SANTA ROSA, Laguna – Elements of the Philippine National Police have taken the remains of three suspected members of the revolutionary New People’s Army to Camp Vicente Lim, Calamba, Laguna, and are “shrugging off all requests by their families” to claim them, according to human rights group Karapatan Southern Tagalog.
On August 4, Deoscorro Cello, Rey Masinas, and Alex Perdiguerra were killed in an armed encounter in barangay San Antonio, Kalayaan, Laguna.
The families were informed that the remains were interred at Green Lawn Memorial Services in Calamba, August 5. Reveleen Cello, Deoscoro’s daughter, sought the assistance of Karapatan ST in retrieving the remains – the group arrived at Green Lawn on August 6.
When they arrived, no remains were found.
“The funeral home said that the police took the bodies again to bury them,” Reveleen said.
Green Lawn staff also informed them that police officers had the three remains go under autopsy, without the consent of any family member or relative.
According to Karapatan ST, the police threatened the attendants at Green Lawn to give them the remains of the three individuals, despite protests that Cello’s relatives were on the way. They assert that police cannot simply “take somebody’s remains without the express permission of family members, especially after an autopsy was done.”
“Are these people policemen or undertakers?” asked Kyle Salgado, Karapatan ST spokesperson. “Is Camp Vicente Lim now a cemetery?”
Reveleen and the humanitarian team from Karapatan ST went to Camp Vicente Lim to claim the remains. They were delayed for three hours before a man in civilian clothes claiming to be from the PNP Regional Mobile Force Battalion 4A spoke with them to confirm that Cello’s remains were inside the camp, along with Masinas’ and Perdiguerra’s.
Photo from Karapatan-Timog Katagalugan
“Instead of mourning for our loved ones, we feel spiteful at the police officers who are denying the remains of our loved ones,” said Reveleen. “We are seeking justice, not only for the brutality that the police inflicted upon them, but also for the continuing denial of justice.”
Karapatan ST stressed that “NPA or not, everybody has the right to a decent burial.” The group is currently calling on the Commission on Human Rights and other groups to investigate the matter.
The group also alleged that the reason why Cello’s remains are being held is because of a police assertion that he was a high-ranking officer in the NPA’s Melito Glor Command, with a P3.8 million bounty above his head.
Not new under Duterte
Karapatan ST stressed that this wasn’t a new ‘modus operandi’ for the PNP. Last February 5, the remains of two peasant activists, Emerito Pinza and Romy Candor, were found hastily buried under false names in a cemetery in Calamba. Like Cello, Masinas, and Pedriguerra, they were also killed by police officers in Kalayaan, Laguna.
The PNP insisted that Pinza and Candor were members of the NPA. They also released a statement that they assisted family members and relatives in burying them.
Karapatan ST debunked the statement, with Pinza’s wife flat-out stating that she had not seen her husband’s remains.
The truth came out when the remains of the two were found in mislabeled graves in a local Calamba cemetery.
Aside from the three individuals, the 2nd Infantry Division of the AFP also reported an alleged encounter in Kalayaan, during the late hours of April 7. Karapatan ST is also currently looking into the facts of the matter.
Karapatan ST insisted that these were violations of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL).
CARHRIHL is an agreement between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines which guarantees basic rights for combatants and non-combatants on both sides.
Under CARHRIHL, the right to decent burial is guaranteed. (Bulatlat.com)
Nagpaalala ang mga lokal na pamahalaan sa loob ng National Capital Region (NCR) o Metro Manila, na may 16 syudad at isang munisipalidad, sa curfew sa panahon nang muling pagpapaloob sa rehiyon sa modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) mula Abril 4-18. Lahat ng syudad sa Metro Manila ay may curfew na 8pm hanggang 5am, bukod […]
MANILA – As chief negotiator of the peace panel of a revolutionary movement, one might expect an overbearing figure. But the deluge of condolences and tributes and the exchanges of anecdotes online as they shed tears speaks of a man who deserted comfort in lieu of serving those who have least in life.
Fidel Agcaoili, chief negotiator of the peace panel of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, has been a constant figure in the Philippine movement for human rights and the pursuit of a just and lasting peace. Yet, over the years, he was able to maintain a self-effacing leadership.
