Mega Dragon: Harbinger of Death

MANDO'S STORY 1

What would you call a bad day? Losing your job? Your loved ones? Your home? Any one of these could easily fit the bit. But what if all three happened together? What would you call it then? Disobedience to military orders; insubordination, is considered a grave offense. What if that order went against everything you stood for? Would you still carry it out? Or would you refute it, being well aware of the consequences? What would you do?

***

It was a stormy night. The wind was violent and the rain poured with a menacing vendetta. The tents danced to the tune of the wind, relishing in its compelling rhythm. The ensuing rancor, however, filled the space, ignoring the wind and the rain. The only liquid that poured was BLOOD!

An encampment consisting of members of the National People’s Army (NPA) of the Communist People’s Party (CPP) in Betwagan had been ambushed by the Philippine Army 501 infantry battalion. They were preparing for an attack that was to begin a few days afterward. The fact that the army was there meant that there was at least a traitor in their ranks. It was classified information and was only revealed upon getting to the camp. For the army to have reacted under such short notice, meant that they had been on their tail for quite some time. And they showed no mercy. Swiftly, they swept through their ranks, taking advantage of the commotion caused. Killing those who resisted and arresting others. A few were able to escape unharmed, but only a handful. Most of them weren’t so lucky. Mando was one of those who weren’t so lucky.

Ka Mando was a Regional Commander of the CPP-NPA in the Sadanga Mt. Province and was presently residing in Betwagan. His friend Ka Ambo, also a Regional Commander at the time was in charge of the operation. Mando hated wars, but he also saw them as a necessary evil. He was definitely a man who would avoid killing at all costs. Strange for a regional commander, but his abilities were the only reason he wasn’t removed from his post. That reason, however, was responsible for picking Ambo over him. But war doesn’t care about such trifles. Just like a vegetarian expecting not to be devoured by a lion simply because he also does not devour flesh, Mando’s hope that he would not be killed because of his pseudo-pacifist nature was nugatory.

Amidst the ambush, he had suffered a bullet wound on his left arm. He wasn’t a medical staff but had fair experience in first aid. He tore a piece of clothing from his vest and tied it around his wound. There wasn’t much he could do at that moment. He looked around for his unit, but he would have had better luck finding a needle in a desert.

He managed to escape the commotion, but he had already lost a lot of blood. He was slowly fading away, but he couldn’t afford to lose consciousness. He had to get back home. To his family, his friends, subordinates. To his people. The weather wasn’t helping his movements. It however helped to keep him hidden. His heart was pulsating, his breathing had become erratic. He was hanging on a very thin line. But he was determined to survive. If not for himself, but at least for the people, he left behind.

He managed to get to the bank of the Chico river, close to Kalinga Province. It was a long walk, but he knew he had to get out of town for a while. Unfortunately, the army had gotten there too. “Identify yourself!!!” a soldier ordered, as Mando approach the town. He could barely hear anything at that moment, but he could recognize that he had wandered into the hands of the enemy. The shouts from the soldier dissolved into an echoing silence in his mind. Even though he didn’t know what he was saying, he figured he was being asked to identify himself.

Unfortunately, that would only worsen matters for him. Being considerably high ranked, it was possible that the government had blacklisted him. So, he kept silent all the while as the soldier’s rants sounded like slurs and nothing else. Just then, another walks towards the previous one and engages him in a conversation. After a while, he stretches his hand to Mando. “Are you alright?” he asked.

Mando was dumbstruck. Was it a ploy to lure him in or was he really saved? There was only one option, however. He was going to take his luck as it came and pray that he arrives on peaceful shores. With little hesitation, he took the hand of his savior. He couldn’t quite make out his face, but he was a presence that Mando would never forget. And as the hand pulled him up, it pulled him out from one nightmare to another.

***

The bells of the Kulungan prison in Betwagan jolted Mando from his slumber. The memory of the incident with his savior had been haunting him in his dreams for days. After all, it was greatly linked to why he shared a cell with war criminals. It wasn’t an official prison, but it was where the CPP held people that were either spies or defectors. It was hard to say whether or not Mando could fall into one of those groups, but you could say his case was unique. But not just if led to his arrest. But the events that ensued. Major protests had been occurring, following his arrest, all saying one thing; Justice for Ka Mando. To the people, Mando was a hero, but the CPP had now lost all faith in him. What happened from the ambush till that time that made Mando lose his freedom? What could have transpired?

