"Trying to reverse the state of crisis" (by continuing and rephrasing past policies)

"Trying to reverse the state of crisis"
(by continuing and rephrasing past policies)

Contrary to what apologists expressed during the State of the Nation Address, its vision, direction, and hopes under the Marcos administration is all but a continuity of his predecessor. 

With rephrased terms and new names, the regime "tries its best" to "reverse the state of crisis" with its "bold and determined response" amidst simultaneous challenges of price hikes and energy shortages, all brought by the COVID19 pandemic and by the war over Ukraine. 

However, his message is mostly about continuing his predecessors- that of neoliberalism and globalisation, that of intensified foreign competition with trade and investment liberalisation alongside throwing crumbs to the masses and describing it as "welfare." Yes, "the state of the Nation is Sound" but how about 13 trillion debt, 6.8 % inflation rate, oil and commodity price hikes, 20 pesos the price of an egg, contractualisation remains at large, how about 20 pesos for a kilo of rice? For sure apologists would babble that the administration is "new", "freshly delivered" from a "bitterly fought election" and therefore he should be given a "chance" to resolve these problems. But a continuity of neoliberal policies? What a mockery as the nation roils in the economic crisis with millions of Filipinos lost their jobs and livelihoods.

After all, Marcos admitted that the country lives in difficult times and had to endure- and trying to find "solutions" most of which contrary to the aspirations of the people. True that he and his economic team "finding ways" to "recover" the economy, but it is the same neoliberal orientation from that team that limits the manufacturing sector in an absence of heavy industry, it is the same orientation that innovation and creativity remains commerical and tourist-oriented, while entrenched interests dominate the orientation of agricultural and industrial production through their control of the market. Words like "Sound Fiscal Management", "Tax Reform", are all ruses that points directly to the consumer with less support for programs and more taxes while favouring that of entrenched interests both foreign and local with the promise of "corporate recovery and tax incentives" as well as "liberalising public services".

And since he's concurrently as Agriculture secretary, will he revisit the Rice Tariffication Law? Will he halt rice and sugar imports that, according to farmer groups, merely line the pockets of unscrupulous traders and corrupt government officials? Will he provide farm and fishing input subsidies? How will he stabilize vegetable supply and demand when farmers prefer to throw away rather than trade their produce because they cannot even recoup their investment? Pardon for being dismissive especially that agriculture in the eyes of the order means crumbs for the smallholders and cooperatives, while favours the plantations controlled by foreign conglomerates and its local landlord partners. The talk of resolving hunger, food security and sovereignty may end as empty talk as the same administration liberalised the import of rice and foodstuffs, including fish caught by Chinese poachers in the West Philippine Sea. Agrarian Reform remains in question as well, as while he promises to condone loans from Landbank to over 654000 beneficiaries, or by distributing government-owned land mostly to military retirees, peasants who demand land distribution over disputed areas like Hacienda Tinang are being accused as rebels simply because of their just calls. Wouldn't be surprised that the order treats agrarian reform, rural empowerment, or improving agriculture as just palliative solutions primarily meant to silence the angry peasant as it raises its fists against despotic landlords and corrupt bureaucrats. 

But regardless of those words this situation ain't a matter of a need for a sound fiscal management not can be promised with 20 peso per kilo of rice. Tax reform may sound a serious pressing need only to target the vulnerable instead of the well-offs, while spending for the bureaucracy according to priorities meant to consolidate the order in the face of crisis. The idea of recovery may also sound enticing, but the fact that making the country depending on foreign investment and attracting with tax exemptions, 100% foreign ownership of utilities makes the idea far from what his supporters envision- that of a renewed nationalism in a new "new society." 

While on the other hand some promises may be agreeable, the question is: will it happen? Or remain in paper as the order continues to remain an appendage of interest? During Duterte's last SoNA, the promise of creating a "Center for Disease Prevention and Control and the Virology" and "Vaccine Institute of the Philippines" sounds sanctimonious in the face of his regime’s scarce public health fun­ding. And now, with Marcos speaking in the rostrum that same promise resonate as he vowed to establish the Philippines’ own "Center for Disease Control" and Prevention and a "vaccine institute". Yet, this promise would be far from reality if not half-baked- for "practically", the order find it cheaper to buy vaccines from abroad than setting-up a "vaccine institute" despite countries became engaging in production be it Indonesia, Cuba, or Vietnam- worse, buying means corruption as bureaucrats wanting a big chunk of the budget.

By sounding more patriotic than Duterte, and claiming "friends to all and enemies to none" to justify an "independent foreign policy", yet failing to denounce intrusion by China over the West Philippine Sea, what more of its control over shoals, reefs to create artificial islands serving as military bases- a violation of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and the final judgement of the Permanent Arbitration Tribunal last 2016. Apologists would even disregard the decision "in the name of friendship between China and the Philippines", favouring mere diplomatic conversations with China and some piecemeal "agreements" even it sacrifices sovereignty. On the other hand, agreements with the United States like the "Visiting Forces Agreement" and the "Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement" are as if treated like talismans even when the United States having half-hearted in its overtures towards its rivals. Hence, is the administration, like its predecessors truly having an "independent foreign policy" when in fact remain at the appendage of both Fu Manchu and Uncle Sam? It is not surprising especially in an administration, while assuming to be patriotic, remains reluctant to pursue self-reliance through industrialisation, yet trying to "leap forward" to the "Fourth Industrial Revolution" with slow internet connectivity and lack of foundations (heavy industry, production of machine tools, chemicals) to make happen. Even the idea of having a national gas industry remains an idea as concessions, contracts over Malampaya and Recto Bank under the past Duterte administration remains an issue. 

Sometimes this note wonders if apologists of the administration clings to the idea of the late dictator: that his son will fulfill the words "economic emancipation", "political liberation", and "social unity" according to his works. However these words way far from the actions that both the father and the son capitulate to the whims of the banksters, to the so-called "oligarchs" apologists despised- is it so? Or just some happened to be critical of the Marcoses and Dutertes therefore they have to face the wrath? 

Perhaps after listening to the "State of the Nation Address" would say that the policies are meant to consolidate again the order under the present administration than to realise the aims of the folk. Again, the state of the nation is "sound" but that sound is distorted as crisis remains at large. Apologists may again insist to "unite" and "move on", but expect the people will "unite" but against them, and to move forward as they continue opposing their narrative. 

 

"The sound is distorted."

"The sound is distorted."

(Thoughts on the recent "State of the Nation Address")

by Kat Ulrike

One would say that the "State of the Nation Address" of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is all but continuity of his predecessor. By seriously swearing to upheld the order while trying to fashion himself as a representative of the common Filipino, his words, mainly hodgepodge of English and Filipino would say that he's trying to make his administration appear "inclusive", especially that of the common Filipino who knew his administration may or may not succeed in resolving problems surrounding the society.

Marcos knows fully well regarding widespread discontent caused by the terrible socioeconomic conditions affecting the population in the face of national and global economic crisis. However, he is determined to go to any lengths to fool the masses by instilling false hopes, create illusions of wealth, or denying factual information, anything that people brought him to his "victory" last elections and this time trying to rally in his standard.

But his words failed to suffice the problem be it the spiraling prices of fuel and food, low wages, high taxes, landlessness, and poverty. Like his predecessors, Marcos's "continuity" means keeping firm to the neoliberal economic policies that favours entrenched interests at the expense of the masses- and these policies means keeping firm on controversial labour policies like labour export policy, contractualisation and lower wages; perpetuate land monopolies in favour of local landlords and "business conglomerates"; open more land for concessions in mining and "agribusinesses" owned by foreign companies and its local partners; impose more taxes on people's consumption and small to medium businesses while providing tax perks for capitalist bigwigs; carrying out austerity measures to reduce spending on education, public health and social services in favour of debt servicing and defence/internal security; and even open more foreign-funded "projects" that damages the environment and communities. This kind of "continuity" as advocated by apologists would say is way far from what the promise of "a comfortable life for all", "development", and "stability" that's parroted by the past administration, citing the fact that the folk continues to live in poverty and fear due to the unjust policies, the COVID19 pandemic, and how the administration handles the situation. 

For instance, he promised "food security" and "food sovereignty" in his concurrent position as agriculture secretary, but farmers continue to face exploitation and injustice as import liberalisation, the controversial "rice tarrification law", and even the promotion of plantation-based agriculture with emphasis on export crops like sugar and pineapples instead of rice and other sustenance crops. He even talks on reviving the controversial "Masagana 99" program that buries farmers and rural banks in debt. The rising costs of fertiliser also constitutes a problem for farmers despite promises of support from the government. What support? Support in a form of loans that will force farmers to pay so badly while smugglers continue their profiteering at ease? Marcos can't even expound clearly his promise of 20 peso per kilo of rice!

Another would be the administration's insistence to revive the controversial mandatory "Reserve Officers Training Corps" that is, marred by corruption and various forms of injustices masked as "obedience". Its apologists would claim that the program fosters patriotism and discipline, and yet failing to address the problems that surroundeth the program. Of course, defending the country is an act of patriotism, but reality becomes far from the ideal- that of defending the order even at the expense of the folk. The harassment against cadets, the corruption amongst officers, the subservience to the corrupt and oppressive order serving as stooge of both American and Chinese masters, these truths trumps down the ideals of "promoting patriotism" particularly that of "defending the country". 

Even the idea of having a national gas industry remains an idea despite seeking a law to push through; while on the other hand concessions, contracts over Malampaya and Recto Bank under the past Duterte administration remains an issue. Besides, Ramon Ang of San Miguel offered Petron to the government to be renationalised, as well as having an existing entities like the Philippine National oil Company and the still-dormant Manila Gas Corporation to take over that kind of idea, thus why the sudden talk about "the need for a national gas industry" after years of letting markets decide? After all, Natural gas has been pitched as a “bridge fuel” that can help the shift to a lower-carbon economy, but seriously speaking, who's to initiate? The government? Or the interest-seekers be it Shell, Caltex, to those of Duterte's friend Dennis Uy?

There are various issues the administration has to face, but as the regime chose "continuity" of neoliberalism and globalisation even despite the pandemic then the direction they've promised to the folk remains contrary to what his supporters envison- especially those who think Marcos will restore everything "that's lost" to the "yellows" after 86. 

Once more, Marcos will support the same array of neoliberal economic policies that his so-called economic managers have pushed for. These regulations, which are imposed by imperialist banks and multinational businesses, are against the will of the folk. These will worsen the predicaments of the workers', peasants', and petty-oppressed bourgeoisie's and exploited classes. These will worsen the backward, agrarian and non-industrial state of the Philippine economy. Even though he made big but meaningless promises to lure people into his authoritarian regime by offering free bus and train trips and 20 pesos for a kilogram of rice, he was actually working hard to gradually establish it while utilizing the overwhelming weight of the state security apparatus. As with his predecessors, he is implementing neoliberal economic policies alongside terror as military and police officials have intensified their use of fascist rhetoric, openly disdaining the right of the public to peaceful assembly and free speech, and intensifying their use of red-baiting and terrorist-labeling. By ignoring the socioeconomic causes of the conflict and pursuing "localised peace negotiations" while continuing "all out war"/ "low intensity conflict" against those who vehemently disagree with the regime's interest-seeking policies that is, opening the door for rapacious multinational corporations to invest in mining and plantations, as well as infrastructure, ecotourism, and energy projects, often in collusion with their local counterparts.

