Emil Jacinto was just about to get a ride after his class. His meeting the last week kept him pondering on what to do next. He hoped that he will be able to have enough time to finish his 2 term papers and get a head start on his thesis. The cardboard sign he wore around his neck he no longer carried since he walked from Diliman to Cubao the other day. He was drenched to the bone when classes were suspended during mid-day. It was really hard getting a ride and so he walked to Cubao and rode a jeepney going to Rosario, Pasig. He heard that EDSA was at a standstill and he saw during his walk that EDSA was indeed one huge parking lot. His cardboard sign was soaked and was turned into pulp by the time he reached Cubao. Such was his lot he told himself. He sent an sms to his mother that he will be late coming home and told of his travails. His mother was already preparing dinner and told him it would be Almondegas.
At the corner of EDSA and East Avenue, he saw his ROTC upperclassman. Greggy del Pilar was popular on campus. Although, Emil thought of the hardships at the ROTC COCC he underwent under Greggy. Given the circumstances, Greggy smiled and told him to come over. He told Emil that since they were walking and already wet from the rain, Greggy would treat him at the nearby lugawan when they reach Kamuning.
“Emil, lugaw tayo, treat kita.” Greggy said. Greggy was from Cainta, Rizal and he hoped to get a ride in Cubao too. “Hirap talaga ng sitwasyon natin. Akala ko mawawala na itong trapik after ng bagong president. Same old shit.”. Emil was not wary. He knows of the political stance of Greggy but he did not disclose that he was already in contact with those who opposed the new administration. Greggy respected Emil since he saw Emil as a fellow traveler and part of the Corps of Cadets. Greggy was also one of the bright stars in the university.
Emil and Greggy walked all the way to Cubao. In that one experience, they talked about a lot of things going on around. Although Greggy was the more martial of the two, Greggy respected Emil’s concerns with regards to threats to freedom and human rights. “Akala ko nga OK na tayo eh. Kaya nga ako nag Advance ROTC para magkaroon ng training on how to protect the motherland if needed.” “Mukhang sa iba ko magagamit” Greggy disclosed. “Bahala na” Emil retorted.
When they got a ride at Cubao, Emil said “sa tingin mo, magiging malala pa kaya?”. Greggy smiled and said”di ko rn alam, mas matanda lang ako sa iyo ng isang taon, bakit ako tinanatanong mo?” and then the smiled turned into a laugh. “Sa kwento ng mga tito at tita ko, mas mahirap yung naranasan nila nung panahon ni Marcos”. “Pero walang makasagot bakit pinayagan ng ilang taon na mag Martial Law?” Emil just mulled over the answer and then “Sa tingin ko di ako papayag na tumagal ang ganung sitwasyon, iba na panahon ngayon. Mas madali na communications dahil sa technology.” Emil said. Greggy then answered “technology din ang ginamit ng mga nag elect sa gobyerno ngayon” “mukhang mahihirapan this time around.” Iyan yung nasabi sa akin nung isa kong ka chat sa fb na nakaranas din ng Martial Law” “Minsan talaga di ko malaman kung seryoso o talagang may katok sa ulo yung si Budoy.”. Emil again pondered on that since he also heard that from Apol Mabini.
Upon reaching Rosario, Emil got off. It was then that there was a crowd milling near Dr. Sixto Antonio avenue where he will get a ride going to Pasig. He had a classmate there and he saw Rollie. “Umabot na dito talaga” Rollie said. There was a man lying on a pool of blood. Rollie said, “kilala ko yan, kapatid ni Bukol yan.” Emil was about to ask when Rollie continued “Riding in tandem. Hindi talaga bubuhayin eh. Pito ang tama.” Emil felt a shiver, not because he was still wet but a coldness born out of terror and fear. Walking home, he asked himself what can be done? It was not like all of this was a secret. It was being done in plain sight. Even official statistics have shown that close to 3,000 have already died. It was as if the whole country was giving in to bloodlust. Something must be done. He would try to chat about it with Andy Bonifacio.
He was online when he got home. Emil transmitted the picture via PM to Andy. Andy just told him, we are still organizing but it is good that this is documented. Do not post this on your timeline nor write about this in your blog. “We are going underground” Andy said. Emil just had this far away look. The Almondegas warmed his belly but not his heart.
