A Day in a Life in Olongapo, Part 1
It was November 2006 1996. The APEC Summit was being held in Subic Bay, Philippines.
It was a time for the country to show off its newly established Subic Bay after the former bases were left by the Americans under piles of ashes brought by the Pinatubo eruption. It was also the time for then President Fidel Ramos to showcase his Medium Term Philippine Development Plan. It was Ramos’ Philippines 2000. It was globalization. It was Olongapo.
Like most people in the progressive left, I was against it. I believe that if businesses can be allowed to globalize, we should also allow the workers to globalize. If capital can go around the world looking for cheap labor, then labor itself should also be allowed to find better pay anywhere in the world. What I’m for is simply for fairness.
The stage was set for mass demonstrations against globalization. And so we at the Sanlakas Olongapo were ready.
While the rest of the country thinks that what Dick Gordon says is the same sentiments of the whole of Olongapo, it’s about time that they know different. Gordon had unlimited access to the media, we simple people do not. Even if we tell some media that not all he says were true, we were taken for granted dismissed simply by saying, “pulitika lang yan.”
This APEC Summit would be the chance, if not the only chance, that we from Olongapo would be able to let the outside world see that there is also a part of Olongapo contrary to what everybody else believed. That Olongapo is not just Dick Gordon. And Dick Gordon is not Olongapo.
We heard on the radio that the caravans from all progressive groups were being blocked as far as Pampanga. Some groups skirted away through Bulacan. The plan was that we would welcome them here in Olongapo, whoever made it passed the blockades. But the establishment was hell-bent on making sure they don’t get closer to Subic Bay.
Fortunately for us, we’re already here. We are from here.
We eagerly wait inside our decrepit office inside the Conti-J building. John, Tune, Shiela and Ameth were busy detailing what we planned to do. Che from the Buklod Women’s Center was there and brought us food. I think I ate way too much for fear of what lies before us. I even took several 1000 mg’s of vitamin C capsules foolishly thinking that it would make me stronger. Never had this kind of rally had ever taken place nor attempted in Gordon’s Olongapo. And at this time of year? We will be swarmed by pro-Gordon and pro-government mobs.
It was time to go. Hundreds of our supporters are now waiting in front of the Plaza called Triangle on the vicinity of the public market. We saw hundreds of cops armed with batons and anti-riot gears.
I pacified my colleagues and reminded them, “they are cops, we are here in peace and therefore they would be professional and will remain neutral”. What we actually fear the most were the Gordon hooligans who would do us harm if we push through with our plans to show the world our disgust over globalization and Gordon.
We started to mobilize in the streets. As soon as we unfolded our streamers, dozens of men, some shirtless, suddenly appeared from nowhere wielding clubs and baseball bats. My eyes were hit by the glint of the sun’s reflection in one of those bats that were made of steel.
The rest of our supporters, out of fear of the mob, stayed on the sides. On one side, I saw a familiar face looking at me as if to say, “get out of there” while moving his head sideways, his eyes full of pity like I was about to get hanged.
The mob tried to bully, intimidate and threaten to club us all the while yelling “Lumayas kayo dito, hindi kayo taga-Olongapo!” (Get out of here, you’re not from Olongapo) It is but their ploy to dissuade the public in believing that indeed there are locals who are in fact dong contrary to what the Gordons say, and are willing to fight for it.
It was just me and the rest of the core group who were then in the middle of the street. We were in a quagmire. I realized then that if we try to run, they would go after us. So the better option was to take a stand. “This is it,” I said to myself. All the rallies I had attended in Manila led me to this day. The day only I and a handful of buddies take our last stand against a globalization, and against a political dynasty.
When one of the hooligans tried to take away the streamers we are holding, the fights started. The cops told us to go home while they hold our hands but let the mob continue with their blows. I got mad for the cops for taking sides.
It was just six of us armed with nothing but streamers, flags and determination. With me are brothers John and Tune, Shiela, Ghie, and Ameth. The mob was more than two dozens armed with sticks, 2 x 2 clubs, steel baseball bats, and God knows what.
