is he that doesn’t provide their whereabouts to Big Bro and thus end
their participation to Nationalist struggle for democracy.” Important thought
doubly disturbing him.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Twenty four hours operation. Must be very
tough work really,” Ka Mario opined broke the silence.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Tough operation?” the priest nodded. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “You’re right. You could even request or
demand a head of your enemy from them as proof that they could really deliver
the goods. Not only that you could also select which place you’d like other
bodies or parts of it in case if the target is one individual to dump. We
should be ready now. We have still barely ten minutes left to save our neck
from this place. Be still, the parishioners on the right wing has also been
alarmed. Roger probably finished narrating to them how the WOLVES operate killing
at will their clients without any trace.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> There was no doubt Ka Mario was telling the
truth, Fr. Driarco thought otherwise, he and Rene would have not
surreptitiously came down from the hills and joined all this fun. Why not after
all, the rebels have also their own deep penetration agents in the military, a
job reserved only to selected few
artists in the same way the military had in clearing area of operation
destroying the sting of their offensive spree against the rebels.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Hurriedly, he took everything his two hands
could hold on – books, cassocks, surplice, shorts, sandals and several money
from his vault. At least, he and Rene should be out from the convent before
darkness would engulf them.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> At
exactly seven in the evening, the convent was jolted rocked by violent
explosion.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Looking back, Driarco sighed and though his
heart revolted just maintained his sanity thanking Ka Mario for the effort of
saving and of Rene’s lives. All the
while, he thought that freed from Sta. Rita’s prison cell would provide him
ample time of lobbying his cause together with his counsel outside the court
only to be surprised anew of heavier crime against the government this time.
Sedition. To his knowledge, he was merely practicing what the Church teaches
him to do i.e. serving the people specially the poor and the marginalized. True
that he has been resolved pursuing his cause against the evil Mayor but never
igniting let alone, causing the people to raise up arms against the government.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “ If this endless persecution would go on
unabated depriving me of any breathing space to breath, then I might as well
follow where my heart goes,” his avowed promise practically changing the course
of his life.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Better to act fast now or event might
overtake us faster than what we think.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “What do you mean. . .”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “There’s far and serious offense they are
concocting on you. . . . Sedition yes for having transformed
making your convent haven of
leftists and communists hatching
the conspiracy against the Mayor. . . “ </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “And who could have broached this highly
classified information to the WOLVES.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Who else father?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “You mean any among my sacristans from Jojo, Abel to Roger. All planted by the Wolves?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “<st1:place w:st="on">Yap</st1:place>. You just said it. And as you can see, even at their
expense to clear doubts on their roles as eyes and ears of the Wolves.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “My oh my . . . .!”Fr. Driarco taking deep
bated breath reeling of disbelief. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Don’t forget including . . . . “ Ka Mario
concluded.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> All was told now leaving the innocent
priest more dumbfounded than amazed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Come on fast and look who’s talking to men
in seven colors uniform down on the ground in front of the facade,“ Ka Mario
fidgeted beckoning him to move running fast on the standby vehicle that would take them to a beach nearby
to awaiting speedboat braving the big waves for
survival and safety in Mindoro.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Rene!” Fr. Driarco mumbled as he hurriedly
follow Ka Mario negotiating downstairs away for his freedom.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Don’t worry Father, we are leaving the
convent without a trace. I have my men there left securing you from the wolves
on loose for your capture. Trust <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">me.</st1:place></st1:state>”
the leader said slipping away by from the dragnet set by the brown shirts.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 18.0pt;">. . . . . . . . . .<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Fr. Driarco could only sigh deep bated
breath anew as he walked through forest
of <st1:place w:st="on">Mindoro</st1:place>. That after flying in a helicopter that rescued them from speedboat that almost
capsized intercepted by the Wolves in the sea. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “The war just started Rev. Fr.,” Ka Mario
said smiling to get the stress out from his guest.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Don’t worry you are safe. Our organization
has an antidote of what the Wolves has in store for you,”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Why even bother me. . . . as I’m doing my job for my people in the church.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Because you mess out <i>Lakay Apo’s</i> desires . . .
validating your inclusion in the Order of <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Battle</st1:place></st1:city>.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> </span>
The young priest could only heave a sigh moving his head of disbelief. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">
Few hour’s rest more would
be enough for their second leg of journey. Where it would be, the new immigrant don’t
have any idea yet. But it would be Mindanao, the proverbial <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">Land</st1:placetype> of <st1:placename w:st="on">Promise</st1:placename></st1:place>.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 18.0pt;">. . . . . . . . . . .<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10908645543292590219noreply@blogger.com0Cagayan de Oro, Philippines8.4542363 124.63189778.2029393 124.3160407 8.705533299999999 124.94775469999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5949714347708699086.post-8283109607930185632012-11-10T09:38:00.000-08:002015-05-07T20:31:27.322-07:00Chapter 20 - Election<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Chapter 20</span><br style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;" /><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Election</span></span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"> B</span>usiness as usual follows in Esperanza
albeit those restlessness. Like all other municipalities, it thrives with commerce
especially during market days when farmers from highlands sell their stuffs in
the plea market at very low prices. This what weekends personifies the
municipality that is Esperanza throbbing full-throttle with life.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> The gloom that was yesterday it seems was
merely a fleeting second of events as fiesta mood overturned relegating unceasing
hostile environment in the sidelines. But many are still looking forward for better days. That
what appears to many people around seeing the promising future of Esperanza. But
not to Driarco and Taklin who are yet to find answer on many unsolved criminality.
The omen is there and imminent. That if
Taklin’s analysis of the situation is considered based on several incident looming
as trend. But this is relegated in the background as party that is election is
on the air.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Depending on who is speaking, election is
such an ambivalent term defying almost its classic definition of service in
practice in the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Philippines</st1:place></st1:country-region>.
For a common <i>tao</i>, it’s synonymous
with a town fiesta wrapped in colorful garb bringing wholesome entertainment to
electorate oftentimes giving surprise dividends like exotic food, liquor and
cool cash. The amount ranges from measly P50.00 to P200.00 depending on the
role you play. If you’re the coordinator of a party, yours is relatively higher
than say a watchman or a voter. It is alright a flagrant violation of the
Omnibus Code. But who cares anyway? Neither the officials themselves nor the voting population seems to be
concerned on this. Maybe because of the money flooding the electorates and
other stakeholders that buy their silence. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Giving away money to the electorate is
never new in Philippine politics. For the opportunists, it is an occasion to
show his worth let alone a day vindicating anew his generosity. For those in
the government service, it is called “Sunshine Day” as employees lined up
receiving their share given by politicians. The problem is the bundles of money supposedly for
distribution to employees were already divided whose lion’s share logically
goes into the pocket of the Department head leaving the crumbs to lowly paid
rank and file. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> For
some lowly esteemed people in the church, it means receiving a windfall or
early Christmas bonus .</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Why all this gold rush? It’s still
worth-taking the risk, an astute politician would say because they could
recover back their expenses in the first six months or so holding office
anyway.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Wrong,” a sharp observer would counteract.
“Not that long but on the very first day of office they’re elected.” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Why? Because of their warped belief that getting
elected by the electorate accrue them all the rights and privileges in
exploiting whatever juicy projects his municipality would have.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “No wonder maybe that losing candidates who
could not bear the stress of losing so much investment of the game gone nuts.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> In layman’s parlance, they are not actually
entering politics but rather
deliberately gearing themselves up for whatever monkey business there is
available in Bureaucracy. Business, what else? Why so? Politics being
synonymous with service has been corrupted to mean wanton destruction of the
sanctity of ballots.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> </span> Driarco, Taklin and the rest of the gang would
be quick spelling tirades that local officials for instance of many
municipalities in the hinterlands are the ones engaging in illegal cutting,
mining and all that destroying the ecology and wild life just to finance their
candidacy. The rest, from their political patronage who looked at them as their
political surrogates in the area. To think that these people were merely
ordinary mortals before election and now are acting as if they’re master of the
universe is not only ridiculous but also, stupid. How could local executive not
be corrupt when they already blessed their corruption with grease money even
before they are not elected yet.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Thus seen, election is sometimes good
exercise of futility spending peoples’ taxes away to waste, an ordeal to any
beleaguered Filipino taxpayer. No wonder that politicians have to move heaven
and earth committing sometimes those atrocity just to get themselves into
power. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Like circus too, election time is
fun-filled full of surprises and magic. Think not just about the birds and the
bees casting their votes but also zombies; of hurling tirades against one
another on such issues as graft and corruption, abuse of power, immoralities
and of dishing out false promises. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Like death and taxes, election is also
great leveler. It practically transcends the power of education, wealth and
what you have. This is the lighter side of it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> The
more popular, the better the chance of being elected. Such has been the case of
many celebrities who experience sweet political metamorphosis. Rogelio de la Rosa of
the olden days was one. Joseph Ejercito Estrada of popularly called “Erap”
followed suit. Fernando Poe Jr. would have been seated too in Malacañang were
not for GMA’s “Hello Garci “ political manipulation.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> The
list is progressing giving benefits of doubts those working in the movie
industry. One caricature puts it in fact why this practice of Juan joining
politics through movie.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “But of course what else if not to enter politics later.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Not to be relegated in the sideline are the
local celebrities themselves, the counterpart of big celebrities right there in
<st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Manila</st1:place></st1:city>.
Normally these are those who are drop-outs either in high school or college who
because of their rag to riches story are always the forces to reckon with comes
election. Not that they could rival the offer of the opposing candidates but
rather the electorate themselves can
relate and identify their cause with them. These are the voters who have been
fed up by so-called traditional or patronage politics. Lacking for instance
political acumen and maturity, they could pulled some surprises from under
their sleeves comes election adding color to democracy. They tell us the
lighter side of it. They act as clowns during verbal hassles in municipal hall,
and even in such august body as congress and Senate. Outside in many public
forums, they provide the needed humor not commonly found among promising
politicians whose speeches are delivered dry.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Asked for instance why a politician has the
habit of writing his name in many basketball court he donated. The funny
politician would answer: </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> ”What do you think of me, a fool or a
cheap. To whose name would I be writing anyway – my opponent or the donor –
when it’s me who donated it!” he would readily answer sending many listeners
laughing at the top of their lungs. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> And asked why he has to affixed his name
boldly even on the cover of many coffins he donated, the fellow would be quick
to reply that why limit the possibility of returning the compliments of their
generosity through their votes later- that if ever there would be one held up
there in heaven. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Now that he finally won the election, the
media asked what his plans are. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Oh I do have many plants you see. Rose,
gumamela, fruits, trees and all that,” he would readily retort. And queried
further his being prompt in the assembly area the media still asking: Did you
ride or did you walk to which the answer is ‘Of course did you ride!’ with feelings
yet sending bedlam among the general listening public.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Trapping indeed these fortunate politicians
proved very slippery and sometimes, admit it, difficult. One kind of such person
was an undefeated politician who could afford talking two straight hours in
corrupt and unorthodox English yet his paid listeners could only afford to
take. Wanting to give benefits of doubt his opponents on his undefeated
political career, he would take all serious and light criticisms thrown against
him but manages in lodging back the issues neatly. For instance challenging
their opponents’ sanity, he would accept the fact that they have reached that
far earning college decrees becoming professionals like lawyers, accountants
etc but he would berate them later as he exposed his extraordinaire exploits building
his huge economic empire making him one
of the richest citizen of the country employing many professionals running the
operation of his various industry.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> His
conclusion naturally would then be:”Who is more intelligent now between or
among us then?’ </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> From there, he would start reciting
litanies of disparities his opponent had against him. Like ‘his house was
merely my pigpen before’ and many others getting laughter and nod from his
prospective voters. It works. And it seldom boomeranged.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Obviously, politics from all angles could
be considered devoid of meaning. But not when you go through deep analysis why
it happened otherwise there’s just no business for Filipinos holding an election. Why other democratic countries
maintain the sanctity of their ballots.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “It’s how Juan does it. For what once
perceived as a legitimate way of extending services has been transformed into a
meaningless exercise of one’s vote.” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> One such master politician was President
Marcos himself. A Bar topnothcer in 1939 albeit review done by himself while in
prison because his name implicated in
Nalundasan case. He was voted into office in 1965 defeating Diosdado Macapagal.
He had shown what it takes getting into Malacañang and possibly how to die
sticking himself in power. With PD 1081 stuck in his belt anyway, who could
question his legitimacy, he proclaimed Martial Law and ruled the country with
an iron fist. As a model politician, he shows generosity parceling out his loot
after election to trusted lieutenants: Cojuangco, Cuenca, Dewey, Dee, Desini,
Benedicto and the rest of Alibaba’s bunch of thieves whose lust for money were
filled ad infinitum at the expense of millions of population starving. For him
loyalty is practically non-negotiable. You either vote for him, euphemism for ‘eyes
always on the board’ or ‘shut off’ meaning getting out of his way with a price
– end of your political career. And if you offer resistance, a shut in your
head by his brown shirts on loose adding you to the already long list of persons disappeared. It’s always a deal and nothing else. As a
bonus, he does not only provide money but also firearms. This what he did to
selected war lords in the South exchanging
their irrevocable loyalty. One anecdote has it that when he asks them
his chance of getting elected anew in one confidential meeting, the aged die
hard warlord retorted that the election in his area of responsibility has
already long been over.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “That fast!”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Yap why not,” he emphasized.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “And the winner . . . . “</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> </span> “Of
course, Marcos wins,” he easily added.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Taken aback, the President asks: “You mean
this early!” to which the acknowledged warlord responds:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “What do you think of us – cheat!” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> What Marcos did up there is also what then Mayor Torres preaches in the
field. But not now when the top guys to include Mang Clioneo, Driarco’s father
and Nong Tonio were gone from the equation
their replacements reviving their brand of politics. There’s also Nimfa, wife of Mayor Torres waiting in the wings should there
would happen to the incumbent Mayor. Narsing Paras and Bernabe de la Rosa are two
other options for the voters. Nong Clineo and Mang Tonio happened to be
eliminated from the list because of their fate. Any of the two would have
brought the glory days that is Esperanza politics.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Election fever must have been in high pitch
as fast approaching election would be decided on plurality of votes as four
wannabees officially registered to run. Of the three mayoralty candidates, Mayor Torres seems to be popular and has been unperturbed
against two rivals he knows could not mount
fair and decent competition. Why
so? There’s just no money. By his conservative estimate alone, he is willing to
bet that he could even clobbered Narsing Paras, an independent candidate, 3,000
votes from roughly 30,000 registered voters. The unassuming Nanding Palma, the fourth candidate running as
an independent candidate completed the circus. But who knows given that it’s
going to be four-cornered fight.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Even if they have their votes combined, it
would still be far from those of the incumbent.” This, his men are willing to
bet too.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Bernabe’s
name coming into the scene as last minute replacement for Nong Tonio however what makes him apprehensive.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “What if the two others would join forces against him as
strategy later,”he thought would most likely consolidate their votes in Bernabe’s
favor being an opposition. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> That would do him no good and inflict severe damage in the
ballot. But should he win, it would be sweetest victory ever to boost his third
victory in a row for the incumbent. Though assured of the victory in silver
platter, he doesn’t intend leaving any stones unturned or he might blow away his chances destroying business and the concomitant
personal interest attached to him like
the young Lita, his favorite mistress. He knows the psychology of
his women. They are only after his funds as all women are crazy about. He likes
best Lita because she’s still in her thirties. He knows that sooner or later,e
he would change him in favor of more moneyed and handsome younger boys out
there. For the Mayor, it’s the prize he
has to pay and would most likely not give damn given the other girls in
his life. It’s payback time having been a Local Chief Executive enjoying those
perks and beautiful ambitious girls out there. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “This is the moment of making it even’” he vowed.
But his situation, being a Mayor and
father of five grown-ups allow him
enjoying life while still alive. He hopes that Senate would pass and approve
divorce bill sooner so he could has best option to rule and live over women of
his choice.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “It’s true that it most likely would not
see daylight promulgated into law let alone implemented. So be it and I’ll just
see how long would I be able to hold myself playing this so-called crazy love,”
Mayor Torres told reading the mind of mostly of lawmakers who are philanderers
and or immoral. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Tell that to the marines!” he defended in
glee.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “And the bottom line of them all – almighty
money!” he reminded himself.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “This
is very crucial because the highest bidder would spell out the winning
candidate on that day,” he contented.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Losing! Giving away my higher political
ambition . . . ! Never and over my dead body.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Bernabe’s turn came. He has reservation
raising the issue as he doesn’t have any witnesses to stand by him and he might
incur technicality. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Indeed let no man put asunder and that we
don’t have any divorce in the country but look right into our homes, right on
our backyards, concubine exists through querida system legacy from the
Spaniards still thriving, a disgrace to this Catholic country and a blight
constantly destroying the moral fiber of the nation,” Bernabe, Mang Tonio’s
young replacement cleared blasted giving benefits of doubts of the voters. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Thus far, all eyes are set on the fast
approaching local election. Having taken out Mang Tonio from the equation, sees
excitement coming out on election day. As usual she reserves her biggest budget
for the purpose lest she would be transformed as plain citizen after the
election jobless.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> His two rivals have been very busy too
holding public rallies in different <i>barangays</i>
hopefully to get the desired number of votes from the grassroots. Narsing Paras
rallied particularly the younger generation telling them his 101% support to
sports and athletics if ever he would get elected. Of the three, Bernabe Nong Tonio’s
replacement as credible candidate has
the possibility of pulling off what with the legacy of his father, warm and
full support of civil societies and NGO. That excluding dramatic way of staging
their rally delivering his platform of
government.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “How would you not be insecure running
scared given those factors most likely giving
a run to his ambition as acting Chief
Executive of the municipality. That if he
would readily concede,” an observer whispered to a Mayor loyalist nearby. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Bernabe
is definitely not nuisance candidate. Other party actually invited him to join.
He shook his head on this invitation learning that he would be uncomfortable
with their platform of government. His’ is the new voice and new politics
riding on such issues as people empowerment, better and responsive government
and local employment. Being a neophyte politician he would not definitely mind
losing. It’s all part of the growth and there are other avenues after you gave
it all. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “</span> God opens the window after closing the
door,” he rationalized.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “I could extend services to the people even
as private citizen. Why not?” he would say. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> If elected he promised building
indispensable infrastructure projects in the municipality specially all-weather
roads in far-flung villages to help farmers market their produce in the cities
where prices of agricultural products are attractive. Back to LGU and <i>barangays</i> too through the power of
ballots is his interest.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Thus, the three cornered-fight looms like
Damocles crucible hanging over the heads of the electorate of the once sleeping
Esperanza. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> The Commission on Election did its own job
as stipulated in Omnibus Code. Gun ban was instituted, no movement of
personnel, no hiring and all that. Liquors away from sari-sari stores during
election. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Public forum was held at the public market
giving each candidate time ventilating their program of government. It starts
with an extemporaneous speech each candidate then rebuttal follows providing
the general viewing public better option whom to choose. Teachers would be
deputized in canvassing the election returns later. Each three candidates were
given the chance of delivering their platform of government. First was Mayor
Torres, the incumbent.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> He almost brought the house down brandishing
his onion-skinned stance hitting below
the belt berating his opponents as lame ducks.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> </span> On his
turn, Narsing Paras hurled his own
tirades spelling out the litanies of failures of the incumbent administration
from the glaring graft and corruption supported with relevant documents like
receipts, canvas papers, nepotism, abuse of authorities and payroll padding.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Bring them on in any court,” naturally was
the incumbent’s response later in the
rebuttal.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">And his bombshell – failure in protecting
the environment of Esperanza through illegal cutting and mining.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Validating his point, he was quick spelling out that local officials for
instance of the municipality are the ones engaging in illegal cutting
themselves, destroying the ecology and wild life in the area. What for?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “What else – to finance their election bid
to perpetuate themselves into power.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Well said there by the opposing candidate. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “To think that these people were merely
ordinary mortals before election and now are acting as if they’re master of the
universe is not only ridiculous but also, stupid. How could local executive not
be corrupt when they already blessed their corruption with grease money even before
they are not elected yet?” his inquiry.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “As proof look at how much they are worth
today from their SALN? This documents speak for itself.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> So what used to be forum of healthy free
market of ideas virtually transformed
into an exercise of verbal calisthenics. A war of nerves was on. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Mr. Rene Herculano, the moderator on the
other hand was quick calling for order every
time there was conflict of interest or
debates digressing from agreed format. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Excuse me but let us not forget order
here. This while we have not
professionalized our politics here in the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Philippines</st1:place></st1:country-region>. That whatever you
mean.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “It is unfortunate though that death from
stabbing to cold-blooded murder becomes an extension of election. It could be
an amazing experience in fact when no one got killed. Reported incidents of
similar cases are felt all throughout the country. It’s all there printed in
front pages of all national dailies. COMELEC’s record high of casualties thus far are stunning,” he said.
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “There’s no need going that far unless there would be reversal of
fortune this time,” Mayor Torres indicated his thoughts seemingly confused.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> It’s not entirely bad he thought offering many
bodies sacrifice in the altar of politics for success. Why not, especially if
it is theirs’, he insinuated.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “It’s the reality sometimes you have to
accept.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Unless you are prepared vacating your post to any successor with all amenities
accruing to it you have to learn reality
and should live by it,” he confided.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Fine. But isn’t it that’s political
suicide?” the thought at the back of his mind.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Naturally enough as his family dynasty in
the making has been gripping its power for almost three decades now. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “It’s definitely hard giving it away given your
attachment to it,” his thoughts on the issue from his family’s context.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> ”It’s going to be decisive and would either
spelled out your success or failure.” The fast approaching local election is
definitely his political barometer. If he succeeds then it’s high time to shift
gear like running maybe in Congress for his district next. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “So what’s the beef here,” the thought
coming out from his mind.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “If others did it why can’t I,” he
challenge not privy to his party mates
and constituents. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">But what if he losses, that might could be
it, he felt.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> It seemed both the incumbent and Nanding
Paras gave their pieces eloquently sending curious onlookers and spectators sometimes in frenzy. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Bernabe’s turn came. Clearing his throat, he
called for sobriety and called for honest to goodness election. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “I don’t have the money the way the
incumbent has. But I have unconditional willingness and industry serving you with all my heart and
mind. That tradition of service by the way stretches back to the early de la Rosa that have serve us
for many decades. Unfortunately though, death snuffed out that early his life
challenging me to take the fight where he left off. I don’t intent to treat you here with rhetoric
as whether we like it or not regardless of how far words would bring us up
there one thing is sure. We would still go back to the earth and deals with the
same problems and issues. We should be ready to answer any of this. And I don’t
have any monopoly of answers as I’m not a magician with al aces tucked under my
shelves to wave wonders. Here your turn
comes in handy providing necessary lift helping one another for common good.” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> He calls more sobriety from the audience and advised to select and go for
the best qualified to deliver the service among the wannabes later. Raising
further his voice he said: </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “All of you attending this forum should
make a decision at least after closing this healthy debate. You may join us or may not depending where
you stand. The choice is yours!” he emphasized. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “It is now a movement slowly but surely
gaining momentum sweeping the entire
nation. Thankfully, it’s finally hitting the mark consolidating the
mass base making its
presence felt among different areas of the country as people from
different walks of life- student, farmers, retirees, government workers,
NGO’s, church, professionals, artists
and all concerned tax-paying citizens - are joining the crusade for effective
and transparent government,” he added. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Isn’t it that service is the classic term
for politics?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “We
should move on and fight continue serving or implacable rumbling of sounds and fury that have been polluting our environment would all
what we would be hearing all over again
everywhere ad infinitum. Let’s install
back the order and restore
decency to where it rightfully belongs. Where else if not to our original true
home where our heart is, there’s our
happiness also, <i>barangays</i> in our
beloved municipality. It’s payback time
for that basic unit of
institution. When else we would
be returning the compliment anyway having lived, breathed
and moved there and have our being if
not now when the surge is strong needed
to overhaul that wrong perception of its
people expectantly turning around,
making the system works for its own good.”
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “You might not know it. But the nostalgia and consciousness pervading in the
atmosphere is just like rediscovering new home. It is. Actually, we’ve been all there only more as mere resident and transient without ever
openly participating in its own affairs. We merely extended lip service
concocting desirable interventions in papers only through mere support without ever participating
it. See what we reaped? Whirlwind of confusion instead of clear-cut direction,
division instead of unity and worst, squandering of resources instead of
harnessing it into vibrant economy. And need to say more of patronage system
and less empowered citizenry in politics, that which we all seek to weed out to
establish better and transparent government.” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> </span> “The
litany of enmity is long as far as our inaptitude would allow.
With our votes however, we could
make possible things happen. That incompetence should already be thing of the
past. It’s just the nature of man to cling to which that is good and do what is best for himself and the community. Right? As
relevant didactic maxim further puts it:
All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing. And
true enough “it is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness!” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> </span> “Would you then dare to share making a difference. By all means,
join. Take the challenge. Your time and effort will definitely go long way.
Vote for Bernabe dela <st1:place w:st="on">Rosa</st1:place>”
Brief rest before he continued.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “If you can’t manage, never mind. That for as long as you come out from your
shell and start ironing out issues in
your respective <i>barangay.</i> No need to go macro. Just be there in your
area as concerned taxpaying citizen. You can make things happen by simply practicing the advocacy through which your <i>barangay</i> stands for. How to do it?
Here are some relevant questions as your checklist. Do you know how much
IRA your municipality or <i>barangay</i> has? What are its resources
that once explored and exploited would add revenue for your <i>barangay</i>? What about the arts and talents encompassing
in your area. Do you attend <i>barangay</i>
assembly. Most importantly, do you help formulate <i>Barangay</i> Dev’t. Plan before its integration to Municipal Dev’t.
Plan. There are definitely many issues.
It’s there for you to take it as concerned taxpaying citizen.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Most importantly with election of municipal
and barangay officials fast approaching this May, it is behooved upon all
stakeholders now to form the battle lines to secure the right of suffrage among
the constituents. After the poll
automation, it’s time to continue holding clean election hopefully to clothe
elected officials with clean and fresh mandate. As such we can rest secure as
we laid down the basic foundation of the entire government with the power
solidly resting on its sovereign voter down in the barangay, the basic unit and
truly home of us all,” he concluded. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Well delivered. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Many thanks,” Bernabe thanks the moderator
amid thunderous applause of audience.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 18.0pt;">. . . . . . . . . .<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> If you cannot lick them, then join them., has been
explainable in Philippine politics. But that is easier said than done.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “For unless you have the money the better
not run at all or just be man enough
licking your own wounds in the end joining
the Heartaches Loser’s Club wailing and sour-grapes wailing that you were not
actually defeated but cheated only.“ </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “If you are not in the league of an
Oligarch and can’t manage engaging in
this very prohibitive industry, the better just be in the sidelines and enjoy the great entertainment unfolding,” the
Moderator cleared further but not after reminding that this topic is beside the
point.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Digressing from the issue for the common
good especially the electorate, the moderator tapped the services of those who
volunteered in the past election hopefully to secure the sanctity of the
ballots in their respective <i>barangays</i>.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Who would protect us from irregularities
if not in the end we people who is the bottom line of this political exercise,”
he emphasized giving a break for some blueprint for development in election.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Fr. Driarco’s past election experience has
provided him nuggets of wisdom. He is right with us in the forum. May we be
taught by him how and what to contribute comes election day,” he said as the priest went upstage.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “This is my second experience volunteering
for PPCRV as citizen’s watchman over this very important political exercise in
the country.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “First,
I don’t think there is as much excitement serving people than doing it in far away <i>sitios</i>
and <i>barangays</i>.” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Far flung areas are more prone to
irregularities especially villages,” he added.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “There I went as pollwatcher.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Part also of the challenge is the past
experience he had under NAMFREL back then where one <i>sitio</i> registered more than ten irregularities from vote buying to
ballot box snatching. The only regret he had was, such election misdeeds did
not earn corresponding action and
response from commissioning authority despite submission of documents to
them. He recalled submitting these documented irregularities to NAMFREL Head official but getting no response of the action
required in addressing the issue.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Unfortunately nothing came out from such
effort as said report probably fell on deaf ears consigning such
irregularities in dustbin of history.” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> From there he deliberately inhibited himself
away volunteering similar work in the ensuing
election until he volunteered this year as poll watcher
for PPCRV. It was indeed unlucky that even the local COMELEC was even
very quick to a draw by declaring winners of the election despite official
notice of irregularities. He thinks that this was also explainable as they too
were held hostage by the LGU they being
holding their office in the municipal hall. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “It is therefore hoped that all our efforts
in PPCRV elsewhere would not be thrown in the trash bin as in the past and
concomitantly be given corresponding attention and action if only to maintain
sanity among electorates and not to
dampen enthusiasm of extending similar services next election.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “It is then behooved upon these officials to take notice
and address all irregularities
to determine the extent of dishonesty
and provide solution curbing them thereby preserving sanctity of the ballots
every election.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Looking back, those experience was not easy.
And what more today given the historic use of poll automation where danger of
corruption could be widespread what with the facility of computers which you
need only an alternate memory card with figures there favoring your bet then
simply have this copied and sent to the Center canvassing the votes.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Who knows for instance the miracle each
memory card had after these were
reconfigured and returned back to various precincts if there were no
foreign viruses forcibly installed in
them after their recall.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “What about those exorbitant and
prohibitive costs of election folder cover and cellophane stickers that
actually cost very negligible in National bookstore. O there were too many
miracles already identified and yet COMELEC is merely giving lip service to
these complaints. Why instead they engaged in all those witch hunting forcing some
Governors out of office in favor of their wards through political patronage.