But regardless of their actions this doesn't stop the people from seeking truth from facts and to expose the inconveniences, the injustices the administration known for. Regardless of the efforts brought by the administration's apologists, the people will not allow themselves to be cowed by their intimidation and instead take every opportunity to resolutely assert demands and aspirations. True it may be that "the state of the nation is sound" but that sound is "distorted" by the realities that outweighs the delusions brought by the order and its apologists. As the people press for wage increases, lower oil and commodity prices, lower land rent and usury elimination, higher farmgate prices, fishing rights, free and better education, health and social services, production subsidies, and other urgent demands in the midst of a worsening economic crisis; and strongly oppose new consumer taxes, automatic debt allocations, wasteful military and police spending, extravagant and destructive infrastructure projects, mining company and plantation expansion, contractualisation and forced layoffs, intrusion on sovereignty by foreign interests, and other anti-people policies and programs. These would say that from these people find the promises of the administration rather benefits entrenched entities and interest-seekers alike, while pretending these are for the people who still end burdened and oppressed. 

Again, the state of the nation is "sound"- but distorted by the same order and its apologists.

"Thoughts after innovation in the time of pandemic"

"Thoughts after innovation in the time of pandemic"

In this pandemic-ridden times, modern businesses survive on innovation and creativity. With a certainty, individuals and institutions alike realise the importance of the two as necessary for survival. From an economic perspective, it is easy to recognise innovation and creativity through new, improved, or reinvented products, services, or processes- especially in an era when society is marred by COVID19 pandemic and the increasing shift to digitization.

And because of this necessary shift this becomes more than a "trend" the way smartphones, once a luxury becomes a necessity that almost replaced the computer as various aspects has been integrated to it, making things "handy" as possible. And this itself is a product of innovation! With this example would say prompt businesses to accept "fresh ideas" rather than treating it with contempt. As they're trying to break down the process to its essential components:

• What does it come from?
• Is it art? Science?
• Is it brought about by sheer inspiration? Or can be achieved by a formula?
• Cam the process of ideas into action be streamlined?

To better understand the essence of innovation this must be explored outside the realms of economics. For years people heard disruptions as innovation changed settings and lifestyles. Whether how Steam Engine or the introduction of Diesel Engine changed manufacturing and transport, or that of smartphones changed communications, innovation has made individuals and institutions engaging in creativity to keep business going if not growing. However, with the rise of COVID19 that caused terrible upheaval to the global economy more than a year into the pandemic and is also continuing to compel extraordinary innovation across several industries, despite the fact that the many innovations that have been made possible modern living. Once more, institutions have discovered innovative ways to market, provide services for, and run amid the crisis.

As in the pre-pandemic times, the technology arena has been a go-to “breeding ground” for innovative thinking. As institutions increasingly recognise the need for innovation to sustain if not to survive the modern times, they fully accept technology as a necessary tool, a partner in keeping themselves “going” as the internet, and the availability of wireless connectivity have equipped them the “power” to make traditional business models, or even those that are still modern, become obsolete almost overnight. But, will opportunistic changes made during turbulent times also create opportunities for survival, sustainability, and chances of systematic growth after the pandemic passes? Furthermore, social and cultural shifts also became a factor in taking innovation seriously. In an instance, people increasingly becoming mobile with the use of smartphones, so is the rise of mobile applications that disrupted marketing goods and services. Mobile banking apps, mobile booking, store, and delivery services, all alongside mobile music and video streaming devices and the use of social media like Facebook, all integrated in those smartphones and is widely promoted with convenience as its byline.

Will, however, the opportunistic adjustments made during tumultuous times also provide chances for survival, sustainability, and regular growth once the pandemic has passed? Such innovation efforts can and should become more mainstream as means to address the urgent needs to that of reorienting for the possible and future challenges to face with. And many companies have reflexively adopted one or both forms of innovation in the framework of COVID19, creating new capabilities they can develop further and strategically use in the future. The difficult part is figuring out when and which one to utilize.

And since history showed its proofs the wonders of innovation sometimes this person wonder that since modern living promoted innovation to sustain, then how come there are those who haven’t left at the prototype stage or at the drawing board? Is it because of its potential problems? Or a bigger disruption against the existing capitalist order that makes known entities trying to stop realisations from going further? For sure this 2022 everyone should be having flying cars already as people remember how year 2000 should be: whether the setting was similar to that of the Jetsons or Gundam or whatsoever, but these can't done easily if not telling that the coming future "is not a realisation of various fictitious works."

But at least, that same innovation, creativity has trying its bests to provide comfort to all walks of life especially when new and emerging technologies, ideas has brought solutions, searching problems, and addressing situations, as well as exploring new resources, and building new opportunities even in this pandemic-ridden times. Individuals and institutions alike have been forced to innovate in some form as a result of the outbreak, and for sure there are people who have found new business prospects that will last for a long time during this unusual period in business history, while others have learned new abilities that can be utilized to solve other problems and find new chances that they could not have foreseen. By positioning their businesses within our innovation framework, business leaders may better understand how they survived the storm and use newly acquired innovation skills for long-term success.

Does it still translate to Discipline? Patriotism?

Does it still translate to Discipline? Patriotism? 

Or “thoughts after proposed mandatory military service,

 reviving the Reserve Officers Training Corps, 

and how people perceive it amidst scandals rocking the program.” 

Recently, Vice President Sara Duterte promised to bring back mandatory Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) training for secondary and tertiary schools as one of her campaign promises last election. 

Just like her father, using words like “discipline” and “nationalism” as reasons to restore the controversial program, the thought of making ROTC as well as mandatory military service has been an object of debate as the program itself been riddled with issues from corruption, using students as intelligence agents against the opposition, to that of blind obedience, as well as cases of hazing and sexual harassment against cadets. 

As argued by its supporters, restoring mandatory ROTC for senior high school and making Military service mandatory would be a means of preparing able-bodied Filipinos as army reservists and cultivating civic consciousness, discipline, and moral virtues especially in younger generations – arguments which the current administration has stood by in advocating for its return.  Furthermore, supporters wanted a need for an additional force multiplier, a ready reserve to defend and to do humanitarian/relief work, or most likely-a deterrent against domestic dissent. 

How come? In a time the administration tends to emphasise peace and order the idea of reviving ROTC and making military service mandatory is one of its top priorities to be discussed if not approved regardless of its controversies. For its supporters would say that the program can be reformed, if not trying to outweigh the issues with opportunities such as allowances and chances of service in the armed forces.  

But, like the DDS/Loyalist narrative, what drives the idea of restoring these is a mix of rural nostalgia and Marcosiana. The former glorifies "simplicity and contentment," while the latter emphasises "responsibility and discipline." Even Magsaysay's fascination and cold war hysteria against the "dreaded red" make moralist populism and the need for "benevolent" paternalism appealing to them. Of course, they will continue to claim that they will defend democracy at all times, which is sometimes contradictory to what democracy is. Nevertheless, despite their justifications, if not fascinations, that make the idea favorable, this doesn't prevent from having the controversies as stated above exposed, as well as the need for funds and resources to accommodate and sustain; in addition, since the nation isn't on a war footing, there's a little need for a general mobilization. 
It is not surprising those kind of thoughts enough to justify mandatory military service and ROTC, maybe because of the experience of Martial Rule with mobilising the cadets for internal security if not the memories of the Second World War with cadets fighting against the Japanese. However, such experience would say that maintaining a sizable backup force would be challenging. True it may be the intent to cultivate patriotism and disciple as supporters claiming to be, but the mobilization and armament of the reservists would also demand more money. A big reserve army would be useless without modernisation, as the Second World War's experience demonstrated. Furthermore, being an archipelago, the Philippines would benefit more from enhancing its naval and air capabilities (ships, missile systems, etc.) than from developing foot soldiers who can only engage in ground combat.

Altogether, that puts a halt to the proposed mandatory military service program and making ROTC remain an option within the National Service Training Program (NSTP) if not abrogated. Some would even believe students should instead have the option to take up community service or related subjects that will enhance their performance of civic duties, if not with the absence of external threats to national defense and security, a focus on military training was no longer necessary. 

But what keeps wondering if is the program they’re advocating really translate to discipline? Respect to authority? Or promoting sense of responsibility? As far as a concerned person knows that patriotism and discipline for democratic states does not mean obedience as what these supporters claiming about, but rather responsibility. Furthermore, imposing blind obedience is not the same as promoting patriotism nor discipline. Despite claims that the program promotes critical thinking and leadership, the shallow notion that "supporting the government means supporting the country" makes one reminds of "right or wrong but need to obey the commander in chief." Obviously, this instills boredom, a lack of imagination, and sloth, which contradicts the definition of patriotism: which requires inspiration, ingenuity, and effort.

And to think that the Defence secretary knew there are numerous problems surrounding the program particularly that of much needed funds and resources, of exposing uniformed delinquents and corrupt officers, does the program truly emphasise much-needed respect for human rights? The long history of corrupt and oppressive institution rooted on blind obedience has been all along streamlined to feed the interests of the current order. True that “it tried to be reformed to prevent unlikely matters to happen” but the order’s siege mentality as well as the scandals that surrounds it makes a concerned think that these trumps their valid reasons to restore the program. 

CARPE!

CARPE!  

(First part: “In the name of Order”)

For decades, the Philippines was a semifeudal-semicolonial order pretending to be a democracy.

With presidents down to local government officials represented the interests of the conservative ruling class, the country remained tied to this ages-old interest- that of compradore trader, banker, and landlord maintaining their power in sociopolitical sphere. They treat reform as that of consolidation while throwing crumbs to the majority in a form of political concessions to that of programs enough to showcase the country as a democratic state. But seriously, the order, be it the ruling administration or the traditional opposition, can be considered to have been part of the broad conservative consensus of the governing class, which rest on a worldview that saw "genuine social change" particularly that of agrarian reform, freedom of the press, assembly, and expression as disorderly while upholding the value of paternalist government and the power of extensive networks of political patronage.

Such order meant stalling of development in the country as opposed to its neighbors.  The country did have some semblance of development due to accommodating foreign investments to that of its debt-driven infrastructure program as suggested by the banks, but the order did little significant effort to develop further the national economy, which remained stagnant, poor, and largely agro-commercial that benefited traders, bankers, and landlords. This lack of development provoked a growing nationalist sentiment which called for "reorganisation" in politics and the economy, including that of the other "traditional" political parties and even the military.

Prior to the putsch, the political situation in the country was volatile. Next year was the coming national elections, and various political parties started to look for candidates if not consolidate. The opposition, particularly those from the "Nationalist Peoples Coalition" and the "Christian Social Democratic Party" had been lambasting the ruling government for its alleged corruption and incompetence, all despite the economic achievement that the country has experienced. However, some of the complaints did have their bases. Insurgency for example, had escalated within Metropolitan Manila and in the countryside. Some three weeks ago, guerillas from the National Peoples Army raided police detachments with several military casualties. Heavy military reinforcements were supposed to have been sent to the area but stalled because of reported ambush plans for the military teams.  

