Of Heroes and Demons
Just when we were delighted to show to the world that we have a hero in our country who, despite meager resources is able to bring education to the street children a nightmare shattered the sensibilities of the whole world.
As fast as we received the international accolade, the sordid incident in Ampatuan, Maguindanao had quickly put our nation into international ignominy just because of a sick fear that a political rival will replace the incumbent.
Slowly, the grisly murders of the 57 innocent civilians (the count is still increasing) surfaced and its sickening details unearthed.
Consider this statement from Esmael Mangudadatu – “My wife’s private parts were slashed four times, after which they fired a bullet into it. They speared both of her eyes, shot both her breasts, cut off her feet, fired into her mouth. I could not begin to describe the manner by which they treated her.”
Another thing which effectively sealed the fate of these murderers to be branded as the demons of Philippine history is that there were other motorists whose fault was that there were just at the wrong place and at the wrong time, they too have not been spared from the diabolical deeds.
The appalling incident last Monday overshadowed the honor which Mr. Penaflorida brought to us and a stark contrast is being showcased to the world right now. One is a bright and promising cause for all the children, while the other has a dark and sinister purpose, the source of which would come, and nothing less, from the depths of hell.
But either way, the spotlight is on this administration for it only shows to the world how this government miserably failed in two of the most important state responsibilities- Education and the enforcement of the laws.
Now, the world is watching at us, keenly observing how this government will resolve the Ampatuan Massacre. We demand that not only the mastermind be brought to justice but also those armed men who directly participated in the murders. Otherwise, they will just blend into society to wait for another employment from a new monster to rise. Old habits die hard and the lust for blood will always be in their system.
On the other hand, while the stench of the Ampatuan Massacre have stolen the scene from Mr. Penaflorida, we still find solace that one day, his crusade that all our children would have a decent education will materialize, and that should include the offspring of the 100 armed men and the mastermind.
