Interviewer: Joel F. Ariate Jr.
Videographer: Alleson D. Villota
Date of Interview: June 5, 2008
Place: Quezon City
Please click this link for the interview transcript.
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Friday, November 7, 2008
Jaime Tadeo
Interviewer: Joel F. Ariate Jr.
Videographer: Alleson D. Villota
Date of Interview: June 5, 2008
Place: Quezon City
Please click this link for the interview transcript.
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Jimmy Tadeo went to Mendiola bridge that day intent on fomenting a confrontation with Malacanang security. On the way there he granted interviews where he colorfully and vehmently warned that "dadanak ang dugo" (rivers of blood will flow). Perhaps he didn't expect the literal outcome but it was very irresponsible of him to urge the farmers on and surge towards the bridge.
ReplyDeleteThe government was less than a year old, still highly unstable, and though a part of the officer's corps were loyal to the constitution, the rank and file were the same rank and file of Marcos's army. To expect them to suddenly change their outlook is wishful thinking. The soldiers on the bridge may be following military discipline but once the protesters surged, adrenalin took over and instinct ruled. And yes, to the Marcos soldier, protesting peasant farmers are 'enemies' and when the enemy comes after you, you shoot. Only one bullet shot in panic is enough to trigger a volley of shots.
The Aquino administration might have been remiss in not monitoring the farmer's protest more closely but this tragedy is mostly Tadeo's fault. He has the blood of those thirteen fallen peasants on his hands.
Both the left and the right have their share of political opportunists. That day in Mendiola, we saw one who miscalculated in his opportunism then turned around and fled as the people he led to slaughter fell.
All Cory's fault. She made high-flying promises to right the fallen dictator's wrongs but performed worse in the end. The blood of these dead farmers is in her hands because she was the military's commander-in-chief. She could have ordered her men not to shoot.
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