Such problems forced concerned folks to take the solution in their hands. The emergence of the group has principally a reaction of both politicians and military officers against such issues as the widespread corruption and incompetence of the administration, the need for socio economic reforms, the lack of professionalism, as well as promotions based on favouritism- such as "overtstaying" generals who blocked "good" officers from their career advancement. 

However, what is less evident is how one of its personalities wanted more than those "petty" reasons to justify a government takeover, such as that of establishing a new sociopolitical order that's "neither left, right, nor even center"- that would also give the military a leading political and economic role. 

I

The first plan for a putsch was the so-called "6-12", which was a plan calling for a putsch on June 12, coinciding with the Independence day. The putsch had been hatched in a series of meetings, mostly among enlisted personnel, officers, and civilian supporters who expressed serious opposition to the regime. Led by Andres "Andre" Sebastian, Lauro Gadon, Lamberto "Berting" Nazario, Percival Gregorio, and Canuto Celestino, the putsch attempt, which entailed a takeover of the Army headquarters, the Air Base, and the central business district was to launch at June 12, but never moved significantly beyond being an idea, except that of publishing "A statement of common aspirations" explaining the need to eradicate corruption and to reform the country. But Gadon did secured the financial backing of prominent businessmen supporting the "cause", amassing a total of 50 million pesos for the attempt.
Also on the same day that the putsch was attempted, two bombs had exploded, one after the other, at Petron building in Makati at 4:25AM, then at the Philippine Refining Company compound at 4:45AM. Nobody was injured in either blast although glass windows and lighting fixtures were destroyed in the first explosion. The police could not be sure if the bombs were related to the "6-12" attempt, but it had been speculated that they could have been meant as "some kind of diversionary tactic" if not "in response to the oil price hikes" as one bomb exploded was at Petron. This activity however, added to the people's feelings of political insecurity and confusion. 

Despite not pursuing the "6-12" attempt, Andre, Gadon, and other leaders, after a brief "cooling off", again assembled a variety of military officers and civilian supporters to organize a new plan for the putsch. This time in October, where he secured the loyalty of the editors-in-chief and the publishers of the Manila Times and the Manila Bulletin, aiming to ensure a propaganda basis for the putsch. About the same time (10:00 am) Nazario was at his office, checking reports of troop and armor movements in Malacañang and other parts of the capital, when he noticed two brief but vital reports: one was the move of the 2nd Infantry Division from Tanay Rizal to Fort Bonifacio in Taguig, and another, a Marine brigade from Sangley point to Camp Aguinaldo.

After a discussion among Gadon, Andre, Berting, and Celestino, Gadon supposedly signaled all the troops supporting the putsch, and Andre the civilian supporters to be on "combat readiness". Gadon even gave out eleven M16 rifles, three radio sets, 150000 pesos to Celestino.  A similar meeting was held at a coffee shop in Makati, where afterwards went to a carpark where Gadon gave Percival Gregorio seven M16 rifles and more money. 

In the evening of November 9th, Andre came with his staff to Gadon's office in Makati. Disgruntled members of the "Nationalist Peoples Coalition" and "Christian Social Democratic Party" also attend the meeting. Initially, the demands were that of dissolution of the Congress, the appointment of technocrats as Secretaries for Foreign Affairs, Economic Planning, and Finance, the dismissal of secretary of Justice and National Defence, and the possible need for constitutional amendments. However, Gadon offered something, that of the need for "Orderism" and the outright replacement of democratic institutions with those of "purely administrative entities". The members of the political parties involved at first disagreed, but military dissidents agreed with the concepts of "Orderism" and "Responsibilitarian rule" even by means of force. Gadon, in seeing officers agreeing to his idea said:
"If possible, let's act like bandits and end like heroes."
"Are you sure you are willing to act like a bandit? Eschewing the law?" Andre asked.
"Sometimes, you need to set aside the 'law' if one wishes order." Gadon replied. "Political will is alegal at its best."

From there the putschists proposed to capture the fleet, that according to them can play a key role in the success of their takeover. Their aim was to capture Sangley point, Subic, and the headquarters of the Philippine Navy in Roxas Boulevard. However, Andre, known for his "radical stance" within the Christian Social Democratic Party, instead called to mobilise civilian supporters first through coded messages by text and social media and by using the radio station to broadcast propaganda against the ruling government. After seizing the fleet and the air force by mutineers, followed by occupying the headquarters of the Armed Forces and the Police, the financial district and the ports, the congress, presidential palace, as well as placing tanks in strategic positions in and around Metro Manila, effectively gaining complete control of the capital. At the same time, a large number of small mobile units were dispatched to arrest leading politicians, authority figures, and ordinary citizens suspected of "disorder", according to lists prepared in advance. Furthermore, simultaneous actions would be initiated in Cebu, Davao, and other provinces. 

II

After long hours of planning and currying support from the elites and retired military officers, Andre finally gave a speech to the assembled putschists  and civilian supporters, saying:

"We have been waiting for the civilian government to bring back stability and change to the country. The present administration, however, while assuming that the country is in progress, are mired in corruption, leading the country to the verge of collapse. We shall rise up against the government to save the country. We can accomplish our goals without bloodshed, otherwise we should face our deaths as we all in this struggle. Let us join in this moment of redemption to save the country."

The speech was so successful that even the other regiments who initially against the revolt defected to the cause. However, the proposed plan was shelved as putschists, especially that of "Berting" Nazario, chose to take over instead Fort Bonifacio and immediately turn it into a base of operations for the putsch. 

At first, the entire country was relatively calm, especially Manila. But on the following day, the attempt was launched at around 1:00 am, as  Nazario led a group of 13 enlisted personnel aboard a jeep owned by Gregorio to ram through Gate 1 of Fort Bonifacio. They drove straight through the barracks where enlisted men joined Nazario after the latter's passionate speech, taking their arms with them. At about 5:00 am, putschists led by Percival Gregorio raided the armory, and went on to the headquarters of the Philippine Army where they converted the office of the army chief of staff to their command post. Others did capture LVTH6, Simba APCs, and M114 Scorpions parked in their garages. In the meantime, through the early morning hours, around 490 armed putschists, sporting black armbands and the symbol of the defunct "National Front" on their helmets and vehicles, started off towards Manila at around 10:00 pm. They were joined by 15000 civilian supporters of the "Nationalist Peoples Coalition" and the "Christian Social Democratic Party" who expressed opposition against the ruling government, claiming to be that 'they're doing people power' after they got information via coded text messages and in social media. Also that same day, 50-80 putschists from the scout ranger regiment and the special action force staged a raid on Camps Aguinaldo and Crame, capturing the headquarters, the armory, and the military radio station, while another 100 putschists seized the ABS-CBN Broadcast Complex in Mother Ignacia and the GMA Broadcast Center in Kamuning- all meant to arrest dissenters and to broadcast the proclamation announcing the Provisional Revolutionary Government's seizure of power:

"The concerned citizens, along with the members of the armed forces and the police, thus far avoiding conflict, can no longer restrain themselves, and have taken a concerted operation at the dawn of this day to completely take over the three branches of the Government and to form the Provisional Revolutionary Government. Imploring the aid of divine providence, the people, driven by love and concern about their country have staged this uprising because:

We believe that the fate of the nation and the people cannot be entrusted to the corrupt and incompetent regime and its politicians.
Furthermore, we believe that a sound development should take place of the existing nonsense that fails to uplift people from poverty and disenfranchisement.
And finally, believe that the time has come for the people, through a joint concerted effort of the civilians and of the military, to give direction to our nation, which has gone dangerously astray."

The broadcast went on to outline the policy objectives of the coup known as the "Plan for National Rebirth". The program includes emphasis on peace and order, the elimination of political corruption, the construction of an autonomous national economy, and the removal of the present generation of politicians. The proclamation was issued in the name of the Provisional Revolutionary Government. When dawn broke, a marine corps unit, along with Scout Rangers, crossed the Pasig River and took control of the Malacañang palace as instructed. At about 1:45 am, the putschists launched their attack on Malacañang. Some 20 rebels captured the armory of the Presidential Security Group at the foot of Nagtahan Bridge. They attacked Malacañang from two directions along Concepcion Aguila and J.P. Laurel Streets, but were blocked by PSG and Manila Police elements deployed at all possible approaches. A firefight ensued, where several men from both sides were killed or wounded.

Tanks were immediately deployed as intelligence suggesting an attack on Manila been relayed. On the commander's recommendation, tanks were positioned at San Miguel District, defending Malacañang. The following day, the tanks, instead of positioning at the roads in San Miguel, instead converged at the gates in Mendiola and in J. P. Laurel Street.
However, the tank commander who made the request had, in secret, defected to the putschists with coded messages telling the leaders "the gates are open". About early morning, as tanks from Bulacan headed toward the district, shots heard near Caloocan where a company of policemen supporting the government apparently confronted an advancing tank column after a misunderstanding, but this didn't stop the advance as others passed on alternate routes going to its destination.

Resistance from the government loyalists was ensured but futile as generals became reluctant to "kill their brothers" and instead "calling for unity". Sympathisers from the Navy and the Air Force made way for an easy takeover of Sangley Point and Villamor Air Base, except those from Subic where a brief exchange of fire with loyalist troops who were guarding the complex. The nation was surprised as the putsch happened in a swift move. Even the government was dumbfounded as no one from the Intelligence Service nor the National Security Council has ever gave information about the entire matter, hence, no choice but either to surrender, hide, or escape abroad. Even the ousted President chose to escape along with his family to the United States, with the help of the CIA. 

The putschist-controlled ABS CBN broadcasted this announcement:
"For the first time in the history, tyranny has ended and a newfound hope is realised as all powers of the state are successfully taken over by the hands of the people."

Initially, Gadon, being one of the ringleaders of the putsch declared himself president. But officers and members of the political parties supporting the coup disagreed and instead insist the charismatic Andres "Andre" Sebastian to be the president "even for the time being." Gadon backtracked from his earlier plan, instead acting on the background through a "small junta" of his followers. 

III

During its first few months, the "national revolutionary government" was widely accepted at first, as Andres "Andre" Sebastian was popularly known for his charisma and closeness to the people. Anticorruption campaigns been swiftly imposed, taxes been slashed, and developmental programs been promoted especially those of free rice and opening up the granaries of the National Food Authority to the people. He even promised a new constitution, followed by elections and an opening of a new National Assembly to take place of the dissolved congress. He even promised industrialisation and the promotion of innovation, as well as supporting local enterprises while accommodating direct foreign investment. 

Furthermore, he made the military an integral component of his economic development program. He mobilised the engineering brigades to build roads, bridges, and trying to win hearts and minds especially those of the poor farmers in the countryside. People find him much benevolent unlike the predecessors, as he himself ordered the officers involved to act as arbiters regarding land disputes and "as much as possible favorable to the poor" as "the revolution promised them justice." Science and Technology was widely encouraged as the armed forces, through its research and development unit took part in reviving the Philippine Aerospace Development Corporation and the Government Arsenal into a "National Defence Industry System". 

In his speech about the "four-year economic programme" formulated and approved by the Economic Planning Board, he emphasised that:

"...The Armed Forces of the Philippines should mobilise every manpower, material and equipment resources, of focusing its organisational cohesiveness and discipline towards economic development. Whereas it is their duty to serve, this doesn't limit to defend and secure the nation- but also to be a participant in the development of the society. Such participation, driven by a desire to promote economic development which should be exploited to its fullest extent, becomes imperative considering that the national situation is more than just a military affair, but also socioeconomic."

