An Ode to my Fellow Warriors of the Word

One of the painful reminders of Life is simply, death.

When you are born, that starts your long road to this singularity. A singularity that marks you an exact time when your entire body exits this realm and if there is another Consciousness, that one enters an alternate State.

Last year marked the painful departure of some of my fellow journalists. Jules Fortuna of Manila Times, Joe Cap, Nelly Sindayen, Alecks Pabico, Noel Cabrera, Pompeyo Navarro and about 30 members of the Philippine media who fell victim to the brutality of the Ampatuans were just some of the luminaries who already crossed the physical rubicon.

These people were warriors, keepers of the Old Flame, winged messengers of salutations and of woe. Some died due to old age, others succumbed to illness while most fell victim to violence. The UN says the Philippines occupies the top spot when it comes to human rights violations. In fact, the Philippines ranks as the most dangerous place for journalists.

Credit that to a society who professes faith and adherence to democracy but promotes a culture of wanton violence.

Credit that to a government who mouths respect for human rights but allows armed groups to roam around and kill, abduct and rape people whom government is supposed to protect.

And shame on the people who allow themselves to be violated, to be prostituted and to be oppressed by a government whose legitimacy remains suspect.

Those who fell by the wayside, know this—God always dispenses justice. God is a god who loves His people. The time will definitely come when Change will reign and peace and love will infect all peoples.

To my fellow Warriors of the Word–let your legacies continue to the next generation.