Some were even begging the issue. What further exacerbated the issue has been
the seemingly deafening silence of submissive pious people there surprisingly
not sounding off any fury and defiance over injustice committed on their
innocent governor?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Let us just anyway hope against all hopes
that all would be peaceful and normal before, during and after election. Given
that many youth comprised this year’s voting population, is already a positive
indication that next exercise would be better and that we could no longer afford to commit any irregularities unless we
disregard their collective strength as
organized watchdogs and emerging voting powerbase.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “The cry of <i>barangay</i> was already over. It was no mean feat. But it’s good that
congressional mischief in its three attempt over a decade for possible
postponement of <i>Barangay</i> elections
didn’t saw daylight. Thanks now that all
system goes to for inclusion in the forthcoming election. The province alone has
more than 1,000 and 201 of these come from Esperanza and Sta. Rita whose thousand plus voting population are the
largest.” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">“Sea of humanity trooping in different <i>barangays</i> to cast their votes, what a
spectacle to behold. That alone calls
for celebration, an apt description as we choose for leaders to be elected as service
expanders and providers in our respective municipalities and <i>barangays</i>.” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Observers from Non-government
organization, church and civic groups are earnestly hoping that this important
exercise of sovereignty would come up with worthy leaders from among the
educated and whose character are beyond
reproach and has moral integrity and persuasion
that could stand the test of time at least while they are in office worthy of the votes cast on their favor
and could give best service over
petty politics to the constituents. But unless, these concern are
articulated in public plaza, nothing would happen.” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “ Let therefore the voters reflect on who among the wannabes deserve our
votes,” he encouraged.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “If possible give premium to those who have
been serving the community without counting the cost. Vote outright to those
who pledge not getting their salary when
elected. But check if they declare this wholeheartedly not as rhetoric and
antics in getting setting their trap capturing your votes. We need this new
breed of politicians not those who are
moving heaven and earth to get elected for pork and its equivalent IRA
in <i>barangay</i>. It’s short of sacrifice
and they are the kind of people we need most
- unselfish ones and service-oriented. Truly, this kind of leaders who would serve above
their personal interest is rare but we need them to dramatize that LGUs and <i>Barangays</i> are not job givers that any
prospects and opportunists are up in running for public office for personal
use and satisfaction,” Fr. Driarco
further dished out making COMELEC Officials
happy. Never mind that words delivered were sensitive but at least they were
uplifting taking such issues for and in their behalf. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Look for the professionals and those oozing
with talents not the political surrogates who are only there to promote the
whims and caprices of their mentors to
perpetuate patronage politics and
establish political dynasties. Section 38, of Omnibus Election Code is
very categorical on this stating: “<i>The barangay election shall be
non-partisan. No person who filed a
certificate of candidacy shall represent or allow himself to be represented as
a candidate of any political party, political group, political committee, civic
,religious, professional</i>. . . “ he
further ventilated. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “But incredibly, even some Chief Executives
are making a mockery of this provision going all the way campaigning his surrogates at will.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Shun away the drop-outs. How could we
professionalize our primal base and improve it if we allow them and those in the D and E brackets calling the
shots instead over the professionals of the A-B-C brackets.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Let them finished and complete first their studies if they want to leave an imprint to the
constituents.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “How could they best serve the
community and not succumb to corruption
when they’re in office if they are not well equipped and would rely only for IRA and other benefits for survival,” he articulated
without any sign of fear and favor.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> </span> “I
repeat our municipality and <i>Barangays</i>
are not a job givers, you should know. It’s both a company and an economy alright with all those
resources - land , labor and capital available - . But these are reserved
only for those who have talents and
initiatives of exploiting these
resources for good.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “What good having all these resources if we
don’t have the minds, and hands to make them productive in the first place?
Most importantly beware casting your votes to
those who dish out money, noodles-sardines-rice and other in-kinds with
your votes in their mind.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> </span> “Be
true. Your vote is not worth their salt, right? You’re gullibility is simply
taken for a ride by these opportunists making you as accomplice of corruption.
Your stand on their passing windfall is the gauge. Why take them if you know
that you’re worth more than the goodies
and freebies offered by them. Otherwise exercise freely your sacred right in
determining who’s the men who could deliver the best shots for you. Or you
don’t have any business for their recall as inept leaders later as provided by law through Constituent
Assembly.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">
And my invocation for God for all voters specially the new ones. <br />
“For all eligible
especially the first-time voters, pray
before casting your votes that you are doing it honestly, voluntarily and
freely as your covenant and pledge of
commitment before God and nation voting the right persons for the job.
That way you help build true essence of democracy and contribute building strong Republic giving legitimacy to
those who will govern and thus help eradicating
corruption right from its base, cutting the vicious cycle of fraud and
deception arising from selecting the incompetent ones.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Service could be the classic definition of
politics as already defined by earlier speaker.
Precisely we have election to transform this into an institution as “<i>sovereignty resides in the people and that
all government authority emanates from them.” </i>Decide then looking through
your prospects’ track records and see if he has what it takes to serve. All
this is undoubtedly done for the future,
the younger generations coming. Reforming now the system, getting out the
resurgence of patronage politics ensuring qualified and competent officials
weeding out corruption is definitely
the best legacy we could offer to them. The best of luck then to all of
us,” the good priest ended. </span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 18.0pt;">. . . . . . . . . . . . . <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> On his turn, <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Palma</st1:place></st1:city> hurled his own tirades spelling out the
litanies of failures of the incumbent administration from the glaring graft and
corruption supported with relevant documents like receipts, canvas papers, to
nepotism, abuse of authorities and payroll padding. So what used to be forum of
healthy ideas turned out as an exercise of verbal calisthenics? A war of nerves
sometimes could be an appropriate term. It is unfortunate though that death
from stabbing to cold-blooded murder becomes an extension of election. It could
be an amazing experience in fact when no one got killed during election.
Reported incidents of similar cases are felt all throughout the country. It’s
there printed in front page of all national dailies. COMELEC’s record of
casualties thus far are stunning. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> There’s no need to go that far unless Mang
Tonio would be resurrecting from the grave. It’s not entirely bad, candidate
Palma thought offering one body as
sacrifice for the municipality. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “But let his blood be an additional
offering to our forsaken land according the whims and caprices of its officials
not by the people who on the first place voted them into office.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “ It’s the reality sometimes we have to
accept. Sad though he was gone too soon.” Mr. Palma empathized. The message incidentally didn’t augur good news to the incumbent sensing
partiality obviously giving more leverage to Bernabe. This raised all the more
the high blood of the incumbent apprehensive that the oppositions are in
conspiracy against him. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> He
has been gripping the power for two term and this could be his last before
leveling up in Congress. It’s definitely
hard giving it away having been used to
it. This election would be very decisive and would either spell out his success
or failure. If he does succeed then it’s high time to shift to higher gear like
running as Congressman for his district. If others did it why can’t he. Such
has been his challenge, his greatest maybe in his life. He couldn’t definitely
afford to lose this one or it would be a kiss of death to his political career.
No wonder that this early he has already deputized his well-spoiled machinery
providing them the needed logistics to penetrate the remotest <i>barangay</i>
and possibly any unknown <i>sitios</i>. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Another NGO speaker this time was even
hitting right the nerve of ambitious Filipinos running in election. He said:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “I don’t intend to scare off the wannabes
to run for next election. But if you
intend to run, better start now otherwise you’d be left behind and blowing away
your chances of making it. That for as long as you have the money. By money I mean not just barely enough
for you to make it. If need be hire a good mathematician to give you an exact figures, one that would catapult your
dreams into an elected post..By that, it
means securing overhead that’s more or less more than the budget you’ll spent
in the principal. Ignore this reality and you would soon utter to your heart’s
delight: <i>If I know pa lamang, I will never
gayod!<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Sounds like a mantra for successful
election,” the COMELEC guy laughed outloud appreciating the joke.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Actually yes as I’m speaking this piece
after gathering relevant data in the field analyzing why an incumbent slate who
so far has been there making it to elected local posts via landslide victory
finally folded leaving only one Municipal Kagawad winning by his lonesome self
despite well-oiled machinery. There
might be other variables like their being not residents in the area and all
that. But it seems that short of not
delivering the goods to the voters specially in the homestretch sealed the fate
of the failures of the seven incumbent. It was like very strong wind blowing
them away fast their chances without ever knowing why,” he added. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “With money too, you need not to be
affiliated in any popular political party.
Your budget is already enough making the difference specially when yours
is much higher than what they are giving.
The best thing they can do is to dish out higher money buying out in
other words what you gave. In that case you should make your stake higher above
than theirs so that the momentum would go back to you again or you would soon
wake up badly beaten.” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Such was the case of the four independents
who mostly make it to the final winning magic eight of Municipal <i>Kagawad</i>.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Note what we’re talking here is merely <i>Sangguniang Bayan</i> and you know how much
at least they budgeted for their victory? More than half a million pesos at
P50.00 per voter for at least 6,000 voters adding their budget on foods,
gasoline, fighter, And where did they get the money. That’s crucial for the
uninitiated. Where else if not from the proceeds of selling properties and
loans just to secure that their
candidacy are bankrolled to the end.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “It is just unfortunate that the incumbent
strategist didn’t do their homework otherwise they would have remained in power. The better they stop throwing tirades
fomenting further division. The better
they go back now in the drawing board and start renewing their interest if they
still intend to regain their lofty position and go back to power. Simply lick
the wounds in other words and no need crying over spilled milk. Politics anyway
is higher brand of entertainment. <i>Pakapalan lang yan ng mukha</i>. That if you have face to reckon with. What if
the problem instead is your face! That needs complete reconfiguration as in
PCOS machine earlier subjected. As they
said in English: it’s very hard to face the problem, if the problem is your
face.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Reflecting how the immense power of gold among the guns and goons have
transformed the lives of political
wannabes for good, it’s no wonder that many unknown, unfit and
unschooled make it to the corridor of powers and down the lines in local
offices where the almighty made their entry possible in the world of
politics. Some stayed there until they
lost their stellar political career. Think for instance the elder Ampatuan who defeated Candao then
in ARMM. The elder Ampatuan was only grade four compare to Candao who is a
stateman and yet look, how he made him mere smithereens in the world of
politics in Maguindanao. Many others carved the niche of their political career by sheer guts and with
the help of vast and great resources.
These are the likes of the elder <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Democrito</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Plaza</st1:placetype></st1:place>
in Agusan del Sur and the Roa’s of Misamis Oriental who all first secure the
power of their financial base before they engage into full throttle political
dominance in their respective districts.
Similar observation could be said in other provinces.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Ergo, it’s all money in the world of
politics. It’s not only the oil that
keeps you burning and running your political machinery but most importantly
that vital cog keeping your dreams alive
keeping it there afloat without which better swallow any of your political
ambition. You might not even make it.
But the fact that you shared your resources to the voting public
specially the poor win or loss is already modest effort of reaching them out to
your dreams in Sociology’s Leveling Theory.
And that you may be blessed. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> True enough all trusted lieutenants armed
with grease money and guns carrying master list of voters went house-to-house
conducting information drive here and there selling the good news of any
candidate is the first order of the day. Soon they also employed dirty tactics
sabotaging the rally of the opponents. They would provide drinks and
appetizers to bystanders and kibitzers
and other curious on-lookers disrupting later the gathering. Sometimes they
would block the road with huge logs, rocks and anything their hands could lean
on discouraging the people in attending the occasion and to instill fear of
ambush which doesn’t happened anyway. Some kibitzers out of the heck of it have
the nasty habits of wiping the makeshift bridge suspenders normally small
bamboo posts hanging horizontally, with human feces. Who could indeed detect
that they are human waste in the evening where electricity is not available.
Dung for this unsavory dirty tactics. The public viewers sometimes could not
help themselves but seethes with anger. To whom? No one knows except the
opposing parties. The rest would just laugh it off away and never allow
themselves to be duped into attending similar political rallies, again.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> True enough Philippine politics is not only
marked by violence but also humors, intriguing many analyst on such
development. And indeed, it is hardly imagine that any sensible Filipino could
still afford to laugh given the countless lives lost as a result of election.
In many other parts of the country like <st1:place w:st="on">Bohol</st1:place>
and Muslim Mindanao killing during election is just such an ordinary
phenomenon. How could it be avoided for instance when gun ban sometimes is only
instituted in papers. Many Muslims do surrender their firearms but not all
specially those high powered ones. A gun for them is an extension of their
intestines. They would rather not eat than not have any guns at all. Thus you
would see even grown-ups tucking long barrel firearms in many area specially
those that they controlled election time or not. So how could be killing
avoided? It is even a miracle for any election pass without any bloodshed. Just
that. Politics Filipino style just defies miracle. For instance, how could an
opponent get zero-votes in all areas specially those who considers his
bailiwick. Whatever happens to his trusted lieutenants and paid watchers? Did
they staged a boycott or have their votes sold to other party? Did their nerve
break up in the last second? Questions like that are indeed miracles but do
happen in any election. So why indeed there is no single vote cast in his
favor. Whatever happened to those of his friends, paid voters, relatives his
wife and children. They might have changed their choice alright but my God not
me, he griped. Even when COMELEC utilized computers later in tallying votes,
somehow manipulation would still find its way. Out of disgust, those manning
the software staged an masse boycott stalling the counting of election returns.
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Changing and snatching of ballot boxes
featuring armed goons and rebels whatever have also their day. And who would
resist not the lowly paid teachers and or people deputized by COMELEC unless
they going to pay the prize for their resistance.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 18.0pt;">. . . . . . . . . .<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> The incumbent was right. He won handily the
election over her three other rivals. It
was not hard-earned victory in the polls. The people just feel that he is still
the necessary evil available in town and that there were no semblance of tough
oppositions from his three opponents. Hhe was elated for this. At least, the
people are giving him their license to run the government piling anew huge
investments for his next target – Congress. Not bad if he could make it. If he
was able to make it to the top post of Esperanza thrice in a row continuing the
legacy where he left off, why not indeed, he prided himself. What if somebody
come along and challenge him to a good fight.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Done, just well done last election,” he
said relegating the issue.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> He doesn’t know why this developed out of
nowhere. But who knows possible re-emergence of <i>Mang Tonio’s</i> ghost among his
people. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “No way, “ newly –elect Mayor say.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> The just concluded election happens to fall
on May where fiesta is celebrated. That makes the newly re-elected Mayor doubly
busy and excited. For one, he would only be preparing just one celebration for
two occasions after winning the top post and as a Father of the municipality he
now host to countless visitors and well-wishers joining the party..</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> The inauguration of new set of local
officers ensued as usual. The newly elected mayor and the rest of the
councilors renewed their commitment of service. Mayor Torres, in his speech,
promised to give his salary to deserving students who would finish their studies either in high school or
in college. This scholarship program started since his election into office might
have been the plus factor that made him won the mayoralty post anew. So far
nobody doubted this plan. The electorate specially those related to his
scholars cannot afford not supporting him. Unknown though to many, the subtle mayor
has bigger plans behind his altruism. He still intends to continue exploiting
the remaining forest reserve in the mountain and control the bidding of infra
projects which he receives some lion shares from the winning contractors</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Everything boils down to standard
operating procedure,” that the new Mayor knows best as he is not privy to his brand
of politics. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “What now?” that’s the question remained to
be seen as his term progresses. He told defending the secret he has been
keeping ever since no one has bugged so far.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “While you’re the prime of your life and
career, enjoy!” he reminded himself elated over the new mandate given by the
people never mind if by plurality votes,” he snapped. </span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">. . . . . . . . . . . .<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> No choice actually for the moment. The benefits were all given. How could he not
be receptive and magnanimous of this. What’s wrong with all this standard
operating procedures. They’re all part of the deal. I never demanded it, so
what all the fuzz over it when he has been enjoying the fruits of all these
deals – handsome incentives from the purchase of heavy equipments from
dump trucks, bulldozers, prime movers virtually making the family
eligible contractors. This excluding vast, thick and prime agricultural
landholdings they have accumulated over
the years on top of more than five
hundred cattles in their pasture land. They’re right had they share the
benefits of this windfall to the people. But no and never. Delicadeza should
have been observed as engaging into business as family smacks right of
opportunism merely using the LGU as its springboard in engaging into such
illegal activities.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> For an ordinary layman, such picture
provides the glaring anatomy of graft and corruption. No Juan de la Cruz,
unless he is a Saint, could possibly resist that. Driarco would recall that
temptation is never considered a sin unless one gives to it. Unfortunately,
it’s the easiest way to fall into the trap of committing that sin. Evil begets
evil, Mayor Torres knows that but saying ‘sorry’ could wait later. With many
mouths to feed, armed bodyguards to maintain, girls to be with living in
immoralities, who could afford not to fall into the trap of temptation. He did
and smitten by the excitement generated by it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">. . . . . . . . . .<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Danny, Fr. Driarco’s younger brother was
one among those who made it to the magic eight taking the topmost spot among
the eighteen candidates for councilor. It was not his choice to run for
politics. But that of the Liberal Party whose national agenda include the
termination of military bases agreement, higher wages for both public and
private workers specially the teachers who have been deprived of better salary
pay. Being a son of well-loved former mayor naturally was plus factor whose
name recall easily caught the electorate during the elected. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> He
understands the power play employed by Mayor Torres but it is still too early
to come out in the open. Time will only tell. He also know how to uproot graft
and corruption. He learns this after analyzing the complex process involved in
carrying out big projects. It’s the only solution available but he’s sure that
it will work weeding out the blight and corruption in the bureaucracy. Maybe
not entirely but might be a breakthrough. The solution simply calls for the
control of resources eliminating the bidding and canvassing business depriving
the third party’s participation in the entire process. Unfortunately, it’s
easier said than done. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “You could be altering a little bit that
structure of bureaucracy coming out with a Department exclusively tasked in the
acquisition of materials and or equipments and thus saving what is there left
for the government,” he would challenge his detractors.</span></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span>“Look at
that. It didn’t happen in <st1:country-region w:st="on">Russia</st1:country-region>
and <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">China</st1:place></st1:country-region>
and other communist countries. Who are you fooling whom?” he recalled his friends questioning the merit
of the proposal nipping right in the bud of the issue. <br />
“It even slips away with the
presence of an auditor supposedly conducting regular audit checking
and cross-checking all transactions how much more when you’re going to
employ just two persons. You bet, it is more dangerous than the present system
we are adopting?” others clarified.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Yes, because there actually no deliberate
attempt to safeguard the government’s money as all stakeholders are party out
of making a run of their own take when occasion arises. <st1:place w:st="on">Yap</st1:place>
buddy, you’re right whatever system we would adopt, just there’s no way succeeding,” he answered.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Give me time to validate my theory now that
I’m in government service, the thought coming back to him. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Who knows I’m might be vindicated here. No one can tell,” he cleared. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">It is definitely rough road ahead for Danny
from the looks of it. By force of circumstances, he has on his side fortunately
the tradition of honest and clean government practiced by his father. And by
all means, he is bound to take the cudgel for and in behalf the rest of local
officials who have similar vision but are only apprehensive to be counted. What
he probably needs is ample time, more time for exposure, more time for
maturation and more time to summon enough courage to give flesh, blood and
bones to his plan of action. It’s been of common knowledge that Esperanza was
his father’s baby before Mang Tonio got elected continuing the long tradition
of honest government . That it has probably grown as progressive center of
trade, commerce and industry that part of the province until a needle took him
out from that promising limelight. It was his father who spearheaded the
morality of civil disobedience when power of the ballots was silenced by the
muzzle of the gun. He agrees very well to the maxim that sooner or later whose
who get the position out of the bayonets could never stay long sitting on the
tip or they would have their anus cut into half. Others look upon his father as
romantic revolutionary, a title his father doesn’t mind. For he was an epitome
of public servant imbued with humility, simplicity and strong political will.
He practically revolutionized the government in Esperanza like refusing to receive
his salary, ironically continued by Torres’ family, cleaning the streets, halls
and public markets and other services. He defied protocol and wears only
t-shirts in many occasions. He doesn’t smoke, drink and what have you to
dramatize his crusade for better government in his municipality. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> The fight again is on, his alter ego was
saying on his first assumption of duty in the municipality. Danny managed only
to smile. Now together with Driarco, they could unleashed two-pronged attack fiscalizing
the <i>Sangguniang Bayan</i> session hall. Engaging
in guerilla warfare in ensuing sessions with Driarco, Taklin and all people
supporting would already make his day. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">“But why all Filipinos are crazy about
politics?” he thought trying to muster what it is in Filipino psyche that Juan
de la Cruz is so crazy about. And Driarco, so far has only one answer, an
answer probably shared also by millions
other voters.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Pork or money. It’s all the same, two flipside in a coin.”
Crazier even that even in Parents’ Teachers’ Association, Juan is there
lobbying for possible post. Again, why so because of money wrapped up in the
word ‘service’ subsequently willingness
to serve. But you can’t just find fault in Juan because big Juan de la
Cruzes up there in Congress and Senate have been setting the precedents too.
Nothing mysterious here, he thought. Despite too of this stunning reality, he
is yet to see whatever prompted this virus affecting many politicians today. </span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 18.0pt;">. . . . . . . . . . . .<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Red meat, ham, animal protein, beef, chicken,
mutton, lamb – it’s all synonymous with pork any carnivorous man can’t live
without. In the world of Philippine politics, it’s called Priority Development
Assistance Fund (PDAF) enjoyed by 23 Senators and 270 Congressman.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> In
sum, it accounts for P23.7 Billion
yearly budget of the latest culled straight from taxpayers money and returned
back allegedly to them through various development projects. Sounds great but
not when you know that the music is grating to any concern taxpayer’s ear. It’s indeed sad to note that the people themselves are shortchanged
as they are left in the receiving end what with more than
half of the budget railroaded
somewhere as it passes through different third parties with greasy hands before
it finally reaches the constituents who are supposed to be direct beneficiaries
of PDAF. Put it simply, it’s the great source of corruption. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “So you want to get rid of corruption? Weed
out the third party! But can we? There just
seems to be problem somewhere. Political will? Maybe. Inaptitude? Maybe.
It depends who are its apologist. For as in the corrupt English dictum bares
it: It’s very hard to face the problem if the problem is your face! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “That I think all will agree. Thus, the
pressing issue - do we have what it
really takes to face the problem head
on? Must be kidding. Yes of course only we don’t give damn about it,” the
thought rekindling to Danny as he was back home.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “That
has always been a sad refrain as in a
song hearing all these legitimate complaints reaching us to far greater
proportion that all opportunity seems to have
slipped us by beyond control contributing
us tarnished image as one of the most corrupt country in the
world. And yet we seemed to have remained
undaunted as if basking in glory
from this infamy.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Witness all the seemingly many excuses and
approaches of combating this malady which are all palliative. Look how our good
Congressmen in the House of Representative brazenly mangled the 14 years in the
making Freedom of Information Bill only to be buried in the last minute without
seeing the dawn by mere technicality! “</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> An instance that speaks well the issue, surprisingly,
Mayor Torres’s true color came out when he revealed back home later in one
radio station that no way he could
appreciate faces of journalist who might be prying on questionable projects in
effect begging ACDC journalist should
first clean their own backyard instead
before minding politicians’ business through FOI Bill. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “What truly an irresponsible declaration
from the good Mayor as if all members of the media are corrupt” early reply
from concerned media people. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Clearly, it was very good gambit and
familiar antics the same way many subtle politicians are employing
when he invoked that mere technicality digressing from the issue. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Same tactic was seen in one important
hearing conducted on that sensitive issue of Freedom of Information Bill where concerned Congressmen deliberately did
not attend the hearing they are all present. The reason – to protect their own
interest of the pork they would not want to account. Ironically, the numbers
of honorable Congressmen back then would
have been enough constituting the quorum
only they were seen just loitering
around in the premises. Where the heart is willing it will find thousand means;
but where the heart is unwilling it will find not just thousand but millions of
excuses. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Securing enough courage as if moving heaven and earth not to muster
enough quorum as cover up was definitely the best thing they could do.
Undoubtedly, it was conspiracy or passing that FOI Bill early on would have opened the Pandora’s box of corruption smelling
fishy as more and more skeletons on their closet would be revealed to the
public. That incident was technically corruption in the highest order.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> </span> “It
is just hoped therefore that such scandalous event would not become a precedent
now that another FOI version is introduced under P-Noy’s presidency who
repeatedly vows fighting corruption with
finality,” Danny challenged.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Correspondingly, slashed the pork from
those who have not delivered the results to their district. Or better still,
why not directly give the pork to their constituents making many would all be more happy,” Danny continued.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> What is the Mayor’s and all politicians stand on his issue,”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Why not start right treating this malady
with its corresponding cure right in our own backyard or suffer identity crisis
instead becoming casualty as corruption blows right before our faces. That’s
precisely the problem. Unfortunately such observation doesn’t deserve further
qualification unless we suffers mental lapses.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “For isn’t it that this was clearly
identified as one of her campaign pledge?” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Most importantly, she’d been through
it incidentally enjoying the smorgasbord
menu given by pork for our Congressman and Senator and its form in Local
Government Units – Internal Revenue Allotment.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “ Alright it might be difficult now addressing the issue as it would define the
true character of her administration <i>vis-a-vis</i>
to corruption. But when would he start applying the cure to this malady. He has
been there anyway for the past three decades riding on the crest of his
constituents blind loyalty. He has
already weathered troubled road of politics passing and celebrating Easter of
election garnering overwhelming mandate. What more does he need when he has
everything at his disposal. The right
move at the right time. This is my show, in my time. Must
really be Showtime. . . .” the elated
reelected Mayor felt.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">. . . . . . . . . . .<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Anything new last election?” Fr. Driarco
clarified. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Maybe new faces here and there for those who were able to make it or winning some and losing </span> some for others . But the grandest of them all, winners all in
national and local elective post by one great big family.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Why really not if all factors for sure
victory concocted by professional strategists and spin doctors were followed to the letter. While those
unfortunate ones wallowing still in
their ignominy of defeat and still unable to shrug off the hangover of
reversals of their fate reeking of
humiliation, this emerging new special
kind of family simply savoring their victory with relish in cloud nine
qualifying them as the New Almighty today until next election when the people
would decide again their fate either they deserve to prolong their stay in
office or its time too packing their bags and giving away for new space
occupants relegating their previous victory in the dustbin of history in the
background. But here’s the catch, money.
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> </span> What
would you get anyway with millions of money
poured in their campaign chest for instance securing the needed votes specially in the homestretch
if not their votes. From all indication
with resources already secured in the bag from all those hard earned resources
pooled together from dispatching properties and getting hefty bank loans used to
bankroll their candidacies
bearing good results in the end of
resounding victory for one great big family, is a celebration of life.
Nothing really is impossible in an election, we know that. How much more if
surveys had been conducted showing the trend of incoming polls indicating great probability of making it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Such was the result of last election. Many
were happy but the happiest undoubtedly were big family. The victory came in
different shades depending on how many members of a family makes it. As in
sociology, it could be simple family unit where both husband and wife makes it
as both winners. Or nuclear where other
members of the family make it. It could also be an extended where other
relatives of the family make it into winning circle either in national or local election. Now take the sum of the return of their
investment through the pork barrel, IRA and other perks and you have
correspondingly one big great family
very happy naturally enjoying most the best there is in power their post offer.
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Look those in the Senators lately occupant
of the Senate. You have there the Big Three brothers the likes of Bong Revilla, Jinggoy Estrada and Lito Lapid
who at last authored the Lapid Law providing as usual pro bono legal services
to pauper litigants. Never mind the
spitfire Miriam Defensor Santiago, the Big Man promising big justice Frank
Drilon, Manong Juan Ponce Enrile, erstwhile <i>kilig
ng mga kolehiyala</i> Ed Angara, Mr. Fiscalizer
Joker Arroyo and the sport enthusiast Pia Cayetano. Add the Drug Czar
comedian Tito Sotto and what you’ve got if not one Big Movie family. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> With the entry of Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos
and TG Guingona, the cast in Senate is simply stellar. It’s just unfortunate
though that the villains in the mold of
Ka Satur Ocampo and equally progressive Liza Maza did not make it in the
screening test via Senatorial election
That was tough but as we know all is well that ends well. With Noynoy’s
battle cry <i>Tapusin ang Korupyon sa
Pamahalaan</i> during his term, the show would definitely not be that smooth-sailing. Let the show therefore
begin, Fr. Driarco’s thoughts wandering.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> It was not only that one big movie, last
election ushered in also the consolidation of one big family. You have the Estradas for instance save for
Erap not making it back to presidency.
But his previous love of his life Guia Gomez was elected Mayor of San Juan
with sons Jayvee Ejercito winning as Congressman in his district and later of
course joining Jinggoy retaining his seat in the Senate. Go to Ilocos Norte and
you have the Marcoses back in power with Bongbong of course as Govermor relinquishing the seat later to Imee Marcos
after earning the seat in Senate. Imelda has been in Congress by the way. So
how short is our memory, reminded by writer of an impending return to dark age
of dictatorship! What about the Binays
all in family in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Makati</st1:place></st1:city>.
Similarly, it was not at all bad for the Villar even if Manny didn’t make it
because his son Mark was also elected as Representative of their District on
top of Cynthia Villar enjoying her status quo as Congresswoman.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Going down in <st1:place w:st="on">Mindanao</st1:place>
and you can see that nothing significant
change happening in its political
landscape save for Maguindanao Toto Mangundadatu won vindicating his crusade
against the Ampatuans. The prize for
such change was unfortunately too prohibitive in that 54 lives with many
journalists were sacrificed in the altar
of greed in politics. <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Davao</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">City</st1:placetype></st1:place>, as already indicated
had the Dutertes calling again the shot although this time, the younger
daughter of Duterte will assume as Mayor relegating the post back to elder
Duterte. That she beat the veteran Prospero Nograles also added color in her
cap.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Bukidnon of course, have the Zubiri’s
despite some of his lineups were
mercilessly clobbered by new rising political star in the first district in
Jess Paras’ mold who relinquished the post though to Malou Acosta, earlier
staunch political stalwarts of Bukidnon.
Gauging from the recent development with Inaki Zubiri winning the
Mayoralty post in Malaybalay, it is very probable that their grip to power
would be ad infinitum. The trend is similar in Misamis Oriental, Camiguin,
Lanao del Norte where the Emanos, Romualdos and Dimaporo respectively reign.
Oscar Moreno would however cut the long reign of elder Emano setting new trend
of politics at Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> It is just hoped anyway given the vast
power enjoyed by these big families that they could vindicate the mandate
extended to them by the general voting public. They’d been there and now
they’re back riding anew on the crest of
majority mandate from the people. Now is the time to test their
political maturity dishing out services beyond partisan politics. Most specially, payback time of giving utmost
services to people and that they don’t
easily buckle on the pressure. Instead, should be in their best element and one in pursuing excellence
in service never mind if one great big family.
Fr. Driarco thought.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Edwardian Script ITC"; font-size: 22.0pt;">. . . . . . . . . <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10908645543292590219noreply@blogger.com0Cagayan de Oro, Philippines8.4542363 124.63189778.2029393 124.3160407 8.705533299999999 124.94775469999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5949714347708699086.post-18461188045449702222012-11-09T09:34:00.000-08:002015-05-07T21:03:10.491-07:00Chapter 19 - Homecoming<div style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6iT0JxGgDifN4__jwC3_1tLd38TpUb_MQp2Q0WUOMv6HPSYGuUBE0wyvF-oRW1GAUiwyXY4HG1Tb6csSF9mvHDk7lnsimC6r2KgwMoz9gdbtjUBrnxVFGJl_CGzIPGOzu_jJM74ZaVko/s1600/Homecoming+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6iT0JxGgDifN4__jwC3_1tLd38TpUb_MQp2Q0WUOMv6HPSYGuUBE0wyvF-oRW1GAUiwyXY4HG1Tb6csSF9mvHDk7lnsimC6r2KgwMoz9gdbtjUBrnxVFGJl_CGzIPGOzu_jJM74ZaVko/s400/Homecoming+01.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Chapter 19<br /><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">Homecoming</span></b></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b> A</b></span><span style="text-align: left;">bundance
of spiritual bouquet, </span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><span style="text-align: left;">wreaths with
sympathy cards lining</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><span style="text-align: left;">up from</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><span style="text-align: left;">their sala to receiving room where his
father’s casket lays were pronounced </span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><span style="text-align: left;">when Lt. Taklin de la Rosa regal in his
military uniform dropped from military jeep. </span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><span style="text-align: left;">Huddle was momentarily stopped by the
supporters giving time for Taklin to met his father now inside the wooden
casket. For the first time after many years, silvery tears flowed down from his
sunken socket gazing the disfigure face of his </span><i style="text-align: left;">tatay</i><span style="text-align: left;">. Uttering thrice ‘Into your hands Oh Lord we commend his
spirit’ then make his soul whiter than snow’ is all what he could muster from
his troubled heart. Sitting nearer his mother, he wonders if the rest of the
family were informed by Bernabe of the real incident. </span><br />
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-US">
“This is the time of mourning
not of inquiry,” he reminded again himself. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Perhaps some other time after the dead body
is finally laid to rest. He also thought that maybe he’s the last person left
uninformed of the story his mother and the rest of the family being adamant in
divulging the news thinking aloud that uncalled for chaos might surface during
the wake. That would not do any good, he thought or so. In reality though, it
was the other way around. Neither his mother and all other members of the
family have any inkling of the real incident. Save for Danny.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “I’m sorry son your <i>Tatay</i> left without leaving us a word,” <i>Nanay</i> Elsa breaks the news to Taklin.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “No need to do that I suppose. His life
himself is a testimony of his total personality. He is, in the gospel sense, a
living word, a living witness to the world.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Calm registered on the face of <i>Nanay</i> Elsa hearing his good son speak. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “<i>Mang
</i>Tonio up there would be happy for the praises given by his son,” she
thought. It’s for the moment she could managed as she is not disposed speaking
more.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “I think <i>Nanay</i> what you need is enough rest to provide you extra adrenalin
lost these past few days. I just want to be sure you would not be physically
and emotionally drained comes the burial of <i>Tatay</i>
on Friday. Okay?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span lang="EN-US">Nay </span></i><span lang="EN-US">Elsa just nodded.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “I’d like to speak to Bernabe please,” said Lt. de la Rosa leaving after planting a kiss on her forehead.