It would be negligence in our part if we can't mobilise our armed forces in this time of peace. Whereas they sworn to upheld the law and order, then why not sworn to promote development as well? In the past for sure there are leaders who wished to harness to a greater extent the resources of our defence establishment in this outmost task of nation building. Again, we can't deprive the nation of steering further development- the soldier can also be a worker in times of peace, whose gun can be carried while at the same time manning the machines that not just steer down the cogwheels of progress."

Thus statement, and the foregoing policy pronouncements provided the basis for the Military's massive participation in economic development. 

At one "meet the press" moment, a journalist from the Associated Press asked Andre:
"What is your response on the recent reports in relation to the coup?"
"I am really sorry that you call it a coup." Andre said. "It is a revolution. It is started by the will of the people, it is planned, organised, and started by the people in cooperation with the military and concerned patriots alike. Just because there are tanks and men in uniform does it mean it is simply a coup? How about those who support and take part yet didn't even wore uniform but driven by the desire of reform? I'm sorry but this is not a coup, but a revolution."

However, his stance was way contrary to his colleague, who simply believed only in replacing the government and nothing else except restoring order for the ruling system. He did acknowledge the need for modernisation and development-but only to be aligned with those of the entrenched interests that supported the putsch, especially those of the landlords, traders, as well as the banks who feared about a left-wing victory in the congress. At some point the two argued about the country's direction, that Sebastian's view of overthrowing the government as driven by dismantling the old society, while Gadon simply wanted an autocracy to take its place using the words he loved to say about: "order". 

IV

The Sebastian era has been a momentous one for the country's socioeconomic development. One day after the coup, the new government opened its military exchange service to the people, providing affordable food to the poor, followed by imposing price controls, wage hikes, and even tax cuts for the low paid and stimulus funds for small and medium enterprises. These ventures find it appealing to the people as instead of merely building infrastructure as a showcase of development a concerted and comprehensive attempt has been made despite disapproval from the privileged sectors of the society. 

During an opening the commissary to the masses, President Sebastian, facing the reporters said:
"This government is not a government of promises, but a government with a sincere program of action. For sure all of you have enough of expensive products, of profiteers trying to create artificial scarcity at the expense of us needy masses. We also have enough of low wages, high prices of services especially utilities. I opened this commissary to the people knowing that in this time of crisis those who can't afford have not enough money regardless of their hard work as citizens of this country. But this doesn't stop at this commissary. We will launch an enhanced retail access in every market in cooperation with the National Food Authority and the Department of Agriculture. We will also implement strong programs on food security to ensure adequate food supply as well as to make the country self-sufficient in foostuffs especially rice, corn, vegetables, and fish. This may sound idealistic but people demand affordable food and for sure everyone doesn't want a nation that's facing hunger and expressing anger as what happened against the past administration!"
"But these programs may provoke traders for sure mr. president." said one reporter.
"If that is the case, then why not? It is the duty of the state to ensure the needs of the working masses. To be honest, there are several programs that the government attempted to implement only to be slowed down by those whose interests have been prioritized over the welfare of the people. For example, you have probably heard of rice smugglers, who use the Rice Tarrification Law to justify their actions." Andre said. "For while the government was able to collect a lot of money through tariffs, there is a lot of technical smuggling, and no one is supervising what kind of rice is being brought in. Because of that I issued a decree restoring the NFA's regulatory and supervisory powers over the rice industry."
"Other than agricultural production, what else?" said the same reporter.
"This government aims to increase development by expanding through the provinces by means of rural industrialisation. Communities should encourage the creation of cooperatives and mutual help groups in support of agricultural machinery stations to maximise production. In economic zones we will emphasise labor intensive industries both to increase exports, ensure needs in the cities, and to promote innovation and creativity. We will also improve our roadways, mass transportation, and also communication networks." Andre replied.
"But where to get funds? Isn't this venture sounds socialistic?" Another reporter asked.
"The country's production is mostly agricultural, so ideally the increase in this sector contributes greatly to the increase in national production," Andre said. "However, there are factors that hinder tangible agricultural growth such as inaccessibility to markets, expensive cost of agricultural needs, exorbitant loans, and the lack of commitment from the government in helping the rural areas from farmers, fisherfolks, and other producers. We need a top-down planning system, with centralised implementation. And local governments, along with concerned groups are required to participate in a project monitoring and reporting program."
"If that sounds socialist then it did happen in China, in Korea." Andre added. "But this country needs a centralised development for the existing macroeconomy. The economy needs a twitching, and it requires an active cooperation and coordination between the state and the private sector. Funds are to be supported by the proceeds from the rice tarrification act, as well as from public-private partnerships with the state at its helm, and lastly a sovereign wealth fund supported by OFW remittances."

However, in spite of what may appear obvious and indisputable successes brought by the new regime issues like agrarian reform and industrialisation been opposed by landlords, banksters, and traders alike, as well as the bureaucrats who, in connivance with these entrenched interests wanted to stem the people's fervor brought by the coup. They all found support in Gadon, who disagreed with the "populist measures" of Sebastian. 

At one time Andre was working in his desk when Gadon came to see him. 
"Good day Andre." Gadon said. 
"Oh!" Andre replied, "Is there anything I can do for you?"
"Nothing." Gadon replied. "I just wondering you are too focused on work, especially with those papers."
"Why?" Andre asked. "What's wrong? Aren't we supposed to be dealing with things developmental?"
"To be honest," Gadon replied. "This social justice charade needs to stop."

Andre stopped working after he heard what his colleague said to him. He then asked:
"Why do you say so? Is promoting development to you just some kind of a 'social justice charade?'"
"What if I say to you yes?" Gadon replied. "The purpose of this action we achieved is to restore order, and nothing else. Those developmentalist bullshit is nothing but rhetoric, why treat it seriously? I even heard the news that you expressed a nationalist - developmentalist sector of the Armed Forces and supported by radicals, especially after you appoint Alexander Panganiban as the head of the economic planning board, are you expecting an ire from Makati Business Club or the Chambers of Commerce?"

"And so?" Andre replied. "This is what people wanted on the first place! Peace, land, bread, development, I know you want these to happen! Do you think order is enough for them? No!"
"Think back," said Gadon. "I firmly believed in democracy, but that democracy is in fact another word for disorder and corruption. By pretending they're for the people in fact once they sat in the government they forgot the very people who they promised to help and uplift. They talked about development, but for whom? they talked about peace but who's to benefit? I'm not surprised that people will gone protest against those who promised those words that's actually crass and shit."

"Perhaps, democracy needs to be checked the way we wanted to regulate freedom." Gadon added. "Much better if we reduce those thoughts into just...words, words meant to be spoken and not to be taken seriously, that democracy is but a fairytale while orderism is a fact. and then, we'll make this nation fit for a future what they've wished for."
Andre rather remained silent on what Gadon said to him. Instead, he sipped coffee and looked at Makati's skyline. "Since you talked about order, then you're pertaining to totalitarian rule don't you?" he said.
"Can be." Gadon replied. "Just imagine the future that awaits from these people, for sure you remember the olden times when elders said discipline is necessary for a nation's prosperity?"

This argument caused a rift between two colleagues that would lead to an internal conflict within the Junta. President Andre Sebastian was supported by the so-called "Social-Nationalist faction" consists of progressives and reformists while Junta member Lauro Gadon, an out-and-out reaction, was supported by the landed gentries and known as the "Orderists". 

V

It was early morning when President Andre Sebastian was giving a speech in front of the people in Batasang Pambansa, but as he drank some water followed by preparing his statement he suddenly felt dizzy and fell down. Everyone was in shock while his bodyguards called for immediate assistance. He was immediately sent to the infirmary where doctors trying their best to recover him. But it was too late. And Andre, still lying, called for his family. 

His wife Clarissa, along with their daughter, Schey, came to the room and saw him along with colleagues Percival Gregorio and Lamberto "Berting" Nazario, and Dr. Adam Golamresa, who's monitoring Andre's vital signs. She then asked the doctor:
"How is he?"
"Madame," Dr. Golamresa said. "I'm sorry but, we are still trying to do our best."
Then she looked at Andre, approached, and held his hand. She then asked:
"What happened?"
"I don't know." Andre said. "I felt so dizzy. Maybe because of the meds."
He then called Schey, caressed her hair, and said:
"How is my lovely princess?"
"Dad.. what's wrong?" Schey asked.
"I'm sick my dear." Andre said.
"Don't worry dad." Schey replied. "Everything's will be alright!"
Then Andre looked at her daughter, with tears in eyes, and said:
"Schey, always be prepared!" 

Meanwhile, Nazario went out of the room, followed by Dr. Golamresa. While at the corridor, Berting approached the doctor and asked:
"Tell me honestly, what's wrong with Andre?"
The doctor then whispered:
"He's been poisoned by a substance to induce heart attack."

"How?" Berting asked. 
"We saw his blood sample been poisoned." Dr. Golamresa replied.
"I'm sorry to say but I'm quite sure who is responsible for this." Said Berting. 
Then Berting returned to the room in an attempt to tell Clarissa about the situation. However, the attempt was interrupted as Gadon finally came, then saw Clarissa and her daughter sitting in the corner along with Percival and Berting.

He approached Andre, with the latter pointed finger at him as he approached, and asked:
"Is this the order you wanted?"
Then he passed out. The doctors tried to recover him but didn't succeed. Andre Sebastian was officially dead. 

Everyone was at a mourning mood while Gadon, Despite being prohibited to smoke, picked up a cigarette that he smuggled into the infirmary. Stoic with a bit of frowning in his face, he remarked to himself: "I may die as a hated figure, but damn I did try to salvage order. It's history's duty now to tell if I belong in the pantheon of heroes, or the hall of fame reserved for scoundrels. Nevertheless, I don't really care much about it. I only regret that I did not win."

As news outlets broadcasted about Andre Sebastian's death, people mourned as their "saviour" died before he opened his speech. According to the reports, his death was caused by heart attack. The council immediately appointed Lauro Gadon afterwards as the president of the provisional revolutionary government. With the responsibility passed unto him by the council, Gadon was able to find favourable opportunities to grasp authority by himself. From his circle known as the "small junta", Gadon able to appoint them in the Armed Forces as well as the Police, thus able to gain control the military especially after he arrested Berting Nazario out of trumped charges against him. Berting, known as a staunch supporter of Sebastian, overheard about the rumors how his friend was killed by nonetheless his ambitious colleague through a poison mixed in his water. 

Due to the enforcement of the martial law: universities were shut down, newspaper offices were closed except those of the government-sponsored Manila Bulletin and Manila Times, and any political activity that went against the policies of the government were strictly banned. In further details, all public gatherings that included more than three party were forbidden with an only exception for funerals and school activities. Media outlets like ABS-CBN, GMA, ABC, and others were muzzled by the authorities, while favouring the government-owned NBN and another channel owned by a religious cult to broadcast reports favourable to the junta.
But most people didn't believe Sebastian's death was caused by heart attack. Instead, they demand the truth about their leader's demise. Rumors about he being poisoned by Gadon was widespread, triggered massive protests despite ordinances prohibiting pubic gatherings. The demand was simple: an investigation about Andre Sebastian's unlikely death, and a call for replacing Gadon with the imprisoned Nazario. In response, a violent reprisal from the authorities erupted, resulting to massive arrests, while others escaped and joined the National Peoples Army. 

