OUT OF BONDAGE

Hide, walk a little more, heavy baggage stuffed at the back, then hide again, or take cover, as they say, when the sounds of mortals land. Boom! Then another boom, then another one. The huge rock protected us in a way from the danger of hitting by any shrapnel. We hid once more, waiting AND HOPING THE fight is over.

AS soon as the last drop of bomb exploded i saw my mom whimpering in pain. She almost fainted seeing blood gushing out from her poplitial area. She was hit by the shrapnel accordingly.

Good heaven it was just a minor injury. Nevertheless it panicked us praying so hard as we brought her to a nearby hospital. The wound soon healed as the medics treated it promptly.

In reflection, i could not understand why we have to run and hide. They say the miliatry wanted to clear out the rebels from disturbing the tranquility of the area. It's like a paradox, from up above we're seeing beautiful and scenic village in sulu province but haunted by the unending rebellious attacks. It seemed to me most people are boorish, very unappreciative of the richness of the nature, God-given treasure.

It's tough, a tall order for the people in Mindanao to achieve lasting peace. It still elusive as the island, the 22nd biggest in the world, struggles to move forward. My heart sinks as they continue to waste lives because of contradicting political views (or personal interest?).

I believe there are so many issues to be solved. Could the spirit of democracy weave a golden solution for the entire people? I hope we will not look back and blame each other over and over again. We pray for a very lasting, sustainable, peaceful Mindanao.

And we hope we will never have another mom to be hurt along.