Since then, I cannot stare at the perpetually murky Cagayan River without slipping into a 'spaced-out' episode.
EXACTLY one year ago today, Philippine Daily Inquirer contributor and NUJP Mindanao Media Safety coordinator JB Deveza, Philippine Star correspondent Jigger Jerusalem and I were busy preparing for a dialogue--between the top brasses of the Police Regional Office (PRO 10) and Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (COCPO) and officers and some members of NUJP-CGY chapter and Cagayan de Oro Press Club (COPC).
Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Antonio Ledesma, SJ arbitrated while the Social Action Center of the archdiocese's Peace & Justice Program, headed by Rev. Fr. Nathaniel Lerio, co-convened the 'peace talks' to address the mounting tension on account of the 'wanting' investigation behind the shooting of Bombo Radyo chief of reporters James Michael "Dacuycuy" Licuanan. It can be recalled that suspects riding in tandem shot Bombo James while in transit on November 24, last year--only a day after the first commemoration of the International Day to End Impunity and second anniversary of Ampatuan Massacre.
We left the dialogue contented with the mutual understanding and respect reached. Albeit, worried with the sporadic yet continues drizzle that had been pouring for the last five hours that afternoon.
Then, deep into that fateful night's slumber, Sendong unleashed what could only be likened to a Kraken growling in pain and malice.
Since then, I cannot stare at the perpetually murky Cagayan River without slipping into a 'spaced-out' episode.
I can still remember--with clarity and vividness like it was a week-old-- the wailing of Kagay-anons as Sendong wrecked and flooded most parts of the city, especially among those living on sand bars and river deltas.
Shall we learn from our mistakes and move on to a progressive and united people or shall we let our harrowing experience further our divide and doom?
Our collective consciousness showed us how an ill-prepared local government be inept in enforcing the disaster risk reduction concept. It showed us bodies of flood fatalities dumped in the city dumpster--open to all the elements. It showed us how the rat-race for the perpetuation of long-held powers take center stage instead of their sworn duty of public service.
And Kagay-anons deserve nothing less. Her people deserves the most progressive, transparent and accountable local governance in the ambit of genuine democratic space and public discourse.
That is also why we witnessed her people rose to the occasion.
It showed us what camaraderie, mutual respect and solidarity could achieve amid massive tribulation and panic.
It showed us ambulant vendors giving out their wares instead of plying it to the calamity-striken communities. It showed us neighbors work hand-in-hand in the spirit of voluntarism.
It showed us our weaknesses and strengths. It showed that we can most certainly move on.
It taught us and gave us the collective will to survive. Do it or die.
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