Chapter 15
RSM
"Be my guest," said Capt. Estrada to his new friend ushering him into his residence.
"Come on in please," he added taking Taklin directly to the table.
Tiny oysters, mussels, chicken barbeque, pork chop, raw fish meat of blue marlin, and calderetas from goat's meat and some finger foods were spread on the table. On the other side are files of cases of San Miguel Beer Grande.
"Are there some more guests coming tonight?" the gentleman asked seeing the smorgasbord menus prepared on the table.
"Yap, 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 rite that would follow.
"Reformed the Society Movement," Capt. Estrada elaborated before Taklin could ask.
"Ah okay," as four others took their time-sharing anecdotes.
"Thanks, and you would know all of this once you guys are exemplified after a short ritual," the host said indicating immediate absolute silence in the meantime.
"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 later You have ten minutes more left to prepare yourself. Col. Rellox will fetch you right here for the opening...,"
The young men just nodded approvingly.
"Nothing to worry about. You're all safe here and in good hands," whispered the Captain to Taklin tapping his shoulder before leaving them.
Soon a nationalistic song blared and the young RSM candidates herded their eyes closed with a black handkerchief.
"Permission to enter Sir," said the officer leading them in a row hands on each other's shoulders. This after three taps of a gavel reverberated.
"Permission granted," responded the presiding officer.
"Here are the five young gentlemen candidates for our organization Sir," he said whispering each one takes one step forward after each name is called before retracing back to its original position.
The silence was deafening as National Anthem and later Onward Christian soldiers 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 their eyes seen just enough from the reflection against huge candlelight standing on the table. Illuminated on the table is skull and crossbones in between two books - the Constitution and Bible – and a huge canvass of the President gazing towards the horizon. At the center is "The New Society" a so-called red book of the organization for distribution to memorize and practice by each qualified member of the organization. In the background is RSM's banner with skull and crossbones. The black headband on the skull with "Wolves" and the icon of a wolf is embroidered on it in white. And the most telling of them all – small Philippine Flag waving tied to a pole half portion planted to the cranium.
"A needle!" Taklin would later see clearly as candlelight illuminated against the pole glittering surprised at the creativity of the one making it. But it was no ordinary needle a tailor uses in sewing. It was customized with a leather jacket as a receiver closer to a Tibetan needle used as a special arm for defense against any aggressor.
"What is it for?" the question hanging in his mind he hoped to have a clear answer later.
"Welcome aboard gentlemen," the resonant voice greeted the five participants in an exclusive room.
"Thanks for coming over and joining this rite. Don't worry, though pre-condition for joining our movement, this is just an initiation. That simply allows you to validate this decision later after the completion of your study at PMA. With the imprimatur of course by your sponsor and final approval of the Head of RSM." A brief silence as the eerie stillness of the night prevailed within the closed room was felt.
"Wonder no more why you are here. You didn't apply alright for this. Even when you do, you would be refused entry instantly. It's the people around you who have selected you vouching for your suitability for this special and secret organization.
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 take off the handkerchief of each participant.
"The logo of RSM as you can see now is – Wolf! No less. The choice is planned given the nature of this animal looking for prey when the call of nature desire." brief pause here the speaker emphasizing the ideology of the organization.
"Why is the choice embodying all people in the organization?"
"Vanguards of peace and security. And those not, are considered our prey. In our case – people making a 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 standards. And yes, leaving our enemies nothing of their identity dumping their bodies everywhere one pleases. Truly, no trace except for the sound of silence blowing in the wind whoever might have done it."
Sounds familiar to Taklin recalling the confidentiality of Bp. Valdez' take on the issue back then at Bishop's palace.
"Don't get us wrong. This organization is a war for order and decency, however – nothing personal here. Just doin' our job. How do we do it? Well . . . ." the presiding officer paused his index finger-combing his beard gathering his thought.
"Listen up guys. We didn't send our men to Fort Bragg in California 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 an important concept in warfare.
