WAR

I had this thought last night before I began studying, I wish to share it with you:

I must first apologize for the possible rash judgments and generalizations that I may have in the notes to follow.

My grandfather and my granduncle are as of now deceased. Their deaths were caused by a similar condition, diabetes' complications to their other organs. Aside from this similarity, they also served the military during their lifetimes. Both of them were colonels in the Philippine Air Force

It is said that my ancestors were one of the active guerrillas against the Japanese soldiers during World War II. They were participating in the campaigns against the Japanese soldiers to help the Philippines regain its freedom. Sadly, their love for their countrymen was not reciprocated (at least for my grandpa). Theirr neighbor told on them (may it be out of hatred or a possible prize money, I do not know.).

One morning / afternoon, some of my grandfather's siblings left the house (for an errand, I think) and he was left in their hut (or mound, I think people lived underground during that time) along with some of his siblings and parents. Not long after, Japanese soldiers came rushing to their house and started looting their stuff. Out of panic, my grandfather went to a statue of St. Joseph. He was still very much visible. He could still see everything that is happening.

This sight would unfortunately cause heavy burden until his deathbed. He witnessed how his parents and some of his siblings were ruthlessly killed by the soldiers. He was however saved because of a miracle. He believes that the statue of St. Joseph blinded the Japanese of his presence. So up to now, the same statue is located in my grandmother's room.

This event would jumpstart his career in the military. Being part of the military was a great opportunity for him to avenge his family's death. He was hungry to kill. It is said that even though that the Japanese soldier begged for his life, my grandfather would still shoot him in the head. My grandfather also did not believe in prisoners. Just like the Spartans, he killed every single enemy. NO MERCY! After the war, my grandfather became one of the best soldiers in the military. He fought in a lot of wars and joined peace talks in Mindanao (he almost got killed for possession of Pork and Beans) and he was even sent to the States to do some militarty stuff there. Rightfully so, he was promoted to Colonel and he currently rests in Libingan ng mga Bayani. He truly was a bayani.

My grand uncle had a similar story in his military career. My granduncle was also part of World War II. It comes way back when my great grandmother, a nurse volunteered to help mend the soldiers and citizens free of charge during the war; medicines and professional help were given by their neighbor in Paco, the Romualdezes. I guess my granduncle was inspired by this act so he joined the war. Far from the Achilles-type of heroism of my grandfather, my granduncle was held prisoner and he was ordered to be in the Death March to Bataan. Some time during this time, he pretended to be dead. It is a good thing that he was not shot. The Japanese just kept on kicking him until he was kicked sideways as he rolled through the forest. Long after this, he woke up alongside some of his colleagues and they wandered through the forest to look for a way out. My grandmother tells me the story that they actually stole food from the pigpens because food was really scarce. They ate pagkaing baboy for sustenance. They were also problematic about clean water supply. Rightfully so, he was eligible for a slot in Libingan ng mga Bayani but I think his family opted out.

Am I talking about the honor of joining the war? The privileges that one could have for joining the war? Hardly so!

Look around! Watch the news! Read the newspapers! There are reports regarding the war going on. in Lanao del Norte and Mindanao. It is said that this is caused by the MILF.

We should discuss it in class or in groups so we would have an idea but no matter what we do, our exposure would be very limited. It is however, important that we try to talk about these issues. Though we cannot solve it on our own, we could at least expand our horizons and see beyond the small inconveniences of the weather, money constraint or academic load. We would see that life is a much bigger spectrum. It is not limited to our own lives in school, in the house or with friends. We would tend to see the bigger picture and understand why we need to be prepared; for when the time comes, we would be the ones in power to solve these issues.

I could never adhere to war. I would like to keep everything diplomatic. As long as it is possible, I do not want violence because it causes deaths and unnecessary sabotage of other people. Let us all try to think about this issue and hopefully, we could all equip ourselves for the future.