Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Monday, July 21, 2008
CHAPTER 12 - UMMA AYAM SINSANA (WHERE ARE YOU NOW?)
You may want to read CHAPTER 11 first.
The mountains stood like mute witnesses to the drama that was about to unfold on its once pristine grounds. The mephitic stench of bloodbath that had occurred recurrently was now a necessity that they endure- a purge that has to happen to purify their mundane existence.
The three groups - Kumander Benny's , General Aman's and Ka Lito's- were slowly converging at the designated place.
Ka Lito's band of scalawags however, was a few yards ahead of the two and was intercepting both groups.
When they were more than a hundred yards away from General Aman's army, Benny ordered a full stop.
The two leaders unarmed themselves and began to walk towards the center of the clearing, as their men watched anxiously; even the forest stood still in eerie silence.
Suddenly, a shot rang piercingly through the thin air . Then another... and then another. ..
Ka Anton, saw Kumander Benny go down in a heap on the first volley of gunfire. "It's a trap. It's a trap. Take cover!" he shouted and fired aimlessly into the company of soldiers.
He was about to crawl towards Benny, when he saw him waving his hand shouting, "Retreat, retreat." Benny knew they were no match for the army's mighty artillery.
by soldiersmediacenter
There was bedlam! The media covering the event were busy clicking their cameras unmindful of the danger of being wounded in the crossfire.
General Aman was shouting too
"Cease fire, cease fire!" His face was a mask of anger and anxiety.
A few staccato bullets were fired by the retreating NPA rebels but they were gone within minutes.
There were no casualties on the government side.
"Who fired those first shots ?" General Aman demanded indignantly.
"We didn't, " Captain Abasolo replied. "We had assumed , it was them."
" You mean, they would shoot at their own Kumander? " the General asked the question incredulously.
"We were shot at too, General. " Lt. Carreon interjected. "Won't we be going after them? It would be easy to follow them as their leader is wounded."
" We are not savages, Lt. Carreon. I gave my word to Kumander Benny that I'll personally make sure they'll be safe and sound, and now he is wounded. Listen up," General Aman was yelling. "No one is to fire another bullet from here onwards."
He looked at his men soberly and added in a low, powerful voice , " I want you to remember this, a war can be won, not only in the battlefield - it can also be won peacefully."
"General Aman is right," Captain Abasolo seconded, " We have a bad reputation as an army of ruthless and heartless men. It's time we start proving to them that there are still good men in the military."
*********
Ka Lito and his men were watching General Aman's army from a distance.
"How come they didn't pursue them?" Ka Lito was frustrated and furious. "They should pursue them and pulverize their camp."
"Let me shoot that imbecile general," Ka Dencio was fuming too. He was an envious man, who thrived on intrigues and conflicts. He was immensely enjoying plotting the downfall of Benny - someone he considered a "lucky" bastard.
"Don't " Ka Lito restrained Ka Dencio's hand. " We're no match for them, and they'll come to know, we are the culprits. Let's go, we have succeeded in our goal."
"What goal Ka Lito?" the voice rang loud and clear . They all turned to face Ka Anton. " I'm thankful now I was not able to teach you very well in marksmanship," Ka Anton added.
Ka Lito tried to reach for his gun, "I wouldn't dare, " Ka Anton gave a quick flick of his fingers. Twelve men materialized from the thick foliage. "Disarm them." he commanded.
Ka Lito's group submitted without protest. Ka Lito grumbled and scowled but that was all he was able to do.
Ka Anton gave one last glance at General Aman's retreating army, before he trudged behind the prisoners.
They came upon Benny being treated by Julia. Luckily , the bullet had just grazed his right arm. A second scar that would be a perfect match for the already existing old one.
How much wound can a man take? Ka Anton wanted to ask Benny but he said instead, "The soldiers aren't pursuing us, Kumander" he assured Benny, " but I found these traitors ."
"You call me a traitor, hmmp... look who's talking..." Ka Lito was bursting with so much enmity.
"You're the ones betraying the ideals of our organization by surrendering. I was aiming at your heart but you're one lucky devil." he pointed an accusing finger at Benny.
