Brutal Reality

Photo from captured enemy-documents.

“Brrrttt!... Bang! Bang!... Brrrttt!... Bang! Bang!”

Victor jumped out from the bench he was sleeping on. He instinctively knew what it was. There was no mistaking to what the sound was. Quickly dropping to the ground, shocked, he crawled a few feet towards his comrades to ensure they were awake and safe.

Though fearful, Victor cautiously looked around the room, quietly checked if he was the only one awakened by the distinct sound of gunfire, and peeked to see outside. His fellow communist insurgents were already awake, and from their eyes he knew they also didn’t know what to do. They were shocked by the sudden turn of events - confused at the very least. 

The sound of gunfire just after midnight was a dreaded event – it meant death lurks around. They all have to think fast. From the first volley of gunfire, Victor knew they were not theirs. They were from the enemy, and they were under fierce attack!

Victor understood well that the enemy’s bullets are always addressed “To whom it may concern.” He knew, “In combat, every bullet does not discriminate. Dare to get on its way and you’re done for sure. It’s a timeless rule in combat: Always respect the incoming.” 

“What went wrong? How did the enemy track us? We were supposed to be invisible to them, especially when we are with the masa (CPP-NPA-NDF mass base, or supporters),” Victor mused.

He was at a loss, so were his comrades. He was cradling his M-16 rifle so tight he forgot to use it - or he had lost courage to fire it at the advancing enemy. Victor’s group groped in the dark, confused on where to run as enemy bullets were landing near the house they were in. There were only four houses in the area situated in a line formation. Victor and company were fast losing time to safely extricate themselves from the ensuing firefight. 

--THE WARS WITHIN (2020 / Copy&Share)