Since time immemorial, I’ve been hearing a lot of things about the so-called insurgency in our country. Though I am not that involved in politics, as a probinsyana, it’s almost impossible to go through life without hearing things about both the AFP and the NPA. However, I consider them as things that have always just been in the backdrop of my life. Until now.

I hail from the same province where Kieth Absalon, a fellow college student, and his cousin died in an unfortunate incident involving the New People’s Army. I’ll admit that I was one of the many who were outraged then. We Masbateños are a peace-loving people, and it really tears my heart that such incidents happen in my hometown. I can’t imagine the pain and grief the Absalon family must be feeling especially during these trying times. But right after what happened, the NPA issued a statement claiming responsibility for the two civilians’ deaths. And truth be told, that apology struck something within me.

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