"Torture, yes torture treating each enemy as an insect until they reveal and accept their participation in any movement establishing chaos or any evil plan for that matter," he cleared.
"But it's no ordinary torture gentleman as it has been banned in the rule of engagement."
"Yes, one that facilitates his sleep, forever!"
"Yes, forever without any trace or semblance of brutality as if just falling asleep there."
"How?" the speaker emphasized reaching the miniature Philippine flag and revealing a customized cute but deadly item – a needle."
"Yes, a needle but no ordinary one as its top is laced with poison, one that surely allowed the subject lulled to sleep forevermore,"
"Our coup 'd grace, one that would send an enemy indeed to dreamland forever," he stopped gathering his thought returning back the miniature Philippine flag thrusting its top into the cranium after tying the flag to the pole."
In the brief deafening silence, the host would like the message to sink into the collective consciousness of the captured recruits.
"Sorry if you are dumbfounded by 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."
"Don't fret for those undecided. We'll not be forcing the issue on you." You can return it with its exquisite leather jacket to us anytime and we would delete your name from the roll."
"Those who didn't, it means you accomplished using it. That we would gladly replace with a new one. 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."
"That's why we have the Bible and Constitution as our guide and standard. And of course, the man right in the picture represents the immense power and dominion he has all over us. That after getting a 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?"
"Sir, yes Sir" cracked again in the four corners of the initiating room.
"That should be clear by now. And our parting shot:" what you hear is leave it here or. . . . Yes, recant or sing it out loud 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 men using that needle would already be enough doing the job for you."
"Am I clear!"
"Sir, yes Sir!" roared anew.
. . . . . . . . . .
Part two started after the initiation.
"Seem we would be having fattening project down here," Taklin said elatedly.
"As you wish. Not all the time. It's just our way of invoking God's grace for you guys hope to pass on your stomach full of stuff needed while you're there in the PMA.'
Reaching for a family portrait atop the divider he said, "This is Tina, my daughter' the second one on the right is Liza, the youngest. Edwin and Roque are in Manila preparing for the incoming semester where both are studying at the University of the Philippines," the Captain said introducing his family to the group.
Melba, Estrada's ever-loving wife was still in the kitchen cooking some more menus.
"Feel at home guys. Don't be ashamed. We both started from scratch you know. Good that our patience paid off. She teaches at St. Louie University handling mathematics and chemistry subjects."
"Quiet tough subjects…." Marjan, other Pleb cleared.
"Yap. 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 a calculator...."
"How was your night if I may digress a bit from our topic?"
"Oh, definitely I had a very comfortable stay at Teacher's Camp. How I wish I could stay there longer," the other shared.
"And what prompted you to enter PMA if I may ask," Capt. interjected with reservation.
"Service. Protection of our peoples' rights," the third young man answered.
"What else?"
"Unfortunately, I couldn't think of any significant idea than preserving democracy,
vanguard of peace," the fourth suggested.
"Any enlistment to any war zones in Mindanao later.... "the host ventured as a reality check.
"By all means yes if it means testing my loyalty and bravery of my calling.
Serving the people, and defending their cause against enemies of various forms is for me an honorable act similar maybe to the priesthood. What do you think," Taklin said taking his turn and asking the question from his host?
"More than priesthood, I guess. The priest merely dispenses the seven sacraments. That as far as I know the center of their activity was to become an alter Christos' to redeem man's soul from sin. But that of the soldier protects his very life. In a sense his function lords over 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 stomachs hardly listen.
"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."
"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.
"No and never. Maybe there would be more spiritual growth coming to your soul. So welcome to the club kid. You opted for a 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.
"Reaching a souvenir picture on the cabinet, he offered it for Taklin to see."
"Check if you're familiar with the people in the picture."
"Sorry, but I could only identify two – you and Mr. Ludimer."
"Good grief kid. Anything more."
"Mr. Mirang on your right!" Taklin exclaimed looking into the familiar figure of the picture.
Taklin couldn't find any other familiar faces among the one dozen sturdy athletic build members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. 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 the darkness inside the tunnel.