Fidgeting Bernabe sitting nearby, they went inside the room. Door closed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “What’s up,” Taklin ventured.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “I counted the alcohol reading from <i>Tatay’s </i>blood taken by Jun, newly
assigned medico-legal in this municipality who conducted the autopsy. It’s only
5-8% alcohol count bro. That means he was in complete control of himself that
evening and there’s just no statistical probability that he could slipped his
right foot down on that cliff as alleged. Or translated in layman’s street
parlance, that measly 5-8% alcohol reading for a driver would not in a way
blurred his vision or slow down his nerve and reflexes to commit slightest
mistake like bumping or hitting another vehicle let alone running over a
pedestrian crossing dead.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Did you kiss him. . . . I mean checking
his mustache to find out if there were some foreign residues left indicating
miracle forcibly administered to him . . . .”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “No need I suppose for I took sampling of
Dad’s oxygen. . . .”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “You forced Dad’s stomach inducing to vomit
. . . .”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “<st1:place w:st="on">Yap</st1:place> by
pressing his belly with my two hands and through his mouth pass salty water
mixed with marca demoño and some foodstuff he ate that evening. However, the
findings of Dr. Ramos who conducted the autopsy was irreversibly still in negative.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “How was it done?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Not sure if you heard a certain gadget
used in identifying the origin or a tag or label – if you wish – of certain
item like cigarette. By subjecting the smoke alone, the kind of cigarette used
would be identified one hundred percent.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Quiet sophisticated.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “In our country, right. But not in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">United States</st1:country-region></st1:place>. This gadget is
common item there specially among physicians who are working sensitive position
like a medical doctor in FBI.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “How about the body from his vital and
tender flesh toenails to the head.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “As already said, Jun’s findings were in
negative and it’s official. Dislocation of three ribs from the torso, legs
broken, abrasion, contusion, concussion of the upper breadbasket, the head
included.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “So as learned from Jojo, Dad was really a
bloody mess.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Bernabe
nodded.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Was there any other indication showing any
foul play before he fell down to his death from that ravine like neck broken before throwing him away to the sea, anything
of that sort?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Well Dad’s body serves as physical
evidence and so far from the investigation, medico-legal’s findings do not
prove otherwise.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Taklin fixes his gaze down to the floor,
his index finger playing his lap. “Fine. Just fine. I just want to be sure what
their official results are. Now for the final question. Having been briefed by
Jojo himself of the incident, do you believe in all what their findings are?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Bernabe was stunned. Blood came rushing on
his check nodding.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Great. It’s time we should also make ours bro.
Jojo’s recount is an excellent lead. Do you think so?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Bernabe managed only to smile. “What do you
mean? Another inquest.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Yes, minus the opposing party. If need be,
we should conduct the autopsy ourselves. That would be a good parting gesture
of love to <i>Tatay.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Again,” Bernabe whined.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Yes. Why not. But not now but on the 46<sup>th</sup>.
Don’t tell me you are retracting your alcohol reading and your own findings of
what was inside <i>Tatay’s </i>belly. That
does not seem weird to you?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “I suppose so. And what do we intend to do
next?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Lifting his forefinger upward, Taklin
enthuses. “Just like these. First, be sure to add more formalin to <i>Tatay’s </i>body. Normally a gallon of
formalin is only good for three days. That
means we need twelve or thirteen gallon for six weeks. Just be sure that
we don’t run out of supply.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Then what’s next?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “I already negotiated Dr. Flores for
possible burial outside the cemetery maybe in the farm or behind our house. If
South Koreans and Chinese respect that practice why could not we when our farms
are so vast after all. This could be possible if there would be no hitch from
Mr. Flores who might be tipped by the Mayor not to accede to our request.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “If there’s no way, health officer of the
province might not give clearance for health reasons. . .”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “But <i>Tatay</i>
remember Bernabe did not die of serious illness. We should exert effort to get
the desired result. You see I don’t think we could afford spoiling our own
inquest this early. Get what I mean?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “So number three is how!”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Without waiting for response, he continued.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Any normal burial at the municipal
cemetery but be sure to supervise the construction of a chapel. Don’t forget
too that cement mixing at the rear should be such that it is very easy to break
for the retrieval of <i>Tatay’s</i> body
later.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Bernabe practiced recalling the first two
item just said while his ear was on Taklin. Thirteen gallon of formalin for six
weeks and possible burial in the farm. Number three, any ordinary burial in
municipal cemetery.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Remember. Let us not commit any slightest
mistake that would provoke suspicion from dirty pigs. Having done that, all the
rest would follow suit. Did you get that?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Observing Bernabe carried away and not
responding, Taklin disturbs,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Excuse me. Are you still here. . .”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Yes, I got them.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “But that is only plan A, a conservative
one,” Taklin continued after the brief pause.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Bernabe was startled. There’s blood
flushing into his face.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “So what you’ve got for your plan B?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Plan B is just an execution of Plan A
right after the burial of <i>Tatay</i>. And
the best time to do that is dawn when the angels are still asleep. Men are not
only sleeping by then but also their spirits inebriated from the power of marca
demoño.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Good – but I’m not sure if we could execute
that to the letter,” Danny questioned.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Why not. Precisely we have to invest so
much quality time and maybe enough resources. If we would pursue such plan,
take charge in the preparation of the area for our own post mortem. Cemetery
guard should be out at least during that night only. Ditto with the rest of
the men. Now tell me do you think you
could handle this?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Sure,” Bernabe thought after all even God
needs rest. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “But how?” Bernabe tried to grapple the
problem. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “There’s only one way – offering heavy
drink to Colas, the undertaker and surreptitiously mixed with three or four
valium. He could take the risks, why not.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “I myself would take charge of the physical
cover.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Finally, it was tacitly agreed that plan B
would be the priority. Three days left to execute the plan, the two thought it
could be manageable. Hugging each other, they called it a night.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Mind you Bernabe, we would not fail. God
is with us. He never allows you know the Devil
imposing his influence to God fearing people of Sta. Rita.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “So be it,” Bernabe hushed it to the ear of
Taklin.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Digressing from the issue, Bernabe asked:
“How about Jojo?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “No need to worry. He’s safe and fine at <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">St. John</st1:place></st1:city> the Baptist
Monastery. I’ve got some friends there. And it’s the safest place one could
find in town. Don’t divulge this to his mother. Just inform his mother that
only after this crazy war against the Powers-that-be over.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “A deal again.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Okey, a deal. <i>Tatay</i> is also making his deal with us. Remember his oft-repeated
words – golden rule. Don’t do unto others what others would like to do unto
you. This is the time to confuse devil if not totally wiping him out from the
face of this municipality. ‘Cause if they have done this to <i>Tatay</i> then there’s no guarantee they
would not be doing the same to all good men in this community giving indescribable
suffering to the family left,” Taklin emphasized.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Coming out from the room with Bernabe, he
was met by Col. Joselito Ludemir and some friends. “Our condolence to you Taklin.
It’s God’s way that we have to pass this way. It’s rare opportunity in fact to
die where we have to go back to mother earth and our soul back to God who
created us.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Taklin executed required snappy hand salute
before acknowledging the sympathy given by the prince of peace and order of the province.” Many thanks Sir.
I hope that he is now resting beside
God.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “A man of peace like him, he does.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Taklin also acknowledged the presence of
other sympathizers that night and that
includes some of </span> Mayor Torres’ men who posted like deep penetration agents all
throughout the vigil. Bernabe learned that they have been attending the vigil
since his <i>Tatay’s</i> death few days ago.
Bernabe just kept his cool not bothering some suspicion heard surrounding <i>Mang Tonio’s</i> death.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The vigil fellowship started. An
elderly leads the evening prayer calling
the gathering the celebration of life. “For it’s through death that we see
life,” Taklin remembers the leader saying; the rest of the message was blurred
by the savage destruction and mangling of his father by whoever who might have
done it. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Even if <i>Tatay</i> survives the ordeal, he would still be consigned to wheelchair
forever given the injuries he had,” Taklin believed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “It’s clear conspiracy with the killing
done in cold blood in the guise of drinking spree yet.” </span> This time he thought of
the possibility of his <i>Tatay</i> folding
like marshmallow and fell to the bedrocks after his neck was squeezed broken by
the perpetrators of crime was playing in his mind. A very big possibility after
seeing the bulk of those men right before him. This nagging issue would definitely
be answered few days from now. With Friday coming, two days more left, he feels
impatient for the first time.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Meanwhile, the evening prayer just ended
with a soulful rendition of “I Will Never Forget You My People” taken from the
book of Isaiah by the parish choir.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “I’ll go ahead, I have other urgent things
to do Taklin. There will be Executive Officer’s meeting next week in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Manila</st1:place></st1:city> so I want to be
sure I have something to ask. If you have any urgent matters for me, see me
before Monday next week. I’ll be leaving then for <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Manila</st1:place></st1:city> to attend the scheduled conference,”
Bishop Valdez said bidding goodbye.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> There was an impulse on Lt. Taklin to talk
with the high ranking officer being the
highest authority representing the military in the province but the thought of
spoiling his <i>tatay’s</i> rest and the impact it would create dampens
his enthusiasm.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">“ I haven’t even settled the fundamental
issue of how the killing was done. Some
other time maybe. Part also of his reservation is the unpredictability of some
military officers playing sometimes with
politics at the government expense. For how would you account military hardware
from bullets to high-power firearms ending into the hands of the rebels?“ the
asked.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “In case you’ve found men in uniform
committing error, don’t tell that directly to them. They are only humans and they
too err. Please tell that problems directly to me before the media would blow
the issue out of proportion,” he
remembers from one of the instruction from the higher officials many years back
in the same way he learns when he was a sacristan instructed not rocking the
church and its priests there who might have erred in their lives. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Tell his sins directly to God as they are
only humans.” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “No wonder that theology of liberation
unlike in Latin America where the progressive doctrine was made and practiced
was concocted in papers only in the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Philippines</st1:country-region></st1:place>. It never thrives nor finds itself translated
into praxis in the field. Cardinal Sin himself would later say that Civil War
could be the worst punishment from God,” he learned.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “But
did he not ever know that civil war is on,” a writer would later answer
addressing the issue in one National Daily.
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “We can’t just philosophize it. The fact
is, the country is bleeding from a war between Filipinos – men of the same
race, color, nation and what have you – the paper further said.,” he recalled.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “What shall we do on Friday son?” his mother
asks taking him back from his meditation.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “As planned, we’ll follow what has been
programmed until <i>Tatay </i>is laid to
rest. Other things would be treated one at a time when they come, that would be
after the 46<sup>th</sup>. Excuse me. I mean let’s observe the day of mourning
until he is laid to his final resting place,” he snapped easily restoring back
the confidence of his mother.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> It was getting late. The people as usual
were busy in their huddle. On the right side, people were playing cards. As he
walks in, they were a bit ashamed seeing Lieutenant Taklin de la Rosa
construing his religious background in the Seminary.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Good evening Lt.,” one player uttered.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “No problem folks. You may play cards ‘till
daybreak. No problem,” Taklin responded. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Gambling during wake has been part of culture
among people in the country. The
professional ones in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Manila</st1:city></st1:place>
would even hire a cadaver from Funeral Parlor just to entice people gambling
and they reaping handsome dividend. Thus even he abhors the practice, he can’t
just stop them instead just remain lenient as he could not legislate a ‘no
gambling’ night to the visitors many of whom came purposely to play. And that’s
what the perceived enemies whoever they are did and since day one of the wake. Unknown for these people, Taklin have them caught in a CCTV Camera
secured over them.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Reading various sympathy cards “Our deepest
sympathy!” all over relieved him the heavy load and burden somehow. And as
usual the size of the wreath personifies the identity of the sender. And
nothing beats among those send by the Mayor and other politicians.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Deep
inside, he was elated that flowers were offered by friends around. They come by
bunch replacing those that already get thawed. To his amazement, he learned
that it was actually Mayor’s men who facilitated arrangement of the wreaths and
spiritual bouquet what with many coming in.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Among the rest however, one spiritual
bouquet with short poem took his interest. It’s from his bosom friend who was
once his batch mate in high school at Sta. Rita and classmate in the Seminary
but unlike him which followed other path, continued threading the path of the
Lord towards Calvary.“The heavier the cross, the more the Christ-like the
journey,” he would recall remembering this maxim sent to him. <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Reading</st1:city></st1:place> and picking up therefore his wisdom
for the occasion is another visit to the
window of his soul:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Edwardian Script ITC"; font-size: 18.0pt;">To
A Friend<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US">“<i>Why grieve over the loss of dear one.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">Be brave, he just went ahead<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">to a place we will all tread<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">Life is not ours to spend nor cherish.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">It’s God’s<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">We’re here living to share His love<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">to each one.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">My deepest condolence!”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Great poem indeed though couched in very
simple language,” he said appreciating his friend oozing with talent at the
same time folding the sympathy card into his portfolio. Taklin smiled a bit
learning the sender of that short poem. It was Fr. Driarco, his once a upon a
time bosom friend possible ally for peace and development of Sta. Rita whom he has not heard of after they
went each other’s separate way he answering another calling serving the
military.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “I don’t grieve over his death but on how
he was mangled by those who inflicted
the damage,” the Lt. said in silence, a fact his dear friend not privy
about.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Not at all; we’re all passing mortals
anyway,” he justified that thought </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Realizing the many wreaths lining and mass cards on top of coffin somehow awakened him how people from
different persuasions and walks of life loved his father.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “So, this is how it looks like when you become now a military officer specially
coming from prestigious institution like PMA,” he thought as people extended
their heartfelt condolences. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Thanks but no way digressing from my focus
– that is looking into the bottom of his death,” Taklin thought
physically drained as he had only three hours of sleep the other night.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">He was elated that implementation works as
planned his men in full throttle working
the completion of chapel for his
father’s mausoleum.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Why not? To remind people to search for
honorable, just, lasting and ideal his father represents.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> A
chapel and a room behind would be fine. That would facilitate his own post
mortem inquest. It’s crazy thinking of an impulsive plan but there’s no other
way out but to do it if only to give justice to his father. What a pattern how the killing was delivered
clean in conspiracy. His father were as close as brothers with Mang Clineo who
suffered familiar mysterious fate. Not only that the pattern of killing with the rest
were identical – shot in the head and or killed sweetly with pointed object
planted in the cranium – brutal but done in a subtle way as if perpetrated by
professionals.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Meanwhile, the line was long from the
sympathizers who pay their last tribute to the man who created the
municipality. The church bell peals lazily
as the casket was drawn atop a bier carried by two big horses towards the
cemetery.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt;">. . . . . . . . . .<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Are you sure no hitch here,” the Mayor
said to Bobo who took the telescope extended by the Mayor in the terrace.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “What do you think? So far there is no
indication insisting foul play getting messy around. That’s what Baldo et al
tipped us in the vigil and necrological services just concluded in the Church.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Then be sure that everything are ironed
out smoothly till that poor fellow is buried six feet under the ground. By then
we could claim that we could have at last registered landslide victory comes election day few
months from now.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “And the rest would follow suit.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “You mean Ramon, promising pretender to the
throne. Never. Only over my dead body. As long as we’re breathing, take it from
me only death could take us from the reign of power we are enjoying. What are
we in power for if we could not make impossible things happen. Cheer for Mayor
Torres victory anew,” the Mayor said consuming the glass half-filled with
Russian vodka.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “And condolence to the poor politician
whose comeback to the political arena was finally aborted.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Not all bad though partner. His political
savvy and experience could be very excellent fertilizer to this barren
municipality.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Yes Sta. Rita as your name implies there
is still hope for you mercilessly exploited by us to the tilt,” the Mayor said
sending his laughter reverberating in the four walls closed office.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Outside the great throng of multitude is
thinning out until only their umbrellas could be seen from the second floor of
the Municipal Hall remaining visible to the naked eyes like mushrooms popping out.
</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 18.0pt;">. . . . . . . . . .<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> An alarm clock rings wildly sending Bernabe
standing on his feet. Outside, a cock crows breaking the new dawn of the day.
It’s exactly two o’clock in the morning leaving him thirty minutes to be in the
mausoleum in the cemetery just constructed. Donning his jogging shoes and
putting a black jacket on, he hurriedly went downstairs. <i>Nay</i> Elsa surprisingly wide awake holding family portrait was
sitting alone in the sala.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Too early to jog around.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Yes but not really. Just want to savor
fresh air outside,” he said after kissing her mother’s forehead. He then bolted
out from the door. The sharp sound of bats feasting on ripe mangoes along the
road is all what he heard some dropping to the ground their sweet juicy smell
wafting in the air. The municipality was completely at peace like Colas, the cemetery’s undertaker sprawling at
the gate of the cemetery in deep sleep.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Dimly lit, the mausoleum constructed looks
like any economy chapel in many gardens in the city save that an inquest would
be conducted that day.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Just in time I suppose bro,” break Bernabe
upon his entry by the door.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “You’re right.” responded Taklin his hands
wearing plastic gloves.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Where’s Lito, the medico-legal you
promised to bring along earlier to help us do this job?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Not sure. Must be joining us here later. No
need as he might also be still sleeping from too much intake of hard liquor,” he
said while fixing his gaze on the luminescent crucifix hanging by the wall. Soon
they pulled the coffin out and after
brief prayer would executed their customized post mortem. The stiff and cold
body was all there for their inquest.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Now we’re on,” Taklin said taking out the
linen covering his father’s dead body.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Reviewing the body looking for possible damage
of any vital organ. None leaving him to validate if at all the trend of killing
sweetly a person is in order. This to check if indeed the systematic but
ruthless murdering a person using that
customized needle he learned could be discovered and retrieved. Why not, he
thought giving him goose bump.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Now do keep this business strictly between
us and God. . . . I should have proceeded with the inquest earlier. But I took
patience waiting for you to have you act as witness how cruel the Mayor has
been towards innocent people he perceived as enemies.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Bernabe
spell bounded just waited for the next move. Caught off-guard reading
the mind of his brother, he just remained silent and waited in great
anticipation what would be the most
likely discovery of that early dawn intrusion of the cemetery.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> The inquest didn’t last that long. Taklin
just concentrated on two vital part of the head taking the lead from his friend
Lito, that hunchback medico-legal who must still be sleeping. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “We could have <i>tatay’s</i> belly opened as our last resort to see if was drown to
death.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “You mean taking his lungs out and have it checked in a basin full of
water if it floats or sank . . . ,” Bernabe
said with reservation his eyes almost
popping out from their sockets realizing
to witness such scary activity.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Yes that until Lito arrives and do that
favor to us . . . “</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “But maybe not needed as that possibility
might be farfetched.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “What do you mean?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “From the looks of it and as my gut feeling
indicates, it is most unlikely.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “That unless, he was deliberately drowned
before that so called tragic leap from the cliff,” Taklin added. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Reaching the penlight and putting on the
light he probed into an eardrum. But negative. No trace of blood clot
whatsoever leaving him no other alternative except for the head. Running his
index finger alternately with middle finger on his still thick gray hair, nothing
suspicious object felt or protruding in there.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Until Bernabe took his turn suspicious of
too much grease applied on his hair by the embalmer. Nothing too until he observed
a nasty smell of his fingers.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Validating the odd observation, Taklin took
his turn running his right index finger this time slowly on their father ‘s strands
of hair. Smelling the same oily black substance, he look into Bernabe’s eyes
indicating of possible lead here explaining the death of his father. Fidgeting
him to provide him a lift, Taklin took a Gillette from his wallet and shaved
the suspected back portion of their <i>tatay’</i>s
head. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Touch this,” he directed Bernabe taking
his middle finger on the surface of the head where heavy concentration of nasty
smelling oily substance gushing out from the skull.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Reaching for a shaving blade, Taklin clears
the area of oily hair leaving clear top view of the head blood mixing with oil
substance flowing out from a crevice revealing nasty cut of the cranium.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Scooped by their index finger lo and behold
that oily thing mixed with blood stare right before their naked eyes! But no sharp foreign object buried
as he suspected all along.!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Eureka,”
Bernabe caught in disbelief his mouth agape.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Wow nothing in here doubting what caused
his father’s death,” Taklin sighed empathizing the agony of his <i>Tatay</i>
grimacing in pain in silence as he was
put to sleep by the bastards who conspired in perpetuating that barbaric ritual. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “It’s not what any civilized people could
do. It’s what the early tribes in history capable of doing and relishing the
pain doing this.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “It’s what any evil men could do,” Bernabe
interjected.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Outside the cemetery by the gate, Colas was painting the iron grills when he
saw Taklin and Bernabe going out.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Too early your visit Sirs. . .” the
undertaker greeted.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Not really, just fixing and checking the
just constructed Mausoleum if okay ‘cause I’ll be back on my Tour of Duty. . .
,” Taklin said looking the still drunk undertaker smelling alcohol as he speaks
while at the same time putting few crisp money in his pocket.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Wow, that’s nice of you guys. I could
resume again my celebration later here in the cemetery. . . .”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “What do ‘ya mean?” quipped Bernabe.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Oh it seems, you’ve not heard my new
client coming here . . . dead!”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Who he would be?” Taklin snapped back.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Not sure, but he’s our municipality’s
sidekick of Dr. Roman Roxas, our municipality’s official Medico Legal.. . . “</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Lito you mean?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “That shit hunchback, Dr. Roxas’s double
doing dirty job for him . . . “</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Shocking development the two just heard but
they pretended not affected all.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> It was like a bombshell hearing all those
unprecedented incidents for Taklin bothering him all the more. Few days more, he would
be back reporting for duty to his superior in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">Camp</st1:placetype> <st1:placename w:st="on">Aguinaldo</st1:placename></st1:place>.
The disorientation was still there but he knows that he would soon outgrow it;
let alone, gets rid the hang of it as
time passes by what with the excitement his new assignment brings. But the
problem he is facing –“Who could have done it?” is crucial question remains to
be answered. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “When?” he doesn’t have any idea. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Whole afternoon was almost spent resting as
he would be reporting back the following day for duty. As evening approached,
he prepared personal belonging in his rag pack for tomorrow’s long trip back to
<st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Manila</st1:place></st1:city>.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “I’ll just cross the bridge when I go
there,” he said with optimism. That as group of people congregated across his
residence holding torch up high illuminating a speaker with megaphone blaring. Election fever was on.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt;">. . . . . . . . . .<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Good evening ladies and gentlemen. Sorry
disturbing you all . . . “ the voice said. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “But I hope you could spare with us few
minutes. We are here to request you help
Bernabe win this coming local election as Mayor of our municipality.. . .”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Down with Mayor Torres,” people shouted in
unison repeatedly in between catcalls. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “We have more than enough from him - graft and corruption, nepotism,
environmental destruction, mining and all that,” the speaker said in singsong
manner ending with ‘<i>Mabuhay ang Esperanza</i>!’
collectively raised by people joining the crowd. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> The echo of the scene reverberated on
Taklin’s ear until the night engulfed the group going around saturating the villages
of the municipality hopefully to secure the needed votes for Bernabe.
Personally though, he was optimistic that it’s an uphill battle for Beranbe.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “But who knows given the maturity now of
the electorate after all those events that happened in the municipality,” the
idea on his mind as he intends to call it finally a night after all those
efforts these past few days getting nothing.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Let
the people give their mandate. Wish you best of good luck bro. ,” he said
dropping to bed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-US">. . . . . . . . . . . . .<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Waking up early dawn, he hurriedly
proceeded to the port nearby where a pumpboat would take him to Roxas Oriental,
Mindoro roughly one and a half hour ride before
a van would take him on board to <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Calapan</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">City</st1:placetype></st1:place>.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “What a revelation it has been. By force of
event demanding his presence helping facilitate final resting place of his
father,” this he felt as fresh air continue blowing his body atop the pump boat
for Roxas, Oriental Mindoro refreshing his spirit from the thrill of that
sentimental inquest showing defining moment of the character of suspects who
did it. Shrouded in mystery who could he be, Taklin just drifting his thought
to nowhere as the pump boat glided lazily huge giant waves starting pushing it
further towards Mindoro. From there, a ferry would then shipped him back to
Batangas City before proceeding Camp Aguinaldo and there gets new official
mission purportedly defining moment in his career as military officer . He
would be heading a military operation somewhere in Mindanao during the conduct
of 13<sup>th</sup> Plenum of the Reds.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Let this mandate be accepted without
rumblings after all such mission defines what kind of stuff a true officer is
made of,” he said but of course accepting is possible given that death is
already considered bridesmaid of any military.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 18.0pt;">. . . . . . . . . .<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10908645543292590219noreply@blogger.com0Cagayan de Oro, Philippines8.4542363 124.63189778.2029393 124.3160407 8.705533299999999 124.94775469999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5949714347708699086.post-9250441327868975592012-11-08T09:31:00.000-08:002015-05-07T21:08:44.758-07:00Chapter 18 - Marble County<div style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Chapter 18<br /><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">Marble County</span></b></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"> 'W</span>elcome to Marble Country!’ emblazoned in
the arc across greeted the eyes of Taklin
as he stepped out from the local airport. Boarding a service van, he proceeded
to the seaport nearby. Immediately he stepped down, after getting his fare ticket,
into the improvised miniature bamboo gangplank towards a motorized pump boat
with outrigger that would ferry him from sleepy town of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Sta. Monica</st1:city></st1:place>
to busy Marble province.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Before long after an hour travel, Marble noted for its exquisite rich marble
deposits was on his sight. Taking a deep bated breath, he relished his eyes to
the familiar view to any new comer of the province as he disembarked from the pump
boat : huge marble slabs piled up like mountains ready for shipment abroad and
for delivery to supply domestic demand of the country from Cebu, the industrial
zone in Visayas; Cagayan de Oro and Davao of Mindanao to Manila of Luzon. What
another good material this part of the country Ernest Hemingway might have find interesting sequel to his <u>Movable
Feast</u>, the thought playing on Taklin’s mind as he started walking around stopping in many makeshift shanties displaying marble <i>collectibles for</i> sale.
Various marble figurines from dancing swans, galloping horses, exquisite
ash trays, colorful small birds’ wings outspread, imposing table bars to finely
shaped pestle and mortar carved beautifully as souvenirs by local residents
abound mostly by the sea- sides displayed for sale in rows of table.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Unlike <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Baguio</st1:city></st1:place>’s equally celebrated wood carvings
specifically that unique item where man’s organ comes out into full attention
as its wooden round cover is lifted, that
of Marble artist’s artwork is even bolder. Example catch that ashtray with an erect
phallus in different sizes and colors proudly springing from the base catching
everybody’s eyes as you inventory various marble products on display. Art for art’s sake but with eroticism. Well,
it depends on how one exploits his creativity.
Marble artists seem to be not giving a damn or second thought how buyers value such erotic entrepreneurial artistry as they
too live each day and eat rice like any
ordinary people, the young Catholic priest learning appreciating all the more the unique artwork of the province and
the true beautiful stories behind each masterpiece. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Marble industry has been the major source
of income among the people and steady source of revenue for the provincial
government. The province happens to sit literally on top of marble. This the
young newcomer discovered when the table
where he puts on his ordered cup of coffee was carved out and crafted right from the bosom of the hill
along the seacoast!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> It’s
unfortunate though that business is dominated by big businessmen and in cahoots
with Chinese whose lineage are from mainland <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">China</st1:country-region></st1:place> yet. What could the local
people do, they remain as hapless as ever under their mercy and control. Not
even minimum wage is implemented by these marble moguls to their workers. That
is the irony of them all. For while Chinese in Taiwan are not allowed for instance
to travel without paying their taxes or their
travel are frozen while enjoying
their short vacation in jail or are held in
airports; here in the country, they are not only moving freely but also, got the big bargain of their lives as corrupt
officials in Bureau of Internal Revenue do the dirty work for them renewing or
approving their business permit after
getting grease money depending on the amount agreed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “That
graphic video footage showing appalling reality of various workers later documented
majority are sitio residents in the area contacting tuberculosis because of
daily contact with marble dust without wearing face masks and other safety nets
probably tells the real issue of the
exploitation of marble industry at the
expense of its helpless workers,” Taklin would later realized. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “For as long as you can see the sun, you
could always find Chinese underneath,” Taklin recalls with glee a joke from a
Chinese friend back in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Kaohsiung</st1:place></st1:city>.
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “They fill every nook and corner of the
earth and in due time I bet as you would precisely guess, they would add more
numbers maintaining their lofty status as
the world’s biggest population in the world,” he was told. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> No wonder that mandarin has remained the
most widely spoken language in the world relegating English in the background,
Taklin learned.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “It pays you know heeding the bible’s
pronouncement ‘go out and multiply.’ It
doesn’t only encourage us to work harder but also, enable us to help our
economy grow.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Control, he probably meant and implied,” the
thought continue playing on his mind.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “You see, family planning is erroneous. Big
family is all what we want. Look at us in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">China</st1:place></st1:country-region> we successfully chased away
Chiang Kai- Shek and his men as well. But that was many decades ago before the
communist adopted one child policy for every couple under the pain of killing
the excess. We don’t need to geometrically increase our population; Mao Tse-tung
had already driven away the nationalist forces on 1948 installing Communist
Regime in the end.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Taklin wonders in the dark groping for
answer whatever his good friend Chang Lein implied.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “But no,” he rectified himself recalling
relevant studies showing no correlation
between population growth and poverty. On the contrary, population is an asset
for the government if they’re energy are harnessed and redirected for the common good. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Witness Chairman Mao’s celebrated stance
in a picture. Close fisted left arm raised and right hand similarly palm closed
poking on the ground at his back. Know what he is saying?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Without waiting for an answer, he went on
exclaiming: “One million men attack, five million follow, ten million prepare
and so forth. Now tell me how could then Generalissimo Chiang Kai-Shek not
withdraw to then <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Formosa</st1:country-region></st1:place>.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “No thanks for the Americans for the necessary
lift, seeing them overwhelmed by millions and millions of Mao’s forces.” Taklin
grins recalling the story.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Seeing different sizes of marble around
reminds him one friend who debunks the country’s struggle of achieving better
economic gains. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “With all kinds of mineral deposits,
scattered all throughout the country waiting to be tapped and exploited, how
could the country not afford to give chase and probably scared to death already
established economic giants like <st1:country-region w:st="on">Japan</st1:country-region>,
<st1:country-region w:st="on">Taiwan</st1:country-region> and <st1:country-region w:st="on">South Korea</st1:country-region> who twenty years ago many economists
would say were thirty years behind the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Philippines</st1:place></st1:country-region>. Consider the mineral
resources the new lexicon Webster’s dictionary would later recognized: gold,
copper, chromites, silver, lead, zinc, manganese, iron ore, mercury, coal, salt,
nickel, uranium, not to mention the rich oil deposits in Palawan which could
supply the country’s need for twenty five straight years. “Exclude vital
industries thriving everywhere from textiles, tobacco, hydroelectricity,
footwear, cement, wood products, plastics, coconut oil refining, rubber goods,
embroidery, pottery, hats, mats and all that.” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Look on the country’s capacity in
exporting sugar, lumber, copra, minerals and metals, abaca, coconut oil; the
list is long. With tuna, blue marlin, moon fish, mackerel and anchovies
inhabiting our seas, who has the gut feeling to say that the country is poor.