On July 23, Fidel passed away due to pulmonary arterial rupture, which caused massive internal bleeding. His passing brought shock to those who loved and knew him, to his colleagues who cannot find the heart to look at the now empty chair where he would usually sit to have coffee, or those who will now forever have to wait in vain for their early birthday greetings, which he would send through Facebook at least three days in advance.
Yesterday, August 8, would have been his 76th birthday. Condolences and tributes poured anew.
Early years
Fidel came from a rather comfortable life. His father was an established lawyer in the Philippines. But this did not stop him from looking into the situation of those who have less in life.
As a political science student at the University of the Philippines, he joined the Student Cultural Association of UP (SCAUP). He was later introduced to Jose Maria Sison and Julie de Lima as he joined the Marxist study group that the former had formed. De Lima, in a video message, said they had access to the collection of Marxist books in the residence of an ambassador’s private library, which, at that time, posed danger to them as any possession of what the military considered as subversive was used as evidence for crimes against national security such as subversion and sedition.
Both Sison and De Lima would also later become his lifelong friends and comrades as they became part of the negotiating panel of the NDFP.
In her tribute, De Lima said that Fidel’s father feared that he was “straying deeper into revolutionary activism” and exiled him to the United States. He worked on the side while studying at a university in California. Here, he joined the wide student movement against the US war on Vietnam.
A year later, he returned to the Philippines and continued his activism. He then eloped and married Rosario, known to many as Chit.
A political prisoner
In his mid-twenties, Fidel was elected to be part of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines in 1970, where he carried out crucial tasks for the then two-year old party.
Due to intensifying political climate under the Marcos administration, the Agcaoili family was relieved to know that the couple went underground before Ferdinand Marcos declared martial law rule in 1972. His family was then subjected to interrogation as state forces wanted to know their whereabouts.
Fidel, Chit, and their two children were arrested two years later. His sister Annabel said Fidel was mistreated while in prison, where he spent the next 11 years of his life as one of the “hard cores” among political prisoners and the longest held political detainee under the Marcos dictatorship.
While behind bars, Fidel did not stop in pushing for change. They struggled for better living conditions, longer visiting hours, to name a few. In 1976, at the height of martial law, Hermie Garcia, also a political prisoner that time, said this eventually led to the 14-day hunger strike that demanded the release of two nursing mothers and their babies.
More than 140 detainees participated in the hunger strike. And they were subjected to a brutal retaliation afterwards by the military. Their cells were raided and leaders of the hunger strike were forcibly taken in the middle of the night.
“Fidel was one of the targets. In his (detention) building, the detainees had put up a barricade of huge benches and tables to protect Fidel and other leaders. When the soldiers got hold of Fidel, the detainees would not let go of him. There was literally a tug of war between soldiers and the detainees with Fidel in the middle,” said Garcia.
He eventually decided to go with the soldiers to prevent injuries to the detainees.
“Fidel would later earn the trust of fellow political detainees,” Garcia said.
Apart from better conditions, they also pushed and campaigned for their release, even if among the cruel retaliation includes being locked up incommunicado.
Satur Ocampo, who was among those detained with Fidel, attributed his escape from prison in 1985 from the late negotiator’s skill in earning the trust of their captors. After hearings, they would first convince their jail guards to have lunch first at a nearby eatery and then watch movies. Before they knew it, they would stop by Fidel’s house after hearings, where their jail guards can eat with them.
In 1981, Marcos lifted the martial law on paper and released several political prisoners to deoderize his leadership in the face of international scrutiny. However, Fidel, one of those considered by the military as hard cores, remained in jail.
A staunch rights defenders
L-R NDFP peace panel chairperson Fidel Agcaoili, Royal Norwegian Government special envoy Elisabeth Slattum and GRP peace panel chairperson Silvestre Bello III during the third round of talks held in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Jon Bustamante)
With the torment he experienced in jail, it was not surprising to see Fidel continue his human rights advocacy after his release from detention. He helped found the Samahan ng Ex-detainees Laban sa Detensyon at Aresto (SELDA) and later helped in the consolidation and documentation of the nearly 10,000-class suit against the Marcoses before the US Federal court in Hawaii, which they won.
