Peace-loving town in a blast
As far as I know, the towns in Bohol and Leyte, especially their outskirts, have people who are peace-loving. Simple living makes them exist in a relatively serene manner. Though there are some domestic concerns, these are part of a spirited communal life. I can say this because for several occasions in the past that I have visited Anda, Bohol, which is a two- to three-hour ride from its lone city. In Leyte, I have also visited the towns of Sogod and Hilongos for quite a number of times.
As we are about to end the year and welcome a new year, we have this belief that ending and welcoming a year with a blast makes sense. This means driving away bad spirits and welcoming the year with so much enthusiasm and positivity. And we could also regard it as driving away the bad elements first before accommodating something positive and optimistic. And so as a matter of practice, we use anything that creates noise. And the louder it is, the merrier and better it would be. But there are noisy circumstances that would bring danger to people’s lives and properties.
The townspeople were watching the boxing bout which for us serves already as a form of entertainment, especially in rural areas as part of the annual town fiesta celebration. They gathered in the plaza and as expected, such event would draw a bigger crown because this was not something usual for them. And imagine in the middle of their intense attention to the event, they were practically clueless of the danger waiting to happen. And so the blasts! The blasts caused injuries to the innocent spectators, including some children.
The incident was and for any incident with no apparent objective is really meant to sow fear among people. This is not the work of people whose hearts are filled with love and peace, as victims are innocent themselves. They were just there to witness and be entertained.
At least for this year, the recent incident in Leyte is not alone. Just few months ago, in Davao, a blast killed 14 people and left 67 others injured. This indeed shows that such an incident may strike when and where we least expect it.
Noteworthy is that the bombing took place just two days before the anniversary of the execution of our national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal. Back in 1896, his execution at Bagumbayan (present-day Rizal Park) in Manila, explosions from the guns ended his life, a life that had been devoted for peaceful resolution. His martyrdom symbolizes his great love for country, the reason he gave up his life. Such death serves as inspiration for his generation and thereafter. His death has profound reason and significance because of his well-defined vision for the country while if one would just sow fear to others that would lead to senseless deaths, then it would be a big disgrace to the humanity.
It was also a perfect coincidence that on that fateful night, we celebrated the Holy Innocents Day, which we commemorated the massacre of male children at Bethlehem by King Herod’s order. These children are considered martyrs, saints of God, by the Church.
It was a night that is supposed to be for entertainment, breaking the monotony of trouble-free rural life, but turned out to be a nightmare that nobody wanted to happen again. For a probinsyano who just wants to stay a few couple of hours before calling it a day, it would take awhile for a terrifying dust to settle down. One thing is certain: They are now apprehensive and extra cautious of occasions where people converge. Due diligence must be exercised. It is likewise posting a challenge for the local police to regain the reliance of the people to a secured normal living.
For our brothers and sisters in Hilongos, Leyte, the New Year may not be as happy as you want to but rest assured you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
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