Rally sa Cabatuan

July 26, 2009. 3:00pm. It was the eve of Gloria Arroyo's SONA (State of the Nation Address). Militant groups all over the Philippines were in different stages of their protest activities to greet the SONA.

In Iloilo, militant groups were also busy. Marches were scheduled from all points in Iloilo, and to finally converge at the Iloilo capitol grounds in Iloilo City on the day of the SONA.

The march from the central towns started in Janiuay and passed through the sleepy town of Cabatuan where rallies only happened in the the TV news and where militancy meant studying in far away University of the Philippines. Cabatuan's nearest experience to militant rally was when flag bearing vehicle caravans of striking drivers passed through en route to the city. There never was any red-flag marches with loud chants of Ibagsak si Gloria Arroyo!

This afternoon, the town's parochial ways were shattered by the march of chanting militants. Red flags fluttered. College kids were walking on the side streets bearing boxes were onlookers could drop contributions to the cause. Martials were observant and took pictures of those taking pictures of the marchers. There was a jeep with a loud speaker. Cabatuananons were exhorted to ibagsak si Gloria, ibasura ang ConAss ni Gloria. Kinulbaan tana ang iba. Abi nanda rebolusyon na. Nakiusyoso man ang iba. Abi nanda shooting ka pelikula. Astig gid.

Organizers said they were heading for the municipality of Pavia were they will spend the night. The next day they will continue their march to Iloilo City where they will hold a program.




The anti-PGMA march with their signature red flags, as seen from inside the Cabatuan Catholic cemetery.@