Gadon saw the protest not only as a personal assault but also as an assault to his leadership. He thought of the protests clearly as an insurrection, and only a part of a plot to overthrow the government by force. He immediately removed cabinet members from the "Christian Social Democratic Party" while retaining those from the "Nationalist Peoples Coalition." He even forced the party and others to dissolve by force to "prove their sincerity" in restoring order as he replaced the "National Revolutionary Government" with the "National Council of Order and Discipline", with he as the leader. Finally, he "canceled" the constitution and instead with an "enabling act" that gave the president powers to make and enforce laws without the involvement nor consult with the members of the junta. 

In a press conference in Malacañang, Gadon explained frankly about his reason to replace the "revolutionary government" with that of a junta he appointed:
"Personally, this government is not meant to be 'revolutionary' for it is contrary to the idea of order. On the first place, why on earth should the government lead an idea that is by nature, disorderly? It's better to be outright- that if, or should rather say, since revolution is disorder, then this government is the restoration of order. I don't give a damn if I am be called unpopular but this country needs to quit its democratic and liberal pretension- instead accept a responsibilitarian fact even its face happens to be a monster."
But one journalist from the Associated Press asked him:
"But according to Mr. Sebastian that this current government is itself born out of a revolution."
"Let me tell you this." Gadon replied bluntly. "I am not Andre Sebastian. Second, he is dead. I am very different from him. Yes, people described the actions as 'revolutionary' but I am way far from him- I prefer restoring order and stability. Who will benefit from it in the first place? It is the people who are complaining about government, who wished reforms or whatsoever they think from their feeble minds."
"So what kind of reform do you wish to implement in the place of the late president?" said the journalist.
Gadon laughed at the question first, then replied:
"None aside from letting foreign investment enter, having a balanced budget, stabilize the currency, restoring order to the national accounts, enforcing austerity, and red-penciling waste. There may be developments of course, especially in agriculture and in the still growing manufacturing sector with the government undertakes partnerships with foreign companies and local conglomerates."
Everyone did nod at what he stated in the press conference. But the president curtly replied on the journalist.
"The rest goes to the enforcement of discipline that includes you."
Along with pointing his finger at the person. "To be honest, I prefer less freedoms to the people if they wish a good economic standing." Gadon added. "And god forbid, sometimes it requires extralegal means to enforce that. I don't care if the United Nations, the ASEAN, or any other entity complain about it. Did they complain about Saudi Arabia? Afghanistan? Their enforcement of sharia law puts people in the line, yet those countries end having development, so why not this country who deserves a hard spanking?"

Furthermore, he immediately created the Directorate of Domestic Security, using selected members from the intelligence service of both the armed forces and the police, the National Bureau of Investigation, and the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency. Even former criminals, ex-military-turned-hitmen became part of the department's ranks as they've promised a "clean slate" in their personal profiles and an employment in the civil service. The department became responsible for counter-intelligence, foreign intelligence, and political security. In its inauguration, Gadon said:

"...We need to ensure the security of the country through effective measures against enemy agents, spies, and activities designed to sabotage, destabilize or overthrow the state..."

VI

At 9:15 p.m. Sebastian's body was transported from Malacañang to San Agustin Church for the lying in state. Initially, it was meant to be in presidential palace but the family, being closer to the Augustinian order, insisted to lie in San Agustin Church. He was placed on a catafalque before Clarissa and Berting Nazario who was temporarily freed for the duration of the funeral. A half-couch casket and the national flag were placed in the center of the church, near a stand with Sebastian's awards and his portrait. The requiem liturgy was given by the Archbishop of Manila. An honor guard was present, formed of soldiers from the newly-formed Kawit Regiment. The regiment took turns in watching while the queue was most times more than one mile long, with the waiting time was about three hours. News about the late president's funeral been broadcasted, while assembled crowds listened to a series of speeches delivered by Lamberto "Berting" Nazario, Canuto Celestino, and the new president, Lauro Gadon. 

Finally, on the day of the funeral, a requiem mass was held at the church, with the Archbishop of Manila officiating along with more than a dozen other bishops and priests. With huge crowds watching and then, the junta leaders urged the audience to continue his "unfinished work" of "national unity".

However, behind the veneer of unity cracks began to unfold. Berting Nazario, still temporarily released for the duration of the funeral, was treated with contempt by Gadon, while the family of the late president was facing threat with rumors of possible arrest. Initially, Clarissa wanted the funeral to be "private" as possible but Gadon, wanting legitimacy, forced the late president's wife to proceed with the state funeral with promises of "leaving them alone afterwards". 

"Andres Sebastian, embodiment of our ideals and leader of a redeemed republic..." as Manila Archbishop Francis Cardinal de la Cuesta preached on about the late president. Percival scanned the crowd as Cardinal de la Cuesta continues his elegy: that beside Clarissa his wife, was the young daughter of Andre. He also noticed that Gadon was distant and glaring at Berting Nazario. "This is going to be a long mourning" said Percival to himself as he witnessed Gadon and Berting looking at each other while everyone's at mourning. 

After the ceremony, Percival expressed a sigh of relief. He admitted to Berting that he honestly expected a fight to break at any moment after the mourning mood, especially how Gadon, now as president, directed his attention on Berting and even the Sebastian family. 

But his expectations came true. 

VII

A day after the burial of Andre Sebastian, President Lauro Gadon, through his DDS had been relentlessly hunting the late leader's associates, making sure no one came along to challenge their newfound power. Berting Nazario again returned to prison, while Percival Gregorio, and Canuto Celestino were forced to retire leaving Gadon and the "small junta" running over state affairs. Dr. Golamresa, known for being Andre's personal doctor, was also arrested for "medical malpractise" leading to Andre's demise. 

With words like "Orderism", "Responibilitarianism", and "the need for spanking", Gadon's rule has benefited much the business sector as nail-fisted policies created an atmosphere of industrial peace. However, these same policies also marked the country as a "pariah state" by the United Nations with sanctions imposed on the basis of "human rights violations". But, far from being brought to their knees by the sanctions from the United Nations, Gadon's Philippines finding themselves increasingly able to cope with the demand for goods that have hitherto been obtained without question nor complain from its neighbors. In his speech at an event sponsored by the Department of Trade and Industry, president Gadon's statement been described as frank while at the same time trying to be hopeful that his policies benefits business:

"Ladies and gentlemen, this government that leads this nation for several years under very difficult circumstances in this face of an hostile world, and I say to you apart from everything else that this nation have endured the trials yet created numerous achievements, all out of a firm government that brought ingenuity and ceaseless innovation that keeps us afloat especially in this time of change.

We let foreign direct investments enter, create establishments, establish partnerships with us and provided technologies all meant to sustain this country. However, as news of divestment occurred yesterday, it becomes a greater challenge for this order- but we have no choice: expropriate their assets either by buying their share altogether with a good pay for them; or by mobilising our military and take over their properties without any compensation."

Everyone clapped as what the president said in his speech. He then stopped by pouring a glass of water, drank, and continued his address:

"For sure if latter occurs they will cry "human rights" but damn those delusions! This country has its right and they're human to commit those wrongs to assert that right they've been whining about. And to to think that they're talking about rights, reality shows that rights is nothing but an abstract concept. Man is bound by its duty- and the reason? Survival. As a child, they obey their parents; as a student, they obey their teachers; as a subject, they obey their overseers; as a member of the society, they obey both written and unwritten laws by the fear that they be deprived of their privileges or be scorned by the members of the society. And since this supranational entity is imposing us sanctions for putting this country into order, expect tremendous sacrifices and limited support from our neighbours to sustain our economy if not our national survival. As I said earlier, we will let investments enter, create establishments, establish partnerships, but on a condition-that of obeying the law. 

And in speaking of obeying the law and imposing discipline, at one time I read about an old writeup about how South Africa survived the sanctions during the Apartheid. Like us who have perchance for order and strong emphasis on security would say that the country take it as a challenge to live on their own. How come South Africa remained prosperous and developed? Full employment, in combination with labour controls, limitations on  free movement, did created better income. Why not ours? For sure some of us would appreciate a stronger emphasis on industrial peace that includes a stronger arm against those who stood against this nation's way to progress. Progress demands sacrifice at best, contentment at its worst- and people should realise having a job is better than demanding wages that actually wanting to slow down productivity and in turn stunts progress!

And by the way, for the sake of recognising my predecessor, Andre Sebastian provided the impetus for a shift towards the establishment of a domestic arms industry. Before, the government has its own arsenal that's limited to the production of ammunition and the repair and reconditioning of guns. We do have the Philippines Aerospace Development Corporation that until recently they don't produce any airplane except creating spare parts and depending on trumped-down parts whether from Germans or Italians to create trainer planes and helicopters. But, it was he who founded by decree the Armaments Production Board to control the manufacture, procurement and supply of all armaments for the armed forces, and from there took over the government arsenal, the PADC, and also authorised to co-ordinate arms production in the private sector. At present, this board is supported by a venture of research and development groups from the armed forces, academe, and from the Department of Science and Technology. Even foreigners who willing to contribute afforded to join in this venture that resulted to numerous achievements in the production not just in arms, but also in the development of armor and by extension the promotion of new technologies that will help sustain amidst the problem. We even secure the right to produce our versions from other countries via our friends abroad, and these are all amidst sanctions imposed on us by their respective countries. 

To cut this short, that despite these challenges, we still have our cards. And those cards transformed these challenges into opportunities that keeps us alive, sustain, and to move forward as any other country. I don't care if other coutries will impose sanctions on us, but who cares? We're just disciplining our people and putting things back in order! And now look what we are!

I admit, I am not into that kind of takeovers and nationalisations just like my predecessor did. As much as possible, the state's role is to be an arbiter, and a collector of dues. But given this situation, the state has to take a new role- that of coordinator and director. The Department of Economic Planning and Coordination will do any means to support economic development including those initiated by our friends in the private sector, that of the chambers of commerce and even the Makati Business Club who's the organiser of this one of a kind event. I'm sorry for the private sector if because of these international bullshit making the state forced to take this role, but I promise to all of you from this event that the state will remain responsible in their actions as those of the people, all true to its policy of "responsibilitarianism" which emphasises duties, while as much as possible trying to keep the market continue to do 'as it is' in accordance to our laws and agreements."

But not all amazed by his speech as it broadcasted in radio, television, and in the internet. Meanwhile, arrests and banning orders against the opposition were broadcasted. Even Clarissa knew that Gadon will soon arrest if not ban her from expressing dissent over the junta and its "orderism". She and her daughter had no choice but to leave the country with the help of Percival and those supporting the imprisoned Nazario.

In an attempt to leave the country, Clarissa, along with Schey, went into hiding for several days at Clarkfield by those loyal to Nazario within the National Intelligence Security Agency. A false Spanish passport using the names "Carmen Montijo-San Miguel" for Clarissa and "Maria Magnolia San Miguel" for Schey was given to them by Percival. However, as the threats of capture from the DDS was imminent due to intelligence sources, Clarissa and Schey had to move from Clarkfield to Lingayen, finally leaving at midnight via Dornier 228 from Lingayen Airport to Hongkong under guard by NISA agents. 

