Hindi Kami Kalaban
My eyes were fixed on the television that featured the war outbreak in parts of Mindanao. It is disturbing to witness how the Indigenous people there, such as Lumads, Manobo, and others, are in the turmoil caused by false accusations against them.
I couldn't help but nod my head sideways out of dismay because it's already in our modern time, and yet non-Indigenous groups couldn't prevent causing chaos.
I turned off the television to not hear more about the commotions that were excruciating to witness. Then, I breathed heavily before turning my gaze to the newspaper I was holding. It's about the side of the Badjaos that is in need of support from the discrimination and poverty they are facing.
Instead of helping them, the previous and current generations ahead of them are giving them a harder time. They have no remorse over the circumstances that these tribes couldn't escape easily.
Unable to endure anymore of this news, I lose my grip on the paper and get my attention to the phone I only have. I typed such a caption and chose images of a vulnerable individual, depicting all the uncertainties with a mist of no fortune. Then I posted it on social media.
After a few hours, I checked the post, and my heart jolted seeing the number of likes, comments, and shares. My viewers were encouraged to repost it for awareness.
But my smile faded slowly when I realized that I was the person I'd posted online. An image of mine as a Badjao beggar in society lacks sympathy. I stood to represent the unfortunate state of my fellow native members.
Sadly, it's the reality speaking that I am helping and defending my fellow indigenous members; instead, it comes from those in power to raise us from the misfortunes they've caused in the first place.
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Hindi Kami Kalaban by Colin Cris Celestial
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