We must have gone nuts.” the thoughts coming out from his reading of the
promise the country’s natural resources has.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “In
fact, even Golda Mier of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Israel</st1:country-region></st1:place>
doubted that theirs’ is the Promised
Land spelled out in the bible. It’s the <st1:country-region w:st="on">Philippines</st1:country-region>,
not <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region>
chosen by God as the Promised Land! It’s an island literally flowing with milk
and honey. Look at the fertility of your soil. It’s one of the best in the
world unsurpassed by any countries,” he recalled the feisty iron lady telling
the Filipinos on her last visit to the
country. No wonder why many people from Marble have been bragging that they are
taking marble eggs for breakfast, marble chips and sandwich for snacks, toasted
marble bread for lunch and exquisite tombstone for dinner when asked about the
dominant industry in the province, Taklin
grins remembering the anecdote as his gaze caught the dominant historical
landmark atop the mountain nearby.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Overlooking the beautiful port rests St.
Peter Observatory used in monitoring unpredictable weather. Incidentally, Sta.
Monica finds itself safely tacked in typhoon belt area. Typhoon entering the
country either through Pacific Ocean or China Sea routes always affects the
province tearing down thousands of
coconut trees, uprooting several houses, destroying asphalted roads and
concrete pavements sending galvanized irons flying in the air like Aladdin’s
magic carpet. Frenzied and furious, the typhoon could transform an embankment
into an extension of the sea overnight
drowning several persons in the process
caught in between as giant big waves tear down several portion of road
networks. Romy would recall how people armed with nails and hammer would fix windows
and doors each time angry winds would destroy and ripped them open.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> The observatory was once used as watch
tower by the Spaniards against marauding moors during their colonization of the
country after Magellan Christianized the country on 1521 until <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Spain</st1:country-region></st1:place>
ceded the country to the Americans for measly $20 million, a fact many
historians and writers repudiated. Edilberto Tiempo for instance in his
well-written fiction <u>To Be Free</u> dramatizes the lack of consensus from
the masses when the deal was sealed in Paris the lion’s share going to the
pockets of the negotiator of course as claimed by one respected columnist of a
national daily. Thus ending the Spaniards four decades or roughly 377
settlements passing on the torch to Uncle Sam continuing the tradition of
exploiting its right natural resources notwithstanding political, cultural and
economic changes they introduced to the country. Walking towards the façade of
the cathedral, he wonders what would have happened to the province with the
relentless exploitation of marble goes on unabated.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “I think it’s not far fetched idea that the
province would soon be submerged under the sea, the time to scratch itself out
from the world’s map!” he amused himself. Reminding of too many forest denuded
in other provinces, giving an impending sign of the destruction of ozone layer,
vanishing of endangered species and flash floods, he looks up and momentarily
strike the air with his chin thrice and uttered: “When would Filipinos ever
learn from their folly? Whatever happened to Juan de la Cruz that his memory is
so short-lived?” he submitted his thoughts
with resignation.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> For
the first time, it’s as if the whole world stopped revolving and galaxies stood
still he imagining looking into the disfigured face of his father dead. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “What a handiwork of evil this incident
again,” the thought playing in his mind as he is fast approaching his house.” </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10908645543292590219noreply@blogger.com0Cagayan de Oro, Philippines8.4542363 124.63189778.2029393 124.3160407 8.705533299999999 124.94775469999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5949714347708699086.post-13210394122668480022012-11-05T06:00:00.000-08:002015-05-07T21:15:57.123-07:00Chapter 17 - Taklin's Grief<div style="text-align: center;">
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<b style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></span></b>
<b style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Chapter 17</span><br style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;" /><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Taklin’s Grief</span></span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b> T</b></span>aklin’s’s hand turned cold sending chills
all around his body as if a bucket full of ice water was doused all over him
reading the wire from his mother informing the untimely death of his father.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “An accident! Most unlikely,” he protested
seething with anger in disbelief. “Don’t force yourself on the issue dragging
the weight of the whole world upon your shoulder buddy,” echoed his alter ego
reminiscent of the Beatle’s Hey Jude.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Why not indeed. I haven’t even learned the
circumstances surrounding much mystery,” he reasoned out regaining normal
composure. Who knows some crazy guys would like to destroy his preparation for
his fast approaching PMA graduation. Going over the wire probing the date it
was sent. Ditto with the message couched in very simple terms: Come immediately
father died. Burial on Friday, the sixteenth. Mama. It’s real. It’s only then
that he became speechless. Like spaghetti dropping to the ground, Taklin fell
slowly to the floor flat as if all his energy were drained and unloaded; no
longer a living creature but vegetable.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> All throughout his life , he could hardly
recall any incident involving his father to extremities like heavy drinking or
whetting his appetite with excessive food intake which is gluttony practiced by
jackals. Alright he drinks but this is merely during special occasions only. He
himself knows the tastes of his father.
Whether it is lacsoy, Gigaquit rhum, Som of Surigao City, Basi, Marca Demoño or
lambanog of Southern Tagalog, potent drink from fermented nipa sap whatever to
cognac, gin, tonic, Johnny Walker compliments of friends – his father had
practically gulped one or two of these in several socialization. But again not
to test his limit nor push himself beyond endurance. Drink a little wine with a
merry heart, a passage from the book of Psalm always reminded him as an advice
given by his father inculcating among others the virtues of moderation,
temperance whether in drink or food, sports and or studies. The bad news
however late this afternoon it seems to him, doesn’t reconcile with all these
advices. Thus, making him uncomfortable going nuts maybe finding the missing
nexus. Speculations seep in. Maybe his father had problems, very serious ones
maybe for the first time, that he drown himself to countless bottles of wine;
maybe his friends generosity to celebrate over hard liquor were too
irresistible to refuse or maybe; he really accidentally slipped away his right
foot down the cliff plunging himself to bedrocks underneath inflicting severe pain
causing his death. A fleeting picture of his father with severe concussion,
contusion and abrasion of torso, head and breadbasket rendering his face a
bloody mess send tremor down his spine. But how many percentage of probability
the death of his father goes this way? He doesn’t know. There are other angles
to consider like motives, who did it, how the murder, if it is really a murder
in cold blood, done. How about the weapons used. Was it a club, a hammer, rock,
an ax, a bottle or a gun. It could not also be a farfetched idea that ptomaine
solution might have been laced in the menu or surreptitiously dropped in the
rhum considering that mouth-watering appetizers like <i>kilawin </i>and <i>kaldereta</i>
were served abundantly during that drinking spree. Started the questions
dragging him all the way.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Tilting his head backward staring the
ceiling he thought that maybe it’s also God’s will to claim the life of his
father on earth as all mortals are later to provide him the needed rest and
security up there. Breathing deeply, Taklin finds it somehow difficult to
accept losing a father specially that he would soon finished his military studies
in the PMA. Is military really the road towards the <st1:place w:st="on">Calvary</st1:place>,
he asks himself. Yes, with the death of his father it seems. That is what he
recalls from Driarco telling him what service is all about, a vindication to the weight of
the cross, heavy indeed to carry let alone to bear.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Military history and other relevant
subjects have been Taklin’s favorite subjects. So with English where he equally excelled in. Of the two, he
likes best the study of military history as it brings him back to how the
military dealt with war. Not that because he receives excellent mark on this
subject but rather because of the didactic dimension it provides. As a dreamer,
as we’re all are, talks on death and its concomitant psychological impact
enable him to come closer with reality face to face with the ultimate truth
that man’s life doesn’t end when he’s six feet under the ground. On the
contrary unless he dies, there’s no special growth taking place. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Unless the grain of wheat shall fall on
the ground and dies. It shall remain a single wheat and not brings life,” he
recalls one of the songs composed by the Jesuits normally sang during Lenten
season. German theologian Paul Tillich and eschatologist Kubler Ross Khan whose
nationality he already forgot are two theologians he has been crazy about when
he was still with Driaco in the
Seminary. Ms. Khan used to remind him that whether he likes it or not he too just
like any other animals in this planet of apes would also degenerate or simply
vanish away like any dust in the thin air. As an offshoot, the sense of
immediacy and urgency eschatology provides so overwhelm him making his move
exciting as if he’s boarding the last trip. Time is our hope, time is our
security, time is our destiny and time is the mirror in which we see eternity,
he refreshes with much gusto from one of his readings. Tillich’s association of
death with the rest of creation on the other hand so enthralled him. Did the
earth not moved, birds chirped, rocks split when Christ died and resurrected,
he synthesized from Tillich’s work.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “This business again of reflection. But
never mind at least it help gives fleeting contentment,” the thought at the
back of his mind as eschatology coming back from his subconscious.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Lord I commend his spirit and make his
soul whiter than snow,” he uttered repeatedly after regaining his composure.
Going inside the chapel, he concentrated his eyes to the hanging crucifix. Save
for the staccato sound of the typewriter upstairs at Gen. room, the silence
inside the chapel was practically deafening. Occasionally, the sparrows who
find their haven in the ceiling are chirping as if they too are identifying
their sorrow and anxiety of Taklin. There are only two things running in his
mind: if his father died from the accident, then someone must have deliberately
handed that accident to him in silver platter. A treachery if not completely
plain conspiracy. And for that something must be done as damage might have been
great and there’s no way to rectify
except pining down the culprit and
present him to the bar of justice. The homework is definitely not peanuts for Taklin.
But there’s no other way deterring similar crimes than checking it himself. And
yes, the first thing to do is to go home and attend his father’s burial.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Looking at his wrist watch it’s now ten
O’clock in the evening. He must have been engrossed with his reflection in the
chapel that he did not notice the passage of time. He could still catch up the
first trip for Caticlan three hours from now. Taking the motorized banca with
trigger at Malay passing the famous <st1:placename w:st="on">Boracay</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">Island</st1:placetype> would then take him to <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Tablas</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Island</st1:placetype></st1:place>.
And two hours more he would already in his house. And what a sight to behold,
he told himself while preparing his personal things in his rug pack.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Kindly hand this letter to Gen. early
tomorrow,” he said to Nonoy, his Ilonggo classmate from Janiuay, <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Iloilo</st1:place></st1:city>.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Anything wrong Taklin? Why left the
dormitory this ungodly hour?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Nothing to worry about buddy. Remember
that’s the way it is. Life is only lived once anyway in this world. I think Dad
or anybody else is no exemption. It’s just a matter of time and that makes man
equal with his fellowman. I believe Dad lived his life to the fullest and spent
every opportunity that comes along his way abundantly.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> There was a sustained silence between the
lines as Taklin further dished out the beauty of life to his good friend Nonoy.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “You’re right buddy. Death is great leveler.
It is certain and necessary as tax is to the government. Besides, there’s
really no other way for man to go than to go back to his roots, an act of
surrender of his invincibility to Him who created everything.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Beautiful.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “If you said that your father’s death is
inevitable the way any mortals passed and experienced, it seems to me something
is left out with reservation to yourself. I’m only asking,” Nonoy asked.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Well you see I have an inkling that Dad
did not died naturally,” he answered making his good friend interested all the
more.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Some fishermen early this morning found
dead body of my father floating at San Luis by the sea. And in his body are
marks of severe beatings. Three ribs in the torso were dislocated. You see I
never recall my father passing that cliff. What for? What should he be doing
there late in the evening anyway. Maybe he did when his body was dragged by his
friends already dead and bingo, thrown away to those bedrocks by the sea with
only the sound of the waves, stillness of the night and of course their
laughter as mute witnesses,” Taklin stopped for emphasis while taking enough
air for himself to breath.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “And do you have any witnesses and
evidences to support your judgment?” Nonoy asked.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “You’re right. Yes, I have unfortunately
only one to speak out. One member of the choir in the province came all the way
bringing to me the bad news. Rico knew who his father’s companions were in that
drinking spree. There were James,, Jun, Prado and seven others. All familiar thugs of incumbent mayor featured in
many criminal acts but were still scot-free.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “ All of them except Rene are Mayor Torres’
men.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “ It was already late in the evening around
10 pm when something weird happened at Coleram. It was very dark and Rico was
on his way back home after attending fellowship at the parish when suddenly a
big thud split the stillness of the night. Remaining standing behind big acacia
tree just twenty meters away where the cliff was, he heard perpetrators of
crime celebrating their feat with give-me-five gestures. There’s no mistake
about it. They were James et al celebrating the feat. Why because they called
each other’s name. It was only the following morning when he learned that it
was my father’s body tossed to and fro by big waves dead!”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Wow! What an almost perfect crime. Killing
behind cover of darkness,” Nonoy snapped.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “You’re right and Mr. Hercule Poirot should
be summoned to conduct the investigation.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Why are there no other effective law
enforcers in the area?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Not really. There are. But you know when
the Highest executive of the municipality is implicated in the incident, then
it’s nonsense involving the services of local police unless of course you’d
like the succeeding investigation died it’s natural death or making it all the more doubly suspicious. Remember
how the discovery of the mystery of the death of Hitler and Eva Braun unearthed
many decades later than when they actually committed suicide on April 30, 1945
down the bunker.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “What do you mean? Are you saying that some
crazy guys refute the veracity of that historical claim?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “You’re right. The quartet of Rex Foster,
an American architect studying 1000 designs during the Nazi’s Regime, Mr.
Nicholas Kirvov, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Russian</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">Museum</st1:placetype></st1:place> curator, Ms. Tovah
Lovaine, journalist and secret agent of Israel Massad Intelligence and one Ms.
Emily Ascroft, a scholar and researcher writing on the autobiography of Hitler
averred the insufficiency of that claim. True that they excavated from the
bunker the bodies of the Fuhrer and Ms. Braun after the victory of the Russians
but they were not the original Hitler and his wife Eva. They were bodies of
their doubles.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Gee, I’m hearing you right,” Nonoy
remarked astonished, asking further what happened to the originals.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Of course, Hitler was dead but that was
after three decades later. That means around middle of 1970’s in the seventh
secret, a subterranean city under <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Berlin</st1:place></st1:state>
which Hitler holed out after his alleged suicide on 1945.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Magnificent and very terrific. But what in
the world has this to do with your search for Mr. Hercule Poirot?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Well, had the quartet did not avail the
services of Israel Massad Intelligence group in the heart of Berlin who arms
for arms and man for man could defy resurgence of Neo-fascists in Germany, the
whole world would have not known or solved the riddle on that April 30, 1945.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Incredible!”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “To be a fiction, one that only comes from
the fertile imagination of Irving Wallace,” Driarco readily satisfied the
benefit of Nonoy’s doubt.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “You almost got me buddy,” Nonoy said
blowing a whistle.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Forget it. Fiction or non-fiction, there’s
no harm learning the wisdom from the quartet. And for all you know sometimes
great books, those that are scholarly produced more often than not are too
close to be real as fiction. I remember a certain Mr. Gerald Green who wrote <u>Holocaust</u>.
It’s so far one of the best literature I read on how ruthless Nazis were
towards the Jews. A diary, an interview with those who survived from gas
chamber and the personal experience of the author himself led to the completion
of that book. It was not bad at all ‘cause the rest of the world were further
informed on the anatomy of Hitler’s terror.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Getting the culprit definitely is very
tall order. It would have been good if I could collar him so I could blow his
brain into bits and pieces. True, there’s no way to resurrect Dad back to life
the way Jesus did to Lazarus. But if I could only pinned down the perpetrators
of the heinous crime and crucified them at least my place would be clean of the
garbage – salvaging, summary execution, hamletting and evacuation. For how many
more Juan de la Cruzes would be charged against the wall and killed. You see,
true what my friend Dante in the province agree, I’m really wondering what is
happening to our country. It seems to me we are entering an Era of Paradox and
ironies. Men these days surprisingly know more making guns and bullets than
creating an atmosphere of lasting peace. No wonder indeed the entire country is
on fire prompting the rest to go up in the hills living there with the birds and the bees raising up arms
against the duly constituted government.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Nonoy couldn’t help himself but emphasized
with his good friend Taklin. He too shared the predicament but just managed only to smile having survived
sound and unscratched. Lately, he was told by his mother that San Rosario
became the seat of military operation. ‘There’s actually no difference with
local cemetery,’ he remembers what his mother told him when she earlier visited
him. The area was so calm. Almost all one hundred twenty household evacuated to
nearby villages otherwise they would have been unwanted casualties too in the
crossfire. The casualties were peacefully and orderly buried there, he
remembers as one parlance of the inhabitants in the area would say. On the
other hand, he too wonders what compels the other group in staging that mid-day
ambush wasting precious lives young and old alike in the process. Who’s not
bothered with the on-going internal strife, Nonoy also thought. Ambush seems
becoming fad of the time, sporadic events everywhere notwithstanding. Dropping
then at an ambush site, he saw for himself a hammer turned upside down after it
was burned by the rebels killing all military troopers inside. The medico-legal
and embalmers have had their day full retrieving dead bodies trapped inside the
vehicle completely a picture of savage destruction. Without heads, intestines
protruding from heavily burned bellies, bodies turned charcoal black from fire
and smoke flesh dangling still all over from main bones, blood stinking
aggravating the already purged smell of decomposing cadavers, Nonoy still reels
what his naked eyes saw. Now tell me if war between and among Filipinos is not
ugly, he would asked himself. It was learned from other area delineated as
hotspot that similar ambuscades took place in series. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “So you’re leaving for the province
tonight,” Nonoy told Taklin who was putting in couples of books in his rucksack.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Just to be sure I have something to read
in case my stay in the province would be extended. It’s an old book but
probably Solzhenitsyn’s <u>Gulag Archipelago</u> and five volumes of Lifetimes’
Civil War, Communist Rebellion and World War II would be enough.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Laying down in bed and putting his hands on
the back of his head, Nonoy resumed: “Very crazy indeed. I don’t know when
would this war ends.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Neither I. For as long as man craves for
victory, I believe he would continue waging war. And that is a lot of
non-sense,” Taklin griped too. Brief silence ensued. His friend was right it’s
everybody’s business to help put this quarrel among Filipinos to rest. Freedom,
enough air to breath should be the bottom line. True that winning war is
additional feather on the cap for the strong but defeat on the part of the
vanquished encourages for more freedom. And when freedom is granted after
defeat, man does not take arms anymore or so, he thought recalling the
sentiment of Solzhenitsyn in his <u>Gulag</u>. But the war is between and among
Filipinos not Russians, the thought playing at the back of his mind. . . . .</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “And if I may further ask. What do you
think in Christ’s name was the motive of the killing,” Nonoy disturbed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “I’m afraid I could only conjecture one . .
. politics. My father you know was himself a politician in his own right, one
of his kind who knows how to delineates business, morality, integrity
performance and service from politics. He started serving his people as
barangay captain then elected as councilor and soon rose up to become a Mayor
in San Luis for roughly twenty five years. That’s eight straight terms of
office until he resigned as a protest to the abuses perpetuated by Marcos and
his men in the province.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Very difficult decision.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “But decisive one because there was no
other alternative left than to give way to Devil.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “At the expense of voting population,”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Hmm, not really. The people would always
be there with you wherever you go. On the contrary while it is true that his
resignation caused trouble among the people, it at least taught them how
important democracy is as a system.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Sometimes misleading.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “When you see only are externals. But not
when you study what makes democracy really confusing.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Nonoy finds himself ready to listen to the
unsolicited talk of his good friend.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">“If we could only practice democracy, I
don’t think there is still any need to ask from the government for more. Know
what I mean? Look who’s in direct control of the country’s resources? It’s
Marcos and his cronies – Benedicto, Enrile, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Cuenca</st1:city></st1:place>, the military and other Alibaba’s and
bunch of thieves. Not surprising for people to raise up in arms against the
government because their cause, our cause if you wish, is valid. So common
buddy tell me if there’s really democracy existing and I’ll tell you none. The
U.P. professor in a way was right claiming do we have are pretenses of being a
democratic country.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “No trickle down of resources to the
masses.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Definitely yes. With graft and corruption,
immoralities, civil war and what have you, how would democracy indeed survive?
No and never. I’m not pessimistic with the disorder and chaos going on in the
country. It’s just a big lost of our resources – time and money – building
democracy and destroying it ourselves. How long would we allow this situation
to last? So much suffering has been experienced by the people. And who suffers
most? The silent majority – the babies, the children mothers and other members
of the family – becoming the latest addition to the long list of casualties we
don’t know when would be the end and who would be the last. In war, they would
say, there are no victors only victims. Even if we delve into the trend of the
first two world wars that we have, it’s the civilians those in the middle who
received the worst beating, a fact corroborated by <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Vietnam</st1:place></st1:country-region> experience.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Taklin’s adrenalin seemed to be oozing
still as there was no indication of being physically drained gauging from his
interesting free-wheeling brainstorming on the subject. Nonoy still buried
himself on the bed his long legs widely spread.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “We’re of course part of that long list of
casualties. But this incident should not be taken as an excuse to remain
silent. There’s no time more left allowing this silence become deafening to the
ears of the mayor and his henchmen. This is a mistake each one could not afford
to commit if we are really to build and practice democracy. I’m not in fact
surprise if Papa meets hid death this early. With election fast approaching,
the Mayor has no other valid ground to be elected than to clean his backyard.
Papa you know has very resolute of exacting vengeance through the power of
ballots from the people whom he dearly served from the past.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “What if the Mayor gets reelected?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “By the people or by his money expressed
through the barrel of a gun.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Either way. Filipino voters are that
unpredictable you claimed earlier.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Not at all I suppose. Not all Juan de la
Cruzes are that dumb I guess unless I believe you are claiming to be one. One
or two are for better government otherwise they should have not invested their
future in many institutions of higher learning. So where that leave us. If the
Mayor gets it re-elected this time. So be it. It could be either through the
power of the ballots and or bullets. If it is through ballots, it should be
accepted hands down because true will of the people is holy emanating from
above. And if by bullets, holy cow, the people is deemed necessary not at all
to respect let alone obey those reelected unless they are willing to sacrifice
their and our future to Satan.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Taklin stoop up and face the mirror ran a
comb on his healthy hair.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Quiet funny buddy,” Nonoy remarked.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “A circus coming to town almost with the
birds and bees casting their votes.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Dead included. May your Tatay rest in
peace.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “When you have time, I hope you could drop
by at the province and witness the legacy left by Tatay – orderly zoning,
complete educational facilities including a library that boast of complete
reading materials, recreation and other sport complex to name a few.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “A man who practice what he preaches. May
his tribe left further increase and fill the world with love</span> as the song puts
it.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Tapping his right shoulder then gently
gripping it, Taklin finally bid him goodbye. “This is the time of mourning not
of inquiry,” he sagely reminded himself.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “God bless you buddy, Nonoy responded his
resonant voice echoing in the dormitory Taklin begun walking in haste this good
friend tip-toeing the concrete pavement until darkness engulfs him leaving not
even his silhouette his good friend could trace on.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt;">. . . . . . . . . . .<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Driarco and Taklin have been bosom friends
in the Seminary. Their mutual concern for the masses and abhorrence towards
capitalism found their way in many extra-curricular activities have dream
theirs not only of their fellow seminarians but also, the conservative Rector
of the Seminary. Many times, they were summoned in the Rector’s office to
account for their underground activities like establishing linkages with
militant student organizations in the city. These were undoubtedly added burden
on their work but this pressure prodded them all the more in helping organized
unions and other progressive activities which led to mass actions in the end.
Strike, holding of dialogue, creation of forum, mobilization of participative
action among seminarians in the country – their most ambitious project so far
but to no avail – have been attempted but fizzled out leaving the burden for
the rest to carry on their work. Once they circulated leaflets denouncing the
prostitution of Dinagyang, Moriones, Ati-atihan of Kalibo, Sinulog of Cebu, Ang
Pagtaltal of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Guimaras</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">Island</st1:placetype></st1:place>. They are all
indigenous presentation of faith in cultural and art forms the Ministry of
Tourism exploited later as one of the country’s many tourist attraction earning
handsome profits to government coffers. Both too have shown their nerve and
flex their muscles in criticizing the Seminary fathers for their dogmatic
tendencies in controlling the theologians. An instance was an enbanc resolution
of the Seminary fathers adding one more year to the theologians to accommodate
refresher course in English a great pity to St. John Vianney. Such move was
rather indecisive as number of seminarians did not report back to the Seminary
after the second semester to the chagrin of the staff.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> For the in-coming theologians, there are
only two rules to remember, observe and practice. One is, the Captain is always
right referring to the Rector of course; and rule number two, if the Captain is
wrong, refer back to rule number one. Thus, with their acceptance in the
Seminary, theirs became a world of rigid discipline and intense spirituality
studies included. Such rules were all-encompassing, shooting away any
compromise. Thus, hamletting, namely any seminarian is only allowed to jog
certain perimeter, cleaning of the priest’s quarter, no viewing of TV during
unholy viewing hours and surprisingly Taklin and Driarco who remained
unperturbed. Two years more, they would already be priests in the long order of
Melchizedek. We will definitely cross the bridge when we’re already at the
base, these two guys would say.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Such friendship however ended when they
both threaded separate ways. Taklin left the Seminary while Driarco continued
his theological studies until finally ordained as priest forever in the long
lines of Melchizedek.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10908645543292590219noreply@blogger.com0Cagayan de Oro, Philippines8.4542363 124.63189778.2029393 124.3160407 8.705533299999999 124.94775469999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5949714347708699086.post-43585738795593949222012-11-04T09:24:00.000-08:002015-05-07T21:25:40.378-07:00Chapter 16 - The Pleb<div style="color: blue; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Chapter 16</span><br /><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">The Pleb</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> <span style="color: magenta; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">C</span></span>apt. </span>Estrada’s service jeep speed off swiftly
after dropping Taklin at PMA façade.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “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.
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “You can make it in other words,” he told himself. That if I would survive when subjected to
baptism of fire later. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “If I would remain unscathed the better; if
not, it is immaterial as long I lost myself while joining the race,” he
convinced himself. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “At least, I could determine my limit,” he
further qualified. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> </span> “Go
for broke if need be,” he recalled an advice to him by Lorna back home.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “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.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> 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 <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">St. Paul</st1:city></st1:place>’s
synthesis of ‘living life abundantly’, he feels resolved all the more
scaling the walls of Philippine Military Academy. One thing is sure though
about himself, he is more than willing to submit himself sacrificing and
possibly pushing himself even farther beyond his natural limit.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> 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. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> 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.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Your name please,” inquired the military
policy surveying suspecting the neophyte in the organization.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Taklin de la Rosa Sir,’ He answered on attention.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Batch what?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Of course 1979 Sir.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Which province you’re from?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Romblon. . . “</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Aha, the Marble county.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “You’re right Sir.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Sponsors . . . . “</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Joselito Ludimer and Capt. Henry Estrada
Sir.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Organization?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “RSM,” his quick reply without any
reservation.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Great kid. Good you would be one with us .
. .,” The MP acknowledged as he tapped gently the broad shoulder of Taklin.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “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.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “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?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Sir, yes sir,” Taklin snapped back
perfunctorily. He went all the way in
haste to nearby <st1:place w:st="on">Corregidor</st1:place> 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.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">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.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “<st1:place w:st="on">Yap</st1:place>,” her
response.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “The comfort room is right at the left wing of this building. It’s open twenty four hours a day. It’s all yours.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Thanks beautiful lady and the library
please?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “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, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Wuthering</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">Heights</st1:placetype></st1:place>, biographical
sketches of great American president by Carl Sandburg and too many other works
by Charles Dickens, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Emily Bronte, Aldous Huxley, George
Orwell, Shakespeare and all that. But I
hope you should include in your reading lists Filipiniana section . That’s
should be the real stuff each pleb should be first busy about reading. “Rizal’s
Noli and Fili though not must reading would be good review. Remember how our
forefathers used to read these books
secretly – in toilets before or earned the ire of Spanish Friars. And or of Bonifacio’s 1896 Revolution
strategies. Same with Emilio Jacinto. Do you recall the former’s ‘Pag-asa’
written just below his signature which so enamored him to the Katipuneros
losing hope. And or of Emilio
Aguinaldo’s verdict in assassinating Bonifacio. He did by the way ordered the
murder of Bonifacio and his brother in broad daylight yet.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Seems ours’ is one of the most
sophisticated library. . . “</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Not just in <st1:city w:st="on">Manila</st1:city>
but all throughout <st1:place w:st="on">Asia</st1:place>. Microfilms and all
latest editions of various discipline.
Name it and we’ve got it here.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> ‘”How about the gym?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “We’ve got it in the separate building.
Physical exercise you know I part of your training here..”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “A man with a healthy body also possesses
healthy mind.”<br />
“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.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “You mean there those who are undesirable
tin the prestigious military academy.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Rarely save their intelligence far
outweigh their physical deformities. But
these are only exception to the roles.” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Thanks indeed. Unfortunately, I still don’t know your name.’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Janette Gonzales.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Working . . . . “</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “As librarian.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “No wonder you know all the materials
here.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Jeanette nodded approvingly.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “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?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “<i>Without
Seeing The Dawn</i> by Lamberto Avellana.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Great Filipino classics.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “:Maybe at par with Rizal’s Noli and Fili.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “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?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Gee, very bright ideas making my day. You
should be in institutions or universities of higher learning as professor.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “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.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “A blessing in this planet of many
ignoramuses. . . . “</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Yes but what would you get teaching dumb people anyway. They should
be made fertilizers. Know what I mean?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Killing them you mean!”:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “You’re right but I’m just joking.
You should be hanged first for your subtlety subjecting ignoramuses to
capital punishment.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “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.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Like taking philosophy I supposed.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Very much.
In fact I take it as major here in
undergrad.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “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.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “What do you think? Just asking like you.
