Maguindanao Massacre

As we celebrate our Christmas eve, we have texted our relatives and have our greetings. This might not be the best Christmas eve but may be the luckiest of all.

We had a phone call from our uncle, a Philippine Army, all the way from Cotabato City or Davao City.. I'm guessing... We had our hi's and hello's and Merry Christmases. Then he relate his story about the tragedy...

Few weeks ago, his youngest boy who were baptist and welcomed to the Christian world here in Iligan City at our grandparents place. We were lucky enough to have visited, but not witnessed since we arrived later that night, and gathered at the same time. On the other hand, the Ampatuan started to planned their ambush with the Mangudadatu. If my uncle's family weren't here in Iligan City, he should be part of the plan of the ambush since he was one of the private army of Ampatuan.

They were worried to have lapse the given leave of absence since they were allowed to have it for 2 weeks. We enjoyed their company, going to beaches and other stuffs coz at the same time, that was when the fiesta came from my grandparents place. And they already overstayed. My uncle's wife were worried that my uncle might be kicked out from the private army and its a big loss because the Ampatuan pays very well.

My uncle wasn't satisfied with his vacation here, he then decided to go to Bukidnon and visited my Auntie(His older sister, who didn't made up to the baptismal). He stayed there for more or less 2 weeks which made his leave for a month which for sure he will be fired from the private army. His wife was furious about it and would plan to ask for second chance from the Ampatuan first thing to do right after they came back.

And when they finally arrived in their place at Cotabato City, something came up. Their son got sick. The child got severe UTI that needs to undergo an operation. They have sent him to davao and admitted to one of the hospital there. Instead of asking for apologize and started to work as a private army, my uncle stayed with his wife and his kids because of what happen.

Days after the Maguindanao Massacre happen and everyone is shocked. He wasn't informed back then not until the tragedy had done which frightened most of the Filipinos and much more for the army who has been part of the ambush.

All the army who were part of the tragedy will be sent to Manila and be given by the government a good way to start. All those that had surrendered to the government. And my uncle too.

Many things happen for a reason. I'm sure about it. And I'm glad my Uncle is at safe place with no burden in his heart to take for his lifetime, not to mention he was an army for more than 10 years now and has served our country with great courage and honor.

Despite of what happen, I give my salute to my uncle and to the Philippine Army.