Soviet Kitsch
kparedes@theguidon.com
I have always been a child of Mindanao. Though my family traces its roots back to the northern parts of Luzon and I have relocated to Manila since the start of college, I am and always will be a product of a Mindanao upbringing—one that celebrates and respects the multiplicity of cultures present in the island. In the wake of the Ampatuan massacre, more than ever, I am a Mindanaoan.
Having spent years living in Zamboanga and Davao, it was not unusual for me to have Muslim classmates. They were actually some of the most gentle and kindest people in class. While I was in Mindanao, I took everything to be normal. I did not seem to find it odd that some of my school mates had bodyguards around all the time or that there were security checkpoints in many parts of the city. For me, that was all part of everyday life.
My city is regarded as one of the safest destinations in the Philippines. Why? Because we have a renegade group that “takes care” of criminals. Many individuals have labeled these vigilante groups as criminals. While living in Davao, I just thought that it was the normal cycle of justice. I did not question why there were military men around the city; they were there for my safety.
When I moved to Manila for college, I found myself defending Mindanao quite often. There were a lot of encounters with ignoramuses who believed that the Philippine eagle flew over my house every morning, but those weren’t the worst instances I’ve encountered. Whenever people ask about the state of peace and security in the area, I cringe. No, there aren’t any tanks roaming our streets. At least not on a regular basis.
Most of those who have never been to Mindanao believe that the region is a booming terrorist hub. For Mindanao kin, it is always a challenge to argue that Mindanao is one of the most beautiful places in the Philippines, filled with warm and welcoming people. Not everyone in Mindanao is a terrorist, but like a friend said, “Where I come from, not everyone is a hero” either.
Up until recent events, Mindanao was beginning to gain back its vigor and beauty. The Maguindanao carnage, however, has turned the region backwards. Whereas it had already begun relinquishing its former glory, it is now again forced into seclusion as it seeks justice for the devastating blood bath that has stained its land. Never has there been a greater insult to Mindanao as committed by the suspects of the massacre.
The image of Mindanao to the outside world has always been a chaotic wasteland. The region has been regarded as unsafe territory, and with the violence so vehemently present, there is no wonder why there is truth in the aforementioned statement.
When I say I am a proud product of Mindanao, I do not mean to say that I support all of the many ideologies being fought for in the island. I am a proud Mindanaoan in the very fact that I believe that there is hope for the region. Our island is one of the most beautiful in the country, but it will never show its real magnificence if it continues to be tainted with prejudice.
The Mindanao people have long turned a blind eye towards the many injustices against it, and it is only time to fight the shady figures that have long held the people in fear and terror. Just punishment for just crimes. Fifty-seven counts of it, to be exact.
Remember, remember, the 23rd day of November. My dear Mindanao, you shall overcome.