Benny said nothing but looked straight into him, " They were the ones who fired the first shots..." he was nodding comprehendingly.
Ka Lito blinked and guiltily looked the other way.
"Let me do the honor of shooting this filthy scumbag," Ka Anton raised his gun.
"No, " Benny said calmly. " They should be brought to General Aman and be held liable for the trouble they had caused."
(TO BE CONTINUED)
HOME
The mountains stood like mute witnesses to the drama that was about to unfold on its once pristine grounds. The mephitic stench of bloodbath that had occurred recurrently was now a necessity that they endure- a purge that has to happen to purify their mundane existence.
The three groups - Kumander Benny's , General Aman's and Ka Lito's- were slowly converging at the designated place.
Ka Lito's band of scalawags however, was a few yards ahead of the two and was intercepting both groups.
When they were more than a hundred yards away from General Aman's army, Benny ordered a full stop.
The two leaders unarmed themselves and began to walk towards the center of the clearing, as their men watched anxiously; even the forest stood still in eerie silence.
Suddenly, a shot rang piercingly through the thin air . Then another... and then another. ..
Ka Anton, saw Kumander Benny go down in a heap on the first volley of gunfire. "It's a trap. It's a trap. Take cover!" he shouted and fired aimlessly into the company of soldiers.
He was about to crawl towards Benny, when he saw him waving his hand shouting, "Retreat, retreat." Benny knew they were no match for the army's mighty artillery.
by soldiersmediacenterThere was bedlam! The media covering the event were busy clicking their cameras unmindful of the danger of being wounded in the crossfire.
General Aman was shouting too
"Cease fire, cease fire!" His face was a mask of anger and anxiety.
A few staccato bullets were fired by the retreating NPA rebels but they were gone within minutes.
There were no casualties on the government side.
"Who fired those first shots ?" General Aman demanded indignantly.
"We didn't, " Captain Abasolo replied. "We had assumed , it was them."
" You mean, they would shoot at their own Kumander? " the General asked the question incredulously.
"We were shot at too, General. " Lt. Carreon interjected. "Won't we be going after them? It would be easy to follow them as their leader is wounded."
" We are not savages, Lt. Carreon. I gave my word to Kumander Benny that I'll personally make sure they'll be safe and sound, and now he is wounded. Listen up," General Aman was yelling. "No one is to fire another bullet from here onwards."
He looked at his men soberly and added in a low, powerful voice , " I want you to remember this, a war can be won, not only in the battlefield - it can also be won peacefully."
"General Aman is right," Captain Abasolo seconded, " We have a bad reputation as an army of ruthless and heartless men. It's time we start proving to them that there are still good men in the military."
*********
Ka Lito and his men were watching General Aman's army from a distance.
"How come they didn't pursue them?" Ka Lito was frustrated and furious. "They should pursue them and pulverize their camp."
"Let me shoot that imbecile general," Ka Dencio was fuming too. He was an envious man, who thrived on intrigues and conflicts. He was immensely enjoying plotting the downfall of Benny - someone he considered a "lucky" bastard.
"Don't " Ka Lito restrained Ka Dencio's hand. " We're no match for them, and they'll come to know, we are the culprits. Let's go, we have succeeded in our goal."
"What goal Ka Lito?" the voice rang loud and clear . They all turned to face Ka Anton. " I'm thankful now I was not able to teach you very well in marksmanship," Ka Anton added.
Ka Lito tried to reach for his gun, "I wouldn't dare, " Ka Anton gave a quick flick of his fingers. Twelve men materialized from the thick foliage. "Disarm them." he commanded.
Ka Lito's group submitted without protest. Ka Lito grumbled and scowled but that was all he was able to do.
Ka Anton gave one last glance at General Aman's retreating army, before he trudged behind the prisoners.
They came upon Benny being treated by Julia. Luckily , the bullet had just grazed his right arm. A second scar that would be a perfect match for the already existing old one.
How much wound can a man take? Ka Anton wanted to ask Benny but he said instead, "The soldiers aren't pursuing us, Kumander" he assured Benny, " but I found these traitors ."
