Pat Salas
Insurance Executive
Melbourne, Australia
One of our martyred brods is Pepe (Jose) Parong. Vic Macapagal was able to go up north to visit Pepe's bereaved family. We were still living in the campus when it happened. I was with Nelson Navarro during a rally in Manila where at least 7 students died. The Metrocom could not control the crowd and it was a protracted battle; so they sent trucks of soldiers (later reported to be from the Mindanao conflict) who started shooting. Those who were lifting their arms to surrender were hit with the butts of rifles. We managed to run and go up an apartment block nearby. A kindhearted old man allowed us in, to pass the night. There were at least 5 of us, but I recognized only Nelson Navarro and Ed Padero. I have joined many rallies from the FQS up until the declaration of martial law. This rally sticks in my memory because a couple of those who were gunned down were just a few meters away from us. I agree with you Percy that we may not live to see the better Philippines that we were fighting for. After so many failed attempts to change, the best solution is for the people to change their mindset, then divine intervention follows. There is a Bible verse which says: "If my peolple who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, I will heal their land....." Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!
Nelson Navarro: I've written of that episode in my memoir out last year in Amazon Kindle under my name. I always wondered who were with me under that bed where we hid until daybreak and parted ways. My life changed forever after that night. We shared something so beautiful and transformational in total silence. I am grateful you remembered my name. It's proof that what happened really happened, not some dream or flight of fancy. We are forever connected and must someday close circles. Salamat sa alaala.
Insurance Executive
Melbourne, Australia
One of our martyred brods is Pepe (Jose) Parong. Vic Macapagal was able to go up north to visit Pepe's bereaved family. We were still living in the campus when it happened. I was with Nelson Navarro during a rally in Manila where at least 7 students died. The Metrocom could not control the crowd and it was a protracted battle; so they sent trucks of soldiers (later reported to be from the Mindanao conflict) who started shooting. Those who were lifting their arms to surrender were hit with the butts of rifles. We managed to run and go up an apartment block nearby. A kindhearted old man allowed us in, to pass the night. There were at least 5 of us, but I recognized only Nelson Navarro and Ed Padero. I have joined many rallies from the FQS up until the declaration of martial law. This rally sticks in my memory because a couple of those who were gunned down were just a few meters away from us. I agree with you Percy that we may not live to see the better Philippines that we were fighting for. After so many failed attempts to change, the best solution is for the people to change their mindset, then divine intervention follows. There is a Bible verse which says: "If my peolple who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, I will heal their land....." Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!
Nelson Navarro: I've written of that episode in my memoir out last year in Amazon Kindle under my name. I always wondered who were with me under that bed where we hid until daybreak and parted ways. My life changed forever after that night. We shared something so beautiful and transformational in total silence. I am grateful you remembered my name. It's proof that what happened really happened, not some dream or flight of fancy. We are forever connected and must someday close circles. Salamat sa alaala.