I didn’t see what came but my survival instincts just took over. I just fought. We just fought. Only after a few months later, when we saw the footage, were we able to smile and feel vindicated. That with all those armed men ready to pounce and harm us, with us nothing but courage, they were the one who were afraid, not us. I was able to grab one of those bats and hit four of them. We were there on our own free will, on our own accord. And they, they were just paid.
After the fight and almost everybody got settled, all he fighters somehow settled down. I saw an old lady hitting Tune with a stick. Knowing she was a Gordon supporter but still worrying about her poor old age in this situation, I went to her and said, “Manang, wag nap o kayo makisali baka kung mapano po kayo.”
Then… from behind my back… I felt a sudden thud.
I looked behind me and saw a guy running away from me. People were shouting to the cops, “Yun! Yun ang pumalo!” There were hundreds of cops in the area. Yet nobody arrested the guy.
At that instant I felt something weird on the side of my head. When I touched the left side of top of my head, it was missing. I retrieved my hand only to notice flubs of white matter that I assumed to be parts of my brain.
My knees wobbled. Tune and a bystander who I was later told to be Kathy Macomb immediately carried me to a parked jeepney all the way to the nearest hospital. I lost too much blood, and pretty much half of my skull missing, I was brought to the St. Jude Hospital.
When we got there, the attending physician refused to treat me, citing that they need a medico legal. I don’t know if it’s the sudden adrenaline surge or just my will to survive, but I tried to argue with the doctor, saying they can always call the medico legal while they are treating me. After a few exchanges, he simply admitted it. He wouldn’t dare touch me for fear that they will lose their business. “Pasensya na po talaga, baka po ipasara kami.”
I didn’t catch the doctor’s name. I didn’t bother because I understood his concerns.
I understood.
The clock is ticking. I also understood that the only thing left for me is the city-run public hospital James Gordon Memorial Hospital. And when, not if, they refuse to treat me, the only option I have would be the San Marcelino Hospital in Zambales, which is hours away. And I may not last an hour.
I just asked him if he could lend us their ambulance, we’ll pay of course. Just in case the Gordon Hospital wouldn’t accept me, I may be able to make it through San Marcelino. He again refused. “Itatawag ko na lang po kayo ng traysikel.” The devil. I promised myself that if I die that day, I will definitely haunt the coward.
We were left with no choice but to go back to the streets to catch a tricycle. Tune was with me all the time.
When we arrived at the Gordon Hospital, I was already vomiting so they immediately brought me to the Operating Room. Good thing I suppose, so they wouldn’t be able to cross-examine me. They wouldn’t find out that I am not a pro-Gordon. Tune left to go back to the others who were left behind.
On the operating table, I never got any anesthesia or anything. They just poured alcohol over my head and started stitching it. All the while a familiar doctor was asking me… “atin ka ba?” “atin?” He repeated several times but I didn’t reply. I knew exactly what he meant. And by not replying he knew exactly who I am.
Nurses and aides taunted, ridiculed me. One of them actually spit on me. I ignored them completely. The physical pain and the humiliation may soon pass. For now, I only think of my safety and the safety of my friends who were left behind. I need to regain my strength, and fast.
One medical assistant who was there was privy to what was happening. His curious but confused look told me he’s an outsider, unfamiliar of the inner workings inside the Gordonland. “Why is that doctor asking you if you are with them?” he asked. I decided then to capitalize on that small chance I got. I explained to him who I am, what happened to me, and why they are taunting me.
The guy was from University of the Philippines, a volunteer for this particular day of the APEC summit. Upon learning my plight, he decided, “Don’t worry, I won’t leave your side until you are secured in your room.” He never did.
I thanked that UP volunteer, I never had a chance to get his name, Tune, who brought me to the hospital, and to Kathy who immediately helped me.
I thanked the heavens that during the whole ordeal, I didn’t fade even for a minute; my eyes didn’t even dare blink. Because I think if I did, I wouldn’t be able to open it for good.
