29 years ago, The Filipino people walked the whole stretch of EDSA and filled the whole stretch from Guadalupe to Camp Aguinaldo all the way to PTV-4 with people, literally swarming. Millions of people who wanted freedom from the Marcos regime as they responded to the voice of June Keithley, who was on the air in Radio Bandido, who locked themselves in the Anchor’s booth, with some military supporters and called in people from different walks of life, stayed and slept for four days, from February 25 to 28. This was in 1986 when i was only in 2nd year high school. I remembered hearing the planes and helicopters leaving Villamor Airbase at the airport runway as we lived near that place. I also reminisce walking from Guadalupe to Camp Aguinaldo with my dad wearing a yellow t-shirt “MAGKAISA” (which was the team song) during the final day of the people revolution.
Now, there is a different walk of people we see, the Unity Walk composed of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Philippine National Police (AFP-PNP).
From the most recent Fallen 44 tragedy, which allegedly lacked the proper coordination and now faces ongoing Senate probes, these officers locked their hands elbow to elbow as they march in procession from their respective camp to the EDSA Anniversary celebration.
The Country now faces great difficulty fighting each other not only in the highest seats of power but also from our Police, Military and Muslim brothers in Mindanao. As we try to fight terrorism, the Presidency, is being questioned by the Church and some activists to relieve the post.
So is the Philippines enjoying its freedom from dictatorship? Or are we going that journey of being a country of brothers fighting brothers?
I could only hope and pray that the struggle of others to make the Philippines a nice community, and Filipinos are good leaders of example, that giving up their live they have done in vain….that the Filipino people is really worth dying for!
Happy 29th EDSA revolution anniversary to all.
photo credits to Col. Mike Aquino, AFP (DWDD)