Fidel’s crusade for better conditions of political prisoners and their release continued even as a member of the negotiating panel and later its head. His face would turn red, or “alimango” as he was teased by colleagues, and his hoarse, raspy voice would erupt in frustration during meetings and negotiations with Philippine government emissaries whenever the issue touched on the impending release of political prisoners.
As co-chair of the reciprocal working committee that drafted the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law, the first substantive agreement signed between the Philippine government and the NDFP, Fidel pushed for the release of political prisoners.
In Part 3, Section 6 of the CARHRIHL, the Philippine government committed to abide to the Hernandez doctrine and to review cases of all political prisoners who have been charged, detained or convicted contrary to this doctrine and immediately release them.
“His tireless and selfless commitment in serving the people will be remembered, celebrated, and honored for his tremendous contributions in advancing and pursuing the cause of just and lasting peace that will forever live in the hearts and minds of the people whom he have inspired and influenced, and most especially those who have followed his example in serving the people and the revolutionary cause,” said Selda in a statement, paying tribute to their founding secretary general.
Agcaoili also served as secretary general of the Partido ng Bayan, a national democratic political party that fielded candidates to both senatorial and congressional seats during the administration of then president Corazon Aquino.
An advocate of peace
Fidel served as vice chairperson of the NDFP peace panel since it was formed in 1994. Apart from heading the NDFP Reciprocal Working Committee for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law, he also later served as the co-chairperson of the Joint Monitoring Committee, which looked into CARHRIHL violations.
In 2016, Fidel assumed the chairmanship of the peace panel.
Detained NDFP peace consultants, in a statement, described the late chief negotiator as a leader who “possessed and wielded the traits and skills needed by a peace negotiator in the service of the people and the revolution.”
Under the Duterte administration, Fidel was known for his meetings with then president-elect Rodrigo Duterte, which eventually paved way to the resumption of formal peace talks in August 2016. Unprecedented progress marked the first year of the peace negotiations, especially where social and economic reforms are concerned, until it was terminated by President Duterte.
Far from the stereotype public image of the peace talks, where negotiators are stiffly opposite each other or are posting with measured smiles for posterity photos, “the real life action is more dynamic and full of drama, spanning the whole spectrum of situations and emotions,” said detained peace consultants.
But when the situation calls for it, Fidel can play the role of proverbial “bad cop,” detained peace consultants said, “crossing words with the most hardline or obstinate GRP protagonist. He could break the ice by initiating and engaging in friendly banter. Or he could be his congenial, amicable and persuassive self in order to clinch an agreement,” the detained peace consultants said.
During the online program, former GRP peace panel Nani Braganza, also Fidel’s godson, gave a heartfelt tribute to “Nong Tsip,” as he recalled their cigarette and coffee breaks together, which he said is part of the “problem solving” and to make their working atmosphere more conducive.
NDFP’s Agcaoili (left) and GRP’s Braganza during their meeting at Utrecht. (GRP photo)
No task too big or two small
Fidel might be remembered for the big, crucial, and sensitive tasks he has done for the human rights cause and the revolutionary movement but for colleagues and comrades who have worked closely with him, he will always be remembered for his small yet thoughtful acts of kindness.
Fidel and fellow peace panel member Coni Ledesma would usually look into the arranging of accommodations, travel and transportation, food, reference materials, and other technical needs of Philippine-based consultants who would visit their office in Utrecht, The Netherlands.
He would dutifully and cheerfully wake up early at dawn, said detained peace condulstants, and drive more than half an hour from Utrecht to Amsterdam to fetch colleagues at the Schiphol International Airport.
“No task was too big for Ka Fidel. Nor was there any that was too small. He carried out his tasks, big or small, with the same dedication, efficiency, eye for detail, energy and enthusiasm,” detained peace consultants said in a statement.
The netizen
But his passing has revealed a big mystery among his Facebook friends. Nearly everyone he knows, each year without amiss, received their birthday greetings at least two to three days in advance. But more than birthday greetings, he is also among the first to extend congratulations to happy news, words of wisdom to those in need, and condolences and warm words for those suffering. And yes, lots of teasing.
At times, he would send Facebook messages asking for a recipe, commenting on photos of children of activists, and sharing photos of his own grandchildren. University of the Philippines professor Sarah Raymundo said Fidel was particularly interested in millennial speaks, asking her what acronyms like CTTO means.