As the plane reached Chek Lap Kok airport, Clarissa and Schey, now using the names "Carmen" and "Magnolia" San Miguel, had to leave to Spain as threats from the DDS would soon reach Hongkong. Courtesy of a "friend", a ticket from Iberia Airlines was given to them, that made the two, along with an attendant, finally left Hongkong to Barcelona in Spain, where exiles were waiting for them.
While at plane, Schey asked her mother:
"Why do we need to leave?"
"Schey," Clarissa said. "We have no choice but to leave our home. I know you are worried about your friends, as well as our things we left, but given the situation what we need is to live. I'm sorry if you are affected by the situation especially after dad left us."
"I know mom." Schey replied. "I'm sorry if I have to ask about this, but I realise we're on the run especially from someone who happened to be our friend, our father's friend."
Clarissa didn't speak, but instead she caressed Schey's hair, and said:
"Time comes we will return, if everything goes clear."

Meanwhile, Gadon was surprised by the news that Clarissa and Schey left the country days ago, that Percival Gregorio was nowhere to be found, and an alleged report that the NISA and those loyal to Nazario was plotting against him. "I should have imposed a banning order if not arrest them earlier for I know this will be a bigger problem." he said to himself. He called former Gen. Miguel Coronel of the DDS through the phone to mobilise and arrest those involved in an alleged plot against him. But after telephoning the former general, he looked at the portrait of the late Andre Sebastian, and cursed him:
"Fucker! If not for your friends I should been at this place earlier!" 

***

Several years after, amidst the atmosphere of progress and development that's being bragged by the order, people rather felt worry especially after Andre Sebastian's death that caused some anxiety in the capital, followed by Gadon’s takeover as president and the recent arrests and laws curtailing civil rights. On the other hand, the members of the National Peoples Army were more enthusiastic of the prospect that president Gadon, the most notable yet reviled official in the regime, did actually gain total control of the state at the expense of his colleague.

At a camp somewhere in the north, a young partisan gave a letter to an old leader known simply as 'Alipato'. Known for leading the Philippine Liberation Movement-National Peoples Army for decades, Hilarion “Alipato” Diaz was initially supportive of the Sebastian-led government, promising a possible negotiation between the two belligerent groups, but the situation brought by Gadon, particularly that of the paranoia made he quickly dismissed the government as a "bunch of buffoons", forcing himself and his group shelved negotiations and instead sensing an opportunity to conduct partisan warfare even further. 
"There is some chaos amongst the upper echelons in Manila, Alipato." The young partisan said. "They are certain that Gadon will be triumphant in this power struggle. He has the army, the police, the members of the propaganda machinery at his fingertips. The conditions are in fact, a blessing for the struggle."
Smirking and just having sipped his barako coffee, Alipato replied:
"Chairman Mao once said that disorder under heaven makes the world pregnant with revolutionary moments. In this country, the system knew that the situation is ripe for revolutionary sentiment that makes them force to do compromises with an angry populace with paper reforms and piecemeal actions. But this doesn't stop people from complaining as the very system itself hinders those promises meant to happen. And now, despite what they afforded to brag, the more it exposes its bullshit. How come defected military members joined us in the ranks- especially after how he arrested Nazario for alleged insubordination? Our raids in their camps are sufficient to equip at least 50,000 souls for the coming war. Let Gadon have the throne, at least the people will no longer be filled with illusions."
The young partisan, quite aghast at Alipato's quip, eventually asked what his vision of the future will be:
"But isn't our cause that of democracy? The restoration of freedom? By not saying that, we are not as different from that scoundrel!’
"No, not at all", as Alipato attempted to calm down the young partisan. "Democracy in the old regime meant decadence. That old man Gadon is far more honest as he is able to slip away the mask of genteel reverence into a vulgar defiance of the old. Yet what he proposed is nothing more but a suicide note that he is too cowardly to do himself. He killed his friend, he arrested the other, where's the promise of restoring honor to the government or faith in the democratic processes they once talking about? Today's Democracy is a tool like anything else, and sadly to say, every single government is a dictatorship. What we want is a far stronger dictatorship in this regard: it is the rule of the proletariat."
The young partisan didn’t speak further, instead he handed a brief to Alipato and replied:
“Comrade, here are the papers you requested.”
Alipato then placed the briefs in his table, sipped his coffee, and said:
"It is late in the evening, and you must have been tried from a long day passing these papers to me. We can continue this conversation tomorrow morning. And then I shall summon the committee for a meeting tomorrow afternoon, on the future course of our strategy. You are now dismissed."

II

At the same time, the Philippine Aerospace Development Corporation created the locally "improved" two-seater version of the F5 known as "Pana-01". This may sound ridiculous as the American-made F5 was considered obsolete decades ago, but on the other hand, PADC, in its attempt to promote 'local prototypes' had to create "copies" of F5 but with two vertical stabilizers instead of one with General Electric J85 engines brought via a third party contact. However, as part of its attempt, the government had to buy from Iran via a DDS front company "Merlion Holdings Corporation" their HESA Saeqeh and Khosar jets. Even got copies of blueprints such as that of the cancelled Northrop F20 and YA9 via a contact from Northrop. 

While DOST and the research team of the armed forces agreed to the project citing other country's use of the old aircraft and the possibility of improving it, PADC initially disagreed knowing how ridiculous to create an aircraft that's obsolete in modern standards, instead creating copies of F5 but with "improvements" such as engines and other necessary technologies; but after the arrival of the Iranian-made Saeqeh and Khosar jets smuggled by "Merlion", PADC found how serious the authorities was, especially after the DDS ordered them to. Gadon even personally handed over the blueprint of Northrop F20 to the chief engineer of PADC and said:

"I know you'll say it's impossible but I'd expect this project to happen. It doesn't matter people think of this is 'obsolete' but expect this plan to be done instead of depending on making those improved F5s. Call this stupid but this is an urgent matter."

The team had no choice but to accept it, especially after President Gadon ordered to. It took a year and a half that project to done, especially under the watchful eye of the DDS, that the team had to work long hours to create a "new, improved" design out of an obsolete aircraft. They had to disassemble both Saeqeh and Khosar for reverse engineering, even requested an additional budget to buy necessary technology from General Electric via third party country if not the black market, to which at Gadon's approval thinking how serious the team was creating, way different from its initial opposition. 

After one and a half-year, the world, especially the United States, was amazed that the Philippines created an improved, modernised, 'futurised' F5 known as "Pana-01" by PADC. It did resemble a two-seater version of the outdated plane with two vertical stabilisers, additional wing strakes and altered jet intakes. Fuselage, landing gear, engines, weaponry and cockpit instruments appear identical to the F-5E. However, the engine was that of a copy of General Electric F404 created by PADC and DOST. And despite support from the National Steel Corporation for steel frame, body and parts, "Pana-01" also make greater usage of composite materials in its construction. During its development, several areas using metal were re-designed to use an improved fiberglass created by the DOST through its "Advanced Device and Materials Testing Laboratory", and there were numerous upgrades to various mechanical parts. However, some of its technology were brought via third party agencies and the black market such as General Electric, for its radar system. 

"I knew what the country needed most." Gadon said during its introduction. "We need a strong armed forces. But, to have a strong armed forces, we need a strong arsenal too. But does it need to limit itself to that of making ammunition? Repair guns and armor? No way! We need to take seriously self reliance here even it appears to be risky or crazy."
"We even look at the sky and saw how Pana-01 shown, and I know how it is more than just a flying showcase but carries the potential of defending our country's air. For sure you hear news about we got the rights to produce X1A1 from Brazil and had it 'improved' by our local engineers and scientists. But is that enough? No. We want something more than that."

And that something was more than just a plane nor a tank- but a form of a mobile weapon system.

Known as armedroids, this weapons system is a large humanoid-shaped mobile weapons that are around 18 meters tall, powered by a lithium-ion engine known as "Padcee 01" created by the PADC, and these are activated by a "key" interfacing through a USB-like port inside the cockpit.
Gadon initially wanted the robot be powered by spent uranium fuel recommended by Dr. Frederick Robertson from "Axeltek", but with the suggestion of Engineer Dr. Heinrich Frank from "Siemens and Halske" he changed his initial thought to that of lithium-ion powered engine, especially reminded by the German scientist that Spent Uranium fuel as expensive as opposed to lithium-ion battery powered engine similar to Elon Musk and his Tesla. The engine, made by Tesla, was even smuggled by "Merlion Holdings" through a third-party country and copied by PADC with the help of DoST and National Steel like those of its robot parts.
Initially crude, the project was seen as more than just “walking tanks” or too inspired from science fiction- especially when Gadon himself saw the possibility of future warfare as those. But some officers noticed the importance of being prepared in a future warfare that includes robots. 

"Call me crazy," Gadon said strongly during a meeting with the officers of the Military, the Director of Domestic Security, and the Merlion Holdings. "But look at the United States, Japan, or China. They did engage seriously in military technology. And these happened to be once shown in science fiction books! Why not let we do our own? To hell with the embargo if they block us in our direction! Otherwise, what's the use of organisations like the PADC? I know some of you prefer making profits from buying cheap, secondhand weapons but luckily there are those who prefer buying blueprints with the willingness to copy and improve if possible. We've seen this in Pana-01 plane and our local version of X1A1 tank, but, we need something more dynamic- like this program most of you dismissed as some kind of science fiction yet amazed by its capability. We do have scientists from abroad who chose to join with us, like Dr. Frank from Germany and Dr. Robertson from the U.S., they know that our country has the capacity to make it happen no matter most would dismiss this as a folly copied from a comic book or a science fiction movie."

Other than Merlion Holdings, the DDS also created other front companies to support the project. In Germany, some German “friends” established front companies - Hansafil, Hansasia, that purchased parts and materials for the project as well as hiring German technicians with promises of better pay. Merlion also established dummy but “fuctional” companies like Ikaron for machine parts, electrical apparatuses and precision tools, Filkor and Hanfil for engines, and Teslafil for Lithium batteries and components after a joint partnership with Tesla. Through Merlion and its “functional” companies, agents started to recruit hundreds of German, Korean, Japanese, and American experts and scientists, most of whom had been employed in research institutes and in the manufacturing sector. Tempted by high salaries, bonuses, and myriad privileges, “front” companies based in Germany and Korea clandestinely trickled into the country, and helped in building secret installations as well as further research of “state-supported projects”. 

“To be honest,” said Gadon in his meeting with the members of the DDS and Merlion Holdings, “we have to be supported by our foreign friends to sustain our much-needed projects. We cannot just entirely depend on the black market in procuring nor in reverse-engineering made by our agencies. Besides, these foreign friends prove to us that this country is not alone in the face of sanctions; knowing that our capabilities trumps the challenges that hinders our economic growth and sufficiency as well as in improving defence capabilities. Therefore, I am thankful to Director Coronel as well as Merlion Holdings for this program to happen- but in the long term this will lead to a renewed interest in self-reliance both in defence and in the economy.” 

“These companies worked hard to acquire the necessary material and skill to bolster development.” Said Director Coronel in his speech. “For sure the world failed to notice our country’s grave need for economic development and stronger security. But instead they’re trying to block Our direction by claiming we are oppressing our people with the help of our foreign friends, namely Dr. Frederick Robertson of Axeltek, and Drs. Hans Kleinmann and Heinrich Frank of Siemens and Halske. Our local counterparts, namely Dr. Benjamin Fajardo from Mapua University and Dr. Miguel Melchor from the University of the Philippines also helped us in designing and improving this project.”

