To the Fallen

The Philippine flag raised at half-mast at the headquarters of the
Philippine Rice Research Institute,
during the National Day of Mourning for the fallen 44.

This is for the fallen
in the raging fields of battle
where bullets whizzed, bombs exploded.

Let this banner wave in broad daylight
even in the dark of night
and speak of grief and a resolve to fight.

This is for the fallen warriors
who bravely fought for their nation
this is for you, our solemn salutation.

*******

It's been almost two long months since 44 men of the PNP-SAF were senselessly killed during that dreadful encounter in Mamasapano in Maguindanao. For all it was worth, the days following the massacre showed only the dark side of politics in this country. It revealed the weaknesses of our bureaucracy, or what's left of it. It again shed to the public light the in-accountability of our public officials and the impunity of those responsible.

One cannot contain the anger and the rage upon what is happening in the nation today. It is regretful that this administration can't seem to get away with the traditional blame-game. Could it be true that we have really lost our sense of shame, our sense of accountability, our sense of country?

I hope that the 44 deaths will be enough to purge this country, and bring our people back to their senses.

Long live, warriors!