"Wolves in action!" Marjun sighed.
"That's Mt. Sungcal down in the South. We captured that in one of our offensive sprees a few years back after we graduated from PMA. What a heck baptizing our ranks of capture possible."
"All members of the RSM."
"Our initiation in fact," the Capt. answered sending chills down his spine of Taklin.
"And what you've got inside?"
"It might surprise you 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."
"For conspiracy against the government?"Capt. Estrada nodded.
"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 the colors of their skin. It just doesn't make any sense you know separating Mindanao from Luzon and Visayas from Mindanao or Cordillera from Luzon. What would happen to our country given this penchant for secession from wayward Filipino brothers? Any idea, what do you think?"
"Sense of history,"
"What do you mean?"
"Muslims have never been conquered. They have fought tooth and nail against the colonizers – Spaniards, Japanese, and Americans for many decades ...."
"But did we, Filipinos, ever chase them away."
"No and not of course."
"But we are not respecting them. Maybe it's no wonder why they would like to have Mindanao partitioned or have some areas established as their sub-states."
"What do you exactly mean of 'not respecting them?"
"Have you ever heard a certain Sharif Makdum or Raja Baguinda...?"
"The Captain waited for Taklin's elaboration.
"Name sounds familiars but beyond that, I can't figure out their roles among Muslims in the country's history."
"He was once a Muslim scholar of the nearly Pre-Spanish Era. He was responsible for the early spread of Islam throughout the country. One historian claimed that had Magellan come two hundred years later than he did in 1521, the Philippines would have been converted entirely into an Islamic country."
"Maybe. Anyway, it just really doesn't make any sense to call the Philippines the only Christian nation in Asia. Islam had been ahead of us so to speak. You see how rhetoric would sometimes explain the issue away."
The Captain acknowledged Taklin's relevance with cheerful bottoms up wiping away some beer bubbles sticking on his mustache.
"But there is another strong argument heavier than that kid. Knows cockfight for sure?"
Taklin nodded.
"Christians and Filipino Muslims are like just two cocks fitted against each other by whom? Two unseen strong arms."
"Whose arms?" all young men almost begging the question indicating their innocence of the subject.
"That would be your assignment. Be sure you conduct some research and find out if what I mean is wrong."
Taklin was stunned by the sentiments of his accommodating host. But it helps him at least clarify some doubts about having very scant knowledge about the complexity of the country's rebellion.
Looking at the empty bottles in the plastic beer case, he noticed that they have consumed four Beer Grande cases that fast. He has not consumed that much before. But he is far from giving up specially that Capt. Estrada gave him very revealing unsolicited in-puts.
"You smoke?"
"No thanks. I can manage myself not smoking unless there are mosquitoes in this room."
"Not that I know of unless they would die frozen unto death by Baguio's freezing weather."
Brief laughter ensued. Capt. Estrada continues gulping some more beer through an attractive beer mug.
"Hey, guys. That's the irony of all ironies among us Filipinos you know," the host said calculating his words to drive home a significant point.
"We don't have any sense of history. We easily forget that we are only part of that history. How could we afford to destroy it when we are all passing mortals only? We don't own these 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's familiar maxim strengthening their belief? Many more challenging thoughts were dished out seemingly engrossed and high on beer's spirit.
Taklin smiled while Capt. Estrada peered through his eyes.
"Look what happens to Sabah and probably Spratly islands' issue. Our government has been trying to have these islands retrieved by sending some of our troops there to have our presence felt by our neighboring countries to grab these territories. You see we've got what it takes to add more territories to our Archipelago as these islands have been part of our territories based on nautical miles. But look what's happening to many Juan de la Cruzes in this country. They are also busy cutting each other's throats, squeezing each other's necks – all for possible partition of our only country sort of gerrymandering. It's a big, big shame. Isn't it?"
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.
"And Jabiddah Massacre. . . "
"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 Sabah would have been huge earning the ire of neighboring countries harassing us for such ambitious transgression."