Yours’ is better than mine I guess.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “O come on why do you intend to become a
military in premier institution like PMA on the first place.?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Because you’re around, Taklin teased
sending Janette’s blood up in her face.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “You’re too young. Study first kid. You’ve got all the time to engage later and
not to me,” the librarian answered. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “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?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Big corporation, yes. It is enticing. But not all the time specially when you have
something very important thing in your mind.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Like what?”Taklin snapped.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Like helping put order in this troubled
country through PMA.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Are you a member of RSM?” Asked Taklin
taking cue from Janette receiving no
answer in return</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Why is there anything wrong?” the good
lady broke out.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “None, I just admire your gut feeling. Capt. Estrada gave me an impromptu lecture of
your cause.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “And what about it?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> It’s the real thing.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Planning to be one?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Hopefully . . . . “</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> ‘Great . Welcome to the club.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “I think I’m not yet in..”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Unless you have your worth showing the
battle field.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Good you joined RSM.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Again
but I don’t believe in the superiority of man over woman. It’s just that our culture puts us</span> 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”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “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.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Little of course, did Taklin realized than
when his conjecture became reality PMA opens its admission to female applicants
later.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “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.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">He hurriedly put on his sport outfit and
after surveying his room, the cabinet, study table and spring bed, went
downstairs.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Executing a snappy salute to <st1:place w:st="on">Lot</st1:place>. 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.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Good morning boys,” the superintendent
blared through the megaphone.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Good morning to Sir,” roared the incoming
plebes.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “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. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “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 <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Avila</st1:city></st1:place>
many centuries past. It is not proper
time to pray. The country still
does. Just look on top stories in any of
our national dailies. Killing,
salvaging, massacre, kidnapping here and there.
When would this fire be extinguished no one knows. For as long as man is enslaved by greed for
power, glory and money our country would continue suffering. And do you like that this bleeding would go
on unabated. I don’t think so otherwise you would have not been here.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">There ensued brief silence as Col. Pancho
surveys once more his audience waiting
for any brave souls to raise
questions and or clarification. None.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “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.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “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.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “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.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “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!”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “What’s the use of creating these laws if
we could not promulgate it in our land, if I may ask you?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “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.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Freedom’s for the brave only Sir,” Taklin
recalling the familiar maxim from Horace in high school.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “O thanks.
I’m giving you extra merit of your candidness. Must be freedom loving
gentleman yourself Mister?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “I am!” Taklin echoed getting the attention
of the plebs nearby.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">“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.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-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.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “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. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> The audience eyes were all glued to the
Superintendent and it seems that he is making their day and animated. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “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.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Which one is true? Depending on who is speaking
perhaps.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “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.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “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.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “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 <st1:place w:st="on">Asia</st1:place>. 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.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “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?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Sir yes Sir . . . , “ the thunderous
reply. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “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.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Great gentleman. At least I know that you’re all wide awake,“
the Superintendent voice booms once more.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Any question so far?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “What if I would not survive Sir . . . ?”
asked one applicant out of the blue.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Then report to the registrar’s office for
your fare back home. Must be sleeping
while I was talking earlier. <a href="file:///G:/LGU%20Malitbug/My%20Documents/The%20Needle/ere%20were%20%20you%3f%22"></a> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “I’m right here before you listening,”
answered swiftly by the pleb obviously burdened by the implication of the Superintendent’s
query.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “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.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “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.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “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. </span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 18.0pt;">. . . . . . . . . . . .<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> 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.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> On the contrary, there were dramatic and
colorful chapters in his stay at PMA. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “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.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Would he survive? This is another dimension
of his life he is yet to face and experience.
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “If others were able to make it, why couldn’t he follow suit,” he challenged himself again. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “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.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “I’ll go there once I’ll cross the first bridge,” he told himself.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 18.0pt;">. . . . . . . . . . . .<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> 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. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Thrice in a row!”Taklin could hardly
believe the fate happened involving his
family. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">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.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “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.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> 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 <st1:place w:st="on">Mindanao</st1:place> 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. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Where is now our justice and legal system
in solving the case whose victims are innocent civilians?” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “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. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Fiction should have no room in this story.
But look what happened to the case. Instead of addressing </span>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. “</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">“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.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> 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.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">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.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “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. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “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. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Koko was actually in <st1:place w:st="on">Manila</st1:place>
two months earlier in March and April but returned back in town when DOJ denied protection for his
two scheduled interview. Leaving <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Manila</st1:place></st1:city>, his days was
already numbered as he went back in the province. Soon unforeseen incident overtook him as he
finds himself soaked from his own blood in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Manila</st1:city></st1:place> before he could fulfill his
promise returning home to spill the
beans. With his death, he buried with
him many
important leads otherwise would have
established possible indictment and punitive penalty to the mastermind of the killing.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">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. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> 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. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> This is what gripping the town as peace is
so illusive what with the untouchable Almighty
Big Brother intimidating to silence any witnesses. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> 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.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Or will he not succumbed to temptation to
almighty peso and buckle in the end before the closure of the case.” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “The better DOJ now provides him security
to secure his safety and the revelation he will declare.” Taklin thought. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “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.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “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.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> 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. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> 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.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> 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.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">“How is this and what’s up for all of
this?” he queried possible answer blown in the wind. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Edwardian Script ITC"; font-size: 18.0pt;">.
. . . . . . . . . . .<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10908645543292590219noreply@blogger.com0Cagayan de Oro, Philippines8.4542363 124.63189778.2029393 124.3160407 8.705533299999999 124.94775469999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5949714347708699086.post-53204016421887673732012-11-03T09:08:00.000-07:002015-05-07T21:41:21.423-07:00Chapter 15 - RSM<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Chapter 15<br /><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">RSM</span></span></b></div>
<span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: justify;"> </span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: magenta; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> “Be</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span>my guest,” said Capt. Estrada to his new
friend as he ushered him into his residence.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Come on in please,” he added taking Taklin
directly to the table. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Tiny
oyster, mussels, chicken barbeque, pork chop, <i>kilawin</i> and <i>calderetas</i>
from goat’s meat and some finger foods were spread in the table. On the other side are files of cases
of San Miguel Beer Grande.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Are there some more guests coming
tonight?” the gentleman asked seeing the smorgasbord menus prepared on the
table.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “<st1:place w:st="on">Yap</st1:place>,
actually just five among you Plebs and several officers of RSM . . . .” the host
said as four other clean shaven plebs joined them. Several others were
preparing some paraphernalia inside a room for an initiation that would follow.
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Reformed the Society Movement,” Capt.
Estrada elaborated before Taklin could ask.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Ah okay,” as four others taking their time sharing
anecdotes.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Thanks and you would know all of this once
you guys are exemplified after a short ritual,” the host said indicating
immediate absolute silence for the meantime.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Sorry
guys but, it’s all I can say for now as I have to proceed to the room to assist
the officers for your initiation rites. You have ten minutes more left to
prepare yourself. Col. Rellox will fetch you right here for the opening .. . ,”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> The young men just nodded.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Nothing to worry about. You’re all safe here and in good hands,” said the Captain
leaving them.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Soon a nationalistic song blared and the
young RSM candidates herded their eyes closed by handkerchief. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Permission to enter Sir,” said the officer
leading them in a row hands on each other’s shoulder. This after three taps of
a gavel reverberated. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Permission granted,” responded the
presiding officer.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Here’s the five young gentlemen candidates
for our organization Sir,” he said whispering each one take one step forward after each name is
called before retracing back to original position.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span lang="EN-US"> Silence was deafening as National Anthem and later Onward Christian
soldier were playing in the background. In front seated were three officers of
the organization in brown cassocks their
faces unclear as their heads were covered with an overhead hood seen just
enough from the reflection against a huge candle light standing on the table.
Illuminated on the table is skull and crossbones in between two books - Constitution and Bible – and huge canvass of
President gazing towards the horizon. At
the center is “The New Society” so-called red book of the organization for
distribution to memorize and practice by each qualified member of the organization. At the background is RSM’s banner
with skull and crossbones .Black headband on the skull with “Wolves” and icon
of wolf apparently embroidered on it. And the most telling of them all –
small Philippine Flag waving tied to a pole half portion planted to
the cranium. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “A needle!” Taklin would later see clearly as candle light illuminated
against the pole glittering surprised on the creativity of the one making it. But
it was no ordinary needle a tailor uses
in sewing. It was customized with leather jacket as receiver closer to Tibetan needle
used as special arm for defense against any aggression.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Welcome aboard gentlemen,” the resonant
voice greeted the five participants in
an exclusive room. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Thanks for coming over joining this rite.
Don’t worry, though pre-condition for joining our movement, this is just an initiation. That simple allowing to
validate this decision later after completion of your study at PMA. With the
imprimatur of course by your sponsor and final approval of the Head of RSM.” Brief
silence as stillness prevailing all over
were felt.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Wonder no more why you are here. You
didn’t apply alright. That’s deliberate to
secure the long held tradition of secrecy. We intentionally selected you nonetheless
looking into your background and possible contribution to the organization,” he
emphasized pointing his index finger to the participants. Explaining important
details of the organization, he requested the guide the take off the
handkerchief of each participant.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “The logo of RSM as you can see now is – Wolves!
No less. Actually the choice is planned given the nature of this animal looking
for a prey when the call of nature desires . . . .” brief pause here the
speaker giving emphasis the ideology of the organization.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Why the choice embodying all people in the
organization?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Vanguards of peace and security. And those
not, are considered our prey. In our case – people making mess out of peace and
order installed by the government. That simple. We will strike them without any
let-up and mercy anywhere, anytime as needed. Constitution and Bible, this is
our standard. And yes leaving our enemies nothing of their identity dumping
their bodies everywhere one pleases. Indeed no trace except for the sound of silence blowing in the wind whoever might have done it.
. . .”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Sounds familiar to Taklin recalling the
confidentiality of Bp.Valdez’ take on the issue back then at Bishop’s palace.. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Don’t get us wrong. This organization is a
war for order and decency however – nothing personal here. Just doin’ our job. How
we do it? Well . . . .” the presiding officer paused his index finger combing
his beard gathering his thought. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Listen up guys. We didn’t send our men to <st1:placetype w:st="on">Fort</st1:placetype> <st1:placename w:st="on">Bragg</st1:placename>
in <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">California</st1:place></st1:state>
for nothing. Coming back, they secure just the purpose through which RSM was
founded. And to be blunt about it, “ he paused again to drive home important
concept in warfare.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Torture, yes torture treating each enemy
as insect until they reveal and accept their participation in any movement
establishing chaos or any evil plan for that matter,” he cleared.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Our coup ‘d grace, one that would send an enemy to dreamland forever . . .,” he
stopped gathering his thought reaching
the miniature Philippine flag on the table out from the cranium of the
skull, untying the pole and hoisting up for everybody to see – the needle!”
Brief deafening silence, the host would like the message to sink into the
collective consciousness of the captured recruits.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Sorry if you are dumbfounded on this
revelation. But this is it. And don’t you ever worry because each one of you
would be receiving as our token of gratitude you probably joining RSM.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Don’t fret for those undecided. We’ll not
forcing the issue to you.” You can return it back in its jacket to us anytime
and we would delete your name from the roll.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Those who didn’t it means we have to
replace one that you used. Don’t worry again we have the people on the ground
to check if you indeed delivered your part and that you deserve another needle!
That simple.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “That’s why we have the Bible and
Constitution as our guide and standard. And of course, the man right in the
picture representing the immense power and dominion he has all over us. That
after getting mandate from his people. By people I mean we, not just those who
gave him mandate but more importantly to whom that mandate also covers – all of
us Filipino people. Vox populi! Isn’t it?“</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Sir, yes Sir” cracked again in the four corner of the
initiating room.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “That should be clear by now. And our
parting shot:”what you hear is leave it here or . . . . Yes, recant or sing it
outloud and you would be in trouble.
Don’t underestimate the power of this organization. We have you already etched
in our palm. Just unleashing one of our man would already enough doing the job
for the organization.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Am I clear!”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Sir, yes Sir!” roared anew.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 18.0pt;">. . . . . . . . . .<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Part two started after the initiation.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Seem
we would be having fattening project down here,” Taklin said elated.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “As you wish. Not all the time. It’s just our
way of invoking God’s grace for you guys hopefully to pass on you your stomach
would have always its fill while you’re
there in the PMA.’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Reaching for a family portrait atop the
divider he said, “This is Tina, my daughter’ the second one in the right is
Liza, the youngest. Edwin and Roque are
in <st1:city w:st="on">Manila</st1:city> preparing for the incoming semester
where both are studying at University of the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Philippines</st1:country-region></st1:place>,” the Captain said
introducing his family to the group.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Melba, Estrada’s ever loving wife was still
in the kitchen cooking some more menus.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Feel at home guys. Don’t be ashamed. We both started from the
scratch you know. Good that our patience
pays off. She actually teaches at <st1:place w:st="on"><st2:sn w:st="on">St.</st2:sn>
<st2:middlename w:st="on">Louie</st2:middlename> <st2:sn w:st="on">University</st2:sn></st1:place>
handling mathematics and chemistry subjects.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Quiet tough subjects….” Marjun, other pleb
cleared.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “<st1:place w:st="on">Yap</st1:place>. But not
to her. It’s just a question of habit
forming you know. Once you’re used to it, you can already manipulate figures
using your fingers with impunity faster
than calculator. How was your
night if I may digress a bit from our topic?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Oh definitely I had very comfortable stay
at Teacher’s Camp. How I wish I could
stay there longer,” the other shared.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “And
what prompted you to enter PMA if I may ask,” Capt. interjected with
reservation.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Service. Protection our peoples’ right,”
the third young man answered.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “What else?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Unfortunately, I couldn’t think of any
significant idea than preserving democracy,
vanguard of peace,” the fourth suggested.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Any enlistment to any war zones in <st1:place w:st="on">Mindanao</st1:place> later. . . . “ the host ventured as reality
check.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">“By all means yes if it means testing my
loyalty and bravery to my calling.
Serving the people, defending their cause against enemies of various
forms is for me honorable act similar maybe to priesthood. What do you think,” Taklin said taking his
turn asking question from his host.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">“More than priesthood I guess. Priest merely dispenses the seven sacraments.
That as far as I know the center of their activity to become an alter Christos’
to redeem man’s soul form sin. But that
of the soldier protects his very life. In a sense his function lords over than that of a
priest. Besides, you cannot just build
people nor feed his stomach with empty sermons. Taklin’s
curiosity started building amenable that people with empty stomach hardly
listen.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Excuse me. I’m not saying that we’re
promoting atheism in our ranks here. On
the contrary, our members are devout and practicing Christians themselves.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Thanks. I thought I would be in danger of
compromising my Catholic belief in our group,” Taklin cleared in jest getting
laughter from his batch.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “No and never. Maybe there would be more
spiritual growth coming to your soul. So
welcome to the club kid. You opted for
wise choice. Cheer and good luck. I know you will survive given your tenacious
spirit. Bottom’s up,” invited Capt. Estrada
for a toast. They did.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Reaching a souvenir picture on the
cabinet, he offered it for Taklin to see.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Check if you’re familiar to the people in picture.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Sorry, but I could only identify two – you
and Mr. Ludimer.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Good grief kid. Anything more.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Mr. Mirang on your right!,” Taklin
exclaimed looking into the familiar figure of the picture.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Taklin couldn’t find any other familiar
faces among the one dozen sturdy athletic build members of the Armed Forces of
the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Philippines</st1:place></st1:country-region>. What he found interesting though was the
background where the picture was taken. It shows a cave whose façade was blasted into bits and
pieces. Providing an awkward glimpse of an enclave silhouetted by darkness
inside tunnel.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Wolves in action!” Marjun sighed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “That’s Mt.. Sungcal down in the South. We
captured that in one of our offensive spree few years back after our graduation
from PMA. What a heck baptizing our ranks of an elite force. And the people right there in the picture
standing proudly made that capture possible.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “All members of the RSM.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Our initiation in fact,” the Capt. answered sending chills
down the spine of Taklin.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “And what you’ve got inside?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “You might be surprised kid. But just to
let you know that the cave is almost like a subterranean city with all
laboratories inside. Sophisticated weapons, communication facilities and
surprisingly enough, some foreigners manning their operations.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “For conspiracy against the government?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Capt. Estrada nodded.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “You’re right. By the way, they were not commies
but Muslim separatists who have been up in arms against the government. Oh we have so many groups today all up in
arms against the government. See how
unpredictable Filipinos are regardless they are Christians or Muslims. They’re unpredictable lot as their colors of
their skin. It just doesn’t make any sense you know separating Mindanao from
Luzon and Visayas from Mindanao or Cordillera from <st1:place w:st="on">Luzon</st1:place>.
What would happen to our country given this penchant of secession from wayward Filipino brothers. Any idea, what do you think?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Sense of history,”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “What do you mean?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Muslims has never been conquered. They have fought tooth and nail against the
colonizers – Spaniards, Japanese and Americans for many decades . . . .”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “But did we, Filipinos, ever chased them
away.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “No and not of course.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “But we are not respecting them. Maybe it’s no wonder why they would like to
have <st1:place w:st="on">Mindanao</st1:place>
partitioned or have some areas established as their sub states.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “What do you exactly mean of ‘not
respecting them?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Have you your ever heard a certain Sharif Makdum or Raja Baguinda. . .
?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “The Captain waited for Taklin’s
elaboration.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Name sounds familiars but beyond that I
can’t figure out their roles among Muslims in the country’s history.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “He was once a Muslim scholar of the nearly
Pre-Spanish Era. He was responsible to the early spread of Islam throughout the
country. In fact, one historian claimed
that had Magellan came two hundred years later than he actually did in 1521,
the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Philippines</st1:place></st1:country-region>
would have been converted entirely into an Islamic country.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">“Maybe. Anyway, it’s just really doesn’t
make any sense calling the <st1:country-region w:st="on">Philippines</st1:country-region> the only Christian nation in <st1:place w:st="on">Asia</st1:place>. Islam had been ahead to us so to speak. You see how
rhetoric would sometimes explain the issue away.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> The Captain acknowledged Taklin’s relevance
with cheerful bottoms up wiping away some beer’s bubbles sticking his mustache.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “But there is another strong argument
heavier than that kid. Knows cockfight for sure?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Taklin nodded.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Christians and Filipino Muslims are like
just two cocks fitted against each other by whom? Two unseen strong arms.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Whose arms?” all young men almost begging
the question indicating their innocence of the subject.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “That would be your assignment. Be sure you conduct some research and find out if what I mean is
wrong.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Taklin was stunned by the sentiments of his
accommodating host. But it helps him at least clarifying some doubts for having
very scant knowledge about the complexity of the country’s rebellion.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Looking upon the empty bottles in the
plastic beer case, he noticed that they have consumed four Beer Grande that fast. He has not consumed
that much before. But he is far from giving up specially that Capt. Estrada is
giving him very revealing unsolicited in-puts.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “You smoke?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “No thanks. I can manage myself not smoking
unless there are mosquitoes in this room.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Not that I know of unless they would die
frozen unto death by <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Baguio</st1:city></st1:place>’s
freezing weather.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Brief laughter ensued. Capt. Estrada continue gulping some more beer
through attractive beer mug.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Hey
guys. That’s the irony of all ironies
among Filipinos you know,” the host said calculating his words to drive home
significant point.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “We don’t have any sense of history. We
easily forget that we are only part of that history. How could we afford destroying it when we are
all passing mortals only. We don’t own this parcels of territories. It is
His’. We’re merely stewards . Indeed, how could we ever own that which would
outlive us, ” the Captain stressed remembering
Igorot Chieftain Macling Dulag liquated on his belief. Many more challenging
thoughts were dished out seemingly engrossed and high of beer’s spirit.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Taklin managed smiling while Capt. Estrada peered through his eyes.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Look what happens to <st1:place w:st="on">Sabah</st1:place>
and probably Spratly islands’ issue. Our
government has been trying to have these islands retrieved sending some of our
troops there to have our presence felt by our neighboring countries up for
grab these territories. You see we’ve got what it takes to add more
territories to our Archipelago as these
islands been part of our territories based on nautical miles. But look what’s happening to many Juan de la
Cruzes in his country. They are also
busy cutting each other’s throat, squeezing each other’s neck – all for
possible partition of our only country sort of
gerrymandering. It’s a big, big
shame. Isn’t it?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> The Captain reached out for two or more
bottles and opened the cap and pour each visitor’s beer mug to the brim. Its excess came rushing to the table.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “And Jabiddah Massacre. . . “</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Maybe a curse for that Sabah claim by the government. This was very timely I supposed. Look what
happened? Had it not occurred probably hundreds of casualties from <st1:place w:st="on">Sabah</st1:place> would have been great earning the ire of
neighboring countries harassing us for such ambitious transgression.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “A problem of insincerity on government.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “I think so. That’s what I mean when I said that we should
learn how to play by roles. If we could not, what a tragedy. Any effort toward reconciliation, peace
whatever would just die their natural death.
Who suffered most anyway,” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Naturally, the people themselves. What a
waste of our resources.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> The group remained unperturbed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “It’s really silly. It’s plain insanity pure and simple. Right kid? If we could only respect history
and makes a virtue out of it, there would be no senseless killing, no graft and
corruption in the government I suppose.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Problem is that we always make exception
to the rule. Before we know it, we
practically mangle our sense of nationhood.
That’s why guys, we have Joe, Mr. Mirang, me and many others in the military service joining RSM. In our oath of
commitment, we vow to pursue that cause or there would be killing spree later
by the commies, separatists whatever.
The bottom line: let us practice democracy. After practicing, defend it from
scrupulous and assuming political messiah claiming it’s all easy to change. I
think you know that there’s just no other better substitute up all the way down
at local government destroying valid political system.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “What about what’s going on in the country today given Martial Law not serving its
purpose?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Precisely, that’s what I said. Praxis.
It is a challenge addressed to each Filipino. A challenge mustering enough strength to have democracy works for
good. For now I don’t like to pre-empt
the implication s of Martial Law. The
need I think of enforcing that law is
explainable. Let’s give the President
all our support. If it means
strengthening the existing political system in the country, the better. If it means killing democracy God forbid,
nobody could tell.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Very lucid treatise,” Taklin complimented.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Am happy for your generous remarks but I’m far from over. I
have one more proposal buddy. You see a
theory is not considered an effective premise if not proven sound translated
into success. In fact, it should be changed with another workable one if it
doesn’t make any sense. But mind you we
have to pay sometimes the price for our cause.
This is another story. This is where men are separated from boys, women
from girls. One must have what it takes to become one. No guts, no glory as one
maxim would put it.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “What sample of price you mean . . . .’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> ‘Killing. Either senseless or aberrations in
the parlance of Marcos. It could be you
and me. That’s the other irony. I’m
maybe philosophical about it but we have
to kill sometimes to stop the killing or our bullets could be rusted and
weapons conked out. This is real in the
military. It’s painful but we have no
other better choice than face it.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Reminiscing their exploit and consequently
capturing the camp of the tunnel, he exposed: “I forgot about it. But you should know the circumstances how it
was discovered.” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">“We were having our tour of duty that day
in the enemies danger zone. The blistering
heat of the sun was practically sapping our strength draining gradually our
energy. Then out of the blue, a nowhere man I suppose was seen monitoring the
other group across. Momentarily, he took
cover seeing my men in fatigue nearby
and crawled back like a crab safety into the tunnel. Of course, my CO did not believed the
incident until he confided it to me later.
He did when I brought him exactly where the man buried himself into the
ground disappearing lie as shooting star adding the thin air in the dark. There were four of us alerted on that
incident; the CO, Cesar, the communication operator; yes, your good friend Joe,
the land mine expert and me. We discovered the small opening on the ground
actually leading to the tunnel our enemies holed in. Some of our companions were spread out
securing the area from snipers. We took no chances for mines were buried
everywhere in the perimeter. Events happened too quickly. Just after Col. Ludimer
fired the first shot, the gate was shattered by violent explosion. It signaled the beginning of the end of those
who were inside the tunnel mostly separatists
from the South. Treating
poisonous gas inside the tunnel, hapless enemies bolted out coughing heavily
hanging to dear life falling to the ground like mosquitoes. We later learned of four similar opening
around the area. It’s good that the
reinforcements Col. Ludimer requested earlier arrived in time otherwise
casualties on our part would have been unnumbered.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “What you’ve got inside?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Oh too many weapons, sophisticated ones,
thousands of mines, communication equipment and what have you.
As I said earlier, it looks like a subterranean city whose bunkers are
equipped with laboratories presumably utilized in manufacturing bullets and
weapons are all there. Where else in the
world you could find such discovery in a forest yet. I couldn’t think of any.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Must have been a handiwork of a genius,”
Taklin thought recalling how Hitler and Eva Braun holed in a seventh bunker
until they were discovered by Massad many decades later people erroneously
thought they were long dead!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> It’s no wonder now for Col. Ludimer that an
airplane could be seen at night hovering over the area but lost as it probably
landed well secured by tunnel.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Looks like a movie,”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Perfectly directed,’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “What happened later especially with the
coming of the reinforcements?” Taklin probed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">“We cut their radar and shut down their
communication networks. That’s the most
decisive act done by our battalion though great majority were left on their
posts. Otherwise we would have been
overrun and annihilated from the face of this earth with their own
reinforcements. Who knows? All in war
you know is deception and the survival of the smartest,’ Capt said wryly
lifting his forefinger stressing his point categorically.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “You’re right,” complimented Taklin
remembering Sun Tzu’s The Art of War.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “But that was the only one side of
coin. Unexpectedly like an outburst of
lighting our companion received their own dose of medicine on our way back home
after that conquer of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">Mt.</st1:placetype>
<st1:placename w:st="on">Sungcal</st1:placename></st1:place>,” he lamented his
voice gradually losing its resonance.
Reaching for the picture from the table he pointed the faces of his companions
blasted to death beyond recognition by huge land mines.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Brief silence ensued; the revelation sinking
inside the group’s heart leaving his face pale not anticipating said exploit
would have its tragic end.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “It’s not yet your time. God up there must
have some other very special things in store for you and your group Capt.,” one
said.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “I think so. Precisely we would like to have the ideals of
RSM sustained and propagated passing on to the younger generations to give
security of the next generation. We
fervently hope they would follow suit. I
really regret for that incident but what could we do. Death is bridegroom of
any military soldier. Any call of duty
sends chills down our spine. No doubt
yes putting the future of our respective family in the sideline because the
oath of allegiance we vow to perform. But ours is not in practice our own true
family. The people in general whom we
serve is. Freedom and security mean so
much to us men in uniform. That in effect belonging to one great big family.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Country first above all things. This what
you mean?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “You’re right. Primacy of the country and
immediacy of time first before ourselves or we would be nothing but nuts.” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Tragic drama but real.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Very true specially breaking the news to
the relatives, wives, sons, fathers, mothers and daughters of the
casualties. Until now still deputized
doing such heart-rending job is always unfortunately. What could I do, the
country is on fire. But you know, I no longer go into the details. I just tell them flatly that so and so died
in action.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Not outright only after draining emotional and psychological barrier out
from their hearts and minds. No use crying
over spilled milk you see. Besides I
don’t like that the concerned parties would get the whole picture of the
incident lest I would be dragging them
taking the law into their hands and thus make the killing a vicious cycle. It just doesn’t make any sense.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “For example, if the casualties were
skinned to death by their enemies, eyes gorged out, vital organs damaged, dead
bodies roasted to oblivion leaving us at loss of their true identity save their
name tag either hanging still in their neck or swallowed– Ah yes we have to
conduct sometimes an operation probing into that important identification or we
would have their coffins sealed.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “What would they see or get anyway from the
dismembered bodies. Nothing but foul odor. You know human flesh is such a terrible smell
worst than urine. I forget it but the
culprit of our tragedy after that successful exploit were three Mc Arthur land
mines. You know what I mean?” the Capt.
related back to the incident.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Except for the familiar name of the famous
American General and land mines, the group could not figure out what the Capt
is speaking about. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Staring straight to Captain’s eyes
wondering, he shook his head signifying his innocence but whispered, “Meaning?”
Taklin snapped back.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Well have you ever seen a gasoline
container sometimes with a skull painted on its surface securely hanging at the
back of a military jeep . . . ?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Yes
we do,” the young men collectively agreed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “The bigger one that could accumulate gallons
of gasoline?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> The visitor nodded approvingly.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Bingo.
It’s as big as that. Imagine land mines that size blowing right before your
faces. There were three containers in
fact erupting that time whose shrapnel’s rendered our bodies completely bloody
mess. Those who survived were airlifted to Gen. Luna Hospital in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Manila</st1:city></st1:place>. Casualties were retrieved back for
proper burial by respective families.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Are those landmines manufactured right
inside the tunnel?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “And some other equally deadly ammunitions,
why not given sophistication of their laboratories.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “How many land mines buried at <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">Mt.</st1:placetype> <st1:placename w:st="on">Sungcal</st1:placename></st1:place>
and vicinities?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “More than hundred I suppose. Too many that
these people living there no longer came back or they would be blown into bits
and pieces committing any slightest mistakes passing through them. That’s another important dimension in
war. The inclusion dragging of innocent
people into war not out of their own doing, burning their houses, destroying
their security and privacy and destruction of
farms, herding them into school buildings converted into safe houses overnight as if prisoners of their own
land. Call them as necessary evils . . .
.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “No they are not,” Taklin for the first
time protested.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Maybe as sacrificial lambs to the
stupidity of war. Millions of Jews
suffered similar atrocities at the gas chamber perpetuated by Hitler’s
henchmen, the so-called “The Butchers.”
To the Germans they are their enemies not the third party of war the
civilians you said. Gerard Green’s <i><u>Holocausts,</u></i> one of the best literature there is showing
barbarity of Hitler, shows that Jews
were the real targets. Of course,
there’s the <i><u>Diary of Anne Frank</u></i>
recording the personal account of Anne Frank what’s happening around while she
holed in their house ceiling for safety. There producing her classic of how Herr Hitler’s evil reign looks like then.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Good kid but remember this. They were waging war against another
race. Aryan versus Semitic race. Ours in
the country is a fight between two people of the same race, blood, probably the
same faith at the same nation. We must
that remember important
distinction I’m afraid we might
have mixed up presentation of events this evening Just consider further
this. War always follows familiar
pattern i.e. of vanquishing the enemy at the expense of civilians. That makes war very dirty business. You would
notice for instance the percentage of
civilian casualties increasing dramatically since World War I from merely fifteen per cent to thirty five
and later skyrocketed to eight five percent during World War II.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Taklin appreciated the statistics of the
Captain notwithstanding rough estimate awakened that essentially it’s the truth
is the first real casualty.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “You should not be surprised why I kept on
underscoring civilians. They deserve peace as we are. We’re in the service because of them. If the military would not protect them, who
would?” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Shall we just leave to them the task of
protecting themselves. That would invite
further excesses – vigilantism and eradicating due process of law. “</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “It’s very easy to just kill you know? No
sweat. The swifter the execution
delivered the better justice is served.
But that is confusing. That’s
like making our own gas chambers.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “How would we know that Juan or Pedro is a
criminal? Nobody save for the Court. I
repeat war of order and decency. That’s what should come first.
Unfortunately, we failed. Thus,
the President declaring Martial Law.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Again, I may be a military. But you see we need to be strict in administering
the law. The contrary holds true - just be lenient or soft on this and people
would be breaking whatever rules there are to be broken. With insurgency problems, criminality rising
and abuses to those in authority who could be lenient. How far will it go, I repeat I could not
tell.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Not sure what’s your take on the subject. What I can tell is understanding
how benevolent dictatorship works is crucial. This giving the penchant again of Filipinos playing around politics.