“Nakiki-bagets,” Raymundo said in jest.
As a news junkie, he is often seen with his tablet as he read and share Philippine and international news. He is also quick to share stories from the alternative media.
A father
Fidel’s wife Chit, their five sons and their granchildren are still wrapping their heads over his sudden passing.
His son Nikki said that growing up, he felt abandoned by his father who was away from them. But hearing the stories of people whose lives their father touched, their questions were finally answered. He understood that Fidel’s children were not just the five of them. It was all of those he served selflessly.
“During those times that papa was not with us, he was making it up by touching other people’s lives, those in need,” he said.
In one business meeting in February, Nikki shared that a senator approached him, saying that Fidel was lucky that none of his sons followed his footsteps. In hindsight, he said, he should have spoken out and said Fidel was instead unfortunate.
Nikki said their family will continue to support the causes and struggles of his father and do what they can to see his dreams into reality.
As his granddaughter Zia said, “He lives on through his promise. He lives on through us.”
Since the implementation of the community quarantine from March 15 to August 3, or 141 days, the Davao City Police have apprehended 4,644 persons for violating quarantine rules.
Bonn Suerte joined an online protest calling for personal protective equipment (Photo courtesy of Alliance of Health Workers)
“As a health worker, it pains me that my brother has died from this virus. I work hard, look after my patients and even say a prayer for them, because I know the world will turn in my favor one day. But it hasn’t. My brother was neglected.”
Jejelyn Green Suerte earlier asked his brother, Judynn Bonn, who was busy cutting and sewing fabric in the midst of a pandemic. She is used to seeing his brother looking after things at home.
A scene like this would not have been anything extraordinary. But to her surprise, her brother responded, “I am making a face mask.”
As a medical technologist, she knew of the dangers that health workers are confronting in the face of a deadly virus. She berated her brother that he should be using a proper medical-grade mask, along with a corresponding protective gear during hospital duties. Bonn, on the other hand, assured his sister he would only use it in case proper face masks have run out.
Months later, he tested positive to the COVID-19 virus. And in less than a week, Bonn died.
Bonn, a tireless union leader in the Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center (JRRMC) in Manila, is among the 20 health workers who was
afflicted by the deadly virus. Ironically, he was among those who demanded the provision of personal protective equipment and regular swab tests for their ranks.
The Philippines has one of the highest cases of COVID-19 infections among health workers. Apart from shortage in protective gears, health workers here have long been working for long hours due to chronic understaffing. As it stands, the country, too, has surpassed the 100,000-mark of confirmed COVID-19 cases, the highest in Southeast Asia, and beating even China’s.
“As a health worker, it pains me that my brother has died from this virus. I work hard, look after my patients and even say a prayer for them, because I know the world will turn in my favor one day. But it hasn’t. My brother was neglected,” she told Bulatlat in Filipino.
‘A good brother’
Bonn was a caring and generous brother.
Growing up together in Iloilo and their parents both working, Bonn and Green knew how to look after themselves even at an early age.
Young Bonn and Green in Iloilo, where they grew up. (Photo courtesy of Green Suerte)Bonn, along with cousins and friends (Photo courtesy of Green Suerte)
But like any siblings, they had their own share of petty fights. With only a two-year gap, they endlessly bickered over who should wash the dishes and do other household chores. Still, Green and Bonn were inseparable. They slept next to each other as kids, and Bonn was frequently irate whenever Green would bother him at night, or when he was writing or sketching.
They always had each other’s back. These include being her escort when she joined a local beauty pageant and even staying within a safe distance whenever Green was caught in a fight.
One time, she recalled, a male classmate tried to enter the fight scene just when Green was winning.
“And he ended up fighting himself,” she said in jest.
Still, she described her brother’s teenage years as “boring.” This, she said, was often a butt of jokes among their cousins. After school, he would go home immediately, clean their house, and cook for them.
With a year and half to go before finishing her college degree, Green was supposed to stop attending school due to financial constraints. But her brother stepped in and provided for her until she finished her medical technology degree.
Both Green and Bonn became health workers. While Bonn finished a computer degree at a local college in Iloilo, he ended up taking up a job at the Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center.
“We grew up knowing that we can unequivocally depend on each other, without expecting anything in return,” she said.