"A problem of insincerity on government."
"I think so. That's what I mean when I said that we should learn how to play roles. If we could not, what a tragedy. Any effort toward reconciliation, peace whatever would just die their natural death. Who suffered most anyway,"
"Naturally, the people themselves. What a waste of our resources."
The group remained unperturbed.
"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."
"Problem is that we always make an 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 a 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 down at local government destroying the valid political system."
"What about what's going on in the country today given Martial Law not serving its purpose?"
"Precisely, that's what I said. Praxis. It is a challenge addressed to each Filipino. A challenge mustering enough strength to have democracy working for good. For now, I don't like to pre-empt the implications 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."
"Very lucid treatise," Taklin complimented.
"Am happy about 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 and translated into success. 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."
"What sample of the price you mean ....'
"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."
Reminiscing on their exploit and consequently capturing the camp of the tunnel, he exposed: "I forgot about it. But you should know the circumstances of how it was discovered."
"We were having our tour of duty that day in the enemy's 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 saw my men in fatigue nearby, and crawled back like a crab safely into the tunnel. Of course, my CO did not believe 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 like a shooting star adding the thin air in the dark. There were four of us alerted to 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 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 an 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 openings around the area. It's good that the reinforcements Col. Ludimer requested earlier arrived on time otherwise casualties on our part would have been unnumbered."
"What you've got inside?"
"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 a discovery if not in a forest yet. I couldn't think of any."
"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!
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 a tunnel.
"Looks like a movie,"
"Perfectly directed,'
"What happened later, especially with the coming of the reinforcements?" Taklin probed.
"We cut their radar and shut down their communication networks. That's the most decisive act done by our battalion through the great majority were left on their posts. Otherwise, we would have been overrun and annihilated from the face of this earth with their 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.
"You're right," complimented Taklin remembering Sun Tzu's The Art of War.
"But that was the only one side of the coin. Unexpectedly like an outburst of lighting our companion received their dose of medicine on our way back home after that conquer of Mt. Sungcal," he lamented his voice gradually losing its resonance. Reaching for the picture from the table he pointed to the faces of his companions blasted to death beyond recognition by huge land mines.
A brief silence ensued; the revelation sinking inside the group's heart leaving his face pale not anticipating said exploit would have its tragic end.
"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.
"I think so. Precisely we would like to have the ideals of RSM sustained and propagated and passed on to the younger generations to give security for the next generation. We fervently hope they would follow suit. I regret that incident but what could we do. Death is the bridegroom of any military soldier. Any call of duty sends chills down our spine. No doubt yes putting the future of our respective families on the sideline because of the oath of allegiance we vow to perform. But ours is not our own true family. The people in general whom we serve are. Freedom and security mean so much to us men in uniform. That in effect belonging to one great big family."
"Country first above all things. This what you mean?"
"You're right. The primacy of the country and immediacy of time first before ourselves or we would be nothing but nuts."
"Tragic drama but real."
"Very true especially breaking the news to the relatives, wives, sons, fathers, mothers, and daughters of the casualties. Until now still deputized doing such work is not only a heart-rending job but also highly emotionally-charged tough job."
"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."
"Not outright only after draining emotional and psychological barriers 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."
"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 a loss of their true identity save their nametag 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."
"What would they see or get anyway from the dismembered bodies. Nothing but foul odor. You know human flesh is such a terrible smell worse 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 to the incident.
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.
Staring straight at Captain's eyes wondering, he shook his head signifying his innocence but whispered, "Meaning?" Taklin snapped back.
"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?"
"Yes we do," the young men collectively agreed.
"The bigger one that could accumulate gallons of gasoline?"
The visitor nodded approvingly.
"Bingo.
It's as big as that. Imagine land mines that size blowing right before your faces. Three containers erupted that time whose shrapnel rendered our bodies a complete bloody mess. Those who survived were airlifted to Gen. Luna Hospital in Manila. Casualties were retrieved back for proper burial by respective families."
"Are those landmines manufactured right inside the tunnel?"
