Although, President Marcos is our Commander-in-Chief, I am still sympathetic of Aquino not because of being a Kapampangan and a province mate but because of his significant achievements and at that time I already possessed hidden anger concerning Marcos rule. Marcos dictatorship has been already obvious.
Based upon what I have read from newspapers before Martial Law, his known outstanding accomplishments include his being the world’s youngest correspondent while covering the Korean War (about 19 years old).
The youngest President Assistant during the administration of President Ramon Magsaysay, Aquino was able to persuade Luis Taruc, the supreme leader of the HUKBALAHAP to surrender, thus crippling the existence and activities of the communist movement.
Then the youngest Mayor, the youngest Governor, youngest Senator and most probably the youngest would be President had not President Marcos declared Martial Law.
Aquino was also a TOYM (Ten Outstanding Young Man) awardee and has bulk of sympathizer and supporters.
Aquino’s day passed by doing exercises, reading, meeting his family and associated. His movements being monitored particularly during visits if his family and friends. Electronic devices were installed in the visiting room.
The torn writings and letters of Aquino thrown in the trash can will be picked-up by personnel and pasted together hoping it might have an intel value.
The many times we were together during night time showed that he possessed two obvious moods. One is that he is easily impressed of people and the other one that he is short tempered.
One afternoon, while playing volleyball, he noticed a woman walking nearby, he stopped for a moment and stared at the lady exclaimed “wow” she is beautiful! Terrible, Sino siya? Major May Bacabac Sir.
One evening after watching the film of Nora Aunor and Christopher de Leon in the TV, he approached me from his cell and said, “Ang husay ng labas ni Nora saka maganda ang istorya at pagkakagawa ng pelikula.
With regards to his temper, another evening, he showed me a document and said: Terrible, pinadalhan uli ako ni Enrile nito. Pilit ako pinapapirma, umayon na daw ako dapat sa New Society ni Marcos.
Yung una ay pinunit ko, then he uttered bad words against Marcos and Enrile (this time only Senators Aquino and Diokno were left behind the cell, his companions Mitra, Soliven, Roces, Leon O. Ty were already released after conforming with the New Society government of Marcos.)
Tinanggihan ko pa rin itong ikalawang endorsement ni Enrile sa akin. Tanggapin ko na lang si kamatayan kaysa pumanig kay Marcos.
This might have been the reason why Aquino and Diokno were transferred to Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija.
The new place provides new environment an opposite of Fort Bonifacio. Privileges were cut, no family visit, no exercise. The duo consistently experienced mental and physical anguish. The detention cell is very small.
The Commanding Officer of this Army Detachment is the godson of Senator Aquino – Capt. Voltaire T. Gazmin.
The sudden change of atmosphere has made Aquino to protest by means of fasting for more than thirty days I think. Eventually, the duo was sent back to their former detention cell in Fort Bonifacio, Makati.
It was also that date, I was re-assigned to Fort Magsaysay thus the conclusion of my light moments with Senator Benigno S. Aquino, Jr.
BY RODOLFO S. TERRIBLE