(To Be Continued)
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BURAOT is your quintessential skeptic but a not-yet-so-hopeless pessimist. Impatient most of the time, hence the name, he yearns to discover the magnanimity of the universe and the infinite folly of human stupidity (yep, that was Einstein's). And yes, oo.. he also want world peace. You can stalk him out at Anak ni Kulapo and I Am Buraot.
Tarantado yang mga medical personnel na yan ah.
Shit talaga. Sorry buraot. Napapamura ako sa mga ganyan. Kasi kapwa pilipino e ginaganyan nila.
The nerve! I just wish those fanatics would rot in hell!
This is the product of PARTISAN politics in our country. Ito ang ginamit sa atin ng mga Spaniards para tayo ay sakupin: divide and conquer. And now, kapwa pilipino natin mismo, sila na ang gumagawa. Divide and conquer the whole nation. Para lahat tayo e sadlak pa rin sa malawakang mismanagement ng ating resources, i-deny ang opportunity sa mga common people at pangalagaan lamang ang sarili interes.
MGA LECHE SILA!
leche talaga ang sistema ng regionalismo.
galing kas.
your words were triggering the memories i had stored.
few people will ever have the opportunity to share a situation of life and death. i am happy and proud na tayo ang mga magkakasama.
mabuhay ka kas!
hay naku brad… ewan ko ba kung di natin naisulat ito noon pa. hinayaan na lang natin sa media. eh nung naging media naman tayo, unethical isulat ang sarili. nakalimutan ko na nga to. ngayon lang ulit bumabalik dahil naaasar ako sa mga PR ni blue.
kahit na ano mangyari, alam ko na you will cover my back and me yours.
Congrats Buraot, you survived it. Me and some members of the media spent some time with Dick and his wife Kate at White Rock a long long time ago. I remember I was very young and so impressed with him. He was simply charismatic. But yes, they really had a hold on Olongapo.Blind loyalty I must say.
they were actually good administrators. plus sempre, dynasty yan. at dahil sobrang tagal na nila hawak ang poder, naturally nag-create ng fanatics.
pretty riveting for me buraot, given that the closest i got to your experience was being hit by a teargas cannister along Recto during those days – what’s sad was that, i was not part of the rally, me and 5 other classmates were headed to the cpa review center.
good stuff, pretty interesting especially from someone like you looking in from the inside, while us relies on the flowery words from press releases
thank you for sharing, can’t wait for the rest of the story
i got a bunch in Manila as well. but I just want people to know what was inside Olongapo and the Gordons.
Wow! makapigil hininga talaga ito! pero I salute you for your courage Buraot! Thanks God at buhay ka! aabangan ko ang second part ng iyong story. And May God Always Bless You!
more to the people of Olongapo who now knows how to disagree publicly. and to the media for now accepting the fact that there is another side of Olongapo other than the Gordons.
truly – people in the Philippines always know which side of the their pandesal is buttered and where the butter came from and who paid for it.
exactly reynz. he who holds the dough, holds our lives.
Ganyan ba talaga sa Olongapo? Sa Subic? putsa, parang tingin nila, hindi nila ka-level ang ibang mga Pilipino..
kung mananalo si Gordon, malaki ang chance na parang maging Singapore ang setup sa Pinas; malinis, maganda, lahat disiplinado… pero wala nang mga natives.
— naisip mo ba kung ilan na lang ang talagang Singaporean? Mas marami pang foreigners sa Singapore kesa sa mga natives.
— naisip mo ba na walang platform si Gordon para sa mga indigenous people? Sure ako, cultural cleaning ang isa sa mga project niya.
— meron bang platform si Gordon para sa kababaihan? kung meron, sure ako para sa turismo yun.. yan ay gawin silang mga prostitute..
para sa iba siguro, ok lang ang ganyan. pero para sa akin. ayoko matulad ang pinas sa singapore.
ethnic cleansing yata ang tamang term dun.
that’s what they always wanted him to be associated with, Lee Kuan Yew.
wala naman atang ethnic cleansing sa Singapore chong! eversince the rubber biz at naging focal point sila sa trade, biz strategy talaga nang Singapore from the beginning na maging centre of trade kaya dumami foreigners, manpower you know
FYI, one-third lang ng entire population of Singapore ang mga non-Singaporean citizens.