"And some other equally deadly ammunitions, why not given the sophistication of their laboratories."
"How many land mines are buried at Mt. Sungcal and vicinities?"
"More than a 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 of 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 land. Call them as necessary evils ...."
"No, they are not," Taklin for the first time protested.
"Maybe as sacrificial lambs to the stupidity of war. Millions of Jews suffered similar atrocities at the gas chamber perpetrated 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 Holocaust, one of the best pieces of literature there is showing the barbarity of Hitler and shows that Jews were the real targets. Of course, there's the Diary of Anne Frank recording the personal account of Anne Frank and what's happening around while she holed in their house ceiling for safety. There producing her classic work how Herr Hitler's evil reign looks like then."
"Good kid but remember this. They were waging war against another race. Aryan versus Semitic race. Ours is the country is a fight between two people of the same race, blood, probably the same faith at the same nation. We must remember that important distinction."
"I'm afraid we might have mixed up the presentation of events this evening Just consider further this. War always follows a familiar pattern i.e. vanquishing the enemy at the expense of civilians. That makes war a very dirty business. You would notice for instance the percentage of civilian casualties increasing dramatically since World War I from merely fifteen percent to thirty-five and later skyrocketed to eight-five percent during World War II."
Taklin appreciated the statistics of the Captain notwithstanding rough estimate awakening that essentially, it's the truth that suffers most as the first real casualty.
"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?"
"Shall we just leave to them the task of protecting themselves? That would invite further excesses – vigilantism and eradicating due process of law. "
"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 gas chambers."
"How would we know that Juan or Pedro is a criminal? Nobody saves for the Court. I repeat war of order and decency. That's what should come first. Unfortunately, we failed. Thus, the President declared Martial Law."
"Again, I may be military. But you see we need to be strict in administering the law. The contrary holds - 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 of those in authority who could be lenient. How far will it go, I repeat I could not tell."
"Not sure what's your take on the subject. What I can tell is understanding how benevolent dictatorship works is crucial. This gives the penchant again for Filipinos playing around with politics. Know what I mean?"
"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?"
"True enough and there, you got me kid. But it's more than that. One that knows what he's doing and what is best for the family. Taiwan, formerly Formosa had Generalissimo Chiang Kai Shek, Indonesia has Suharto, Cuba had Fidel Castro, and India had 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 need to trust the President. Never mind the personality. President is only a public face of the 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."
"What are we in power for if he could not legislate a better world so to speak," Taklin remarked.
"And if I may ask you. What if the President would go berserk and perpetuate himself in power using Martial Law as a pretext? We just don't know the possibilities?"
"An invitation to God punishing us… Civil war you know is the heaviest punishment a nation could have; Cardinal Sin would say."
"Civil strife, you probably mean?"
"What's in a word. People of the same race, blood, and country you said," Taklin challenged for the first time the host.
"You're correct and that is an apprehension of any God-fearing Christian today."
By now all six beer Jumbo were consumed. But there's no indication that the exchange of pleasantries is far from over. The host requested a break.
When he came back, he brought with him a bottle of Gilbey's gin and lime juice.
"This would be an excellent clincher,"
The group fidgeted that they had already their fill and that they have consumed more than enough.
"Have you reached your limit already guys?"
"Not yet. Maybe nearing," they lied wanting to extract more information about military life from their generous host.
"Want some more stories about us in the field?"
"You see what I've shared with 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."
"Like what?"
"War of the Flea."
The gullible visitors remained glued to the talk of their newfound friend and mentor now professor extraordinaire in full throttle revealing the anatomy of the Civil War.
"Are you familiar with Vietnam War?"
"Not much," Taklin answered despite the considerable readings he had on the subject.
"The complexity of the war in Vietnam is also happening right in our country. The only difference is that Uncle Sam is seemingly directing the traffic backstage. And this I don't like honestly. Lest I would be misconstrued as a spectator. I'd like you to know how the Americans worked. Look at our yearly budget. Does each department get the lion's share? And where do you think this money was taken from? US military aid, rental of their naval facilities, military bases agreement, and all that. Oh, the list is long. You could provide your guests 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, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and our very own, the Philippines. It's quite amazing. But look how they would qualify their involvement in the political affairs of these countries."