A prison warden escorted Mando to their investigative chambers. Mando had a sharp expression on his face. Whatever wrong he was guilty of; he was unapologetic and he would stand his ground all the way.

“You’ve caused quite a scene Mando. It’s very unlike you,” the interrogator said but was met with resounding silence. “Mute, I see? Well, I guess we’ll go straight to business then. Tell us about your friend, Andres Mendoza.”

***

^Year 1983, CPP-NPA Base, Betwagan, Sadanga, Mountain Province, Philippines^

Ka Mando was seated at his desk, lost in a reverie of the incident that had occurred months back. It was just four months since the ambush at their camp but things had returned to normal. Ka Mando still had flashbacks from time to time. His arm wound was almost completely healed. But it wasn’t much of a problem anymore. His friend Ka Garina, who was a medical assistant in the NPA was on his way to change his bandages.

Knock knock.

Ka Garina walked into Mando’s office with his first aid box. Garina was a cheerful man who always wore a smile on his gentle face. He was a tall man with a slim build. He looked at least ten years younger than his age. Perhaps Mando would have been as lucky if he didn’t have to be on the battlefronts so many times. As Regional Commander, he had seen his own fair share of battles. He was an average height man, with a face that didn’t quite match his body. He was barely forty years of age but he looked like he was past his fifties.

“I meet you free today. Did you clear your appointments because of me?” Garina goaded.

“Even my wife doesn’t get that privilege. Worse still, you’re a man,” Mando retorted.

“Ha, typical of you,” Garina chuckled. He began to loosen Mando’s old bandages. “So, any news on your ‘Bayani’ yet?”

“Sadly, none. It’s almost like he’s a ghost.”

“I’m sure you’re aware that that is not his real name, right? After all, there was no way he would have given you his real name. He might have saved you, but it doesn’t change the fact that he is with the opposition. Maybe even a spy even.”

“That’s the only piece of information he left me with. I can barely even remember his face.”

“So, how are you going to know him even if you do meet him? For all you know, he might even be your next-door neighbor.”

“There’s no way I can forget that presence,” Mando replied, almost slipping into a reverie again but a slight tingle on his arm as Garina dressed his wound, jolted him back to full consciousness.

“Cry baby,” Garina teased. “Well that’s that, I guess. My regards to your family,” Garina said, as he packed his items, preparing to leave.

“I appreciate the time Garina. Thank you.”

“Becoming all mushy now, are we? Besides, Tina would have my head if I didn’t come. She’d have been here herself if she could though.”

“Ah, Tina. How is she anyway?”

“Well, you know how she is. But she should be returning soon though. We should all hang out sometime. The old group. For old time's sake.”

“Ha. Ambo is now into politics. Doubt he’ll have any time. That is if he wants to come in the first place. And Gabi is now the Mayor. And---”

Knock knock.

A soldier walked into Ka Mando’s office. There was a sigh of relief on Garina’s face but Mando didn’t look so happy to see who had walked in. He sank into his chair. “Good day Ka Mando, Ka Garina,” He greeted.

“Good day, Ka Dukrus,” Garina replied.

“Well, I guess if it’s just us, the formalities don’t matter. But what’s so important that a Platoon Leader came by himself?” Mando asked.

“I just thought I’d use the opportunity to see how you’re doing.”

“Is that really all?” Mando asked, noticing the piece of paper he was holding.

“Well, Ka Gabi is not happy that you have continued to ignore the execution list. My men also said you didn’t even take a look at it.”

“I didn’t need to. It’s against everything we’re fighting for.”

“Well, that is not for either of us to decide. Ka Gabi instructed that I personally bring it myself.”

“Are you implying that a Platoon Leader has the power to instruct a Regional Commander?” Mando said, clearly irritated by Dukrus’s statement. Garina noticed Mando’s impending fury and sought to calm him down. Dukrus was quite uneasy at that moment. One look at Garina and Mando knew exactly what he was saying. “Fine, let me have it.”

Dukrus felt great relief. He was well aware that he had overstepped his boundaries. Ka Mando wasn’t the type of man to get angry easily, but he had a fit of terrifying anger when he did. Probably stemmed from his strong belief in his principles. “My apologies sir,” Dukrus said, handing the list to Mando.

“I guess that would be all,” Mando said, throwing the list into his bin without even taking a glimpse of it.

“Mando, at least see whose names are on it. These are troubling times. We need to be careful,” Garina beseeched him. He knew that Mando did have a soft spot for him and he wasted no time in exploiting it.