In fact, for a long time daw (80′s-90′s), almost half of all Chinese in Singapore were Malaysian Chinese. But that’s because they were practically the same country. E pati founding fathers ng Singapore many of them were born in what is now Malaysia.
The only reason kung bakit maraming foreigners ngayon is because sobrang lakas ng economic growth ng Singapore at sobrang konti ng Singaporean citizens compared to the labor requirements of such economic growth.
Di ko ma-gets yung nagsasabing ayaw niya maging tulad ng Singapore ang Pinas. Gusto mong magulo ang Pinas, ganun ba? Mas ok pa yung may labor shortage at kelangan mag-import ng foreigners kesa sa sobrang dami ng mga unemployed at kailangan pang mag-export ng tao sa ibang bansa.
Gusto yata nung isa na manatiling mahirap ang Pinas. Di tayo aasenso pag walang disiplina. Wag naman yung Marcos na may kasamang kurakot at walang resulta. Sa Singapore, means to an end ang disiplina. Disiplina para high productivity, low crime, at ang resulta ay gusto ng mga investors sa Singapore dahil walang gulo, di tulad sa Pinas puro rally, puro gulo, puro coup, puro tapon ng basura kahit saan kaya ayan pagdating ng Ondoy, swimming sa basura si Villar.
Buraot, after reading this I now have a picture of admiration for your passion for the country and a BIGGER picture of what would the Philippines look like under a Gordon presidency. Thank you for this recollection and I am now agog waiting for the next part of your series.
i should have written this piece long time ago. but in the succeeding parts, I will explain why.
By the way Buraot, I am re-publishing your story in my Dyaryo Magdalo. Bahala na kung awayin mo ako. I am also sharing this to my Facebook page.
sure Toto. just FYI, there was a small error, the year was 1996 not 2006. thanks.
In 2006, APEC was held in Hanoi not in Subic, Olongapo. In 2006, the President is already GMA, not Fidel Ramos. Set your facts right to be credible.
edited per call from Buraot. thank you.
yes Ms. Cat. a recollection error on my part. the year was 1996, Ramos was the President.
video footages from GMA 7 and the huge scar on my head would be enough to be credible?
thanks for the keen eye.
ay scary! ayoko ng presidenteng pikon at diktador. warfreak much?
kung sino man ang gusto ng ganyang presidente, siguro mga foreigners lang.
in the name of fairness, we had no evidence that the Gordons are ordering such acts. it might be a case of simple fanaticism on their supporters part.
I was trying to look for a picture that would show ONE PROUD MOMENT for the PHILIPPINES and I saw this November 1996 APEC Summit picture where all the APEC Head of States were posing and proudly wearing Barong with the Subic Bay Freeport as the background.
No amount of personal drama will take that away from me.
like you, I am proud of my country too. am not saying we shouldn’t be proud. it was a day to showcase everything good about our country. merely telling what happened behind those happy scenes.
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF NOYNOY IN TARLAC….
Nothing, nada, zilch, zero….then more silence….. YELLOW PRIDE !!!
Jet, ano namang kinalaman ni Noynoy dito sa article. kung gusto mo mag-Propaganda dun ka sa article talking about Noynoy. technically, that’s spamming.
Hey Buraot!
This is a fantastic story of yours… I wish that I had this kind of social awareness during my university days.
Regrettably, I was in CEU which would not allow activism and other unapproved organizations like fraternities and others… the same CEU which is highly for profit establishment… stock market listed and owned by Emilio Yap who dictates what would be the best headlines for his printed daily. hahaha…
Anyway, may your story remind us a new level of respect for those who stand up and seek for social justice.
my story is nothing compared to countless others who actually shed blood for our country. i thank them.
Wow! Phenomenally informative piece, Buraot.
Waiting for next one!
