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Magalong’s Going Down...

With the much publicized Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on the “Ninja Cops” controversy, similarly beating-the-drum sounding-off a more reverberating plot were the death threats Mayor Magalong received... This article’s title could likely pertain to a possible threat by those who got implicated, as much as those whose name may get insinuated to be part of the anomaly arising from that of Magalong’s testimony. However, by that “going down” innuendo, we mean a different thing. Magalong is going down in Philippines’ political history as the bravest, toughest, no-nonsense public servant I’ve known (it’s not like we have a limited knowledge on how the political system works). It’s not like he’s just up against local or “low profile” syndicates... He’s up against the “big guns” ...on a national (perhaps even international given the involved trade) level. From that perspective alone, he knew they’d rather silence him, yet he spoke for the silent majority...

Focusing on the death threat could likely depict the severity of the issue to even subject a high-ranking official and from the military at that to a life-and-death kind of harassment. We could just imagine how the force supposedly protecting us is either protecting those we should be protected from or they themselves need protection... It actually paints a far more abstract depiction as to the possible involvement of a bigger power.



Whereas for the threat on Magalong, it was (or is) an imminent scenario even prior to his testimony which Magalong could have anticipated yet he, nevertheless, pushed through with it. Living up to being a soldier of truth, such controversial disclosure may be a welcome eye opener for the public, however at the expense of his life and that of his family. Unwelcome as well for us to also feel threatened from possibly losing a man of integrity as any hope for that “breath of fresh air” (not just for Baguio but the Philippines) likewise gets threatened...

I say hope for us all as such act of courage against people known to be associated with the current administration is a clear manifestation of his non-selective/non-prejudicial stand on fighting for what’s right regardless of who gets hit. Having to sacrifice so much from exposing his impartial report on the Mamasapano issue at the expense of his then Commander-In-Chief in the name of truth some time ago, his equally hard-nosed revelation this time raises hope to rid the system (no matter how realistically unattainable maybe) from anything that’s fishy.

As fishy as the possible bigger fish (and the “unimaginable” figures) behind it all, the worst case scenario triggered by the death threats may be fired from every angle. It could be taken advantage of... Other antagonists (including enemies of enemies or even “compatriots” to serve him as collateral damage) may carry it out if only to fix the blame on the other... Magalong knew that. Magalong knows that. It’s a costly price for proving the truth yet worth paying for as far as he is concerned and for the country and countrymen/constituents he serves. He exclaimed it better though with a fair warning from Magalong himself; to the effect of “just not his family or all hell will break loose.” But he has a bigger family outside of his immediate family, his “Baguio family”. They do something to him, they do to Baguio (and even the whole nation who likewise stands to benefit from the liberating truth out of his gallantry and uprightness) and we can’t let that happen. And so we pray.

There was a prayer rally for his safety at the Malcolm Square yesterday... More than a prayer for his protection, it was a prayer for truth to prevail and for truth to be protected. It was a manifestation of faith, much like how he testified for truth representing us all. It was a show of unity regardless of religious orientation/belief. It’s inspiring; I myself got more inspired to be as brave and catch a bullet for such man of honor... Although for now, we’re shaking the heavens if only to prevent hell from breaking loose considering this whole thing is far from over...

For all the seeming unaccounted points, this could just be the tip of the iceberg but, at least, it’s a step. And like that iceberg tip, it’s something that keeps our hope afloat. It’s not going to sink just like that... it’s not going down. It’s Magalong who’s going down... He’s going down as the noblest of them all!

Our prayers and snappiest salute, Sir!

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