Federico farms at Alabel, which is three hours away from Davao. Even though their parents are away from each other, Malaya and Bayan are secure that their parents’ commitment to each other is strong.
Myra Gazo Macla, Nelly’s best friend, remembers her as a jolly person. She is considered as the life of the group and that she does not want anyone sad, Myra said.
Myra and Nelly met through Selda (Society of Ex-Detainees for Liberation against Detention and for Amnesty). Since then, they have been the best of friends. Myra was the first person that Malaya contacted since they heard news of the disappearance of their parents. Myra is accompanying Malaya in Manila.
Nelly is like a sister to her and whenever there are family gatherings, Nelly would always be invited, Myra said.
As a source of strength, Malaya turns to prayer and to the support of her parents’ friends and co-workers.
When she was still in school, Malaya volunteered at a youth camp that helps out-of-school youth. Their youth camp was raided by the military and they were accused of being New People’s Army (NPA) members. They filed a case against the police but later found out that the head of the team that raided their camp had already gone to Manila to supposedly take his master’s degree.
Malaya has no doubts that their parents were abducted by the military. She just hopes that it wouldn’t take them long to release their parents. So far, every detachment or office that they have turned to had told them that their case would be investigated.
Right now, Malaya just wishes that the military will release her parents or even just give them information as to how their parents are. As for Myra, she wants to see her friends –whether they are still alive or already dead. (Bulatlat.com)