“Fine,” Mando sighed, picking the list out of the bin. The list comprised of twenty names along with their offenses. Most of them were to be executed on the assumption that they were spies. A few others were enemy soldiers that were captured. Normally the procedure would be to detain the suspects in Kulungan prison. Only after investigations had proven them guilty beyond all doubt, that they would be sentenced to death. But for some reason, the CPP was bypassing all those processes and as a member of the NPA, Mando was strongly against the decision. People deserve a right to prove their innocence. Mando was a strong believer in that. Of all the names, none was familiar to him. But not knowing them was not enough for him to turn a blind eye.

“Well, I’ve gone through it and I’ll keep it in mind,” Mando said, throwing it back in the bin one more time. Garina sighed. He had no intention of saying more than he already did. Loud noises came from outside, much to the surprise of Ka Mando and Ka Garina. As the Regional Commander, it was appalling that he would be unaware of happenings in his barracks. Mando however noticed that Dukrus was not surprised. “What is the meaning of this?”

“The prisoners have already arrived sir.”

“Without my permission? Who ordered such!” Mando berated.

“Ka Dennis sir, the Commander.”

“At the very least, he should have informed me,” Mando responded, visibly upset.

“It was included in the previous letter, sir.”

“Oh. Well, let’s check them out since there are already here. But I do not appreciate such actions. I shall have to speak with Ka Dennis myself regarding this.” It may come as a surprise, but even among the higher-ups, Ka Mando is highly respected. He was eligible to be the NPP’s Commander but the party decided against it as Mando’s opinions often differed from theirs. So, they opted for Ka Dennis instead.

Upon reaching outside, Mando stared upon the gloomy faces that laid before him. It was a sight that never stopped to irritate him. But he was a soldier, a Regional Commander at that. So, scenes like this couldn’t really be avoided. As he scanned through the faces before him, one of them picked his interest. He wasn’t sure why, but he felt like he had met him somewhere. He walked closer to him. He looked frail and sickly, arising from the t*****e he had had to endure. The man noticed Mando’s interest and was taken aback. Then his face melted into a gentle smile. “It’s been a while, Ka Mando,” he said.

“Bayani, is that you?” Mando asked, with a mixture of surprise and fear. Fear that he would have to end the man’s life. For the man standing before him, was his savior.

***

^Year 1983, CPP-NPA encampment, Betwagan, Sadanga, Mountain Province, Philippines^

Ka Mando and some of the other Regional Commanders of the CPP-NPA gathered in a tent within the encampment. They were from Betwagan, Kalinga, Abra, Ifugao, Benguet and Apayao. They were planning an attack on some of the government strongholds. Those that were present in that tent were the only ones that had been previously briefed. They were hoping to keep the information from leaking as much as possible. Ka Ambo and Ka Dennis were also present, both of whom were Regional Commanders too at the time. Ka Ambo was in charge of the operation. It was after the ensuing incident that Ambo went into politics and Dennis became the Commander. Their discussion, however, is cut short by g*n sounds from within the camp.

“Have we been found already?” Ambo blurted out, clearly in panic.

“This proves it. There are spies in our midst. Our higher-ups too, it would seem,” Dennis accused. His distrusting expression was the only different expression in that tent. Everyone else was visibly afraid.

“Now’s not the time Ka Dennis. What do we do, Ka Ambo?” Ka Mando asked.

“We can’t confront them as we are now. An immediate retreat! Commanders, get your men out of here!” Ka Ambo ordered.

They all dispersed to quickly dismiss their units. But rancor was the mood of the camp. The enemy quickly took advantage of the chaos and broke deeper into their ranks. They all failed to gather their units and there was complete discord in the camp. It became further apparent to him. It was every man for himself.

***

Not long after, Ka Mando got to Kalinga Province, where he was saved by one among the enemy’s ranks. He had passed out at the bank of the Chico river and awoken in a shed. He sprung up, frightened, unaware of where he was and his current situation. “Am I a prisoner of war now?” he thought to himself.

“No, you are not,” a man replied beside him. It was the man who thrust his hand towards him before he passed out. The man who saved his life.

Mando was shocked to see someone beside him. It wasn’t until the man had replied to him that he realized that he had been thinking aloud. “You saved me. Why?” Mando asked. He couldn’t quite make out a reason why the man would save him. Maybe he was trying to gain intel from him.

“Because I know the kind of man you are, Ka Mando,” the man replied.

“You know who I am? You are a spy, aren’t you?”

