The dad of a good friend of mine was shot dead earlier today. He just finished his morning work in his radio station and momentarily dropped by a thrift store to buy sandals for his youngest daughter. It was when a shot was heard. The next thing the bystanders saw was his body already soaked in blood with a gunshot in his head. He was dead on the spot.
The local police managed to arrest the shooter on time and sent him to jail.
Today, another form of senseless killing was reported. But, this time, it hurts because it was the dad of a good friend of mine.
_________________
As far as I remember, I only encountered and interacted with Tito Gerry twice. The first was when his daughter, Mika, and I were still staying in our condo in Katipunan. I was on my third year and Mika was about to graduate. At that time, he was looking at Mika’s graduation pictures and he was either saying “Kamukha ko ang anak ko, oh!” or “Baket naman ganito itsura mo, Mika?”. I could tell at that time that he was a man of humor, but, by the way he stood, I could also tell that he can also command respect from the people around him. He was light to be with.
Tito Gerry came alive for me whenever Mika would tell stories about him. Usually, she would tell me how crazy her dad was, always telling jokes and making fun of her. She also mentioned that her dad had different jobs which are more or less unrelated with each other: veterinarian, community organizer, radio commentator, environmentalist, tourist guide. I bet Mika inherited Tito’s confidence and communications skills. It was pretty obvious.
The second time I met Tito Gerry was just last weekend, January 16, 2011. We went to where Mika’s community was, in Estero de Paco, Manila. Mika was working together with the River Warriors, volunteers who are fighting to make Pasig River alive again. It was 2 years after our first meeting. I hesitated at first if it was really Mika’s dad, but then she confirmed it was him.
His first story that day was when Mika, he and some friends went to a valley in Batangas, Banahaw, if I remember correctly. He was proudly sharing his experience of a simple life there, where you can just pick out some ferns, vegetables and fruits and eat them fresh; that houses there had no doors, showing that no one would try to steal your stuff; and how the water from the mountains looked crystal clear and tasted so great. I could see the enthusiasm in his eyes. I promised to myself, I need to go to this place someday in the future.
During the ride to Paco, Tito Gerry was just making jokes all the way, with some stories of the tourist spots in Palawan – and how he helped the residents there make use of Mother Nature to provide them with income. I could feel his passion for the people. It was in the way he told his stories – his eyes, his body language were in synch and shouts together with his feelings. Mika sounded like him when she’s really into what she’s doing.
When we were touring the banks of Estero de Paco, he was just a few steps ahead of me. I noticed how charismatic he was. He would almost greet everyone he encounters, commenting on their house, or on their food lunch, or how great they did in cleaning up the creek. The residents would nod smile back at him. Some even greeted them as “Mayor”.
During our processing session, he continued to rally the River Warriors. He congratulated them, as well as the other volunteers. He aided the discussion, provided some insights, suggested some solutions. He was all for the wellness of the residents.
But the best moment for me during that trip was when he texted Mika that he was very proud of her. I could feel his pride and his love for her. Mika is blessed with having a father like Tito Gerry.
_________________
In this short reminiscing, I could not help but notice one resonating theme. Tito Gerry has a good soul, glowing from inside out. And I could not help feel this. It was just so strong – his passion and dedication to what he was doing for the Palawenos. I was just truly stunned and inspired by him.
And just after a week, the news came.
A gunshot. A selfish act of managing a conflict.
I can’t blame the man ordered to do the fire. Maybe he had no choice. Maybe he needed money. But he should have still considered that the man he shot had a family too –maybe just like himself. That the man whom he decided to take life away from is a human too –maybe just like himself. He should have asked himself, would I want myself to be killed by someone, too?
And the mastermind. I’m not even sure if he still has a conscience, or even a soul for that matter. He selfishly, insanely played the role of God and decided with his narrow mind that he is all powerful to take away a life of a human being.
With all the unjust killings here left and right, I pray that Tito Gerry’s case won’t get closed without being resolved. It will just prove even more how the justice system rolls here in the Philippines– by money, money, and more money.
I hope the paragraph above isn’t the reason why good men die and why do the bad men get away.
To Tito Gerry, it was a blessing knowing you, even for a short period of time. Those two days will be cherished forever.
To Mika and her family, I pray for strength and courage for you. Mika, I’ll be here for you. If you need it, I’ll fight with you.
To God, we trust in You. With all our hearts lifted up, please, for the millionth time, make justice rule in our country. Justice for the people and not for the elite.
Your will be done (and I believe that Your will is for the best of everyone).