Gordon is not well loved by OFW groups I know here.
just a small part of the whole Olongapo story Ms. Anne.
this is not social climbing trick buraot, but, i have a dozen pail more of admiration for you now than ever! *bow*
tenkyu tenkyu. wehehehe.
Jeje Buraot… i could still recall that distinctive sound of metal hitting your skull.. was with Rg then at the parking area of the public market..saw blood spurting out weakened my knees and made me wanna go home..
such act of bravery from you guys we’re incomparable..deadly and courageous i must say..with a brave heart to fight it off with a tyrant!
i also remember, Tu-ne fighting it off with 3 or 4 dozen men from the other side with only a plastic bottle of mineral water at hand..funny though, i couldn’t recall if anyone engaged him on that fight, maybe his opponents were so shocked to know that Tu-ne will really fight them off even outnumbered a “hundred to one”..
John also showed courage under fire when he got chased by “palengke biys” brandishing pipes and butterfly knives.. with only a bullhorn at hand..John managed to escape death.. He got chased around the whole block before ending up in jail.. Being dragged to jail that time must’ve save his life…
And Manang Ameth.. Showed how tough she was…with pure conviction and firm stand on her principles.. But still a softhearted “Ate” with concern for her “siblings”.. also still can recall how she cried when you got hit and john chased by the mob…great thing that Che and Ghie were there…
some say it was foolish then but we say nay. t’was showing true love for the place we’ve known to call home..
looking forward to the next part of the story.. god bless and keep on…
hay abu. imagine after all those years, ngayon ko lang naisipang isulat ito. that part where John was chased by guys brandishing pocket knives is on the next part. gee, we were still lucky that day. have gapo changed?
Wow! This is one passionate story of a fight for justice, Buraot, literally bloody. I’m relieved to know you came out safe from the ordeal. As an exsem, i can resonate with the burning desire for change back then (and also now) except that our white sotana became our shield from the total harassment you experienced, a religious capital of sort. Now, i wonder how many are left in the “progressive left” less swayed by the seduction of Congressional or Senatorial powers or mere publicity and self-giving like your days of old. More power.
hello dFish. i mayn not be from the seminary, but if you knew my life’s story, i was pretty much in the seminary. weheheh. anyway, we all have our own burdens to carry, and passions we fight for. the struggle continues.
ngayon na ang magandang pagkakataon eleksyon)na ipaalam sa masa ang mga katarantaduhan at kabuktutan ng mga naghahari sa olongapo. makibaka sa bagong gapo…
[...] Click here for Part 1 [...]
para po doon sa nagcomment na pag maging Singapore ang Pinas mwawala na ang mga native.. Pano mangyayari yun-sa 6 years pano ba di ko maisip…. Ang Singapore po talaga wala nakatira – Handle ng British dati and dahil walang tao nagencourage sila ng mga tao na pede manirahan… Galing ng China, India, etc…. Kaya madami foreigner sa Singapore kasi kulang ang tao at madaming trabaho… Ang tinutukoy ang pamamalakad-bakit pati composition ng tao for six years mababago-Pakiisip naman po…. Sana po magisip naman kayo-madami sumusubaybay sa inyo-pero naiisip nyo ba mga comment nyo….
hahaha Di ko maarok – tayo na nga di magkasya sa Pilipinas-magkakaroon pa ng Foreigner… pano ba yun? di ko maisip talaga..
[...] “Ganito pala sa Olongapo, parang war zone,”. This was the surprised remark from one of the media personnel from GMA-7 who witnessed what happened that fateful day in November 1996. [...]
is it fine if i share this?
sure fz.
[...] made the public realize the “turfdom” that was going on in Subic. (They had a minor glimpse during the APEC Summit, when we were almost killed by an organized [...]
[...] For all we know, truths can be very much buried by excellent PR. In fact, just five days after my first article came out, another article sprung out on Phil. Star with the title “A Day in the life…”. Catchy [...]
[...] For all we know, truths can be very much buried by excellent PR. In fact, just five days after my first article came out, another article sprung out on Phil. Star with the title “A Day in the life…”. Catchy [...]
[...] [...]