"You call me a traitor, hmmp... look who's talking..." Ka Lito was bursting with so much enmity.
"You're the ones betraying the ideals of our organization by surrendering. I was aiming at your heart but you're one lucky devil." he pointed an accusing finger at Benny.
Benny said nothing but looked straight into him, " They were the ones who fired the first shots..." he was nodding comprehendingly.
Ka Lito blinked and guiltily looked the other way.
"Let me do the honor of shooting this filthy scumbag," Ka Anton raised his gun.
"No, " Benny said calmly. " They should be brought to General Aman and be held liable for the trouble they had caused."
(TO BE CONTINUED)
HOME
Saturday, July 19, 2008
CHAPTER 11 - UMMA AYAM SINSANA (WHERE ARE YOU NOW?)
You may want to read CHAPTER 10 first.
"Anyone who does not want to surrender, may leave now," Benny said as he scanned the unsmiling and anxious faces around him.
" Those who have decided to come with me, I assure you that I'll do whatever that needs to be done to ensure your safety. We can't stay here in the mountains forever. I know how you would want to go home to your families too."
There was a general murmur of agreement. Not all had their families with them, especially those with very young children. The clean mountain air and natural environment would be an ideal place for growing children, but the constant movement of the rebel troops would be too much for them to handle.
" We don't trust anyone but you Kumander. So if you say it would be fine, then we'll be coming with you." Ka Anton, Benny's most trusted aide, expressed the sentiments of those who were present.
And so the group of more than a hundred men commenced their arduous trek downhill. General Aman was to meet them halfway.
Benny thought about the NPA's higher echelon of officers. What would be the reaction of the Supreme Kumander? As of that moment, it had been kept a secret but it wouldn't be long before they would come to know about it and there would be hell to pay. He shook his head to banish the morbid misgivings.
Benny was more concerned about Julia, his unborn child, and the lives and future of the men under his command. He felt he was personally responsible for each of them.
The agreement of Benny's surrender to General Aman was made through Fr. Belucci and selected emissaries from Taloctoc.
Fr. Belucci personally requested for General Aman as he trusted him. He had known the man since he was a lanky kid in high school. Just like Benny, Henry Aman was honest, trustworthy and responsible.
The plan was that Benny and his unit would be escorted by General Aman's army from the point of convergence to the military camp, where the rebels were to surrender their arms.
Benny requested that the local media be present to record the proceedings. He did not fancy hugging the limelight, but he knew that any vital, government player who may plan to sabotage the event would think twice, because of the presence of the media. Most traditional policitians were meticulous about their public image and they took great pains in maintaining their impeccable self esteem.
The media were allowed- now and then - to broadcast events which the government considered newsworthy. The surrender of Kumander Benny - one of the most respected and revered rebel leader - would be an astounding success for the government and would be a tremendous blow to the insurgency movement in the country.
Of course, inevitable questions would soon arise as to why Benny was surrendering when he was supposedly incarcerated already by the military.
Strategists in the government knew that the whole story of Benny's escape would have to be revealed eventually, but only after his surrender.
That way the government still had the "victory".
by soldiersmediacenter
******
A few miles away from Benny's camp, Ka Lito with 5 other men were changing into army clothes.
"A job well done, Ka Dencio," Ka Lito was smiling as he donned the pilfered military uniform.
"Look how this perfectly fits me," and he guffawed with laughter. "I'm now a Major in the Army."
"Major, Captain Cerrudo, reporting for duty, sir." the smallest man said.
"You look like a chipmunk," Ka Lito roared with laughter , and the other five followed suit.
"Let's get back to business, " Ka Lito assumed his serious air of arrogance.
"Are you sure of the route they'll be taking?" he asked Ka Dencio.
"Yes, I got it from a reliable source, from the mouth of babes, comes forth the truth... " Ka Dencio's source was a naive, barrio kid whom he had sweet talked. Ka Dencio was an intelligent, misguided man who rejoiced in the misfortunes of other people. He had never met Kummander Benny up close, but he despised the popularity of the young man. Probabaly because, he should have been also a respected Kummander if he hadn't been too self-absorbed with his own ulterior motives.
