(Hong Kong, November 20, 2013) Myrna Reblando, widow of Alejandro “Bong” Reblando, one of the journalists killed in the November 23, 2009 Maguindanao massacre, writes a poem to pay tribute to her husband and other victims.
Myrna writes the poem to recall the pain and hurt that the massacre has caused to victims’ families, as she marks the fourth year anniversary. She was forced to leave her country due to threats on her life.
I am Myrna Reblando, widow of Bong Reblando. I was the vice chairperson and spokesperson of our group, Justice Now! Movement, for victims and families of the Maguindanao massacre.
Four years have past. We have yet to obtain justice for our loved ones and our families. In short, for all those who have been victimized by the massacre.
Every year, on 23rd of November, the pain is renewed in the minds and hearts of the survivors. We continue to grieve as we remember how they were brutally murdered. By writing this poem I am telling others, in my simple way, how deeply hurt I still am, exhausted in mind and heart as they are.
This one is for my beloved husband, Alejandro “Bong” Reblando (click to watch the video):
A friend or a foe
By Myrna P. Reblando
I.
As time goes by I think of you
I still can recall the first time I met you.
You smiled at me and said: Hello! How are you?
At that time I asked myself: Are you a friend or a foe?
II.
At that moment, I really did not know who you were
But I smiled back and said: I’m fine, thank you!
You introduced yourself and told me where you were from
I was still hesitant to tell you my name
And I again wondered
If you are a friend or a foe?
III.
I hope I can read your mind
To be sure that you’re really a friend of mine
I lost my best friend some years ago
And I want you to be my best friend, not a foe
IV.
I gave my heart to you
And you gave your heart to me too
And now I’m really sure
You’re my friend and not a foe
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