"Manifest destiny and Benevolent Assimilation,"
"Bull's eye kids. But what made them think they are superior to fairly skinned Orientals like Filipinos.
Good to them that they tested the dose of their own medicine. Do you know how many casualties were involved? One source said that of eight hundred thousand conscripted to war, half died. North Viet men of course suffered heavy losses but if law proportion is used, the Americans suffered more in numbers."
"I recall a photograph lately from Time Magazine showing Vietnamese children running scared to death from the napalm strike of the Americans. Imagine innocent lives threatened with extinction. How fortunate that picture painting a thousand words. So stunning telling us the grim reminder of another side of war."
"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 to any other military strategy conceived by the Americans."
"Featuring guerilla sniping."
"You're right. Where does that leave us and what's the bottom line? I think it indicates how hard and useless killing an idea is. Right in our country, the commies have the upper hand. A commie killed would have several other commies' replacements 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 that long. You would gradually fall because it's human nature to cling to that which is good. Solzhenitsyn's Gulag Archipelago shows us how and why. The only way you can defeat an idea is to change it with a better idea."
"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 the insurgency problem. For all, we know the monkeys in the hinterlands might have better ideas than us if not the best. You see how could we ever condone the importance of free-market ideas given the presence of sensitive issues like peace and order situation, land reform, and what have you."
"And that's where the real battle should start," Taklin snapped.
"And speaking who controls the nation 's economy for instance."
"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.
"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."
"But isn't it that we have Protocol I protecting innocent civilians with no less than our country one of its signatories of that document in Geneva?"
"But that is in paper only guys. All in war again you see is deception. As we clarified, truth becomes always its first casualty. Where do all these things leave us.?"
"Square one."
"Right guys. If only we practice what we probably mean then by all means ours could be the most peaceful place in 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."
"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."
"Whatever happened to our religious faith? That is another irony. We profess to be Christian but practice Devil's teaching.
No wonder Gandhi once 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."
"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 under normal circumstances. I'm not speaking of brutality raising arms against the constituted authorities at the slightest provocation and or making the people believe in 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."
"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."
"That's why we have people like Maj. Ludimer, me, and the rest in RSM. If there would be 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."
"These are what the commies are famous of. Explaining the issues away using rhetoric. Sounding like a song sung all over again, but we will defend. That is what we in the Reformed Society Movement stand for. And we will do it to the last drop of our blood," Capt. Estrada said leaving his young visitors stunned.
"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 of, it is no other than your fear itself. But you can conquer that by first licking it yourselves. It's all in the mind, you know."
"Excuse us Capt. but no. Neither our enthusiasm was dampened by your bright ideas nor our will subjugated by the dangers implied by 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.
"Well just cross the bridge once you get there," the other cleared facing reality without any illusion of where the journey would lead him.
"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. I do hope you could have your hands full when you are with us. Thanks again indeed," he said bowing his head as a sign of respect and admiration for visitors.
"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.
"Beware and don't give all your trust to the commies. We owe nothing to these faceless individuals feeding on the industry of others."
The group just glued himself to Capt. Estrada who might be on his last treatise on the Commies.
"And the people just love them too anyway. Isn't it high time to clear the issue? In the first place, these people are leftists, communists, pretenders, and 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 is on top of extortion. Excuse me that's direct corruption at the highest level."
"Ergo, beware of 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 to eat your palm not just foods offered to them," Capt. Estrada emphasized his voice getting slower and eyes directly fixing his gaze on Taklin.
"Let's go around Makati, the financial capital of the country as it seems it has the semblance of socialist RP," he continued.
"Makati'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 these necessities in life."
"In sum, full enjoyment from all 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!