"We'll have to ambush them before they reach Mangga, that way, they'll think they have been betrayed by the army."
Then they danced around in circles and stomped their feet with glee for their wicked machinations .
"I would like to see the expression on Benny's smug face, after this. Remember, we must be swift. We will just create the smoke, then leave them fighting off the fire."
*****
General Aman was giving instructions to his staff.
"Captain Abasolo, be in charge of the lead group, Lt. Carreon - the rear . At no time at all will you be using your guns. No one is to fire his gun until I personally order it. Is that clear?"
" Sir, yes sir," the men chorused.
The two media personnel were assigned three escorts and were instructed to stay behind the lead soldiers.
And so they began their silent march into the deep, unwelcoming forest.
(TO BE CONTINUED)
HOME
"Anyone who does not want to surrender, may leave now," Benny said as he scanned the unsmiling and anxious faces around him.
" Those who have decided to come with me, I assure you that I'll do whatever that needs to be done to ensure your safety. We can't stay here in the mountains forever. I know how you would want to go home to your families too."
There was a general murmur of agreement. Not all had their families with them, especially those with very young children. The clean mountain air and natural environment would be an ideal place for growing children, but the constant movement of the rebel troops would be too much for them to handle.
" We don't trust anyone but you Kumander. So if you say it would be fine, then we'll be coming with you." Ka Anton, Benny's most trusted aide, expressed the sentiments of those who were present.
And so the group of more than a hundred men commenced their arduous trek downhill. General Aman was to meet them halfway.
Benny thought about the NPA's higher echelon of officers. What would be the reaction of the Supreme Kumander? As of that moment, it had been kept a secret but it wouldn't be long before they would come to know about it and there would be hell to pay. He shook his head to banish the morbid misgivings.
Benny was more concerned about Julia, his unborn child, and the lives and future of the men under his command. He felt he was personally responsible for each of them.
The agreement of Benny's surrender to General Aman was made through Fr. Belucci and selected emissaries from Taloctoc.
Fr. Belucci personally requested for General Aman as he trusted him. He had known the man since he was a lanky kid in high school. Just like Benny, Henry Aman was honest, trustworthy and responsible.
The plan was that Benny and his unit would be escorted by General Aman's army from the point of convergence to the military camp, where the rebels were to surrender their arms.
Benny requested that the local media be present to record the proceedings. He did not fancy hugging the limelight, but he knew that any vital, government player who may plan to sabotage the event would think twice, because of the presence of the media. Most traditional policitians were meticulous about their public image and they took great pains in maintaining their impeccable self esteem.
The media were allowed- now and then - to broadcast events which the government considered newsworthy. The surrender of Kumander Benny - one of the most respected and revered rebel leader - would be an astounding success for the government and would be a tremendous blow to the insurgency movement in the country.
Of course, inevitable questions would soon arise as to why Benny was surrendering when he was supposedly incarcerated already by the military.
Strategists in the government knew that the whole story of Benny's escape would have to be revealed eventually, but only after his surrender.
That way the government still had the "victory".
by soldiersmediacenter******
A few miles away from Benny's camp, Ka Lito with 5 other men were changing into army clothes.
"A job well done, Ka Dencio," Ka Lito was smiling as he donned the pilfered military uniform.
"Look how this perfectly fits me," and he guffawed with laughter. "I'm now a Major in the Army."
"Major, Captain Cerrudo, reporting for duty, sir." the smallest man said.
"You look like a chipmunk," Ka Lito roared with laughter , and the other five followed suit.
"Let's get back to business, " Ka Lito assumed his serious air of arrogance.
"Are you sure of the route they'll be taking?" he asked Ka Dencio.
"Yes, I got it from a reliable source, from the mouth of babes, comes forth the truth... " Ka Dencio's source was a naive, barrio kid whom he had sweet talked. Ka Dencio was an intelligent, misguided man who rejoiced in the misfortunes of other people. He had never met Kummander Benny up close, but he despised the popularity of the young man. Probabaly because, he should have been also a respected Kummander if he hadn't been too self-absorbed with his own ulterior motives.
