Today, on April 19, 1981 (Philippines):
If you’ve ever wondered how cowardly terrorists can get, this is one of the best (worst) examples.
Imagine yourself going with friends and family to celebrate a religious holiday–in this case “Easter”.
You walk into church (in this case the San Pedro Cathedral, Davao City in Mindanao), your dip your hands into the water to perform your cleansing ritual and listen attentively for the sermon to start.
Shortly after that, (possibly two?) individuals burst in and lob three grenades into the hall packed with worshipers.
The detonations kill about 11 people and wound about 155 (numbers are different depending on which source you look at); with several in serious condition. President Marcos took extreme steps to find the culprits and bring them to justice.
Investigations revealed that the Communist New People’s Army executed the attack, but were supplied by the Moro National Liberation Front.
As the celebration of the goddess Ēostre (or Ostara) draws near again, take time to remember that this is about the fertility of the earth and the rebirth from the winter into the spring.
And from this rebirth, learn to forgive the heinous acts of the few and try to help each other towards a more peaceful cohabitation.
Philippines Newspaper Article: http://bit.ly/1nvfMxr
New York Times: http://nyti.ms/1jhm54J
Photo from: enterdavao.com