Wao Massacre

      There's this story that has been nagging at the back of this writer's mind. I'm changing the names and place surrounding the incident. It's been there and I would not say it here were it not for the restlessness to tell the story, as the victims happen to be very close to me. It might also be that their  souls  are crying foul and  aloud to high heavens, invoking God's protection over their family and innocent civilians away from similar incident.

   From the story I heard from witnesses, I rank this as the third ugliest showing what evil men are capable of doing. Indeed this one defies description, similar to Maguindanao massacre done in broad daylight.

      The culprits were in fatigue uniform, wearing bonnet except for four- three young boys and an older one. The place is one of Resettlement area in Bukidnon. The family had been living peacefully at their farm; all children went to College by their parents’ sheer guts and industry in farming and hunting. I was even shown a picture with three prized catches of wild deer. It's probably that's how Nelson, the youngest in the family, developed his skills in running, chasing and catching animals  that he became a marathon champion. He's virtually undefeated in that field.

      Nelson died form the hands of his tormentors. He was handcuffed and repeatedly shot at the back as he complied the terrorists' request of leading them to other would-be victims. Fortunately, Nelson’s parents were able to run away to safety as the bandits pillaged their livelihood after burning their  home to the ground.

      It's been more than a year since Nelson’s parents abandoned their farm. They have no intention of going back. So far they have gradually risen up and have started recovering from the lost opportunities—but not from the trauma of the cold-blooded murder of their son Nelson.