"We'll have to ambush them before they reach Mangga, that way, they'll think they have been betrayed by the army."
Then they danced around in circles and stomped their feet with glee for their wicked machinations .
"I would like to see the expression on Benny's smug face, after this. Remember, we must be swift. We will just create the smoke, then leave them fighting off the fire."
*****
General Aman was giving instructions to his staff.
"Captain Abasolo, be in charge of the lead group, Lt. Carreon - the rear . At no time at all will you be using your guns. No one is to fire his gun until I personally order it. Is that clear?"
" Sir, yes sir," the men chorused.
The two media personnel were assigned three escorts and were instructed to stay behind the lead soldiers.
And so they began their silent march into the deep, unwelcoming forest.
(TO BE CONTINUED)
HOME
Friday, July 18, 2008
Interesting Contest By Puss Reboots
Puss Reboots is holding a contest and the prices are books.
I have joined because I wanted to win
The Fourth Watcher: A Novel of Bangkok by Timothy Hallinan.
This was copy pasted from Puss Reboots:
-Start of excerpt-
"The rules for the contest are as follows:
To qualify your comment must include a suspense or thriller recommendation. It can be a book, film, graphic novel, manga... just something thrilling or suspenseful.
Contest runs from today through August 13th at 11PM Pacific Time
Winner will be notified via email at 11PM on August 13th and will have 3 days to respond with a mailing address. If no response is received in that time, a new winner will be picked.
Open to the entire world.
For extra credit you can:
a) include your blog's URL
b) blog about the contest and link back here."
-End of excerpt-
The following books will also be given as prizes to the lucky winners:
Unholy Domain Dan Ronco
Virus Games G.L. Sheerin
Dancing Above the Waves Susan Walerstein
Lifetime Loser James Ross
The Fourth Watcher Timothy Hallinan
El Tigre John H. Manhol
So what are you waiting for, visit the site and join!
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
BE A PART OF THIS NOBLE ENDEAVOUR!!!
Photo by FreeWine
Books are treasure troves.
Almost all successful and famous persons I know have been "wide readers".
I have always wanted to share inspiring stories with readers.
It is a dream I know I have to fulfill in this lifetime, or I'll never rest in peace in the other realm.
This book project I will be embarking on would be entitled : "Inspirational Thoughts and Stories from Bloggers All Over the World."
The projected time of completion and publication of the book would be 1 year.
If you have an inspiring article, story or poem that you know could brighten up someone's day or that could enlighten and give hope to people, send them and earn 5,000 ENTRECARD CREDITS.
These are the criteria:
1. The contributor must be an Entrecarder.
2. The length of the article or story should not be less than 1,000 words.
3. If it is a poem, it should not be less than 15 lines.
4. If contribution is accepted, one (1 ) complimentary copy of the book where your article will be featured, will be sent to you (free of any charge ) as soon as publication is completed.
5. As the blog's owner, I will screen and select entries for inclusion in the book. You will be notified through your EC dashboard if your contribution has been accepted or not.
6. You can send up to three entries in any of the categories.
6. For any question, feel free to send a message throught my EC widget/dashboard.
( Gewgaw Writings) or leave a comment in this post.
SEND YOUR ARTICLE NOW, AND BE A PART OF THIS NOBLE ENDEAVOUR TO INSPIRE THE WORLD WITH YOUR WORDS!!!
CHAPTER 10 - UMMA AYAM SINSANA (WHERE ARE YOU NOW?)
You may want to read CHAPTER 9 first.
Lt. Antonio was standing before a court martial. There were only 13 people in the room. The 11 were high ranking officials, while the two were guards.
This was an event that the government wanted to conceal from the media.
" After careful deliberations, this General Court-Martial unanimously declares and hereby adjudges the accused - Lt. Rodolfo G. Antonio Jr. - guilty beyond reasonable doubt of the charge covered by Article of War of conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman. This General Court-Martial hereby imposes the following sentence upon the accused -Lt. Rodolfo Antonio Jr. - to be discharged from the military."