A family man
Bonn was a family man.
“His family had always been his first priority. He would take the risk of being late for an appointment just to send his children to school,” Green told Bulatlat, adding that she now worries for the future of her brother’s three children and their future, especially his eldest 17-year-old daughter who dreams of being a doctor someday.
At home, her brother would always consult with wife Tess in their decisions. He would always see to it, she said, that they “were
partners in life.”
Josephine Aligano, a colleague of Bonn and a friend to the Suerte family, said they would always tease Bonn for being late. He would also frequently tag his youngest son to union meetings and rallies.
“Oh, dala mo na naman ang buong bahay niyo!” his colleagues would often tell him. (Literally, ‘are you carrying your entire house?’)
Even after having his own family, Green said Bonn continued on being a good son that he was. After long hours of work, he would still find the energy to accompany their mother in the hospital.
‘A reliable colleague’
When Bonn eventually became active in the health workers union, Green was surprised. She thought how could someone who grew up to be a quiet person suddenly found the courage to speak out publicly.
Judyn Bonn Suerte. (Photo from the Alliance of Health Workers Facebook page.)
But for his colleagues in the state-run hospital, Bonn was a friendly face, who would always smile and help his fellow health workers who were in need. If you ask him for a favor, both big and small, he is quick to retort: “ako ang bahala dyan” (I will take care of it) with a sweet Ilonggo accent to it.
Aligano said they were worried when they learned that Bonn tested positive for COVID-19. They sent him messages of support while he was still in the hospital to boost his spirits.
“I spoke to him a week before he was swabbed. He looked so healthy. But when he was diagnosed that he had pneumonia, his health
deteriorated fast, it seemed,” she said.
One morning, before Bonn was transferred to a COVID-19 hospital, she sent him soup to make him feel better.
His passing had affected their mood in the hospital, Aligano said, mostly in disbelief of the gross neglect that Bonn experienced just because he was an ordinary mortal. “What if this happened to us? Are we going to suffer the same fate?” she asked.
Government neglect
The employees union at the Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center, an affliate of the Alliance for Health Workers, blamed the “gross neglect and inefficiency” of the hospital management, the health department and the Duterte administration for Bonn’s death. They are now anxious over their worsening health and working conditions, with infection among health workers increasing.
From day one, health advocates such as the AHW have been pushing for mass testing and the provision of personal protective equipment for health workers.
In a statement, union president Cristy Donguines said the hospital management “blindly implemented” the health department’s protocol that employees who are considered as severe COVID-19 cases should be transferred to any designated COVID-19 referral hospitals.
They are also not provided with due swab tests. Donguines said they are forced to cough up funds in swab testing facilities outside the hospital, amounting anywhere between 1,600 to P5,500.
Her brother’s death, she said, would have been easier to accept, “if we know that all efforts were exerted.”
“We want justice,” she said, “This is why we are speaking out. We do not want other health workers to suffer the same fate as he did.”
Continuing Bonn’s fight
BULATLAT FILE PHOTO. Judyn Bonn Suerte who is among those who receive the lowest salary joins the protest against the proposed Salary Standardization Law 4. (Photo by Ronalyn V. Olea / Bulatlat)
As a health worker in a private hospital, Green said they, too, are overwhelmed with the spike of cases they are receiving. She was not surprised that doctors recently went to public to ask for a “timeout,” among other demands.
“Teka lang ha,” (Give us a second) she told Bulatlat.
She clarified that health workers are one with the government in putting an end to the COVID-19 pandemic. “If we have demands, it is
not just for us. But for the people’s best interest,” she added.
The AHW said that while they are grieving, “we are not losing the strength and fighting spirit to continue the fight of our fellow health workers. Bonn’s calls and struggles are our fight as health workers.”
Be informed. “Overwhelmed” is an ordinary, everyday condition – it refers to the number of patients we see. But times have changed – we now see less patients, but we are engulfed by the consequences brought by this pandemic.
Overwhelmed. This is where our health care stands, where it has always been, even without COVID.
We, as a tertiary regional hospital under the DOH, cater to the most unfortunate ones. We see those who cannot afford to have a private consult, or buy and maintain their medications; people who will wait – choosing first to put food on their family’s table – until such time they can no longer bear it, and will tell you: “subong lang ko doc nakakadto, kay wla guid bilin sa balay kag wala guid kwarta.” (I couldn’t come until now because there was no one who could stay at home and there was just no money.)
