Stories of a Waraynon political prisoner told to Yolanda children survivors

By HUSTISYA
February 16, 2014

MANILA – A storytelling activity was held this morning by rights group Hustisya for the children survivors of typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) on the 100th day since it struck Eastern Visayas and other parts of the Visayas.

The event, titled “Susmatanon: Mga Kwento ni Lolo Edong,” featured stories of a fellow Waray, political prisoner Eduardo “Edong” Sarmiento. “Susmatanon” is a Waray term for “kwentong bayan” (folklore). It will also be the title of the book when published. It consists of six children’s stories of Sarmiento, which presents social issues of justice and peace written in the simplest manner.

Held at the UP College of Science Library, “Susmatanon” brought together not only children victims of typhoon Yolanda but also children of victims of human rights violations.

“We deemed it very significant that we hold this activity on the 100th day since typhoon Yolanda struck. We are one with the people of Samar and Leyte and other parts of the Visayas in their call for justice. Thousands of people are denied of the much needed help and rehabilitation. It has made their sufferings worse, and we should all demand accountability and justice from the Aquino government,” said Ma. Cristina Guevarra, Hustisya secretary general.

Sarmiento, whom the organizers fondly introduced to the children as Lolo Edong, has been longing to share his unpublished book of children’s stories to his fellow Waraynons, but cannot personally do so because of his unjust imprisonment. Sarmiento was fully denied of due process when he was sentenced to 40 years imprisonment by Judge Myra Bayot Quiambao of the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 203 on 11 December 2013 for the trumped up criminal charge of illegal possession of explosives.

In a message he wrote to the activity organizers, Lolo Edong said: “Ang pagnanais na dumalo sa inyong pagtitipon at makaniig kayo kasama ang mga bata, ay isang panaginip lang sa kasalukuyan, sapagkat ako’y isang bilanggong pulitikal na nakapiit ngayon sa NBP (New Bilibid Prisons). Gayunpaman, wala man diyan ang aking katawan, nariyan naman ang aking isip at damdamin.” (My desire to be with you with the children in these gathering remains a dream at present, because I am a political prisoner currently detained at the NBP. However, my physical body may not be there but my mind and emotions are with you.)

He further sent his messages of hope to the children: “Makikisuyo ako na maipaabot sa mga bata ang aking mainit na pagbati. Pakisabi sa kanila na huwag mawawalan ng pag-asa dahil may liwanag sa dilim at may bahaghari pagkatapos ng bagyo.” (May I ask for a favor to extend my warmest greetings to the children. Please tell them not to lose hope for there is light after the dark and there is a rainbow after the storm).

Storytellers of the activity are 2010 Ms. Universe fourth runner up Venus Raj, stand-up comedian Karen Dematera, and children’s storytellers JK Anicoche and Amihan Ruiz.