Maj. Gen. Henry Gorospe, president of the 11-member military tribunal, folded the crisp paper and handed it to the Judge Advocate.
Lt. Antonio's face was expressionless. There was a dreamy, peaceful look in his eyes.
Benny learned about this news through the underground's grapevine. His escape and Lt. Antonio's case had never found their way to the media's headlines. Lots of people still believed that Benny was still in the hands of the military. This the government conveniently kept silent about - not denying nor confirming.
Benny wanted to rescue Lt. Antonio but he knew it was safer for him not to keep in touch. Carting him off to the mountains would not be a good idea also, because it would be extremely difficult for Lt. Antonio, as he had grown up in the city.
Benny had a fitful sleep that night, thinking of how he could help Lt. Anotnio. In the morning, he sent a letter through a courier expressing his heartfelt gratitude for all the things he had done for him and that if he so desired to join him in the mountains, he would gladly fetch him - no matter.
Lt. Anontio's reply was brief. " I'm just one person Ka Benny, don't worry about me. I have other plans. Continue pursuing your dreams for your people."
Benny however had doubts about the path that he was pursuing now.
The NPA's leadership was slowly corroding because of misunderstandings between their own beliefs. The ideals and principles Benny once fought for were taking in a different, darker shade.
There were atrocities and senseless killings now done by the rebels themselves - not in Benny's unit- but by rebels nevertheless and the higher ranking leaders opt not to notice them - just to maintain their rank and file.
More and more undisciplined rebels, turned violent at the mere hint of hesitation by the people to give "tax" (in kind or in cash), to support the rebels' cause.
They started requesting foreign military aid too which Benny did not approve. This was an internal problem and asking for foreign intervention would endanger the country from opposing forces of powerful nations - the extreme right and the extreme left.
This made Benny started doubting the path that they were treading on. Was this the path to equality, freedom and justice that he so valiantly fought for from the start?
In his hearts of hearts , he knew the course they were following now was definitely not his dreams for his people.
There had been a peaceful call from the government for rebels to lay down their arms and return to the folds of society without any danger of prosecution. This was called the "General Amnesty". "Surrender or Die" -the message of the government was loud and clear.
" What's bothering you?" Julia caressed his nape.
Julia could still take his breath away, Benny thought, "It's nothing" he replied, taking hold of her hands and holding them tight to his chest.
"I've got good news for you," Julia said.
" Let's hear this good news," he tried to sound exultant.
"I'm pregnant, " she intoned happily.
The world seemed to come to a standstill as the unexpected news slowly sinked into Benny's consciousness. The extreme joy of the moment took his breath away and tears began to well up in his eyes. He had to inhale heavily to suck in air. He gave a long, loud whoop and carried Julia in his sinewy arms. He lifted her high up in the air and buried his face in her soft thighs. He was jubilant and overjoyed beyond words.
They were both laughing and caught up in the unadulterated happiness that they alone understood. Ina and Ama would be happy too, Benny thought.
Photo by fauxto_digit
The following week, Benny received a letter from Fr. Belucci through one of their couriers.
My Dear Benny,
It is more peaceful now that Martial Law has finally stabilized. You've been doing a good job looking after your own people. The peace pact has been unbroken even after Julia's father had passed away.
The peace pact that he established together with the other tribal elders is still respected by all tribes.
The government has also ceased pushing through with the dam project altogether, because of your bold stand. In fact, Major Abunda had been relieved from his post.
There's no longer any need to stay in the mountains. Take advantage of this peace offering and come down. This way, you could help your people more.
I heard Julia is heavy with child. Your Ama, Ina and mother in law plead with you to come down. Do this because of your child.
God bless you my son,
Fr. Belucci
(TO BE CONTINUED)
HOME
Lt. Antonio was standing before a court martial. There were only 13 people in the room. The 11 were high ranking officials, while the two were guards.
This was an event that the government wanted to conceal from the media.