And them and you knowing, that sometimes, it’s too late. Some would even tell you, “wala guid plite, doc” – coming in from farflung areas. (I had no money for transport.) These people rely on social services, on Philhealth. They almost always want to seek help. But poverty was/is a hindrance even for this. And yes, it kills you.
They struggled then, had no privileges, more so in our current state with COVID.
It kills you so much more, to see them defeated and lose hope.
My heart breaks especially for our cancer patients. Since we went on lockdown last April, we had patients who were lost to follow up.
We had patients scheduled for operations, but these were cancelled. What can they do? What can we do?
In ordinary days it was/is hard for them. Without transportation, and support, it was the most difficult of times.
I cannot imagine their dilemma – it choosing and wanting to live, but not knowing how.
They had a fighting chance – but they are losing the battle.
When the quarantine eased, some of them came back for treatment after months of break. And medically, you knew what was coming.
Seeing them again, the pain in their eyes, the disappointment, after you tell them, “nay, tay..sorry guid, kilanlan ta gd liwat magpa CTscan kag labs.” (I’m sorry but we have to do another CTscan and new lab tests.)
“Nay,tay..sorry guid, kinahanglan ta anay magpa swab test antis ma operahan.” (We need a swab test before the operation.)
“Nay, tay, sorry guid..indi kna kaya operahan..naglapta nagid.” (I’m sorry, but it’s too late to operate; the cancer has spread too much.)
You dont even know how to explain the circumstances.
If only one can be speechless – i would choose to be. If only one can be silent – i would. Because you know, in your heart, no words can ease the real situation.
I cannot in my heart and conscience, say: “nan, sala mo na.” (This is your fault.)
These are what we are fighting for every single day.
COVID is not the only battle we are facing. We battle for all our patients, for all Filipinos – who were deprived and forgotten.
During my previous COVID rotation, we were informed by a family that a patient I operated on, before any of this happened, ended his life. He was already undergoing chemo. The last time I saw him, he smiled, as he always does.
I was shocked. I was devastated. Saddened. Angered.
I may not know the circumstances why he chose to. I may not know what made him do it – whatever it was. Please know that I prayed for you, to rest easy. And I prayed for all the others, too.
The family sent us a photo of him, wearing a mask, in their house, holding a manila paper – thanking each and everyone of us. I cried.
And now, here we are. Where every public health care service was/is limited – and now, even more restricted. Where every health care sector is scrambling – do we have to choose whom to help?
These people we see every day, where do they go, now? I do not have an answer. Maybe you can help me out with this one.
When the outside of the confines of hospitals are not controlled – and we, manning the forts, dwindle and are left to choose – we are doomed.
It is not only COVID – but it made everything: hardest. DO NOT MAKE US CHOOSE WHO DESERVES TO LIVE. Because neither of us, wants to hear and utter these words: “maam, sir..sorry guid..wala lugar“. (Sorry, we don’t have space.)
Yes, this is our reality. Hardened by times. We are crying and screaming, for us to be heard – not just because we are tired; not because we are heroes – but because we know we cannot help and accommodate every one – both in private and government hospitals.
That is why we are making our voices louder: for you, for every patient, for each and every Filipino. Because every one of us deserves a chance.
We are only recording the COVID fatalities – and the number is still rising.
But we are losing count of all the others. Should we stop counting, then?
When those of you on the outside fail, we will fail, too. May you always remember, lest you forget, the people we put into power – for they were the ones who turned their backs on us.
Do not treat our colleageus as part of the statistics. Do not treat the Filipino people as mere numbers. YOU are stealing BILLIONS. While THOUSANDS OF US, are left to DIE.
Praying for each and every one.
