Fathers, victims of genocidation


The whole world today celebrates FATHER’S DAY. The world dedicates a especial day to honor fathers as fathers are one of the most important influences in the lives of children, and their unconditional love is an indispensable anchor of certainty and strength.


However, as children in the world rejoice with their respective father, it is sad to contemplate that here in Biliran, 2 families have mourned because of the brutal killing of their father. Their lives had not been spared from any political problems that provide great havoc in our peaceful place. One of the many unfortunate, regrettable aspects of the tragic events of June 7th, 2008 besides the fact that two people have lost their lives.


Life is priceless but for the greed of power it is worthless. Greed and self interest are the biggest enemies of life. We are conscious about our undeniable obligation to find justice to the people, who were the victims of genocide in the past and present event. I considered it as genocide because the latest victim and previous one belong to the same clan – the Parilla clan, the political opposition group. In this sense, we are strongly committed to undertake whatever necessary to organize a trial of those who had committed genocidal crimes recently.


At that time, the crimes committed by the perpetrators were not different from now. But what is different from before is that 2 years ago it happened in another place whereas today, it happened in the midst of our peaceful place.


Subsequently, Biliran has struggled to move forward in order to achieve peace on our own little way through political battle. Gradually, we are optimistic that it would be achieved as the pinnacle of its spirit has started to spring up. However, another tragedy disrupted the nightfall event who wants to façade the innocence of the situation, through the brutal killing of our peace-loving brethren.


Several doubts took place whenever our efforts at long drawn out political revenge and retribution might take Biliran turn into dark age? Who will be put on trial? Who will bear the responsibility and who will suffer should the gun will explode again and another life will pass away? The choices are not simple, easy or straightforward. Nevertheless, our conscience and morale will not allow the genocidal crimes, committed barbarously against the people of Biliran during the government of the Espina for more than 12 years, to go unpunished. The top leaders should assume the responsibility for this crime and their actions before the law and the people. This is the requirement of justice and the warning against any leader, who will assume the responsibility for the fate of the small province and people in the future. In the end, Biliran past should yield to its future. The solutions to be lasting should be that the Biliranon must be awakening to the truth and reality from deep slumbering by false promises of the Espina Dynsaty.


Now, do we have the nerve to say HAPPY FATHER’S DAY to the bereaved family of late Alberto Parilla and Antonio Barcelo ? Likewise, to the family of late Atty. Danilo Parilla. We are convinced that they are victims of genocide.


Significantly, these fathers are heroes in our province. These dedicated men strive to give their sons and daughters the necessary foundation to make good choices and lead lives of purpose. When they volunteered to serve as body guards, they already knew that their lives are in danger but for the benefit of our children’s good future, they continue their willingness to protect our leaders who stand against the tyrant government of the Espina dynasty.


On Father's Day, we reflect on the many ways that these fathers contribute to the lives of their children and Biliran’s children with spoken words and unspoken kindness through their heroic death. On Father's Day and throughout the year, we honor these men who have taken on the great joy and responsibility of fatherhood, and we celebrate their extraordinary impact and influence. All Bilianons are especially grateful to them who are serving our province and we lift them and their loved ones up in prayer.