*muslim Acquaintance

For the expectation of the many
North Cotabato as a whole or a part is isolated
Civilization is miles back away
anti-tourism, anti – economic industry
tribal wars are rampant
killing here and there, land of conflict
land of cruelty, injustice etc…..etc………….
and Christians have no room to roam around
and see the vast cornfield valley
the largest corn grower as I’ve seen
statistically from mine eyes only –
very critical in general to conclude

I had swallowed too that old-aged expectation
until I came to work here for awhile and spent nomadic
style of living in the upper part of Banisilan, Cotabato
and learned how to mingle with Iranon
whom they believe the most brave Muslim’s tribe
and the friendly Maguindanaon who offered roof under
heavy rain from a long muddy trail after abandoning the troubled
Ford 6600 farm tractor

I had begun to eliminate that worst expectation
while eating pastel, Muslim’s delicacy
while taking quick bath and discharging ”nature’s call” just to comply
their toilet habit every late evening in Busaon river bank;
while gazing down Marandugao river, believed by them a crocodile haven,
while hunting and chasing wild monkeys and took souvenir shots
with armalite, garan, RPG, and carbin rifles;
while motoring along limestone road from Banisilan proper, to lokal
Thailand, to Pantar, to Busaon, to Tinimbacam where I had met in flesh
for the first time a boy around 12 yrs old carrying garan rifle whom i asked
with tensed and nervous where the 2 tractors, the Ford and Massey were going
and surprisingly he threw generous reply

I had realized then after my mild motor crushed experienced with Dr. Koche and had 1st degree burn in my lower right limb and left scar of remembrance
that this part of autonomous region is just the same place that I’ve ever visited
on earth –
with the same atmosphere of hospitality (if you’re hospitable too and remember I was a guest not a host, so I should pay due respect with their culture and vernacular)
with the same climate of respect for an individual spiritual believer
though they worship Allah and Mohammad is their Prophet
and I believe in one God the Father alone and Jesus Christ is a man and redeemer
the Son of God
with the same fertile land, bright eastern sun, friendly rain and sky
sheltering all crops to bear fruits of prosperity
with the same fog, breeze, dew and wind blowing peace and freedom
for all mankind rooted on earth –
a mankind longing for collective democracy and progress

I had known then
the trusting camaraderie
the love that watered all
the dreams to unite and fulfill the vision
of the land of promise – the land of Mindanao
the appearing clear-cut between Muslims and Christians
the blooded story of the past
the yes for peace
and the no for war
promoting North Cotabato current rich imagery
by unanimously twisting historical conflict as nothing as lies.

dedicated to the Moro International and National Liberation Front
whom they believe are pro war and anti-christianity but not………………………..
With Junryl Atienza, Veejay Atienza and uncle Rey, in memory of FORD TRACTOR 6600