“Well, you could say that. I just happened to be passing by and you caught my interest. That’s all.”

“How did you get them to let me be?”

“Told him you were a friend. Wasn’t too easy, but I have my way with words. Try not to move too much, you were hurt pretty bad.”

Ka Mando managed to sit up. He still wasn’t sure what to make out of the whole situation. “So, what do you want?”

“Nothing. I just thought you needed my help.”

“Be serious!” Ka Mando berated. “You expect me to believe that you did this out of goodwill?”

“You did the same thing when you captured some of our men. You let them go, against the orders of the CPP. It is for that reason that you were denied of being the Commander. One of those people you freed was my brother. He’s dead now, however, but that was what made me pick interest in you. Why would the enemy do that? Despite being aware of the consequences. I had to know what kind of person you were. And I wasn’t disappointed.”

“But your actions have resulted in the death of my men.”

“I’m not the one who discovered your plans. As I said, I only came because of you, nothing else. Someone else must have found out. This is war. A war of attrition. You’re aware that all is fair in love and war. So, don’t think too much. You too have been responsible for the death of others.”

Ka Mando sighed. He was completely unable to refute anything the man had said. “How long do I have to stay here?” Ka Mando asked.

“A week maybe. Your wound should have healed considerably by then.”

“I am sincerely grateful. What do I call you?”

“Bayani.”

“Are you being serious now?”

“Bayani means hero. Am I not a hero to you now?”

“I guess you could say that. Bayani it is then”

***

“It’s been a while, Ka Mando,” he said.

“Bayani, is that you?” Mando asked. Mando was devastated. He had gone to great lengths to find him. But not like this. He was being given a sword to cut not just the hand, but the head of the one who saved him. And unlike the other missions, disobeying this command would attract grave consequences.

“I really hoped I wouldn’t have to see you like this. It’s quite unfortunate actually,” Bayani said.

Ka Mando cursed under his breath. Unable to face him, he stormed out of the place and back to his office. Ka Garina followed him, while the prisoners were taken to their holding facility. Mando slammed the door as he walked in, but that didn’t dissuade Garina from following him. He was well aware that Mando had no intention of going through with the order. And he was afraid of what the consequences might be.

“Mando, calm down and think this through. You know you have to go through with this right?”

“I’ll figure something out. I have to.”

“You want to save him?”

“I can’t save just him anymore. I’ll save all of them.”

“Mando, that’s impossible, even for you. They were willing to bypass the right procedures. Just to make sure they met their ends as quickly as possible.”

“Trust me this once Garina. If I don’t do this, I’ll never be able to sleep. I won’t be able to rest in peace.”

Garina sighs. “You always take me to the world’s end, don’t you?”

“Shouldn’t matter as long as I bring you back.”

“Make sure you come back too. Each time you embark on something, you give us a bigger scare than the last.”

“I’m sure it’ll be okay if I call the team.”

“True. But who’s going to tell Tina?”

“Dukrus?” Mando goads and they both let out a hearty laugh. But that laugh was the last the two had together.

***

Ka Mando stayed through the window of his truck. It had been a while since he felt the need to travel to the Mayor’s office. But the current situation required it. His friend, Ka Gabi, who was now the Mayor used to be a financial analyst. He wasn’t a soldier, so Ka Mando was hoping to appeal to his civilian sense. After all, no military man would advise you to disobey the military.

The streets were serene, completely unaware of the current happenings and the rancor that was to follow. The sun was gentle, as it had been for the past few months. It curled itself within the sky, as if in consideration of the people below it. The city had endured a lot in the past month. From military raids to bombings to houses being set on fire. So, in a way, you could say the sun was being a bit merciful. Or maybe the people had gotten so used to heat, that the sun no longer posed a threat. Well whichever it was, the atmosphere was serene. The people wore loose clothing, relishing in the cool breeze. Ka Mando would have liked that himself if he wasn’t going on an official visit. But what he had to do was more important than whatever comfort he was sacrificing.

Upon getting to the Mayor’s office, he was saluted all the way. And the Mayor himself was so pleased to see him that he hugged him at first sight. Ka Mando cringed as Ka Gabi squeezed his injured arm. “I’m sorry. I had almost forgotten about your injury,” Ka Gabi said, pulling away. “It’s nice to actually see you. We haven’t seen each other in almost three months now?”

“Well, whose fault is that now?” Ka Mando retorted, much to the amusement of Ka Gabi.

“Well, you have a point. Have a seat,” Ka Gabi said heartfully. Mando obliged.