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 and possibly beyond if the various result of surveys is to be believed. Well said but whatever happens to its status now. Why allow political dynasty to thrive?
"They must increase the revenue first as a precondition for the realization of that ambitious but highly probable State of Socialist RP dream. Or the vision would simply die its natural death remaining a dream in TV only, "the Captain emphasized.
"Feasible. Yes, and why not. But not when you compare the status of first-class and highly urbanized Makati where their City Hall alone, twenty-eight story buildings tall with all amenities can afford to subsidize 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."
"The President could even hold his office there should he wishes instead of Arlegui Mansion which is yet to be exorcised away of evil inhabiting the mansion for many decades."
"What more when you go down to some depressed provinces and municipalities buildings unfinished yet. Why and where has all the taxpayers' money gone? A feudal system existing and people not giving a damn to it is contributing factor. Leaving their fate to their masters running the affairs of government, soon woke 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 a new set of elected officers take the reign of power perpetuating the vicious cycle of building their own Municipal Halls one after the other. The reason is that there's an unending construction of many Municipal Hall buildings in some areas. Noted of such glaring corrupt practices are those in Muslim provinces explaining the repeated emergence of graft and corruption. Explainable too that many of these provinces are featured as poorest among Philippine provinces in a row."
"There ensued the problem. A socialized or collective way of addressing peoples' concerns is simply doable. But that's precisely the problem. Makati is Makati probably because its residents from different villages are merely waiting for its windfall trickling in."
"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.
"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 Makati."
"Where then would we draw the line?" Taklin ventured to raise the question.
"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 seats of power from the legislative, judiciary and administrative rolled into one exercised by Village Captain as Chairman."
"When all its resources are tapped it will be more than enough to address the basic services for its people. With a clear-cut Village Development Plan collectively formulated with utmost participation of its people increasing its revenue not just relying on the national government's IRA, everything is simply possible.
That's the real Makati. Go back to it if you lost your way because where your heart is, there's your happiness also."
"I know some countries carrying the load
and enjoying the burden of its people providing them all amenities and handsome salaries and benefits among its employees to boot. Taiwan for instance answers its people's needs from head to foot through association. Similarly, oil-rich countries of the Middle East dish out a regular share of allowance to their 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."
"Ergo, socialist RP? Hello there! Yes, but only in Makati 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."
A brief silence ensued. Getting back the picture of Mt. Sungcal earlier presented, the Capt, whispered. "That has been the camp of Muslim Rebellion until overran by the government troopers and later abandoned becoming rebels new haven again," the Captain whispered.
"And here's the catch – one or two among you might be sent there on a military operation to secure the area from the reds," his parting shot the Plebs looking at each other wondering who among them might be conscripted for that mission.
Reeling from last night's initial bout with Capt. Estrada, Taklin took his shower to clear his head from his hangover.
"What a night it has been?", Taklin thought still trapped by the wisdom of the Captain last night. Sipping his coffee downstairs, he felt needed rest. Hurriedly, he went upstairs after breakfast. On his bed, he sorted inputs learned by putting them in proper perspective. Capt Estrada's mention of war zones where the real battle is to continue licking his thought provides a direct contrast to his ambition. Like devil's advocate, it makes him uncomfortable.
"You still have enough time to decide for yourself whether you have to proceed or withdraw," said his alter ego.
It's an easy trap to fall into and difficult to get rid of.
So far, he believed his aim in life is legitimate any dreamer dares to weave as all are. No illusion there or he would fail, he reminded himself.
The thought of Capt. Estrada and Col. Ludimer inspired him. A few more minutes, he was snoring soundly carried away by the beauty of last night's meeting with Capt. Estrada.
Outside the sun gradually cleared the dews atop pine trees. Its rays penetrating minute cylindrical liquid slipping down eventually dropped to the ground. The reflection creating rainbows in the background so enthralled him with awe and wonder.
"What a beautiful scene to behold as countless liquid crystal balls glistening from the reflection of the sun ushered another new dawn of the day?", he was amazed.
. . . . . . . . . . . . .