Two teenagers stare nonchalantly at a life-size wax statue of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos in his mausoleum in Batac, Ilocos Norte (471 kms. north of Manila). They are Bab-bab and Bugan, great-grandchildren of the famed Ibaloi warrior Kustacio Carantes, who served as liaison officer to Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, President of the First Philippine Republic, more than a hundred years ago. Marcos’ tourism-oriented programs in Tuba, Itogon, and other towns in Benguet province displaced many Cordillera residents, a number of them relatives of Bab-bab and Bugan. Their travel to Batac brings the children face to face with a likeness of the deposed strongman, whose family is reportedly involved in deals with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to have his remains finally buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (Heroes’ Cemetery) (Bulatlat.com)

Photo by Ace Alegre

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