From its initial crude experiment, the armedroid program was indeed more than a "walking tank". A float system made by Dr. Frank allowed armedroids to fly, while researchers like Dr. Fajardo and Dr. Melchor modified further by having a cockpit set in the protruding 'hump back' of the unit. The cockpit also serves a self-contained control center which can be ejected in case of emergency. It was also armed with a locally-made version of the 7.5 cm Gebirgsgeschütz 36, and a number of launchers meant for cylindrical air burst grenades that spray deadly shrapnel over a specific area. 

During an another demonstration, the second prototype designed by Melchor was designated as "Cyeton 1" by the DDS. And by the time it was presented to Director Coronel for a final demonstration, a messenger carrying a dossier immediately showed to the director some papers, then whispered that a mutiny led by the navy was looming. 
"Did you inform this to the president?" Coronel asked. 
"Yes sir." the messenger replied.
Suddenly, one of the minor officers ran into the room and saluted. “Phone call for Director Coronel, sir!”
“From whom?” Coronel asked back.
The officer hesitated at first but handed the phone over. “It would be better if he speaks to him.”
“Pass it to me.” Coronel grabbed the phone but stopped for a second as he can hear a faint sound of gunfire. “Hello?”
“Sir. I might not live long, but the enemy has brought in more troops under General Castaneda and they are now advancing towards Manila.”
"We were not sure as to who it was on the other line."
“They even include planes from Sangley point, and they are preparing to bomb Malacañang!”
"Goddamnit!" Coronel replied. "Will call you back, for now defend the line at all costs."

Then the director spoke through the microphone and said to the pilot manning the armedroid:
"I'm sorry to say this, but instead of demonstrating here in this place, this is a do-or-die situation. Are you willing to become a hero?"
"Sir, yes sir!" Said the pilot.
"Well then," Director Coronel said. "We will take the armedroid into the battlefield! Be prepared, this is the moment we will show the enemy what this creation meant for!"
The pilot had no choice but to proceed, as mechanics immediately refueled the vehicle, rearmed, and mobilised from its hangar at Nichols Field.- as another conspiracy against the order rises with high-ranking officers from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and some former legislators agreed to attempt a coup to replace Gadon. 

On that same day, the commanders of the country's key naval bases (including 68 active-duty officers) declared their support for the "revolt for the restoration of democracy", including those of Sangley Point, Subic, Corregidor, and at Fort Drum. The Naval Headquarters and the Navy Mechanics School, as well as the radio station in Sangley point were immediately seized by General Rafael Castaneda, with the latter broadcasting propaganda against Gadon and his "tyranny disguised as responsibilitarianism":

"We are here to realise the dreams we almost lost under the Gadon dictatorship. We the 'Movement for the Restoration of Democracy' are one with the people in a renewed struggle against the tyranny of that usurper Gadon and his so-called 'responsibilitarianism'. We wanted a realisation of what the late president Sebastian envisioned- that of a free, just, and democratic society, and a country truly restored its dignity." 
Meanwhile, around Subic, base commander Admiral Isaac Roxas used the threat of the numerically superior marine force under his command to compel the surrender of the Army's 5th Infantry Regiment with some joining his ranks.

But things turned different from the Air Force as their support for the coup was limited to several active-duty officers in Subic and at Sangley Point. On the day the rebel forces starting its first aerial action, and all prepared their EA-6B Prowler from the base, armed and going to Manila until- a flying object unbeknownst to them, armed with a gun pointed to one of the planes and fire. BOOM! that plane had no chance to fight while others scramble in an attempt to resist the armedroid. Sidewinders were fired, only to see Cyeton release its cylindrical burst grenades spreading shrapnel over the area making sidewinders explode. Such action forced the rebel planes to retreat making the armedroid advance and fire its gun on the retreating planes. 

"Goddamn Gadon!" Said General Castaneda as he heard the reports about an unidentified weapons system destroyed the rebel air force. He even received further reports that enemy tanks will advance towards Subic from the north as well as in Clarkfield. 

“I don’t care about the news!” said the rebel officer in front of his men. “We’re all prepared to die anyway!” 

The armedroid's swift attack at Sangley Point surprised the enemy. Antiaircraft guns fired directly against the armedroid only to respond by the latter's burst grenades. Director Coronel then called the pilot:

"So how is it going?"

"Sir, enemy planes destroyed."

"Good...good..." Coronel said. "Is our tanks going?"
"Yes sir."
Meanwhile, loyal army troops from Bacoor and Imus, accompanied by X1A1 tanks and M113 APCs broke enemy lines to seize the radio station, the mechanics school, ports, the entire air base from the enemy. The mutineers had no choice but to escape by ship to Fort Drum- only to be fired by the armedroid's Gebirgsgeschütz at one of the fleeing ships. One ship carrying General Castaneda was hit, killing him by the explosion. 

Meanwhile at Subic bay, admiral Roxas and his men fought stubbornly at the garrisoned headquarters of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority. Just like in Sangley Point, X1A1 tanks deployed and fired at the building followed by the advance of troops loyal to the order; the admiral spurned offers of escape, but instead urging his subordinates to leave him.
“I chose to die than leaving what I have started.” Said the Admiral to those urging to escape. “If you want to leave then go, just make sure don’t get captured by the enemy.”

As the tanks surround the area, Admiral Roxas, along with those who stood by him, had no choice but to fire their guns with their remaining ammunition. But as the enemy laid siege to the building, they were unable to take the assailants alive, despite the best efforts of 750 combined DDS, police, and the army. Admiral Roxas was at the chairman's office, trying to fire advancing men through the window with a machine gun; while others were at their barricades trying to make their last stand as Gadon’s forces continue to advance inside SBMA building.

“To be honest”, Admiral Roxas wrote in his note. “This action I taken is becoming impossible, but since I jump into the abyss then perhaps I should stand by my actions than surrender and be killed without any dignity.

Mom, I’m sorry if I can’t go home because of this. I have to fulfill my duty as a nationalist, if not die.”

After writing, he went out of his office and saw enemy troops approaching the building. He called his remaining men to fight despite decreasing ammunition. But despite their stubborn resistance, the government succeeded in entering, killing those who resist until they reach the room where Admiral Roxas stayed.

“surrender!” said the loyalist officer.

The admiral smoked his cigarette first, then shot himself with the last bullet from his revolver. 

The attempted putsch resulted to numerous deaths both from government loyalists and the putschists. In Subic bay, the stubborn defense in SBMA building resulted to a number of deaths in the side of the loyalists, with destroyed tanks and trucks; but the attempt marked the use of the armedroid as a mobile weapons system, with its first strike that took the enemy by surprise.

III

Despite the deployment of the armedroid Cyeton and its control over the aerospace, the recent events in Sangley Point and in Subic Bay shook the government as well as Gadon himself. He knew that some officers still disagreeing with him in favour of the imprisoned Nazario. 

"These wannabes have dared to launch a revolt against the order. As far as I am concerned, they have betrayed the nation when they dared to challenge my authority," says President Gadon, during a press conference at Malacañang Palace. "I am placing the Philippines under an indefinite state of emergency, with a 24 hour curfew imposed on the entire nation until this act of terror is resolved. I don't care if they are called mutineers or whatsoever, they're bandits what more of terrorists trying to be civilised in the first place with all their uniforms and so-called credentials like Isaac Roxas or Rafael Castaneda. I have also mobilised the police and the armed forces to ensure further the security of our public places as well as private property. To the Filipino people, I know that you have to feed your families, and your children need to be educated, but allow me to say that this is the reason why I have placed the welfare of the Filipino people above all else: because there are traitors who are willing to sell our Fatherland to our enemies."

However, despite its success as a mobile weapon, some of those who engage fully in research were treated badly by the authorities. Some of them happened to be arrested by the DDS due to “sympathies with the old regime” only to found themselves important being Engineers, Scientists who once working in various universities. The DDS even telling them with “promises of freedom” if the project succeeded. But, not all agreed to the president's view- especially when one researcher who worked on the armedroid project, left the country along with its blueprints.

That scientist, despite the contribution made rather value that belief in freedom and justice especially in a time the order continues its repressive spree guised as "order". But, despite knowing that the DDS will eventually notice this, the researcher chose to escape abroad with the help of their friends from the armed forces, going through the "southern backdoor" with an assumed name.
"I just find myself ridiculous this kind of venture." Melchor said. "The project is indeed successful but at what expense? The rights of the people, with long curfews, checkpoints, and the like. Perhaps, I regretted staying there just because I believe in improving my country. Or maybe I simply had enough staying under guard by the DDS."
"So how did you escape?" Alipato asked.
"After my work I was invited by a certain officer Custodio of the NISA, then brought me to his house in Quezon City, having drink and some chitchat. Luckily I was familiar with the area, and from there I was able to maneuver past them, as he and his friends were all sleeping after getting drunk. Luckily I have some pocket money and my small bag and able to ride a taxi enough to escape from those people, then went to a friend whose connections with the underground provided me a contact and some basic needs so that I escape from Manila after hiding for several weeks."
"So what's the name of the contact?" Alipato asked.
"Janssen Johnson" Melchor replied. "Sounds like a name for a Pharmaceutical company isn't he?"
"Johnson." Alipato said. "Sounds familiar. Tell me about him."
"He's an American sympathiser of the resistance movement. He's my friend during my college days, and he's working in the United Nations so no government agency able to touch him."
"I see." Alipato said as he sipped his brewed coffee.
"Did you bring the blueprints?" Alipato asked.
"I do brought some." Melchor replied. "I have it in my book with a portion serving to conceal some documents about the project I was participating."
Then Melchor showed the book, opened at Page 105 where the blueprints were hidden. One of the blueprints was an improved armedroid meant for the DDS known as 'project Rosa'.
"Tell me about this project Rosa. What kind of armedroid is this?"
"Well," Melchor replied. "This armedroid is powered by a lithium-ion engine, it's like Cyeton but much improved with its small, light weight frame and better body armor. It has a redesigned, simplified cockpit system with improved life support functions and better user interface controls for better speed and stability in combat. It is armed with a copy of 10.5 cm Gebirgshaubitze 40."
"Hmm, sounds interesting." Alipato replied as he looked at the blueprints. "The enemy is seriously using science for their interest- especially after reading reports about 'government policy'".
"And by the way", Melchor said. "They're mass-producing armedroids. They have German and American technologists assisting in that project."
"Been heard of that." Alipato said. "So are you willing to create one for us?"
"Sure why not?" Melchor replied. "I can assist you and your men in the repair and training of units. But for now, we need those weapons. we need to get them."

IV

On the following day, with intelligence gathered from spies within the military, a flying column waited an enemy convoy that's guarded by 150 from the DDS left Camp Capinpin to a detachment in Quezon. Their objective was to reinforce the enemy's unit with newly-made armedroids in the detatchment near the village "infested by the rebels." While travelling down a narrow gorge near the town, a rocket propelled grenade hit the armored car followed by small arms and grenade barrage from the rebels. One armored car was destroyed which blocked the road, while the truck carrying the armedroids was separated from the main convoy. The rebel attack lasted several hours, with 20 members of the DDS killed by the rebel forces, leaving the others withdraw from the ambush scene. However, the truck containing few armedroid units and ammunition was also captured by another flying column, gaining the rebels the needed modern weaponry as ordered by the defector, ex-scientist Miguel Melchor.