“I need a favor,” Ka Mando blurted out.

“Ha, the execution order, right?”

“How did you know?”

“I’m aware that you’ve been ignoring it. Besides, Ka Dennis did say that you would come yourself to try to change it.”

“Well, any person with half a brain in his position could figure that out. No need to give him more credit than he deserves,” Ka Mando retorted.

“I see you two still have your differences. It’s not healthy. Well, in response to your request, there isn’t much I can do. The order is from the party heads and even the Commander can’t go against it. I suggest you appoint someone else to take care of it and just turn a blind eye. It would be easier that way?”

“Are you really saying this, knowing the kind of person I am?”

“Precisely. I’m a businessman and you are a soldier. Don’t you think we’re on the wrong ends of this discussion?”

“But we’re both people. Those people have not had the chance to prove their innocence. They shouldn’t be treated that way.”

“I understand how you feel. But sometimes you have to compromise. It’s what the party wants. No one is above the party.”

“The party is here for the people. If not, we’re just like the government.”

“Careful with your words now. That could be counted as treason.”

“Add that to my list.”

“Just let this one slide Mando. It’s for the better.”

“Better of whom? Besides, I’m not the only Regional Commander. Why don’t they send this to the others who would be more than eager to carry it out? Why do they keep taunting me?”

“Well, if it’s a ploy, shouldn’t you be avoiding it rather than falling for it?”

“You really aren’t going to do anything?”

“I’m sorry Ka Mando, but there is nothing I can do. Not even if I wanted to help, which honestly, in this case, I don’t want to. I think you should do what is in the best interest of the party. These people have been a nuisance. The ambush, then the bombings… we had two dead, we lost half of our cattle, dozens injured, let’s not forget the cost of rebuilding the destroyed infrastructures… Mando, just let this go, okay?”

But Ka Mando wasn’t pleased with Ka Gabi’s response. And he was prepared to take drastic measures. He took out his badge and tore off his ranks. “I quit!” he exclaimed, slamming them on Ka Gabi’s table.

“No, you don’t. That would be tantamount to defecting, punishable by death. Take it back,” Ka Gabi responded, pushing them towards Ka Mando. But Mando refused to take them back. “You can’t resign, no one will allow it. We could lose half of our forces and the support of Betwagan itself. If you no longer care about the party, think about your wife, Mary, your kids, us. Think about how we’ll all be affected,” Ka Gabi said passionately. He always was a sweet talker. But Ka Mando didn’t budge. He was unyielding in his resolve and no amount of words could change his mind. Ka Gabi saw this and sighed. “You really haven’t changed. Okay then, think of something. A way we could get out of this as unscathed as possible.”

“Let the people decide. We’re doing all this for them, right? Then let them decide for themselves what they want. Whatever choice they make, I’ll stick with it.”

Ka Gabi was silent for a while. After a few seconds, he raised his head. “So, what do you need me to do?”

“Your support. I need your support as a friend and as the Mayor.”

“Fine, then you have my support.”

“Thank you very much. I owe you one.”

“Among many others. But don’t worry Mando, I will stand by you. Just, please, let us not have to go through this again, okay?”

“No problem, Mayor,” ka Mando teased. They reminisced about old times and before long they lost track of time. Ka Mando spent most of his day there, but he didn’t mind. He had gotten what he came for. And at the very least, he was glad to see his friend again.

***

The town was buzzing that morning. There was a mixture of awe and uneasiness as they awaited the fateful event that was to occur that afternoon. It was the first of its kind. The people’s vote passes as judgment. And the town was excited at the thought. A lot of preparations were being made to enable the program to run smoothly. Ka Mando was aware that the party had been informed of his plans but he was yet to receive any letter to that effect. It didn’t change anything, however. Whether they send an order or not, he was determined to go through with it. Well, it was probably too late to do anything about it, seeing how much the people were now into it. But unknown to Ka Mando, a lot was already happening under his nose.

“Sir, one of the prisoners has escaped!” a soldier cried upon entering Ka Mando’s office.

“What were the guards doing? Which one of them?” Mando questioned.

“Andres Mendoza sir,” the soldier replied.

But that name didn’t strike a bell. But how would it? It was not like he had placed a name on the faces he saw that day. After their arrival, he had not gone to visit them. Not even Bayani. He was worried that he might be used against him by the party if they knew how much he revered him. And that would most definitely seal his fate faster than Ka Mando could say the name Bayani. “Which one of them is Andres?” Ka Mando asked.