By Ardy & Dave
Ma’am Ardy posed a challenge to me. She wanted to know if I would go with the rest of the team and pay the suspect a visit.
I am not really afraid of visiting the jail. I have been inside the National Bilibid Prison many times for research purposes. I have also entered the Bohol District Jail twice and mingled with those who are deprived with their liberty: up, close and personal. I am not really afraid for my own safety because there are jail custodians equipped to ensure the safety of visitors. For this reason, safety is not an issue.
I was more worried of Ma’am Ardy. But I wanted to sound definite so I sent her a text message indicating that I was going with her to visit an see the suspect. For me, that was also an opportunity to pick up from his mind the reason and motivated for his alleged criminal offense. Of course, the suspect has the right to remain silent and to be presumed innocent. Then again, as part of being objective in reporting we needed to reach out to the suspect.
Again, the only concern I had at that moment was what Ma’am Ardy’s reaction would be when she would finally see the suspect. Will her emotion not get the best of her?
My concern was not for myself but for the rest of the team, too. Then again, I was consoled with the fact that even though the place is a jail, for sure, there are a lot of security officers.
“Ok ra ma’am,” I messaged Ma’am Ardy. I wanted to tell her that I was not afraid of going to the munisipyo to face the suspect and was ready for my role.
The ride to the munisipyo was eerily silent as we were all nervous, anxious, (excited?) in one way or another.
I loved to know what was going through the mind of Ruth (the secretary) and Randy (the driver). I wanted to know about their opinion regarding the fact that we would be meeting the suspect, face to face.
In my mind, I said a short prayer asking God to give us strength and keep us safe.
Then, I saw Ma’am Ardy picking something from her bag. I looked, by the side of my sight, what it was. I noticed she was already holding a rosary. She was very focused as she moved her fingers from one bead to another. Was she scared? I wanted to ask her this question. But I felt ill at ease to blurt out the query.
“Sila Dr. Macuno ma’am mokuyog sila sa jail pud?” I asked Ma’am Ardy.
Ma’am Ardy remained silent and I saw her closing her eyes. She was not yet done with her prayers, I guess. Honestly, I wanted her to change her mind. I wanted her to say that we would proceed to Tagbilaran instead of pursue with our plan to see the suspect.
It seemed eternity for me to reach the municipal jail. The ride seemed to be bumpy even if the roads were well paved. As we were nearing the crossroad to turn either left (to Tagbilaran) or right (to the munisipyo), I saw Ma;am Ardy fixing herself. She combed her hair, put on her face shield, tightened her face mask, and put back her rosary into the bag. She gave a deep sigh. Then, she telephoned one of her sons. The only sentence I heard in the conversation was, How are you?
“This is now the moment of truth,” I whispered to myself. I know that once Ma’am Ardy decides, she means it. I saw her countenance and the definitiveness of her decision was evidence by her silence. Once she is silent, don’t disturb her or you will have a taste of the fury of a woman.
As instructed, we all got ready for the mission. Yes, this is now the moment of truth. To the left or to the right? (To be continued)