Know what I mean?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Like a disciplinarian father who’d like to
put first above all things peace and order to a family. Benevolent despot you
might say. What’s the difference?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “True enough and you got me there kid. But
it’s more than that. One that knows what he’s doing what is best for the
family. <st1:country-region w:st="on">Taiwan</st1:country-region>,
formerly <st1:country-region w:st="on">Formosa</st1:country-region> had
Generalissimo Chiang Kai Shek, <st1:country-region w:st="on">Indonesia</st1:country-region>
has Suharto, <st1:country-region w:st="on">Cuba</st1:country-region> has <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Fidel Castro</st1:city>, <st1:country-region w:st="on">India</st1:country-region></st1:place> Mahatma Gandhi. Incidentally, our very own Jose Rizal is far
greater than these people. How I wish he
had lived that long. You see kid we really need to trust the President. Never mind
the personality. President is only a public face of Chief Executive. He comes and goes but the
essential which is his office, remains.
By all means, strengthening the political system and providing security
to all people is the President’s prime concern.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “What are we in power for if he could not
legislate a better world. So to speak,”
Taklin remarked.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “And if I may ask you. What if the
President would go berserk and perpetuate himself in power using Martial Law as
pretext. We just don’t know the
possibilities?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “An invitation to God punishing us. . . .
Civil war you know is the heaviest punishment a nation could have, Cardinal Sin
would say.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Civil strife, you probably mean?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “What’s in a word. People of the same race, blood and country you said,” Taklin
challenged for the first time the host. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “You’re correct and that is an apprehension
of any God-fearing Christian today.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">By now all six beer grandes were
consumed. But there’s no indication that
exchange of pleasantries is far from over.
The host requested for a break.
When he came back he brought with him a bottle of Gilbey’s gin and lime
juice.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “This would be an excellent clincher,”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The group fidgeted that they had already their fill and that they have consumed more
than enough.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Have you reached your limit already guys?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Not yet. Maybe nearing,” they lied wanting
to extract more information about military life from their generous host.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Want some more stories about us in the
field?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “You see what I’ve shared to you is only
about separatists. I would say that the
strategy they have is practically peanuts vis a vis to the one used by commies.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Like what?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “War of the Flea.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> The gullible visitors remained glued to the talk of their new found
friend and mentor now professor extra-ordinary in full throttle
revealing the anatomy of Civil War.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Are you familiar with Vietnam War?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Not much,” Taklin answered despite his
considerable readings he has on the subject.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “The complexity of war in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Vietnam</st1:place></st1:country-region> is also
happening right in our country. The only
difference is that Uncle Sam is seemingly directing the traffic at the
backstage. And this I don’t like
honestly. Lest I would be misconstrued as spectator. I’d like you to know how the Americans work.
Look at our yearly budget. Each
department gets the lion share? And where do you think these money taken from? <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">US</st1:country-region></st1:place>
military aid, rental of their naval facilities, military bases agreement and
all that. Oh the list is long. You could
provide your own guess and let me tell you that it would be as good as mine. In
one term, intervention in our political and economic affairs. That’s what they have been doing to other countries, <st1:country-region w:st="on">Cuba</st1:country-region>,
Puerto Rico, our very own, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Philippines</st1:country-region></st1:place>.
It’s quiet amazing. But look how they would
qualify their involvement in the political affairs of these countries.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Manifest destiny and Benevolent
Assimilation,”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Bulls eye kids. But what made them think they are superior
than fairly skinned Orientals like Filipinos.
Good to them that they tested dose of their own medicine. You know how
many casualties involved? One source
said that of eight hundred thousand conscripted to war, half died. North Vietmen of course suffered heavy losses
but if law proportion is used, the Americans suffered more in numbers.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “I recall a photograph lately from <i><u>Time Magazine</u></i> showing Vietnamese
children running scared to death from the napalm strike of the Americans.
Imagine innocent lives threatened to extinction. How fortunate that picture
painting thousand words. So stunning telling us the grim reminder of another
side of war.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Unfortunately, such propaganda was
overshadowed by their defeat. What does
this imply? The war of the Flea, protracted war, civilian warfare and many
other terms used, shows that it is far superior than any other military
strategy conceived by the Americans.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Featuring guerilla sniping.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “You’re right. So where that leave us and
what’s the bottom line? I think it indicates how hard and useless killing an
idea. Right in our country, the commies
have the upper hand. A commie
killed would have several other commies’ replacement probably hundreds. Reason versus force. We just can’t kill an idea you know. You
can’t use force either. You may win but
you can’t stay long. You would gradually
fall because it’s human nature to cling to that which is good. Solzhenitsyn’s Gulag
shows us how and why. The only way you can defeat an idea is to
change it with better idea.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “I bet it will work. That is democracy at work here. We just don’t know for instance that we have
right here the answer to insurgency problem. For all we know the monkeys in
hinterlands might have better ideas than us if not the best. So you see how could we ever condone the
importance of free market of ideas given the presence of sensitive issues like
peace and order situation, land reform and what have you.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “And that’s where the real battle should
start,” Taklin snapped.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “And speaking who controls the nation‘s
economy for instance. . . .”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Excellent kid. That’s good for you. I hope your tribe would increase later,”
answered Capt. Estrada while taking his fourth shot of Gilbey’s gin.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “You see the folly and infamy of man. He is too assuming little God as if he has
the answers to all questions of this
world. Oh I could probably stomach seeing them killing each other. But I could not bear the sight of children
mercilessly killed in the crossfire.
Rubbing them off of their innocence,
making the sun and the stars as mute witnesses to our follies.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “But isn’t it that we have Protocol I protecting
innocent civilians with no less than our country one of its signatory of that document in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Geneva</st1:city></st1:place>?” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “But that is in paper only guys. All in war
again you see is deception. As we clarified, truth becomes always its first
casualty. So where all this things leave
us.?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Square one.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Right there guys. If only we practice what we probably mean
then by all means ours could be most peaceful place this part of the world. No
children raised in sorrow, hunger, all children frolicking with joy the foam in
ocean and sun as one song would put it.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Then there would no economic sabotage; no
killing. Try to imagine that is almost a Utopia. It’s a shame that Filipinos are killing each
other.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Whatever happen to our religious faith? That is another irony. We profess to be
Christian but practice Devil’s teaching.
No wonder Gandhi one time remarks that he loves Christ but hates
Christians. And he was right because we seem to be not practicing what we read
professing the faith.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">“Thanks for the compliment. Unfortunately,
my discourse is still far from over.
Lest you would be left groping in the dark. The other equally important
dimension is the kind of war people would engage in normal circumstance. I’m
not speaking of brutality raising arms
against the constituted authorities at the slightest provocation and or making the people believe
of the wrongdoings of the government – a mere mud-slinging and black
propaganda, very cheap measure and far from reality, fiction as they would say
it – war of order and decency I mentioned earlier.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “That is very crucial. That’s why we have
the so-called peace and order to have it respected. If the people could not
respect it, what do you think? That’s where the government comes in.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “That’s why we have people like Maj.
Ludimer, me and the rest in RSM. If there would no people like us who will
protect the people – by people I mean the government, don’t tell me we have to
summon Uncle Sam to do it for us. Most
importantly, the intellectual dishonesty.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “These
are what the commies famous of.
Explaining the issues away using rhetoric. Sounding like a song sang all over again, but
we will defend. That is what we in the
Reformed The Society Movement stands for.
And we will do it to the last
drop of our blood,” Capt. Estrada said leaving his young visitors stunned. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Did I scare you? . . . a bit
or none at all. Oh common. It’s all in the mind you know. If ever there is one
thing you would be afraid about, it is no other than your own fear itself. But you can conquer that by first licking it
yourselves. It’s all in the mind, you know.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Excuse us Capt. but no. Neither our enthusiasm was dampened by your
bright ideas nor our will subjugated by
dangers implied joining your group. Not
yet, not now. Or I might not be able to
sustain the rigors of training in PMA,” one clarified with reservation. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Well just cross the bridge once we get
there,” the other cleared facing reality without any illusion where it would
lead them.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Great to have you around. Thanks
indeed. That means I have the passing
mark for my lecture to you this evening.
My good friend Joe, Mr. Mirang would be happy learning this development. So I do hope you could have your
hands full when you are with us. Thanks
again indeed,” he said vowing his head as sign of respect and admiration to
visitors.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “And for the idealist, the extreme ones who
are still dreaming of Utopia. Damn for
this people,” the host seemed to be carried away by the spirit of liquor
commented.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Beware and don’t give all your trust to
the commies. We owe nothing to this faceless individuals feeding on the industry of others.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> The group just glued himself to Capt. Estrada who might be on his last
treatise on the Commies. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “And the people just love them too anyway. Isn’t it is high time to clear the
issue. On the first place, these people
are leftists, communists, pretenders, idealists. Come to think of these guys.
Are they paying their taxes? Look, they should pay damages to the government from
those sabotages they incurred. That on top of extortion. Excuse me that’s
direct corruption in the highest level.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Ergo, beware playing around with these
people. They may be even your friends and relatives or direct members of your
family. Know that they could even afford eating your palm not just foods
offered to them, ” Capt. Estrada emphasized his voice getting slower and eyes
directly fixing his gaze to Taklin.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Let’s go around <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Makati</st1:place></st1:city>, the financial capital of the country
as it seems it has the semblance of socialist RP,” he continued. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Makati</st1:city></st1:place>’s
experience is unique as mostly all of the basic needs of its residents are
provided. Hospital and medicines, education and computer sets, recreation and
other entertainments to its senior citizens, roses and cakes for newlyweds to
burial expenses of its people. Name it and the government is there to provide
all this basic necessities in life.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">“In sum, full enjoyment from all basic necessities of life
specifically food, clothing and shelter. And as the TV Ad further continues, “I
wish all these privileges are enjoyed by all citizens throughout the country.”
And so be it!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> The best TV Ad thus far articulated with
all sincerity and honesty the services and privileges extended from Makati to
its people endearing its officials to all people addressed the very core of their existence –
bread and butter - returning to them
their compliment with resounding “Yes” gauging from overwhelming mandate
catapulting the diminutive Chief Executive Officer and sustaining his solid
position as Chief Executive of the City
for many decades. Well said but whatever
happen to its status now. What is the political dynasty say of this?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “They must increase the revenue first as
precondition for the realization of that ambitious but highly probable State of <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:state w:st="on">Socialist RP</st1:state></st1:place> dream. Or the vision would simply die its natural
death remaining a dream in TV only,“ he
emphasized in succeeding interview by
Ted Failon of ABS-CBN. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Feasible. Yes and why not. But not when
you compare the status of first class and highly urbanized <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Makati</st1:city></st1:place> where their City Hall alone, twenty eight story buildings tall with all
amenities can afford subsidizing its population’s needs compared to an Internal
Revenue Allotment subsisting municipalities with negligible income yet accruing
from poor tax collection and capital
gain tax.” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">“The President could even hold
his office there should he wishes instead of Arlegui Mansion which is
yet to be exorcized away of evil inhabiting the mansion for many decades.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “What more when you go down to some
depressed provinces and municipalities buildings unfinished yet. Why and where
have all the taxpayers money gone? Feudal system existing and people not giving
damn to it is contributing factor. Leaving their fate to their masters running the affairs of government, they would
soon wake up shortchanged. Controlling and almost taking all the resources by
concerned senseless local executives down to barangay government leaving even no mechanism for check and
balances until new set of elected officers take the reign of power perpetuates
the vicious cycle of building their own municipal halls one after the other. Reason
that there’s an unending construction of some Municipal Hall buildings in some
areas. Noted of such glaring corrupt practice are those in Muslim provinces explaining
repeated emergence of graft and
corruption. Explainable too that many of these provinces are featured as
poorest among Philippine provinces.” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “There ensued the problem. Socialized or
collective way of addressing the
peoples’ concern is simply doable. But
that’s precisely the problem. <st1:city w:st="on">Makati</st1:city> is <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Makati</st1:city></st1:place> probably because
its residents from different villages are merely waiting its windfall trickling in.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">“That’s Makati,” Capt. Estrada clarified, a smack
right on the face of many Chief Executives in the local offices because of
their inability in providing basic social services because of the lack of resources.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Unless the system is already in place with
resources free-flowing from revenue collection sustaining like lifeblood
securing the basic services for the people, there could only be one <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Makati</st1:city></st1:place>.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Where then would we draw the line?” Taklin
ventured raising the question.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> "Back to basics, to the villages itself
where the real action is. The village is truly where our home is. Unknown to
man and we should this, it is considered a small republic complete with three
seat of power from legislative, judiciary and administrative rolled into one
exercised by Village Captain as Chairman.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “When all its resources are tapped it will
be more than enough addressing the basic services for its people. With clear-cut
Village Development Plan collectively formulated with utmost participation of
its people increasing its revenue not just relying on national government’s
IRA, everything is simply possible. That’s
the real <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Makati</st1:place></st1:city>.
Go back to it if you lost your way because where your heart is, there’s your
happiness also.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “I
know some countries carrying the load
and enjoying the burden of its people providing them all amenities and
handsome salary and benefits among its
employees to boot. <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Taiwan</st1:country-region></st1:place>
for instance answer its people needs from head to foot through association.
Similarly, oil rich countries of <st1:place w:st="on">Middle East</st1:place>
dish out regular share of allowance to
its people from the profits derived from
oil. The rest maximizing its
basic services, tie up with other rich municipalities abroad through sisterhood
pact and complimentarily introduce technology and or implement infrastructure
projects benefiting the majority.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Ergo, socialist RP? Hello there! Yes but
only in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Makati</st1:city></st1:place>
unless you revolutionize the system starting from its base, the villages, all the way up carrying the load
of your people. Yes we can and better they should be. That’s what they were voted for in office
in the first place.”</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 18.0pt;">. . . . . . . . . . . .<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Reeling from last night’s initial bout with
Capt. Estrada, Taklin took his shower to clear his head from hangover. What a
night it has been? Taklin thought still trapped by the wisdom of his lost last
night. Sipping his coffee downstairs, he feels he is in dire need of rest. Hurriedly, he went upstairs after breakfast.
On his bed, he tried sorting out inputs learned putting them in proper
perspective. Capt Estrada’s mention of war zones where the real battle is continue
licking his thought providing direct contrast to his ambition. Like devil’s advocate, it makes him
uncomfortable. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “You still have enough time to decide for yourself whether you have to proceed or withdraw,” says his alter ego. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> It’s
an easy trap to fall into and difficult to get rid from. </span>So far he believes his aim in life is
legitimate as all are. No illusion there or he would fail, he reminded himself.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> </span> The
thought of Capt. Estrada and <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:country-region w:st="on">Col.</st1:country-region></st1:place>.
Ludimer provided him the
inspiration. Few more minutes, he was
snoring soundly carried away by the beauty of last night’s meeting with Capt. Estrada.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Outside the sun gradually cleared the dews atop pine trees.
Its rays penetrating minute cylindrical liquid before they slip down dropping
to the ground provided reflection creating rainbows at the background. What a beautiful scene to behold as countless liquid crystals balls glistening
from the reflection of the sun ushered dawn of new day.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 18.0pt;">. . . . . . . . . . . . .<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10908645543292590219noreply@blogger.com0Cagayan de Oro, Philippines8.4542363 124.63189778.2029393 124.3160407 8.705533299999999 124.94775469999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5949714347708699086.post-47037910852479823942012-11-01T08:52:00.000-07:002015-05-07T21:54:27.891-07:00Chapter 14 - Baguio<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Chapter 14</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Baguio</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: magenta; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> F</span></span></b>ew </span>Few years back parting his ways from
Driarco, Taklin surviving those grueling religious training from seminary must
be add-on positive factor for his new found vocation. And what those beautiful
memories he and Driarco experienced together in the Seminary. As fleeting as
the wind, it was all what Taklin now remembers as he’s fast approaching Baguio,
the Summer Capital of the Philippines
after those wobbling travel from
Manila all the way up passing dreaded Kennon road. It’s good that his parents empathized
with him what with his sudden
turn-around of seeking far challenging military career leaving his good friend
Driarco in the seminary. <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> It’s weird but it seems his day is getting
smaller as time passes by nearing his official destination.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Four years to fix things up while in PMA
not bad idea. I think I could manage it or the dream of becoming a military
officer would remain as an elusive dream ever,” he said as he alighted from the
bus walking around the City.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> For the first time, Taklin feels lonely
thinking of the void after leaving his family back home. He was sure though that
this emptiness is just but natural feeling as he is giving up those solidarity
with your loved ones in favor of far higher ambitious dream of becoming
military officer. Sublimation this is it to focus more his energy for a far
higher noble purpose in life. He has been there anyway helping his father in their farm and now left
on his own charting his path. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Father will always be special in his
heart, no matter what. What good it takes if as a son you did not return back
the compliment to your family who nurtured you reaching this far,” he reasoned
out. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Taklin‘s coming to Baguio was his
first. Like all other Filipino mortals,
he’s been looking forward of visiting this Summer Capital of the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Philippines</st1:place></st1:country-region>. Seeing the place is definitely exciting. Boracay island with its finest white sand and
crystal clear sea water; lanzones, hot and cold spring, sunken cemetery of
Camiguin in Northern Mindanao; export quality pomeloes, durian and other
tropical fruits,, Mt. Apo of Davao and famous blue marlin for juicy ‘kinilaw’
included; enchanting caves and exciting wild-life animals of Palawan; Puerto
Azul of Mindoro; scenic Taal lakes of
Batangas; city in the sky at Tagaytay; religious festivities I Cebu like
Sinaulog, Dinagyang in Iloilo, Moriones in Catanduanes and Atiatihan for Aklan
– all these great source of Filipino
heritage and culture transformed to tourist attractions in the country are all
familiar to Taklin’s ear but not on his eyes. For while it is considered
pleasure to gawking tourist and wealthy Filipino , it is economic to Juan del a
Cruz unless blown by wind of destiny to any of these places. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Taklin is indeed elated. At least he scores one. He knows that he’s
barely starting appreciation of his homeland that sends many Europeans and
Americans exploring these places. A
foreigner of his own land, he remembers Mr. Ludimer telling him back home in
his province. Not anymore; you’re no
longer a stranger to your own land buddy, thought himself while the air-conbus
runs like bullet train thought he national road pavement. Its zigzag routes, Taklin observes the driver not giving damn
manipulating difficult and dangerous curves sending fear and trembling down his
spine. Chasing several buses while
descending Kennon road along deep ravine was disturbing. Occasionally, he would
stare outside the window feasting his own eyes on the imposing canyon whose
grandeur and magnificence is seen clearly through the glass. It was a combination of pleasure and torture
as the driver manifesting his recklessness. Now at last, he understands why
drivers are better than priests. Priests
would only lull them to sleep with their dull homilies. But a reckless driver always reminds them of
God every time they manipulate the handle negotiating through mazes of difficult
curves. It reminds him of similar sight-seeing in Bukidnon, <st1:place w:st="on">Northern
Mindanao</st1:place> where pineapples plantation of the Philippine Packing
Corporation abounds all over the place as far as your eyes can see providing
excellent balance to the towering canyons seen earlier.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Momentarily, his ear registers some noise
as the bus gradually scales the tortuous zigzag routes, the bus driver didn’t
worry about anyway. It’s an air pressure disturbing his hearing. Recalling the first aid learned from the
past, he perfunctorily squeezed his nose closed. With one deep bated breath blown against the
base of his nostrils. To no avail. It
didn’t feel him good either. Swallow your saliva once you’re up there in the
sky, he recalls the trainer advising
prospective passengers in air bus.
Applying by instinct, it gives
him relief somehow.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> The
huge lion’s head landmark along the road with “Welcome to <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Baguio</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">City</st1:placetype></st1:place>”
was seen visibly painted in dirty white indicating that he’s nearing
destination. Soon beautiful houses in navy blue, green chocolate, red colors
sprouted up like mushrooms giving
indescribably delight Taklin’s eyes, a
living testimony to the genius of
Filipino painters and architects. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">“So this is <st1:city w:st="on">Baguio</st1:city>,”
he said with an aura of confidence and sense of achievement as if he has just
successfully scaled a <st1:placetype w:st="on">Mt.</st1:placetype> <st1:placename w:st="on">Apo</st1:placename> or <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">Mt.</st1:placetype>
<st1:placename w:st="on">Hibok-hibok</st1:placename></st1:place> arriving the city.
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> The
cold weather was biting. Coming down from the vehicle, clouds of smoke gathered
steam gradually covering the rain forest and vegetable gardens towards the
south soon engulfed him. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Looking like I’m in cloud nine,” he
thought. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Acclimatizing is what he badly needs at
least for one week. Mr. Ludimer was
right in advising him to come earlier. This would at least provide him the
necessary advantage over other classmates and indispensable in getting rid of extra
baggage. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “The training right there is rather very
rigid, I just want to be sure that you have the necessary preparation,” he
remembers the words of his mentor who happens to be an alumnus of PMA. Riding a taxi cab for Teacher’s Camp where he
would billeted, hundreds of makeshift shanties displaying flowers, fruit jams,
fresh fruits and all that were seen along the city’s thoroughfares as if
welcoming him to the cool city of the mountain.
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “These must be the same people, hardworking
ones he saw earlier by the slopes of the mountain cultivating vegetable
gardens, engaging cut flowers production and planting fruit trees,” he thought.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> </span> People walking briskly wearing thick coats
with their hands solidly buried in their pockets caught the fancy of the young
visitor as the friendly lady cab driver dropped him by the corner. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “<i>Naembag
nga aldaw kengkayo apo</i>,” he said politely to elders passing him by as his
gesture of respect. It was tentative as
he was negotiating the final stretch of the Teacher’s Camp.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Naembag nga aldaw mot,” one of the eldest
answered; the rest nodded their heads collectively.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Welcome,” the other joined after surveying
the apparent provincial personality of the visitor.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Taklin fidgeted that he would be proceeding
Teachers’ Camp for a night or two before proceeding to Philippine Military
Academy. It was a good excuse though for
his scant knowledge of the vernacular spoken by the group. Tooth blackened by constant chewing of betel
nuts glittered as they grinned to Taklin.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “So you’d like to become a soldier,” one
said.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Yes,” Taklin readily answered surprised
how articulate his new found friends were.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Good to have you around. We have so much bloodshed in the country
today. Unprecedented one. People seem to
me are crazy these days bleeding the country dry at will. Chaos, disorder,
armed strife, rebellion – they’re almost becoming the fad of the time thriving
everywhere.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Taklin who was held captive and dumbfounded listening the unsolicited talk.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “The country just needs a break for
peace. We’re elated you’d like to become
one of its crusaders. When you do,
please be a good soldier your children would like to emulate and any Filipino
could be very proud of,” the elder advised the young visitor. Wrinkles forming his forehead were pronounced
as he smiled.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Like the Israelis’ soldiers who are
treated first class citizens by the Jews providing them priority seats in all
public utility transportation, “ the other intoned.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Taklin was taken aback caught off-guard by
the untimely message of inspiration from the old folks. He rarely heard
unfamiliar comments yet couched in simplicity said in such courteous manner
yet. He runs out of words but elated hearing the encouragement given.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Not like the military hired by the Fiufil,
a big multinational corporation operating in Mountain Province driving us out
from our ancestral lands to drain gold from our mountains,” the other member
griped close to saying that hired military have no business operating in their
area out of their official function.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Hearing this revelation practically sends
shiver down his spine gradually losing and breaking his grip of what once
respected military institution. Like
globules swiftly freeing away from his fingers, his thought brought back the
sad memories of many farmers in the country forcibly driven away from their
farms by big corporation through hired military officials. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Central Palm oil <st1:city w:st="on">Plantation</st1:city>,
Northern Industrial Development and similar industries operating in <st1:place w:st="on">Mindanao</st1:place> are good examples. Clearing of the area was done by the
splintered military belonging to the Ragtag Command so called because all
members are no longer in active service
conscripted by the government. For
survival, they offer their services for fee to any power-broker and big
businessmen requesting for order and clearance in any area in favor of the entry of business venture. Palm oil industry is one. It’s end product is reportedly used as fuel
consumption for airplane and in operating satellites or so, Taklin was told.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “The Commanding officer only asks us just
one question after tendering the summon.
Nothing else,” recalling the testimony of Nong Duroy many months passed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “And what is it?” the question playing back in his memory.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Just answer me either ‘Yes or No!’ . . . .
Do you want still to live?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Who dares to answer ‘No’ when the cold
muzzle of 38 caliber is right poking your forehead. No way unless you’d like to postpone your
birthday forever.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “In simple terms, the CO summoning us under
the direction of owner is forcibly coercing us to vacate our area
for the project or they’re going to have our heads blown to pieces,” Nong Duroy
reminisced sadly the incident.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “We’re given payment alright. But not current fair market value either. How
would we ever survive.” And the irony of
it all, the deal was done right inside the palm oil industry office,” the poor
farmer continued griping.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Looking around Taklin realized that his
friends were already far away. It’s as
if he has just woke up from deep sleep.
He proceeded walking toward the Teachers’ Camp dangling ruckpack in his
back. The accommodation was warm. His
room spacious and cozy. He had plenty of
sleep that night gaining more energy restoring lost calories.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Wanting to survey its thoroughfares, he
woke up early and hurriedly don his Nike running outfit. They were brand new his mother purposely
provided him to help him sustain his vitality while away from home. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Early bird catches worm,” he thought while
jogging He would take maybe his coffee
in downtown. First he went around the
city and catches there several sport enthusiasts jogging. Too many of them were
seen later running in the oval joining
the Gintong Alay trainees honing their skills for international
competition. Following their circular
routes, he noticed that he is actually heading back to the camp. Running by intuition, he digressed from the
route and group passed. Turning left he passed Hyatt hotel and descending
further he reached recreation center of the Americans. This is Camp John Hay,
he saw printed on the billboard by the road.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<st1:placename w:st="on"><span lang="EN-US"> Baguio</span></st1:placename><span lang="EN-US"> <st1:placetype w:st="on">City</st1:placetype> was established by
the Americans last 1900 to escape the tropical heat from <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Manila</st1:place></st1:city> and other places. There they
established Camp John Hay as recreation center honeymooners would like to spend
their night away. Possibly, as storage
too of Americans armaments. With heart throbbing exhausted from running,
he paused for a moment and summoned enough air and rest for this next leg. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> A scenic cemetery nearby for animal pets
invited his curiosity. Dog, cats, birds
– all these were represented by their dummies atop their burial ground, holy
Taklin supposed. He was amused what he saw and started thinking whatever happened to Juan de la Cruz why
dogs, cats and even rice fields rats end their natural death as sumptuous meal
either in Filipino home or taken as appetizers during drinking spree. He himself had tasted dog’s meat once and
good heavens, who could afford
forgetting its delicious taste any foreigner might shout ‘fuck you men.’ </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> He has been a certified dog lover himself
and could not stomach being negligent
the barbarity of Juan de la Cruz towards dogs much less eat their
meat. But unlike those duped into eating
without their knowledge, he too fell
into the trap. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> </span> He
recalled donating 250 cc of type “B” blood for the first time to this good
friend Emily who went by-pass operation at
Philippine Heart Center of Asia in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Manila</st1:place></st1:city>.
She was his closest friend and he her confidante. Three years his junior and an intelligent
lady who graduated Magna Cum Laude later in one exclusive College in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Manila</st1:city></st1:place>. He was hesitant at first but learning that
his good friends’ life was at stake, he took the risk. Exhausted after donating blood, Emily’s
father prepared special menu sending the four others salivating waiting for the
call. He did but only to treat their empty stomach with Ginebra San Miguel
marca demono first. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Running out of patience aggravated by is
hungry stomach, he took his glass filled to the brim with Marca Demoño one
after the other shots. As if Emily’s father inadvertently set in the
flavor for supper, hot menu was just
served on time. With his eyes almost
cross-eyed from the effect of Marca Demoño, he whetted his appetite at will. He
kept coming back to the table scooping from the casserole what looks like dark
meat stewed in potatoes and pechay. And
lo with eyes wide open regaining his sanity he almost choked to death
discovering that the last piece of meat he ate was that of dogs’ feet the remaining nails protruding yet! No wonder that he finds the color, charcoal
black, charred by fire too suspecting.
From then on, he promised not to fall into similar trap. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Meanwhile, he continues sharing his blood
to the needy. Thus far, he has donated
gallons of blood having done it several times in a row. Had he not contacted malaria from one of his
vacation in <st1:place w:st="on">Mindoro</st1:place>, he would have added
several gallons more. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “It’s good for the body. Impurities are
sucked out from veins,” he told his friends later for his generosity. Besides, it’s good for the soul you know
saving lives,” he would add giving premium that blood is life.. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “It’s better to give than receiving it yourself,” he challenged people.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Indeed, Filipinos penchant of eating dog’s
meat still intrigued Taklin. Is it for arts, culture, poverty, medicine
whatever why Juan de la Cruz has to go
this far? Unfortunately, Taklin believes
that final answer is still blowing in
the wind. How would you account
for instance why other regions are so crazy for dogs meat. He has seen for instance that people for
Surigao del Sur, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">Mountain</st1:placetype>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">Province</st1:placetype></st1:place>, Pampanga would
rather prefer dog’s meat than that of pigs’ and goats’. Any social gatherings
like birthdays or ordinary drinking spree would not be complete without
asocena, he remembers Ka Ernie, a kabalen from Pampanga informing him how dear
dog’s meat are to their appetite. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “But no, we don’t take them as part of our
meal. Very rarely,” he qualified. When a dog is butchered for you, that means
you are very special visitor to us, he was told by Fred, another friend from
Surigao. Grinded mixed with chili cooked till the water is drained make the
Mountaineers from Ifugao special.
Roasted dog are what Filipino working in <st1:place w:st="on">Middle
East</st1:place> prepare during special occasion. Taklin saw once a picture showing dog roasted
with the celebrants at the back grinning wild.
No wonder they look like bulldogs too, remembering the shot. He hears several other equally exotic yet
strange menu like those double killed, <i>balut
na aso</i> and <i>nilabyog</i> unfortunately
has not seen them served before his naked yes.
Save for the double-killed he very well knew of rare and weird how the <i>balut
na aso</i> and <i>nilabyog</i> performed or
cooked.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">How are they cooked? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Oh simple,” <st1:city w:st="on">Darwin</st1:city>
from <st1:place w:st="on">Cebu</st1:place> would say. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “All you have to do is to look for a female
dog on her way to delivery say three to
six months depending your taste. Then
have her throat slit, body cleaned including the internal parts, intestines and
all that leaving unborn puppies intact.