" After careful deliberations, this General Court-Martial unanimously declares and hereby adjudges the accused - Lt. Rodolfo G. Antonio Jr. - guilty beyond reasonable doubt of the charge covered by Article of War of conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman. This General Court-Martial hereby imposes the following sentence upon the accused -Lt. Rodolfo Antonio Jr. - to be discharged from the military."
Maj. Gen. Henry Gorospe, president of the 11-member military tribunal, folded the crisp paper and handed it to the Judge Advocate.
Lt. Antonio's face was expressionless. There was a dreamy, peaceful look in his eyes.
Benny learned about this news through the underground's grapevine. His escape and Lt. Antonio's case had never found their way to the media's headlines. Lots of people still believed that Benny was still in the hands of the military. This the government conveniently kept silent about - not denying nor confirming.
Benny wanted to rescue Lt. Antonio but he knew it was safer for him not to keep in touch. Carting him off to the mountains would not be a good idea also, because it would be extremely difficult for Lt. Antonio, as he had grown up in the city.
Benny had a fitful sleep that night, thinking of how he could help Lt. Anotnio. In the morning, he sent a letter through a courier expressing his heartfelt gratitude for all the things he had done for him and that if he so desired to join him in the mountains, he would gladly fetch him - no matter.
Lt. Anontio's reply was brief. " I'm just one person Ka Benny, don't worry about me. I have other plans. Continue pursuing your dreams for your people."
Benny however had doubts about the path that he was pursuing now.
The NPA's leadership was slowly corroding because of misunderstandings between their own beliefs. The ideals and principles Benny once fought for were taking in a different, darker shade.
There were atrocities and senseless killings now done by the rebels themselves - not in Benny's unit- but by rebels nevertheless and the higher ranking leaders opt not to notice them - just to maintain their rank and file.
More and more undisciplined rebels, turned violent at the mere hint of hesitation by the people to give "tax" (in kind or in cash), to support the rebels' cause.
They started requesting foreign military aid too which Benny did not approve. This was an internal problem and asking for foreign intervention would endanger the country from opposing forces of powerful nations - the extreme right and the extreme left.
This made Benny started doubting the path that they were treading on. Was this the path to equality, freedom and justice that he so valiantly fought for from the start?
In his hearts of hearts , he knew the course they were following now was definitely not his dreams for his people.
There had been a peaceful call from the government for rebels to lay down their arms and return to the folds of society without any danger of prosecution. This was called the "General Amnesty". "Surrender or Die" -the message of the government was loud and clear.
" What's bothering you?" Julia caressed his nape.
Julia could still take his breath away, Benny thought, "It's nothing" he replied, taking hold of her hands and holding them tight to his chest.
"I've got good news for you," Julia said.
" Let's hear this good news," he tried to sound exultant.
"I'm pregnant, " she intoned happily.
The world seemed to come to a standstill as the unexpected news slowly sinked into Benny's consciousness. The extreme joy of the moment took his breath away and tears began to well up in his eyes. He had to inhale heavily to suck in air. He gave a long, loud whoop and carried Julia in his sinewy arms. He lifted her high up in the air and buried his face in her soft thighs. He was jubilant and overjoyed beyond words.
They were both laughing and caught up in the unadulterated happiness that they alone understood. Ina and Ama would be happy too, Benny thought.
Photo by fauxto_digit
The following week, Benny received a letter from Fr. Belucci through one of their couriers.
My Dear Benny,
It is more peaceful now that Martial Law has finally stabilized. You've been doing a good job looking after your own people. The peace pact has been unbroken even after Julia's father had passed away.
The peace pact that he established together with the other tribal elders is still respected by all tribes.
The government has also ceased pushing through with the dam project altogether, because of your bold stand. In fact, Major Abunda had been relieved from his post.
There's no longer any need to stay in the mountains. Take advantage of this peace offering and come down. This way, you could help your people more.
I heard Julia is heavy with child. Your Ama, Ina and mother in law plead with you to come down. Do this because of your child.
God bless you my son,
Fr. Belucci
(TO BE CONTINUED)
HOME
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