This story was taken from Bulatlat, the Philippines's alternative weekly newsmagazine (www.bulatlat.com, www.bulatlat.net, www.bulatlat.org).
Vol. V, No. 9, April 10-16, 2005

Summer in Sapang Kawayan

Sapang Kawayan (Bamboo Brook) in Masantol, Pampanga (64 kms. north of Manila) is home to brothers Roger and Sergio Viray, missing since last February. Looking around Sapang Kawayan, one would not think it could be a place where people can disappear and remain missing for more than a month.

PHOTOS BY DABET CASTAÑEDA
TEXT BY ALEXANDER MARTIN REMOLLINO
Bulatlat

Sapang Kawayan (Bamboo Brook) in Masantol, Pampanga (64 kms. north of Manila) is home to brothers Roger and Sergio Viray, missing since last February. They were reportedly snatched by government operatives.

The brook can easily attract the outsider for its rustic scenery and its air of tranquility. Just looking around, one would think life in the village it encompasses is as smooth as a trip on the boats that cruise it.

The children practically live their mornings and afternoons playing in the water. They go back up only when the sun sets.

They are thus in the water as often as many of their elders who work as either boatmen or fishermen or both.

At times Sapang Kawayan’s children, boatmen, and fishermen share the waters with workers transporting big bags of salt from nearby Bulacan province.

As it is Sapang Kawayan can already tempt visitors from the city to prolong their stay and not go back right away to the harried urban routines.

Indeed, looking around Sapang Kawayan, one would not think it could be a place where people can disappear and remain missing for more than a month. Bulatlat

 © 2004 Bulatlat ■  Alipato Publications

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