*The author is a doctor at Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital
By FR. JOEY GANIO EVANGELISTA, MJ
Malita Tagakaulo Mission
Diocese of Digos, Malita, Davao Occidental
1 Kings 19:9, 11-13
Ps 85:9-14
Romans 9:1-5
Matthew 14:20-33
The things happening around us right now seem more like elements from a sci-fi thriller. An unknown virus killing people from all walks of life: young, old, women, men, rich, poor; medical experts unable to control its spread and scientists racing against time to make a vaccine; people panicking and rushing to stores and supermarkets to buy food and supplies; and world leaders helpless in the face of a pandemic. All of these are ingredients of a sci-fi thriller that we would normally watch to escape the humdrum of real life. Reality check. That sci-fi thriller is now our reality and the humdrum of what used to be real life is now a memory we all want to go back to. The bad news is we are unable to turn this reality off just like a movie. This is life now wherever we go. There is no escaping it. This is the new normal.
People often ask, “When will this all end?” My honest response is, “I do not know.” I do not know of anyone who has information with regard to the timeline of this pandemic. Even scientists dare not give a timeline as to when this pandemic could end. Their wise counsel is often how to avoid being infected and how to prevent and contain outbreaks. Only someone with a delusional disorder would dare predict the end of this global crisis. It is easy to despair during such times because the unknown far outweighs that which we have knowledge of. Fear could easily overwhelm us because we are no longer in control. Despite what humanity has achieved through the centuries and the short decades just before this pandemic, we were beginning to think that we had somehow sorted everything out. There were still some unknowns here and there but nothing that science could not decipher in time. Covid-19 is now making us rethink all that.
Where is God in all this? There would be doomsayers who would claim that God had sent this virus to punish humanity. As Christians we know that “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life” (Jn 3:16). God most certainly is not in this virus. There are those who are putting all their faith in the development of a vaccine that they have become oblivious to everything and everyone to the point of making the vaccine their god. There a number who have made the economy their god willing to sacrifice the health of people on the altar of economic growth firm in their belief that money will make this pandemic go away. And there are those who are tempted to think that they are faraway from God because they are no longer able to frequent their church as they had used to. So, where is God in all this? The story of Elijah reminds us that God is not in power that can destroy mountains, shake the earth nor in power that can destroy everything. Elijah found God in a tiny whispering sound. In the midst of this pandemic, where is God? God is in every act of kindness that we extend to the people around us especially those who have lost much. In the midst of all the efforts that are being done to defeat this virus, in the midst of all the fear, doubt, desperation, anger, and frustration, an act of kindness is like a tiny, insignificant whispering sound. And yet it is there where hope springs anew. God is there.
The story of Jesus walking on the water toward his disciples as they were being tossed about by the waves urges us to bring this hope to the many people who are today being tossed about by the waves of fear, doubt, desperation, anger, and frustration because of this global pandemic. It is not enough that we know where God is in this pandemic; like Jesus, we are being sent to bring this hope to those who are in most in need of it even if they doubt. God is a God who comes to us first. Jesus came walking toward his disciples and calmed the wind despite their fear and doubt. In the midst of the incessant rise of infections both locally and globally, Christians are admonished not to cower in fear while our boat is tossed about by uncertainty, we are called to step out of the boat to help and not allow fear to overwhelm us. The greatest challenge for us is to rethink how to help people in need in the face of a highly infectious disease.
The many frontliners in this global crisis are showing us the way. Despite the high risk to themselves and to their loved ones by extension, they have not ceased helping the sick, accompanying the lonely, feeding the hungry, giving the thirsty to drink, consoling those who are grieving, and being there even when they should have been with their families. They do this with no fanfare and without counting the cost. Laboring quietly, their sole aim that their patient gets better. As we are tossed about by uncertainty and fear, Jesus comes to us in our frontliners assuring us that all will be well. Their silent labor of love, selflessly coming to the aid of Covid-19 patients, reminds us that God is here and there is hope. We are invited to do the same.
Balik-Tanaw is a group blog of Promotion of Church People’s Response. The Lectionary Gospel reflection is an invitation for meditation, contemplation, and action. As we nurture our faith by committing ourselves to journey with the people, we also wish to nourish the perspective coming from the point of view of hope and struggle of the people. It is our constant longing that even as crisis intensifies, the faithful will continue to strengthen their commitment to love God and our neighbor by being one with the people in their dreams and aspirations. The Title of the Lectionary Reflection would be Balik –Tanaw , isang PAGNINILAY . It is about looking back (balik) or revisiting the narratives and stories from the Biblical text and seeing ,reading, and reflecting on these with the current context (tanaw).
