Chapter 1: PROLOGUE
100 YEARS AGO…
The Philippines have become known for its extensive forests, exotic wildlife, majestic volcanoes and beautiful beaches. Speaking of, it became the hottest issue today between China and the Philippines. Two countries have disputes over the sovereignty of some islands and shoals in the Spratly Islands. The tension between two countries started headlines in 2012 when Beijing in effect took control of Scarborough Shoal, an island 220km west of the Philippine mainland but within Manila's exclusive economic zone, after a maritime altercation.
But the tension became more unpredictable when China's vessel attacked one of the Philippines' fisheries vessel, and two other Chinese coast guard ships hit the Philippine coast guard ship, damaging part of its deck railing and canopy. American intervention further escalated the situation, adding another layer of complexity to the conflict.
That exact day, both countries' countrymen knew, there will be no end—a war is coming.
"SIR, we have to evacuate now!" Sa loob ng Malacañang ay nagtipon-tipon lahat ng senators at iba pang official ng Pilipinas habang napapalibutan sila ng mga national security at mga sasakyang panggyera.
"We cannot evacuate everyone on time. Ano ang gagawin natin, Mr. President?" tanong ng vice president na ngayon ay halos hindi na nakakapag-isip ng matino. "We cannot just leave everyone here and wait for those damn evils annihilate the whole country in ashes."
Tila mabibiyak na sa dalawa ang ulo ng presidenti sa kaiisip kung ano ang gagawin. There is nothing left to choose; besides, all their options on the table are nowhere to be found. Lahat ay nagawa na nila, at ang tanging puwede na lang nilang gawin ay ang tumakas.
"Sir, if hindi pa tayo aalis ngayon, imposible na po na mararating pa natin ang safe zone," nababalisang sabi ng isa sa mga personal security ng presidenti.
Lahat ng officials ay nakatingin na lang sa kanilang presidenti, ang mangyayari sa kanila ay nakadepende sa kung ano ang magiging desisyon nito. Leaving the current situation will be an act of cowardice, but on the other hand, it will provide another chance for tomorrow's fight.
"Only one minute left…" a countdown was set from the monitor.
The president stood up; his face resolute. "We will evacuate," he said firmly. "But we will not abandon our people. We will regroup, and we will fight back. Today, we live to fight another day."
The officials nodded, a newfound determination in their eyes. They quickly moved to execute the president's orders, knowing that the battle was far from over. Subalit, bago pa man sila makaalis, bumagsak na ang ilang nuclear bombs sa bahagi ng Luzon. Tatlong bomba ang sumabog, kasunod ang iba pang bahagi ng bansa.
Mga inosenteng sibilyan na walang ideya sa nangyayari sa kanilang paligid, mga batang walang muwang sa kalupitan ng digmaan, at mga taong ang tanging hangad lamang ay mabuhay nang mapayapa, lahat sila ay walang ibang pagpipilian kundi ang tumakbo at magsisigawan habang nagsisibagsakan ang mga bomba mula sa himpapawid.
"Lord, forgive all of my sins. Open the gate of your kingdom and accept me—" But most of them has the choice to save themselves, praying for their savior to save them. All they can do, as one of the most predominantly Christian countries in Asia, is to pray to God. "Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come—" Reciting the Lord's prayer either in English… "Ama namin, sumasalangit Ka, sambahin ang ngalan Mo. Mapasaamin ang kaharian Mo, sundin ang loob Mo dito sa lupa para nang sa langit." Tagalog, or Muslim "Bismillah hir Rahman nir Raheem Alhamdulillahi Rabbil Aalameen…" while on their knees. Habang sila'y taimtim na nananalangin, their voices meld into one, a desperate plea for divine intervention amid the chaos dropping upon them. "and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil."
"Amen."
"Amen."
"Ameen."
Hopefully, there is a heaven for souls who did nothing to deserve the unfortunate fate they suffered.
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