Treat the stomach with clove buds, pineapple juice, rum, brown sugar and
all that. Garnish with pineapple slices
and cherries if you wish when you’re through cooking. Cooked for one and a half hour basting it once in awhile.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Looks like you’re performing an abortion,”
Taklin protested once. But <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Darwin</st1:place></st1:city>
laughed it away. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “If you find that menu funny, the more with
<i>nilabyog.</i> It’s crazy, one that’s
maybe only existing from the rabid
dog-eaters.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Save
for the vernacular implying rope rotating in the air, he was practically
innocent of what <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Darwin</st1:place></st1:city>
calls as super menu. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “All you have to do starved the dog two
to five days till drained of impurities
and energy sapped. Second, bought one kilo of lechon and cut them into pieces
giving them to the dog. Meanwhile,
prepare a container with vinegar, onions, salt and all that. And as the dog
consumes the last piece of lechon have a close grip of his tail and throw him
rotating him around the air. Don’t drop
him until he could not stand reeling As
he vomits, catch the lechon back to the container and serve while still hot,”
Taklin almost died laughing.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “You see the folly of man. He makes himself more than dog instead out of
his silly menus prepared,” Taklin rationalized.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> No
wonder that Americans lately berated such practice in their national
daily. Welcome to Filipino arts and
culture celebration says the caption with two Filipinos roasting a dog in the background. The streamer looks inviting but not when one
focuses on the caricature of Juan de la Cruz as executioner and cook of loyal
pets, a member of a family to Uncle Sam.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Taklin would also recall Sionel Jose’s <u>Mass</u>,
a migrant from the province living in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Manila</st1:place></st1:city>. Samson, the protagonist of the story owns a
treasure pet – a dog no less - . Its color might have been black whose blood
any Pangasinese loves drinking to cure reputedly an asthma. It was so lovable
that the Mayor’s wife became so crazy about it.
Bribing Samson’s mother with sizable amount, the prized pet was
surreptitiously taken to the Mayor’s house.
Samson hearing the incident engaged in hot pursuit at the Mayor’s house
for possible retrieval. Unfortunately, what greets his eyes through the back
door in the kitchen was the coup d’grace of his beloved pet. Blood spurting out from the slit throat kept
flowing right through funnel towards the Mayor’s wife’s mouth. The scene was
rather gruesome, Samson just felt sick he went away running.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “But do animals have karma?” Taklin would
ask later after reading the novel. Maybe not farfetched idea. They too are
God’s creation. They are in fact held sacred by some ethnic groups believing in incarnation.
Indians don’t butchers cows. They believed
them to be the reincarnation of their relatives. The earth quakes, rocks fell, trees regain
vitality, birds and the bees singing merrily when Christ resurrected from the
grave observes Paul Tillich, famous
German theologian. Sionil Jose of course
vindicates the danger of killing dog.
The Mayor’s wife died instead from the fresh dog’s blood poured into her
throat without seeing herself recovering from asthma and weak lungs. Good grief Charlie Brown, Samson, the
protagonist might have uttered relieved. Wish thunders would strike dog-eaters
sometimes., Taklin de la Cruz would probably willing to die not eating dog’s
meat and not the other way around, the though he finds amusing.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Incidentally, Taklin had similar experience. His own pet Mascara, so
called because eyes seems to be sporting black and white spectacle sold by his
mother without his knowledge. The pet went
back to him limping and blood draining down his head begging for dear life from
the buyer rushing after him.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Sorry kid but your mother already sold him
to us,” he said. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Ah okay,” kid’s response fidgeting buyer
to come closer to get Mascara. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Hesitant and staring right to the eyes, he
extended Mascara whining from the damage done by the butcher with his left
hand. But as the butcher was reaching
out for his pet, he unleashed a solid fifty kilos punch to the chin. The swift right cross follow-up to the bread
basket sent the poor man falling on his knees to the ground like marshmallow. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Good for you,” he told leaving the butcher
gnashing his teeth in pain.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> He also quiet vividly recall similar
cemetery at San Elmo town, an island facing the famous Boracay island to the
north and Sta. Elena, an enchanting municipality whose best contribution to the
country are two lovely fine actresses in Philippine movies. It’s unfortunate
however that some barangays are endemic of malaria. Huge life-size artworks of sand-gravel and
cement mixture are all what you would see at their cemetery. In fact, some of its dummies atop the burial ground like a
miniature of small boat, painted fighting cock, a guitar and similar hallmarks
could be very excellent substitute for any watchtower to fisherman. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> The mere sight alone of these objects from
the distance would indicate how many nautical miles you are from the
destination. The area happens to fall
under the typhoon belt zone. Transforming these into water breakers, typhoon
sometimes could not wreck damage to Sta. Elena.
With varied huge concrete sea waterbreakers, onrushing giant waves would
find their way back to the sea as they crash their way during typhoons. An earthquake burying these masterpieces to the ground might be it. But so far none of such calamity has
destroyed these important monuments. Maybe because of many dead bodies long buried under whose sanctity
preserved all the beauty over its niches. So be it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Back to reality, Taklin noted that none of
his jogging outfit was drenched by perspiration despite of considerable
kilometers covered. Leaving Camp John
Hay, he started increasing his speed keeping abreast with the blistering pace set
by other <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Baguio</st1:place></st1:city>
runners ahead of him but he was far from secreting desired perspiration. His calories seem to be lazy manufacturing
one. He has been into running joining track and field contest like marathon. Despite many failures of not winning, he
religiously still attend said sport fest.
The thought alone of being one of the finisher and the joy of running
against several veterans and professional runners is already great consolation
and a feat for itself. This what he also
thought of life. It needs continuous running to get the most coveted prize.
Million of miles is yet to be covered. Others have been into it while he is
barely starting yet his dream. PMA is
such a nice base to start with, the thought running too in his mind gradually slowing down catching up his
breath. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “The many the risk, the better and colorful the challenge.”</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt;">. . . . . . . . . . . .<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Teachers camp occupants have already their
breakfast at the refectory upon his arrival. He settled himself to the table by
the fireplace to keep himself warm while waiting for his food. A medium size, sinewy broad soldiers, clean
shaven around forty years old man approached him. Taklin gesture his right hand
for his seat at the same time surveying unexpectedly the personality of the visitor
that early.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Taklin de la Rosa,” the man said sending tremble down his back.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “You’re right. I am.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Nice meeting you. I am Capt. Estrada. Col. Joselito Ludimer’s
bosom friend. Mr. Mirang is also with us in the Reform the Society Movement, RAM for short”
the intruder said showing his ID indicating that indeed he is an officer of the military.
Only then that the prospective pleb recovered his normal composure
intrigued mentioning the name of his previous military mentor back then at Sta.
Rita.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “I’m pleased meeting you too Capt. Estrada,”
Taklin answered courteously standing dropping his head a bit as a gesture of respect.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “I’m sorry kid for my blitzkrieg appearance
but you see I just received a wire from Mr. Mirang that you would be coming over to <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Baguio</st1:place></st1:city>. How he’s been?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Just fine, I suppose. Do take your breakfast with me.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Don’t worry. I’ll just manage. A cup of
coffee and a piece of bread will do. I was told that you’re new comer to <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Baguio</st1:place></st1:city>.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “You’re right,” Taklin responded without
batting an eyelash. His breakfast was
put on the table by the waiter. It includes salted eggs with sliced tomatoes
spread through it and fried pork chop. Capt. Estrada settled for coffee only
and slice bread telling Taklin that he takes only rice soup and bread for
breakfast. He is rabid sport enthusiast himself playing ballgames like
basketball, softball and volleyball with intensity. He jogs but mainly to
sustain his stamina in those ballgames specially basketball where excels
in. It is where his friendship with Col.
Ludimer developed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Excuse me. Col. Ludimer might have not
divulged it. But it has been the tradition of RSM to offer services in whatever
way we could contribute to those who are taking up military science as good
cheer hopefully to perk your ambition up too to be one with us serving the
country as military men for good.“</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Even if one does not intend to join your
organization?” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “You’re right. We respect each free will of
an individual. We just feel it’s one of the basic need by us who have been
through the rigors of training you know. So kid hope you would have four
fruitful years ahead of you in the Academy. Keep it up we’re around to help you stand on your feet.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “We’re almost like brothers with Joe- that’s what we call him
when we were at the academy then.
Joselit is just too formal. His eruditeness, scholarship, prudence and
bravery remind us of our great hero Dr. Jose Rizal. He‘s almost his namesake
precisely we alter his nickname “Lito” we found too boyish to that of Jose, Dr.
Rizal’s nickname maybe to his friends.
And like the great hero, his academic grades at PMA is yet to be
surpassed. Hope you could be another
candidate to carry the torch for excellence.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Taklin grinds hearing the anecdote of his good
friend Col. Ludimer.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “What’s up?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Well its’ just like this as requested by
my good friend Joe, I’d like that you’re safe in this city. It’s one of
the most peaceful city in the country, you know. My residence is
actually right in the heart of the City.” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Like Bukidnon, it’s good place to live
at. Cold, fresh fruits, place conducive
to study and training. Yes, that’s why
the government has the Philippine
Military Academy established near this city,” he paused for a moment
summoning enough air to sustain his talk.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Those are commercials. Let’s go to
business. Joe and me belong you know to
Reform the Society Movement as earlier stated.
It is a unique organization among
PMERs recognized by Stock Exchange Commission meant to build military
ideals right from military service. In one word ‘Democracy’.’ Other
organization might have theirs. It
doesn’t make any difference. The approaches maybe different but the essence is
similar I suppose. The only glaring
difference we have from the rest is that we treat commies as our arch enemies.
To include their misguided accomplices – leftists, labor leaders, students and
their misguided mentors, laymen, religious or who knows – even from among our
ranks. We’ve been there and have offered our lives for democracy and freedom.
No punning here . These people, take note, do not deserve any of our trust. If we could only wipe them out from the face
of the earth, we will do it only to protect our freedom and democracy for the
flag and country. God forbid, there should be no emergence of this godless
society. Again we might pay our lives as price for this cause. No problem. Yes,
by all means and we will be happy offering it.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">“Tell us if you know one and we’ll show you
how it works. We will have his head axed
and rolled to the ground - anytime and anywhere you want”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Without due process of law!”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">“No need. The more you negotiate with them,
the easier they explain the issues away. For as long as you deliver the goods
clean, no need for those extra legal help.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Taklin just opted listening but more shocked and disoriented on
the message just heard.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “I know you’re probably frightened hearing
this revelation. But this is precisely what we’ve been doing all those who
would be joining our ranks – no holds-barred discussion on the mission we have
and meting out of desirable penalty!”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Taklin remained glued in the receiving end
waiting further stunning issues.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “These are faceless people – scum of the
earth we would be happy dumping around making them effective fertilizers for
democracy to thrive.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “On the first place, these people don’t
deserve life. Not only that they do not respect our Constitution but also are
raising up arms against duly constituted authority elected by millions of
people to guide us through towards peace and development.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “To think that they have the answer to our
country’s problem and that it only communism who could save it, is only true to
people suffering neurosis. Neurotic
claim as psychologist would say. God
holds the only key to our salvation. If
I may sound religious. Isn’t it? And
they don’t have any business messing it here. It may come later but do they have moral persuasion to force the issue?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “None.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “But carrying out this mission needs
everybody’s help. That’s why the government has to levy taxes on its people. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “I agree though to the atheists commies
that we are living here and now that spiritual need may come later.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Exactly that’s why we have to abide the
laws of the land, respect and practice our basic rights not messing up with
these laws fomenting hatred, rebellion and sedition among the people.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Taklin didn’t get exactly the point here
but just allowed the lesson of Capt. Estrada sunk into his subconscious.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Sorry to have shared our cause this you
this early as it might pre-empt your study in the academy. But I hope it would
make sense to you and would be of little help putting you in proper
perspective. It’s one of the valid choice left to us excluding none.
It’s hard but once we are used to it, things fall into their proper
place all the way swiftly. So by the
time you would graduate, you would already know what to do.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Confusion was seen in Taklin’s face but he just
kept his cool to solicit his mentor’s
ideas how foreign these might be to him.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Seems you’re one of my sponsor,” he digressed
from the topic.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “I am precisely inviting you for dinner maybe
tonight or tomorrow for more hearty and meaty talk.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Very nice of you.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Not
really. It’s just part of our
brotherhood Joe and me and the rest shared
nurturing what is to be developed
among incoming members of the organization.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “No man is an island.
He could not stand alone you know.
So when we could have the supper
at home I’d like sharing some more with you the organization and what we intend
to do. Oh if I could only tell you how
much I owe Mr. Mirang, you would probably learn that what I’m extending to you
is just practically peanuts. So how
about that. If you’re amenable, I’ll
just drop you a line later.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “It’s a deal then. Okay,” Taklin readily
acknowledge.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “But of course, I’ll fetch you here. Don’t worry I have my wheels. I’ll take care also your first report to the
academy. Okay kid good luck.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Taklin was astounded by the deal of the
Captain. But it was real. He read
himself his mentor’s wire. No doubt
about it. It was real. The captain was
already nowhere in his sight. Taklin
remained glued to his breakfast table wondering whatever happen to him – mind
feed more than what his stomach could manage.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 18.0pt;">. . . . . . . . . . . . .<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10908645543292590219noreply@blogger.com0Cagayan de Oro, Philippines8.4542363 124.63189778.2027873 124.3160407 8.705685299999999 124.94775469999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5949714347708699086.post-30645464870001651332012-11-01T06:44:00.000-07:002015-05-08T00:07:00.285-07:00Chapters 13 - The Couple<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Chapter 13</span><span style="font-family: Edwardian Script ITC; font-size: 22pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">The Couple</span><span style="font-family: 'Edwardian Script ITC'; font-size: 22pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> T</span></span></b></span></span>he heat of the sun takes its toll severely
from Mang Tonio de la Rosa, Taklin’s father. Sweating profusely glistening like
silvery dewdrops gliding through his face and drenching his white shirt spotted
with dirt all over, he decided to call it a day. From his appearance, he looks
dog-tired furrowing his farm in preparation for planting season next week. His
hair turning into gray are still strong and intact covering his small head.
Wrinkles are evident when he speaks. His strong devotion to farming allowed his
mustache to grow long covering his thin lips. His beard covering his neck
untrimmed more than a year dangling from his swell-chiseled face makes him
Moses’ double of the Old Testament. He would have them probably cut or trimmed
when he would enter back into politics. His broad shoulder sinewy and strong
legs make him a good candidate for any movie. Deep inside however, Mang Tonio
is also very tender and gentle and above all, a well disciplined man himself.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> There are only three things in life one
must observe and practice if you would like to succeed. Discipline, discipline
and another discipline, his advice to his children. No wonder they are making
the best of their lives whether in school or in social, civic and church
activities. Such qualities did not escape Manang Elsa three years his junior
who because of Mang Tonio’s implacable courtship ended in a whirlwind romance.
It was said that beauty is in the eyes of the beholder and true to Mang Tonio
he never allow the chance slipped by or other suitors might have owned the love
of his life.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Thus far, thirty years and still counting of
happy married life, Manang Elsa still glows and with complete set of teeth
still intact could smile ala Mona Lisa making the tender Mang Tonio as
close ever to her. The couple is blessed
with five children: Angela, Rona, Ramon, Taklin and Bernabe. Angela and Rona
are still working their College degrees. The eldest would be graduating from
University of the <st1:country-region w:st="on">Philippines</st1:country-region>
and once she hurdles Nursing exam intends to seek greener pasture in Middle
East, Europe, USA and just anywhere else where salaries offered are one of the
juiciest, she learned from friends. Working she said in the country is fine.
But not when you consider the very low salary pay offered by the government
which is not even enough to sustain family of four. Rona is taking up Biology
at <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Santo</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Tomas</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">University</st1:placetype></st1:place>,
one of the oldest University in the world established by the Dominicans in
early 16<sup>th</sup> century, in preparation later for Medicine. Taklin joined
Driarco entering Minor Seminary after Secondary education. Not sure what steps
to take while there in the Seminary. Bernabe is still undecided what course to
take. Political science then Law, he would sometimes tell his friend. Of all
the siblings, Bernabe seems to follow his father’s footsteps in politics as
public official.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> The police uniform before Mang Tonio’s
retirement simply catches Taklin’s interest
in awe and amazement. “I’ll continue wearing that when my time comes,”
he seems to tell as if there’s no other career for him than to follow his
footsteps. More than that however is the respect he had with his father. The
moral ascendancy shown by his father is such that he’s always respected by
people emboldened him to enter PMA but not until when God has smitten his
interest becoming another alter Christos.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Manang Elsa was actually a secondary school
teacher, a thankless profession in the country. She decided to stay put in
teaching profession amidst promising offer to work abroad doing any menial job
like any overseas job seekers. Many of her co-teachers went to <st1:city w:st="on">Hongkong</st1:city>,
<st1:country-region w:st="on">Brunei</st1:country-region> and <st1:place w:st="on">Middle
East</st1:place> as domestic helpers. She has been receiving letter from them
luring her to try her luck just like theirs in foreign countries. But she
promptly replied each letter explaining her irrevocable ‘No!’ She will never
will, she promised. It’s not only a disgrace to teaching profession but also a
smear campaign against the government’s inability of upgrading the noble
teaching profession. She would rather die joining hunger strike than leaving
teaching profession dear to her. For Manang Elsa, teaching profession is not
that hopeless. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “We are not heroes. But we could make
heroes from our students!” she would bragged about the possibility.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Some other time maybe after teaching is
elevated to greater heights higher pay included,” she would tell her co-teachers.
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> She’s been anticipating that the government
through the House of the Senate and Congress would upgrade their salary pay
from P1,800.00 to P15,000.00. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “It’s just a question of political will you
know from the government to do its job,” she used to say Cecil, her co-teacher
close to her.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “And why not from P40,000.00 to P50,000.00
the way Chief of Offices are receiving,” she would jokingly speak her mind
considering the sky-rocketing prices of different commodities.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “If the government was able to upgrade
non-teaching positions to higher salary pay which are relatively white-collar
type of job and risky professions like the military and the police each year
providing handsome benefits like automatic promotion to one higher notch in
rank, why could they not do it with the teaching profession when it is
considered almost the dirtiest and thankless job of all.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> It’s indeed unfortunate that the government
has remained callous to the teaching profession’s inherent right for better and
higher salary pay. And no wonder that DECS has remained the milking cow of
graft and corrupt public officials in fact making the Department perennial
member of that most corrupt government agency in the country. Manang Elsa has
been teaching high school students for the past thirty long years. She’s
looking forward that teachers would stage mass action if need be, hunger
strike, to bring their cause closer to the Secretary. But she feels that this
is better said than done as the teachers loyalty to Ministry of Education Culture
and Sports like an innocent sacrificial lamb is surprisingly legendary. For
instance, you could see them serving during elections, entertaining guests from
Manila and similar activities on the other hand, same faces could be seen
moonlighting selling different items from simple foodstuffs to Tupperware,
insurance to appliances and similar extra underground economy. It’s funny but
Manang Elsa has seen their drawers filled with candies, peanut butters and
other foodstuffs of their teachers. Social scientist would call such strategy
as coping mechanism practiced by survivors or they would starve and die their
natural death too. Those who don’t have the initiative too lazy doing these
extra-curricular activities fall prey to usurers and money market shops charging
six percent interest rates a month but surprisingly approved by government
financial institution like Central Bank.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Worst, teachers who destroyed their credit
line becoming victims of five-six
syndrome perpetuated by Bangladesh nationals and other opportunist abounding
everywhere. This evil scheme implies that you have to pay six pesos for every
five pesos borrowed daily or to the tune of 120% usurious interest daily
depending on the deal forged between the usurer and innocent businessman. Some
collect the amount, weekly or monthly depending on the deal mutually agreed
upon but always at the expense of teachers. Result from this abominable
situation, concerned teachers would not care anymore receiving their salaries.
What would they get anyway after all deductions are made. Just simple pay slip and maybe with few remaining
coins inside. But despite this hardship, you could still hear familiar joke
prospective groom to always prioritize teacher as possible wife to enjoy an
assurance of instant loan right after wedding.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> President Marcos in one of his general
orders promised to increase salaries of armed troops. There was no mention
incidentally or inadvertently of teachers. If she could only swallow her
contempt and summon enough guts, nerve or courage whatever, she might have probably wrote the President
about her predicament. But who is she to give unsolicited advice to the
President. What’s the assurance that her letter would not be shelved in a cabinet allowing there to gather dust?
These sentiments prompted her just to remain silent. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “It’s not the proper time yet to do it,”
she would say.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Who
knows she might be included in the hit list depriving her family of the writ of
habeas corpus. Should that happen she’s only good as additional fertilizer for the
country.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Too bad indeed for her and all teachers
throughout the country. But what could they do, these teachers are also human
beings who eat rice daily in this rice-eating banana republic, she said in
defense to the sorry plight of her comrades in the teaching profession.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt;">. . . . . . . . . . .<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> It’s lunchtime. Manang Elsa finished
preparing the table for the family. The meal includes <i>linaing na gabi,</i> fried catfish Mang Tonio brought home from the
farm and <i>sinigang na mudfish</i>. They’re
perfect and healthy organic combination menu she being an experienced chef of
native foods.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> His fishpond abound with fresh water fishes
and how could he buys salt water fishes in the market when he has all these
fresh fishes and delicious yet. Add organic vegetables all there
in farm and you have practically all the gift of nature right at your
doorstep free for daily kitchen use. Eyes were closed as Mang Tonio led in
saying the grace save for Taklin whose consciousness was dulled by the latest
event making him uneasy as if he is among those to be apprehended.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Guess why
kids we have all this sumptuous
preparation today? - it’s Father’s Day today!”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Great applause ensued as kids kissed and
reached out their father’s hands for their blessing.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “But more than that I’m happy that one of
you will be entering Seminary,” Mang Tonio revealed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Cheers for the future Bishop,” Bernabe
echoed as they all raise their glass and bottoms up, collectively drink the
wine in one stroke. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “But let’s have the floor yet to the
Celebrant,” Taklin instructed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> </span> “Where’s
Ramon and Victoria? Are they not eating with us?” Mang Tonio worried knowing
that there were empty chairs around.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “They would be right back.” I was still
cooking earlier when they called informing me that they could not be on time but
nonetheless would be catching up eating their lunch with us. They have very
special commitments I suppose this hour.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “In this ungodly hour!”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “I regret Ramon and Vicky did not inform
their whereabouts. Oh never mind. Anyway, I already set aside their share. They
would be around in due time I suppose Tony,” the wife assured the family.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> For the first time, Nong Tonio almost
has goosebump and nosebleed popping out when
he was surprisingly given spiritual bouquet to the tune of “I’ll Be
There” sang by Taklin, Angela and Bernabe capping the Father’s Day simple rite of the day.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Ramon and Rona just arrived on time with
flowers and cakes with the icing “Happy Father’s Day to a Great Dad on earth!”
and jammed singing Michael Jackson’s “I’ll Be There.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “No thanks for the song. While I like the music and its lyrics, it’s
not a good way promoting any movie of
broken family because of philandering husband and martyred wife,” he broke the
ice catching the rest of the family off guard
relating to the reality of marriage among Filipino families in the
country. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Well I’m sorry as I might have hit the
nerve of a simple Filipino family. But thanks and God forbid, we didn’t. We’re
stronger than ever,” he roared holding captive his own family as listeners.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Maybe he was just too romantic
can’t help himself but relate his
message of a typical Filipino family,
still intact despite enormous economic difficulty and adversity.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “No marriage is made in heaven by the way.
So guys when your time comes, make sure you do it here and live like no other never
mind how they are doing it there in <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Hollywood</st1:place></st1:city>.” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">“Look the guys up there promoting family in
movies, they are all diametrically opposing
the cause they portray being direct
contrast role models having been certified philanderers in real life.
The producer of the religious song “All
in the Family” did too great favor having that great crooner with resonant
voice interpreting giving justice to the song unfortunately singing wrong
message because of familiar identity crisis.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “The list is long down the line from the cute heart throbs to complicated
family man sending home all sorts of
entertainment mixing up with the message if at all there is any. But
none save the handsome benefits derived from such antics capitalizing on the gullibility of their listeners for nothing except purely
entertaining pleasure.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> The credulous
public just enjoyed them anyway. As convicted actor implored the viewing public
from the mess screwing up his sexy kitten: hate the sin but please not the
sinner. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Yes sir no problem as it takes two to
tango. We are also descendant of
Hercules strong libido safely tucked
under our belt. But do note as well
that temptation is never considered
a sin unless you give way to it. How could you avoid and abhor sinning
if there are no takers. Ok no further moralizing here as man’s sin no
matter how great is practically peanuts compare to the love of God. That’s why
we have seven sacraments to bail us out from our infirmities.” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “That’s
the problem we have in the world of make-believe. They are dragging the issue
to far higher proportion until they practically explained it away. But no way
unless you are naive yourself just playing around your marital vow. Their
credibility simply smacks off right on their faces the substance of the
point swiftly slipping away the general viewing public.” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">“Certainly so because fatherhood is not an
entertainment reason why many marriage ended battered on the rocks. Neither it
is temporary state of being. It is a vocation
instituted by God Himself as one of the sacraments you and your wife permanently tied as one nobody could put asunder As vocation it is meant to be lived and
pursued at all cost. Hence, the importance of strengthening the marital
bond or fall into the trap of third option – divorce - concocted in Congress
and Senate by lawmakers to no avail who don’t mind at all the underlying real
issue. Understandably so because majority
are all mostly party to it. Many marriage are broken sending
children roaming around the city as street children and vagabonds precisely
because of very loose marital bond.
Result of broken vow, a priest would qualify the alarming increasing
numbers of street children in one homily for the kids at <st1:street w:st="on"><st1:address w:st="on">Mother Teresa Street</st1:address></st1:street> children Foundation.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">“</span> Those who can afford avoiding
onerous court proceedings simply did it away through legal separation.
That’s what happened to many celebrities,
marrying one after the other <st1:place w:st="on">Hollywood</st1:place> style
just like changing clothes as many as one pleases. The rest turned to back to
Islam to legalize their second marriage. Head going nuts, this is it a short
cut convenience to cover up loose marital bond,” columnist
Ramon Tulfo of National Daily would
account.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “The less mortal ones on the other hand who
can’t afford the prohibitive separation cost just settle the issue through amicable arrangement tacitly agreeing on
terms and conditions stipulated in a contract. No sweat specially if both party
have been living their new respective family. The bottom line is the children
either left out or suffering collateral damage.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Fatherhood is definitely no mean feat. You
either go for it or not at all contract marriage. But you would become a philosopher if
you don’t marry. Why not then be a real father when you could than none at all. You
can for as long as you’re holding on the identity as father wherever you maybe
no matter what the cost. Stand by it in
other words.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> All faces of the family were as usual glued
to the celebrant of the day.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “That
I believed the reason why hell broke loose last Sunday when fathers
themselves uncontrollably shed their tears as their wives and ordinary church
goers holding on their bated breath in the pew witnessing real drama unfolding
right in front of them But I suppose
they were more tears of joy having survived this far to their calling.,” Manang
Eliza gathered the thoughts on her mind.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">“To those who fall short, just go on.
Actually, I have not seen the face of my
own father ever since I saw light in this world. He was mercilessly murdered by his bosom friend
when I was barely innocent two years old because of an altercation. Nine bullets only felled his
body. What could I do? I will meet him anyway comes the final encounter up
there when my sunset is due,” a bombshell
he let go catching engrossed family off guard.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “I’m sorry for the unsolicited revelation.
But sometimes life is so harsh that you don’t know it coming that way. Enjoy
life of course while it last but never lost sight of the real enjoyment
awaiting us there when all finally is done we would be all one with Him up
there forever.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Amen,
amen and amen,” Manang Elsa proudly intoned.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> It was the best ending, Nong Tonio thought
gauging from the silence of his family.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “It’s good to be candid to clear doubts that way lending credence on the importance of the credibility
of every communicator in handling and delivering the topic.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> As reality check, he was delighted reading
the message of Rona returning the compliment where he stands as a model father?
The answer was in acronym. It reads: A model father is: F-aithful husband,
A-ffectionate man,T-ruthful person, H-umble leader, E-xcellent worker and
R-esponsible provider. Blessed Father’s Day! Psalm 155:15, the apt parting
shot. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Well, where do I stand? Barely earning
passing grade getting three scores out
of five. Not that bad specially with humility counted never mind excelling in work and good provider,” he quipped.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Working in as many passion he has maybe was not enough. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Sorry and no way messing up government’s
money. That’s corruption.,” he cleared the issue giving benefits of doubt to
those who are thinking otherwise. But he
is happy however that he is still making it through thick and thin despite
harsh realities of life. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “God is definitely good. He’s always there
opening windows after closing each door indicating that sometimes somewhere out
there grass is far greener than in any
other pasture. That for as long as you
holding on to your sanity and identity
as real father.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Cheers to all fathers –real or
make-believe, branded or pirated but most specially the real ones, the toughies
with gung-ho personality protecting the vow they covenanted with the Lord when
they said “I do!” to their wives in not
so distant past,“ the appropriate clincher
drawing laughter from the rest of the group.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 18.0pt;">. . . . . . . . . . . .<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “So you’re dead serious to enter <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">St. John’s</st1:place></st1:city> Theological
Seminary like your best friend Driarco,” the father addressed Taklin busy
eating.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “The Pastoral Council Officers briefed me
earlier about this development in the convent. So be it son.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Taklin nodded approvingly.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Manang
Elsa continues eating too and quiet elated over the development of Taklin. For
sure, it’s a big blessing on the part of the family offering one son for the
service of the nation. But it is still premature to conclude. Man chooses but
God disposes, she remembers. That Taklin decided to enter the seminary by his
own volition in itself is a positive factor and there is great possibility he
becoming an ordained priest, a son of God inebriated her. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Unless of course, if God has other things
in store for his son. That she would not bar, let alone condemn. Many are
called but few are chosen,“ she again remembers.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Yes, I already prepared myself save of
course for my allowance…”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “We’re taking charge of that as I already
told Fr. Lefuve on this. Besides your Auntie Helen in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:state w:st="on">California</st1:state></st1:place>
would surely be helping you. She would be elated I believe if she would hear
you entering the seminary. Remember her regrets when Randy, her eldest son,
withdrawn from <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">St. John</st1:city></st1:place>
after nine long years stay inside.
You’ve got heavy responsibility on your shoulder kid just to let you know,”
Manang Elsa reminded.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Twenty to thirty dollars a month I think
from her pocket is just peanuts,” Mang Tonio answered.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Mang Tonio himself felt elated too over
this development being a religious person himself. At least a son would take
over where he left off from his past involvement in the parish as Pastoral
Council President on to as Charter Grand Knight of Knights of Columbus. Not one
so far among his roots have similar inkling as far as he could remember. And
here his son treading that difficult path towards <st1:place w:st="on">Calvary</st1:place>
where few men survived. Somehow, this delighted him. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “It’s better to have one entering seminary,
never mind falling on the way,” he remembered Fr. Lefuve telling him about
Taklin. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “God after all still does miracle. Taklin’s
persistence to become one is part of that miracle,” Mang Tonio believed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Good luck Taklin de la Rosa, we’re with
you always for as long as you want us for help. But this I could only ask for
one thing. It’s your own decision to become one. And if you do, please be good
one. Never allow yourself to be an additional questionable man in a cloth sowing confusion among the people,” the happy father
told his son after tapping Taklin’s shoulder driving home his message.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Thanks. Should you make it. Kindly have
your first mass celebrated for the family. Promise? Is that a deal,” Mang Tonio challenged Taklin.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “With God’s help I will. Okay, your deal is
accepted,” Taklin said acknowledging the good cheer of his parents happiness
written al over their faces as seen grinning widely their spirit soaring to the sky filled
with pride and bliss.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> That has been few years passed before shifting
to other course taking military science at PMA, a course maybe borne out
from frustrations of solving various crimes him coming of age to provide
necessary lift solving ruthless crimes in his municipality.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Way to go given all those atrocities
happening in once very peaceful province,” he told.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 18.0pt;">. . . . . . . . . . . .<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10908645543292590219noreply@blogger.com0Cagayan de Oro, Philippines8.4542363 124.63189778.2027873 124.3160407 8.705685299999999 124.94775469999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5949714347708699086.post-37504676946340647462012-10-31T08:21:00.000-07:002015-05-08T00:13:20.718-07:00Chapter 12 - Brown Shirt Unleashed<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz1hsuzg9_oI605ADatuCjhyphenhyphenHdGk8IVTWFq6tM3huyyaiCI0b07a4Wy8vU0FpIvSCDqAxRM7i8VlRW3mCE7r4V9jQ7edWlQhJefa4xYB2EW8I4P8Do5RSvB58jM2FJmnatGHXvEUtZi2w/s1600/tumblr_m6hs5qZNyJ1qcob2lo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz1hsuzg9_oI605ADatuCjhyphenhyphenHdGk8IVTWFq6tM3huyyaiCI0b07a4Wy8vU0FpIvSCDqAxRM7i8VlRW3mCE7r4V9jQ7edWlQhJefa4xYB2EW8I4P8Do5RSvB58jM2FJmnatGHXvEUtZi2w/s1600/tumblr_m6hs5qZNyJ1qcob2lo1_500.jpg" /></a><b><span style="font-family: "Edwardian Script ITC"; font-size: 22pt;"></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Edwardian Script ITC"; font-size: 22pt;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Chapter 12</span></b></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">Brown Shirt Unleashed</span><span style="font-family: 'Edwardian Script ITC'; font-size: 22pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b> J</b></span>ojo, his sacristan, has not been back in the convent since
yesterday giving Fr. Driarco insecurity. Leaving Abel, Jojo’s sacristan in the
convent, the young priest explored whatever happened.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Where has he been?” All he could remember was
a permission granted for a swimming in a
river with Roger his classmate nearby. He too did not returned home. Nang Sisa
and Nong Celso, Roger’s parents came over and talked the predicament to the priest but to no avail. They could not
trace their whereabouts. They probably went together hunting and might have
lost their way back home. But how could they given their familiarity of the
forest. They would soon be back, a
concerned parishioner said to appease their travails and woes. One, two, three
and four days passed and there were no indications either of the two let alone their shadows
coming back escalating Fr. Driarco’s suspicion of evil might have started renew
its round of extinction killing innocent people possibly without a trace. </span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt;">. . . . . . . . . .<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Checking for himself the bottom line, he
took the challenge following Jojo’s route at <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">San Isidro</st1:place></st1:city> mighty river. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “If after swimming they proceeded hunting
then at least a word was left to him to that effect. But there was none
learning too Jojo’s character. Suddenly, the thought that Jojo’s declaration to
act as vital witness of Mang Clioneo brutal murder should the case would be
revived crossed his mind.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “That could be it,” he said scampering for
needed direction towards where the innocent ill-fated sacristans might have
been washed away or thrown. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Possible, remembering how Mayor Torres and
his men were throwing those sinister look
last Sunday’s first mass in the chapel. Was his gaze portent of doom
that same day seen on his face suggesting harassment hatched against innocent
church workers in the parish? Not far-fetched idea considering the
unpredictability of the Mayor.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “So I erred in my suspicion to them. It’s
Jojo actually what they were after not me,” the thought lingering now in his
mind. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> With Jojo out, at least the probability of
the murder coming out in the open is far remote and thus on his way getting the
Catholic priest out from the equation; thus, preserving his political gameplan.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 18.0pt;"> . . . . . . . . . . .<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> The wind was furious creating murmuring
sound at <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">San Isidro</st1:city></st1:place>
river. This as onrushing water upstream crashes against rocks downstream
creating hard impact water spilling out splashing into the air. Fr. Driarco alighted from an assembled
renegade jeep by his lonesome self to check whatever mystery there is hounding
his parish. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “If he was drowned to death he should be somewhere
now tossed to and fro by big waves floating in the sea as the river passes by through tributary before emptying its way out
to the sea. But so far, no single fisherman informed him of such incident in
the convent,” he mused but apprehensive.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “He must be somewhere ,” he uttered surveying
the panoramic view of the river, dubbed as one of the cleanest in the Region
revealed lately from result of
Provincial Evaluation Team. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> From
afar in the middle of the river was a solid bamboo post protruding invited his curiosity.
It’s no ordinary post. Tied to its tip was a white handkerchief as if beckoning
him to come and take hold of it. Swimming across the channel midway the river
he struggled fighting the strong current towards the post. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Jojo must just be somewhere within the perimeter of the
river,” he said breathing and having seen his green Taxco sandals lying on the
ground. Getting hold of the post, he all the way reached the white
handkerchief. And lo and alas the cryptic words ‘You’re next!’ sending goosebumps
meets his eyes. Taking the cue, he swam
deeper below the base of the post. And
lo, the dead body of Jojo dangling from a wire his neck tied to the post; and
two huge rocks tied to his two feet his chest bearing two gunshots wounding
essential and vital organs fatally ending
his dear life. Another heinous crime
against an ordinary church worker in Esperanza. </span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 18.0pt;">. . . . . . . . . . . .<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Run!” Roger recanted later how Jojo advised
him to leave him from their abductors to save himself. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “They wore bonnets, medium built armed with
two pistols with silencer.” That’s the way they killed innocent Jojo crying for help, Fr. Driarco learned
later. What a metaphor and an application to his homily last Sunday.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “It’s all what he could managed during that
incident,” Roger revealed leaving Jojo
unperturbed alone with their abductors he could not entirely identify as
darkness started engulfing them that night.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Mayor Torres’ men hit him on the arm but it
did not dampen his resolve seeking cover saving his life even blood was
profusely gushing out freely from his arm.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “He collapsed into my arms arriving here,” The
parents Lando and Sisa told the young priest.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Asked whether he would go down back to
serve him in the convent, Roger was speechless. Fr. Driarco didn’t mind not
forcing the issue but he is welcome all the time. Maybe not for now given the
tension the incident creates. But Roger revealed his take.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “The Mayor and his men are still there.
They are after my neck too having failed
once. I know they would be coming back. That’s I’m sure.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “ But some other time maybe. I’ll just let
you know when I’m ready.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “ You’d be the first person to know anyway
‘cause if you don’t mind I’d like you taking over Jojo’s place in the convent.
Besides I know I would be relatively safer there,” Roger declared bothering Fr.
Driarco.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Welcome and be my guest,” he answered wryly
nonetheless.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “How could it be safer when Jojo was dead
in most weird manner yet,” the young priest thought apparently more bothered
ever more than before.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 18.0pt;">. . . . . . . . . . .<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Days, weeks, month passed nothing happened
on the case of Jojo. The longer the days passed, the longer and deafening the
silence. But not to Driarco in the convent. The longer the days passed the
harder his suffering. Each night seems to be almost sleepless and longest night
for the young Catholic priest. It’s been many years since his father’s unsolved
murder happened. Now Jojo was added on the list. Roger was almost. The list
goes on ad infinitum. Their sordid fate keep playing on his mind requesting
familiar plea seeking justice.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Meanwhile, unsolved cold blooded murder has
saturated practically all over Marble county. Mostly of those liquidated were
leaders of the community. This was not surprising as non-government
organizations have been established everywhere to protect the environment
incidentally blessed with natural resources – eco tourism industry notably in
Sibuyan Romblon, one of its kind in Asia given the prestine waters springing
from the bosom of mother earth; there’s also Mt. Guitinguiting, the favorite
trek of mountain climbers; cleanest, orderly and safest Sibale beach. Of
course, there is marble industry, a feast for every visitors coming to the
province.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> It’s weird but dead bodies are dumped just
as everywhere from the cliff, along the road and just anywhere else each
bearing a hole on their heads!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> To aggravate the situation, Danny who had
been very critical in the municipal council forum did not complete his second
term in office. The death threat he received from his implacable assailing the
Mayor was served albeit not completed. Good he survived from an assassination
attempt so he could still tell the world how ruthless their town Mayor is. But
not when in unsolicited incident happened in cockfight arena.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “If
by giving my life for the people is the demand of those who were around him, so
be it,” Fr. Driarco now remembered Dante revealing it. This third event finally
got him however.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> True
enough, Danny got what he wanted. The issue revolved around the brutal killing
of Nong Cervantes felled inside a cockpit arena by one of Mayor Torres’
policeman. The incident was very fast that before he could demand the payment
from the policeman having won the cockfight, his body was felled down from a gunshot right on his
forehead. People around were running berserk for cover during the incident. Danny at that time was there. Nobody dared to
act as witness. He did only to get hit too from the same assailant which caused
later his untimely death..</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “I was there and saw the ruthless policeman
pumping the bullet on the old man’s forehead dropping to the ground dead,” he
remembered a bystander retelling the
gory murder of his younger brother. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> And indeed it proved his last work acting
witness the incident in court, ending also his own life. Since then, no one
challenged the Mayor and or his men in court for fear that their bodies could
only become additional fertilizers of the mother earth. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “If they could do it to a public servant
how much more to a lowly blameless mere <i>common
tao</i>,” Fr. Driarco would hear people griping. Unknown though to all people
in the municipality. The cold blooded murder of Danny in a cockpit arena was a
valid excuse for the Mayor through his police gun man wiping out any pretenders
to the throne.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt;">. . . . . . . . . . . <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><span lang="EN-US"> Victoria</span></st1:place></st1:state><span lang="EN-US">’s death was another sorry incident giving bigger blow to Fr. Driarco and his
family. This time the suspects were the most likely – the National Peoples’
Army or the NPA belonging to other side of
political spectrum. She was a resident nurse at Roxas, Oriental Mindoro
and all the while was planning to stay for good. Her’s was definitely a work of
love having decided to just serve instead the local settlers abandoning her
original desire of going abroad. In truth though, the lovestruck she got from
an engineer changed everything her mind. Twist of event however unable her to
see her only daughter grows up when she was killed in an ambush wrongly staged
by the NPAs. It was indeed very costly mistake committed by the rebels. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Story has it that Victoria was in Calapan,
Oriental Mindoro that time getting the December bonus and buying Christmas
items for her officemates and family at Roxas City. While in the terminal,
their ambulance took her for a ride she readily consented to be with other
employees going home. That day the provincial commanders had their important
conference there. Monitored by the reds and mistakenly thought to have rode that ambulance back to their base in
Roxas, Oriental Mindoro, they staged an ambush along the way somewhere.
Unfortunately, the second group of rebels on alert did not received the radio
message of the first group intending to give clearance for the ill-fated
ambulance to pass through And there in a junction many kilometers before the
destination, hail of bullets rained the vehicle killing first the driver and
the rest. Among those killed instantly was <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Victoria</st1:place></st1:state>.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Sorry <i>po
mam’</i>” the rebels even asked an apology realizing their mistake later to one
survivor.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “You assholes! Why do you have to implicate
us ordinary tax paying civilians in your war against the military,” said <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Victoria</st1:place></st1:state>’s co-passenger
writhing in pain blood dropping to the ground from her shoulder.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “The rebels did acknowledged their mistakes
even offered financial help to me. But I was not still dispose talking that time.
It was Christmas,” Rigor, <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:state w:st="on">Victoria</st1:state></st1:place>’s husband said bitterly.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:state w:st="on"><span lang="EN-US"> Victoria</span></st1:state></st1:place><span lang="EN-US"> was gone leaving Donna under
his care behind, a double whammy indeed to the young widowed husband.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 18.0pt;">. . . . . . . . . .<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Looking on his wall clock, it was now
daybreak exactly one o’clock in the morning. Surprisingly, Abel, one of his
trusted sacristan called his name downstairs saying that two visitors are on
emergency wanting very badly his services
officiating holy unction of a dying patient, an invitation any priest
would always offer. Soon Baldo and Bobo
opened fire against what seem to be figure of the young Catholic priest as he
went out from his study room to the balcony. The bullets were swift felling
down the priest’s body. Alas to their surprise however it was Driarco’s dummy all they got. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Good grief boys. You’re finally hooked,”
uttered Fr. Driarco hitting both once on their chest. ‘Golden rule’ was the
last words the two assassins heard from the priest before they passed out. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Save for the muted sounds emitted by his
.38 Magnum pistol with silencer nothing was ever heard inside the convent.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Esperanza for the first time has become
restless jolted by the death of Mayor’s men. But it was hard solving the case there being no willing witnesses to give material evidence. How
would a hearing be credible when the incident happened in the convent that
ungodly hour yet! Who could have done it presenting the surrounding material
evidence and circumstances. With the loss of
ruthless Mayor’s men, hostility is farther on the rise the score now closer to even but the momentum
obviously shifted to the Catholic priest. The Mayor is now reeling how to
handle the pressure.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 18.0pt;">. . . . . . . . . .<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Saying the mass the following morning, Fr.
Driarco noticed the absence of the Mayor. Roger, a replacement of Abel who was
not heard of since last night served as
head sacristan.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “ Something wrong must have happened to the
special parishioner,” he thought.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> At <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">San
Isidro</st1:city></st1:place> river, a fisherman inadvertently fished out two
more bodies frozen their eyes almost gorged out dangling from their sockets.
Must have been feasted by catfish as their bodies were beyond recognition as if left-over by
crocodiles. They were the remains of Bobo and Baldo. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Hearing the bad news that morning, made the
Honorable Mayor sick and disoriented realizing that his men were dead one after
the other. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Who could have done this? The priest? No.
He was right in the convent all night long and was still in the church saying
the mass the following morning,” he learned. The war of nerve is on.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Romero, the fisherman who fished out the
dead bodies from his fishing net, was the early visitor of the Mayor that
morning handing over a small cartoon wrapped in a plastic bag. Opening it
revealed a dead skinned American frog with jumbo bold Pentel pen message
written ‘You’re next!’</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt;">. . . . . . . . . . .<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Driarco making use of time tried squeezing
his creative juice writing a poem.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Edwardian Script ITC"; font-size: 18.0pt;">Esperanza<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">O how fast the days were<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">seems like vanishing comet<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">flying in the thin air<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">Where have all the birds gone?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">Why all their nests fell into the ground.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">When all restlessness cease?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">among my people He said ‘little ones’<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">Look what happened to this once sleepy town<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">You shattered it into bits and pieces<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">causing severe pain to each one.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">Where have all our people’s moneys gone<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">Must our people bear the brunt<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">When do we allow lasting peace reign?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">While there’s still time or we ourselves gone.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">Dry your teary eyes Esperanza<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">Sun in the horizon will still
shine<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">Momentarily take care of abandoned children<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">Use school if need be as temporary dwelling.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">How many more lives should we offer?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">To this senseless war of one nation, color and race<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">How many more father and mother would in pain anguished?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span lang="EN-US">Friends answered them. Isn’t it you
too is my brother’s keeper.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> It was a good break from harrowing
experience lately he had in town. The poem was couched in simple language. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “I’m sure even layman would understand it,”
he kept repeating himself reviewing the
cadence and music of his Obra.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Never
mind the lines, the message you’re driving across is important and what counts.”</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt;">. . . . . . . . . .<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Meanwhile, three separate knock on his door
caught him by surprise.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Good day father. Three policemen are
around bringing warrant of arrest issued by Judge Silva of RTC. They will
tender it for your arrest,” Roger uttered.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Killing whom?,” Fr. Driarco explored.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “What the nerve this guy has after putting
him in fix the other night!” the young Catholic priest said to himself.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Clearly revealing his true identity then.
But what the role he is playing as it seems he is playing his own game!” he thought.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Abel! He was found dead today his body
dumped in a roadside with a single shot
inflicted on his head . . . . .”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Must
have been murdered last night.” The Chief of Police said.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> The benefits of doubt swings this time to
Fr. Driarco. The poor priest was simply speechless!</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 18.0pt;">. . . . . . . . . . .<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10908645543292590219noreply@blogger.com0Cagayan de Oro, Philippines8.4542363 124.63189778.2027873 124.3160407 8.705685299999999 124.94775469999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5949714347708699086.post-68442564694708839562012-10-31T08:00:00.000-07:002015-05-08T00:20:08.509-07:00Chapter 11 - New Parish Assignment<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Edwardian Script ITC"; font-size: 22pt;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Chapter 11</span><span style="font-family: Edwardian Script ITC; font-size: 22pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">New Parish Assignment</span><span style="font-family: 'Edwardian Script ITC'; font-size: 22pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"> "H</span>ow fast time indeed flies,” Fr. Driarco
realized as he embarked on his new assignment as parish priest.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Way to go. We don’t have any control where our calling would bring us. Obedience is the
key,” he learned convinced recalling various posts after missionary work from Taiwan.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “What a better way of returning back the
compliment to people who earlier helped and sent you in the Seminary,” the
thought playing in his mind.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt;">. . . . . . . . . . .<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Parish of <st1:place w:st="on">St.</st1:place>
John the Baptist of Esperanza is actually his third assignment in a row. Like
all other priests, living with the people in each parish is actually just a one big family, warm,
delightful and full of life. People are too accommodating in fact that he would
always exercise prudence not to be swayed away attached into their private
lives. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Don’t touch livewire, they would
electrocute you to death in the end,” he would recall the good Bishop of
Romblon advising him. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “The priests of the Church should all be
above reproach. You cannot serve both God and mammon. Remember you are the Word
made flesh, a living witness of His glory if you wish. Practice what you
preach,” he reminisced the wisdom from the good Bishop. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Turn right and travel straightway onwards.
That’s the road towards heaven,” he would in turn admonish any of his
beleaguered parishioner coming seeking for his advice in the convent. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">There’s really no other alternative left. The
choice is yours. Either you work or not work for it. One thing though is sure.
The prize is worth a thousand times more than the effort. Where the heart is
willing it will find thousand means; but where the heart is unwilling, it will
find not just thousand but millions of excuses, he would add recalling that
didactic maxim of the past.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Dealing with people is probably easier
said than done. What if the Mayor wants to abuse and charge you against the
wall?” Most unlikely, being the prince of peace in the area. But what if he
would do it to any of his parishioners. That’s where the real trouble lies. Fr.
Driarco himself would not give damn who they are. His records from two other
parishes would show. In fact, he doesn’t mind being re-shuffled again to any
other parishes. He’s not the one easily bullied and intimidated.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “If I don’t stand up and protect my people,
then I don’t have any business either to be in this kind of work.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Never mind, if misunderstood as long as you’re
doing your work. That’s your job. Christ did. Even coming face to face with the
Devil later asking Him to surrender. But no. He just can’t. His work tells Him
not to. He’s serving His Father not Satan.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “No compromise with devil. That’s what
Christ did,” he would challenge himself.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> True to his knowledge, if ever there is one
person uncomfortable with Driarco in the parish it is no other than the Mayor
himself. By all means, Driarco represents great barrier to promising career in
the province of the ruthless politician. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “The mayor’s political ambition should not
be allowed to go on unabated. The more he’s staying in the office, the longer the impunity he
gives; the stronger he holds on to his
power, the greater the suffering of the people, killing innocent taxpayers and
opponents and milking government coffers clean and dry,” the young priest
thought. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “His hunger for power should be stopped,”
he would add.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “But how?” Now that he has bloated his
resources through various expansion of
business empire in the province. Vengeance is mine, says the Lord. True,
but probably after justice has been served to his father’s death. When? I have
to see yet the dawn of day rising in this parish. The Lord knows ‘when?’ By
then reconciliation would be coming in the end, he thought was proper clincher.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">As parish priest, he has been preoccupied
dispensing the seven sacraments. In between, he would always find time visiting
the sick in the hospital saying mass, hearing confession and to those who are
in dire need, extends extreme unction. He would also visit the prison and do
the same providing the necessary lift from following up their long delayed
cases to organizing them into viable group for economic development.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Dishing out fiery homily lately still stick
in his mind. Probably because of the
hangover he still has on the fate of his late father whose spirit now coming
alive with his work as new parish priest of the municipality. Sometimes dishing
out sermons has been mechanical to Fr. Driarco precisely he balanced what he
preaches from what he works. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">“Homily is good but working out what you
say is better. Walk your talk in other words. However, practicing or living
what you preach is the best,” he was awakened
facing the reality.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Evening mostly find Fr. Driarco glued on
his Remington 150 typewriter completing his synthesis of his first three years
work as a parish priest. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “It’s better putting ideas into print. It’s
the safest way preserving incisive ideas
for the church today,” so thought Driarco thinking of the vast experiences he
has on the parish dragging him almost to issues beyond his duty unsolicited.
Ironically, that which he could not easily get rid from. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Fortunately, the more challenge he meets,
the more his sagging spirit buoys up. “Taklin was right. Priesthood is really
the start of the road towards <st1:place w:st="on">Calvary</st1:place>,” he
recalled his good friend back then. How
an ordinary priest could manage slipping away from the abuses perpetuated
against his flock is up to his ingenuity. Who could help him anyway when
charged against the wall if not the same people he served! The list is long.
And so if he would take the cudgel for and behalf of his people, what would
they say. Who shall set them free? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Did Christ not command His priests to
liberate them from all forms of bondage of sin,” he would say defending their
cause. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Let those who have no sin be the first to
throw stones against us” which could probably be translated ‘those who are criticizing
us should be the first to eat their own words.’</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “It’s not our making to be
hyphenated-priests. The people are. They just can’t go to the police, the Mayor
and other officials of the community they perceived us part of that big family
they could easily confide their problems without fear.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Subsequently, spilling of beans and
skeletons of their closets to the community are revealed. And what if the Mayor
and his henchmen continue wrecking havoc against the people of the community
does it?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Such has been the case of five priests
murdered one after the other unceremoniously. Thus, the names of Frs. Malig,
Rutas, Lagila, Novala and Maknil and countless others follow.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Fr. Malig run counter against a powerful
Petrofil multi-company; Fr. Rutas against illegal logging syndicate notably
politician and military; Fr. Lagila, against a Mayor who raped an innocent
parishioner and Fr. Novala, against an abusive military officer who manhandled
and in the end, killing innocent suspects; Fr. Maknil, against local official fabricating
their own witnesses, including no less than his sacristan, charging him of
masterminding an ambush staged against
Mayor in broad daylight yet. Adding the long lists Driarco could recall
was Fr. Buenaflor, murdered by lone hired assassin killing him instantly
point-blank hitting his temple while riding a motorcycle. His only sin –
joining Sta. Isabel workers’ rally lobbying for additional compensation and
other benefits the construction firm accrues them. Effective fertilizers of the
earth, what the culprit and Mayor Torres might account for their effort.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> These are what so far Fr. Driarco learned
of the barbarity of the Mayor excluding those who have been forgotten let alone
their cause buried with them into the grave. They too exclude score others of
laymen, pastor and other ordinary church workers mysteriously vanished leaving
without any imprint to trace. Add the
list of those silent voices killed before they could even speak out issues on
their minds – the farmers, student leaders, labor union leaders, teachers and
students ordinary mortals like housewives and fishermen and many others which
run by thousands. Altogether, their voices had not been stifled would have
registered hundred of decibels that could have destroyed Marcos’ and his twelve
Martial Law apostles’ eardrum. Sad to say the strength of the monster was
stronger than anybody else. It is unfortunate indeed, so said a well-read
national daily that they vanished like balloons into the thin air. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Such was one picture painting grim scenario
of the Apo Lakay’s baby. Everything was possible under the merciless sun
whoever and wherever you are. It’s was just again the question of time and
timing. These restless souls
incidentally have been roaming around requesting just due them. Parents,
friends and other concerned citizens lately called for due process of law after
filing a class suit against the Marcoses but whether their cause would be heard
is yet to be seen.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt;">. . . . . . . . . . .<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Where have all the flowers gone, long time
passing,” Fr. Driarco would hum breaking the ice of his reflection on the fate
of thousand of casualties. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “When would they ever learn, when would
they ever learn,” he sang with Mayor Torres in his mind. Indeed when? While
there is still time to do or when he himself become and additional fertilizer
anew to the ground.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 18.0pt;">. . . . . . . . . . . .<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Meanwhile, the Mayor and his cohorts have
been busy consolidating their forces anew for possible ticket in Marcos
Kilusang Bagong Lipunan as its standard bearer of the province governorship
office. No guts, no glory, he would justify changing to high gear in his political career. No fear
would probably his new catchword. His bank book incidentally would reveal how
much his worth these days giving him great chance of pulling out another
victory in the forthcoming election. How could he possibly win anyway if he has
no means. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Money, money and money,” that’s what all the people needs during
election, he would brag to his quarters.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 14.0pt;">. . . . . . . . . . .<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “So he’s finally back,” said the Mayor to
Baldo.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Wanting maybe to follow his father’s
graveyard Boss.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “By all means, if he intends to cross our
path.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “By all indication, it seems he does.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Then, it would the end of the road for
him. God bless Him.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “And may He rest in peace, his soul whiter
than snow.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Thus said the Mayor to Baldo wanting to
wipe out the remnants of Mang Clineo from the face of Esperanza’s political
landscape. Theirs’ was the swiftest sorties establishing a plot how to add
Driarco on their list of target. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Some people are just meant to be used,”
the Mayor thought his laughter reverberated within the four walls of his
private room.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> As usual, Esperanza has leapfrogged into busiest first class municipality teeming with trade, commerce and industry. It
could be one of the best cover maybe of
the dreaded incident paving the way for an election few months more. The
general public might maybe forget the miserable and bloodiest event in their
municipality with them left in the dark the real incident but not for Driarco,
Danny, Jojo, the Mayor and his henchmen knowing how the death was delivered
clean.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Jojo, the star-witness of the incident has
been back in the municipality. He joins his former friend now his boss in the
parish doing house chores for the priest and giving assistance during
celebration of holy masses. When would be the time of reckoning, Jojo is yet to
know. As vital instrument for peace of the municipality, he is more than
willing to come out in the open to speak out the truth in Court. But the good
priest weighing all possibilities decided not to settle it in court for the
meantime.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “You know what? When you complain an issue
out of goat in a Court you would end up arguing about a cow. We are better
judges in other words than those in any RTC Sala controlled by the Mayor,” the
priest said stunning Jojo.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Besides, if you don’t have the means,
better not elevate any issue in Court. The more it would be at your
disadvantage,” Fr. Driarco continued impressing upon his good friend and
sacristan how to handle their cause.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Crime does not pay. The Mayor is just like
any other mortals. He’s not clothed with invincibility. He will have his day
full later.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Digressing from the topic.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Wonder if you ever heard of an Indian
philosophy Karma,”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Nope,” Jojo answered.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Golden rule,”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Yes.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Then, it’s all similar save that karma
transcends the boundary of mutual concern down to our earliest roots.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Mang Clineo, you mean a victim of karma.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Not sure. Maybe his father’s great
grandfather exacted blood from somebody else.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “And bingo, Mang Clioneo’s blood was taken
as repayment in return.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “As sacrifice. But I’d like to go beyond
that concept of karma.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “What it is?”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Love what
else. You get me - love.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “But some are not really that lovable.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Then you don’t have any other alternative
left than to accept them what they are.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Like the good Mayor.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “He’s beyond acceptance,” Fr. Driarco
twisted the issue.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Should be hated more instead.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Maybe yes because he is abusing the word
‘love’.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Jojo acceded. When you kill people, rob
them blind, abuse their innocence and all that degrading his personality, you
don’t deserved to be loved. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Precisely, we have the constitution to
safeguard Juan’s liberty, security and all other basic rights without which
man’s existence is incomplete,” he learned.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Not all day is that rosy to Fr. Driarco.
Once he contacted the dreaded malaria and all the while was thinking that it
would postpone forever his birthday while recuperating in a provincial
hospital. He looks as zombie later coming out from the hospital after that
dreaded disease drained him of his vitality.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Thanks to my good appetite allowing my
fast recovery,” he would declare to himself.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt;">. . . . . . . . . . .<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Sleeping one night in the convent, he
dreamed of charging the Mayor with a Batangas knife slashing the Mayor’s belly
the intestines protruding dangling out from the politician’s breadbasket blood
spurting out into the ground driving the poor politicians crazy begging for
dear life. But before he could thrust the fatal blow, Jojo woke him up.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Sorry father but I have to wake you up
because you just shouted your decibel too strong in one’s ear.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> He
was panting catching his deep bated breath waking up from what seemingly a
nightmare. Standing on his own feet, he wonders how he could possibly go that
far. Falling on his knees, he prayed fervently before an altar invoking enough
strength not to fall into temptation taking the law on his own hands. But the
more he struggles for enlightenment, the more he was drawn into the commission
of crime losing completely himself his grip of reality disoriented. It’s only after fixing his eyes on the
innocent face of Mother Mary did he recovered his composure. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “You got the choice,” the Blessed Mother
seems to be saying. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Christ has suffered that much for our sins.
Please don’t add more suffering to Him, “ her words echoing as he gazed the crucifix atop an altar. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Must be dreaming again,” he said deciphering
the message he got. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Was the Blessed Virgin telling it to the
Mayor through me?” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Or is she simply giving the message
leaving him to read between the lines taking them at face value.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Looking back again at the altar in his room,
his eyes happened to glanced at the little receptacle securely encasing the
cylindrical bottle its tip pointed about five inches tall. It resembles the
needle Mary Magdalene used during the ministry of Jesus. But how it looks
deadly sans the leather jacket among Tibetan needle appears more deadly and
menacing. No wonder it was considered a secret weapon among Tibetans back then.
As if in a trance, the needle in a
small glass container webs magic beckoning him to free itself out from its
receptacle. The urge to open it was there and simply irresistible. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Why not?” taking the small bottle
containing his rare find and have it poked gradually getting closer into his
eyes. As if hypnotized, he took it out and freeze both its end between his middle finger and thumb. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “So you want to go back to your owner,” he
whispered as if in a trance possessed by irresistible force under Satanic spell
answering that inkblot of family history calling cv vengeance. It was only after putting it back
in the bottle when he somehow recovers peace and sanity. From there, he was
wide awake till daybreak probably making the devil advocate happy that moment
imbuing the innocent priest sense of revenge.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Before he knew it, the cock crows auguring
another brand new day. Soon the bell tolls merrily inviting the parishioners
for a celebration of another Holy Eucharist. Surprisingly, the Mayor was there
among early church goers occupying the first pew yet. With him were Baldo, Bobo
and the rest of his men. From the altar, Fr. Driarco alerted by the suspicious
presence of the mayor and henchmen, didn’t take any chances. He had his mind
focused occasionally on the group; his eyes on the bible on the table.
Underneath is another bible. Inside this bible is a .38 Magnum caliber safely
encased in its customized what looked like bible pages ripped away in the
middle.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “Careful. This should not be taken for granted
as man is still the best resource on earth. What good do economic resources
bring, if the goal of this resources are taken out from the equation?” The
young priest cleared. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> “At least I could make it even when time
comes. Protection by oneself? God understands this!” he quipped as the liturgy
of the word continued.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"> Nothing happened after the final
benediction was said.</span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 18.0pt;">. . . . . . . . . . . .<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10908645543292590219noreply@blogger.com0Cagayan de Oro, Philippines8.4542363 124.63189778.2027873 124.3160407 8.705685299999999 124.94775469999999