"This can't be!" Said Director Coronel to the officer after receiving the report. "How could these terrorists captured that truck?"
"I don't know." Said Officer Reyes. "It was a surprise attack from the enemy! We almost reach the town when the ambush happened!"
"Damn rebels!" Coronel replied. "How could these criminals get our weapons system? We did beat them many times, but how come this time they able to capture a truckload of our armedroids? I know Mr. President will get angry at this as the report reach Malacañang!"
Indeed, the president gone mad as he read the reports about the capture of the mobile weapons in Quezon. 
"How could this happen?" Gadon said. 
"I don't even know about this." Coronel said. "According to the report it was a surprise attack."
"Surprise attack?" Gadon said. "Is there no intelligence gathered in the region?"
"As far as I know the place was pacified as the rebels were killed, surrendered, or fled away."
"Or..." Gadon asked. "Is someone spying on us that made the armedroids captured?"
The director didn't said a word after what the president said about this. 

On the other hand, after the partisans captured the truck containing the armedroids, it was presented to both Alipato and Melchor, with the latter said:
"Seems that they really wished to follow that of our neighbors."
"How come?" Alipato asked.
"Japan, Korea, China, the United States also create their own mobile weapons." Melchor replied. "Ours is just crude and clandestine to be honest. The DDS, through its Merlion Holdings pirate foreign scientists and procure technologies from the black market aside from forcing local engineers for the project."
"And they tried it first against the mutineers at Sangley point." Alipato said. "Those who survived joined our ranks, especially those who supported Nazario."
"Not surprising," Melchor said. "For sure you already heard how I took part in the armedroid project. I remember how Gadon was ridiculed after promoting that, dismissed as comical, child's play, outright fictional by the military. But Gadon, knowing that the military will disagree with his proposal still pursued it under his DDS, with a front 'company' able to procure the necessary technology and weapons from third party sources, including from the black market. I even remember that complex, that of a replica of the former Rockwell power station in Makati, complete with chimneys and oil tanks in it."
Pointing at the German-made gun, Melchor said:
"This is a copy of a German-made mountain gun by the Government Arsenal. A German weapons technologist suggested during its production, and I wouldn't be surprised if they will create a better gun as they're improving their armedroid systems."
"And now, as they're trying to destroy us, we either trying to evade them, able to destroy by IED, or by ambushing them with knee mortars and RPG. I remember one column able to destroy one armedroid before they retreat as the enemy tries to advance through the forests. I even recall from a contact that after recieving information that enemy armedroids advance the following day this made our comrades  retreat to another zone in the cover of night. Sometimes I wonder how to get those mobile weapons since the enemy afforded to create those? Now we able to got them." Alipato said. "Mel, It is now your task to improve by any means, train our troops using those weapons systems you took part in its creation."

V

Weeks after the capture of the mobile weapons by the rebels, Melchor trained partisans on how to use them. Some happened to be former drivers, mechanics, even defected soldiers who remained loyal to Nazario. Manning the vehicle was at first difficult knowing that no one would ever ride a vehicle different from the usual armored vehicle.

“This is some kind of a robot from a Japanese anime.” Said one former soldier turned partisan. “I know how to ride an armored car but this? Difficult but why not?”

Everything seemed to be quiet in the camp until an enemy aircraft fired its rocket on one of the mountains. BOOM! Everyone immediately ran as Colonel Arnulfo Dayapan launches a surprise attack on the rebels, the latter become nervous to know that they're up against the combined DDS and the military. At that time DDS units were immediately stationed in each village in a large geographic area. Other security units, in cooperation with the military would block all possible exits from the area, while additional units would systematically comb all forests within the encirclement. These units were all Spe­cially equipped searched the forests with the aid of air­craft and even tracking dogs. 

Initially, Melchor was quite reluctant to show his armored unit to counter the enemy's armedroids. "This is a difficult decision to do- especially that the enemy has mobilised its units, including air support to destroy us. The mountains may still provide enough protection but until when?"

However, a partisan approached and gave him a coded message, as it said:

"be prepared, enemy troops now advancing along with air support. Commence Iron Sparrow immediately."

"Although still hesitant at first, the young scientist-turned-guerillero had no choice but to proceed- he immediately assemble his trained pilots and said:

"I know some of you are worried, but now is the chance to counter them given that we have these weapons. We've seen the might of their forces, even bombing and capturing some of our sanctuaries. We are all trying our best to evade but for now it's the chance to counter them."

Miguel, one of the pilots, asked:

"Do we have enough ammunition?"

"Yes." said Melchor. "We do have enough ammunition, as we did charged our engines with solar-powered batteries."

Miguel did nod at what Melchor said. 

"Are all of you prepared?" Melchor asked.

"Yes comrade!" Said the rest of the pilots. 

Immediately they ran towards their armedroids and started operating it. From their hideouts in the mountain Melchor ordered to launch a surprise attack on the enemy from the summit of the mountain. Under cover of fog, a sudden salvo of gunfire halted the advancing enemy unit. The latter was taken by surprise as not just a fog that blinded them but a surprise fire from a partisan armedroid unit hiding in the mountain. 

"I can't believe they got armedroids like ours." one enemy pilot said as he saw one. "Or are these the captured armedroids a month ago?" He tried to resist by trying to fire at one of the rebel armedroids but the surprise response from the partisans failed them to advance but instead created an advantage for the partisans to bog them down. 

On the mobile base, General Catapang was looking at the map while soldiers kept bringing in reports. 

"Enemy headed for redcoat." A soldier reported

"Lobo team wiped out!" Another soldier reported. 

"Damn rebels! How did they able to counter?" A staff officer questioned worriedly. 

"We thought we could able to advance, but damn rain!" Another staff officer said. 

"Alright, don't panic. Additional units can rush into the site." General Catapang informed them while staying composed. "Will also call for air support if possible."

However, despite calling for air support but it was too late as strong rebel gunfire from the mountains and sudden rain forced them to retreat, leaving damaged armedroids in the scene of the battle. Col. Dayapan again tried to call the air force but there were no responses while partisan armedroids continue to "fire them at will".
"Whoah..." was all one partisan pilot to say when he saw how the enemy unit bogged down by partisan fire. One enemy armedroid caught fire while another got shot by the rebel's RPG hiding in the woods. 

VI

As reports about the retreat overheard through the radio, General Catapang, still looking at the map, was interrupted by an exhausted Col. Dayapan. "Sir", said the young colonel as he saluted then gave the paper to the old officer. 

"As you were." said Gen. Catapang. "What's the latest news on the battle against the rebels in Quezon?"

"Sir..." said Col. Dayapan. "The rebel troops destroyed our units. Our men forced to have a hasty retreat after a stubborn rebel defence in Mt. Banahaw."

"What do you mean?" Gen. Catapang replied. 

"The armedroid units captured some weeks ago are used by the rebels." Col. Dayapan said. "And now they're beating us."

"How many killed?" said the general. 

"Ten...twelve sir." said Col. Dayapan. "We're off guard due to fog followed by sudden rain. We called for air support however the air force didn't respond."

"What the..." General Catapang said. "How could this be? How can these rebels able to use those mobile weapons?"

"It is no ordinary battle sir." Said Col. Dayapan to Gen. Catapang. "We have lost more men, seems that the rebels are becoming seasoned fighters especially after they captured our armedroids."

"May I know who lead them?" Gen. Catapang replied. 

"I don't know." Col. Dayapan said. "But according to the people there the leader of the group is known for wearing our uniform and a red beret. Rumors said that he's known to be the nephew of Gen. Nazario."

"Gen. Nazario...." said Gen. Catapang. "Known as the rival of the president. I knew him during his cadet days in PMA. He's intelligent, patriotic, even humble and charismatic. I don't know why Gadon hated so much that he imprisoned him after Sebastian's death."

"What do you mean?" Col. Dayapan replied.

"That's a long story." Gen. Catapang said. "By the way, you may leave, take a rest for a moment."

"Yes sir." Said col. Dayapan before he saluted and left, leaving Gen. Cortes contemplating as he said to himself: "General Nazario was known as the nation's hope and a likely successor of President Sebastian if not for Gadon imprisoning him. To be honest, I am loyal to Nazario than Gadon, but I have to obey to the chain of command as an officer. I know my family will be threatened by the DDS if I disobey him, but how will I able to resist Gadon?"

Then he saw opened his drawer as he saw the picture of a charismatic General Nazario with the people. He looked at the photo and said:

"How and Why could this happen to you?"

Meanwhile at the rebel camp within the caves underneath Mt. Banahaw, Melchor saw Miguel repairing his armedroid after the battle. 

"So Miguel, how is manning the armedroid?" Melchor asked. 

"At first it is difficult," said Miguel. "But I used to be a truck and a tractor driver so I know least how to run a vehicle."

"I see," Melchor said. "But I even noticed that you able to run it well after I train you in using the mobile weapon."

"Thank you comrade." Miguel replied as he continued repairing. 

"How about the ammunition?" Melchor asked.

"I have to save a lot of bullets.” Miguel replied. “But I afford to inflict damage on them.”

Melchor then went to the planning table where Alipato was looking at the map. 

"So how is the Iron Sparrow?" said Alipato.

"Good comrade Alipato." Melchor replied. "We able to beat the combined DDS and the Military."

"How many killed?" Alipato said. 

"Twenty enemy men killed." Melchor replied. "Eight armedroids destroyed, however, some can be repaired while others be salvaged for weapons". 

"How about ours?" alipato asked. "How many?"

"Five men killed after the enemy unit fired its rocket against us earlier in one of our biouvacs." Melchor replied. "Two were wounded."

"To be honest", Alipato said as he looked at that young comrade, "Expect numerous sacrifices despite having victories. If not for your joining and training of our comrades in the use of mobile weapons probably we may end worse than this. As I remember before our comrades depend much on small-scale tactical offensives, ambushes to gather weapons and inflict damage on the enemy. However, seems that things go different nowadays as the enemy afforded to use new weapons and trying to inflict damage against us."

"Comrade," said Melchor. "Perhaps we should prepare for possible reprisals from the DDS. I'd suggest we have to set small-scale attacks against them and inflict damage as possible."

Alipato then sipped his cup of coffee and replied:

"So much for your attentiveness. Be careful. Keep one hand on the weapon and one hand on the tool. The enemy only understand strength in numbers, weapons high and mighty, and they will claim their strength always trumps ours, yet they don't realise that we side with the growing number of angry folks out there.”

“And how to win these angry folks?” Melchor asked. 

“We need to go to them, unite with them, so that we have to arm them.” Alipato replied, along with a sip of coffee.

“What do you mean arm them?” Said Melchor. “Isn’t that provoking the enemy further? Arming them with any weapon?”

“By arming them,” Alipato said. “Means arming them with everything. Even knowledge itself is a weapon. We arm them not because we want to destroy the order and its injustices, but we need to arm them to destroy ignorance, we need to weapon them with knowledge to build communities, schools, clinics, new ways of farming, everything that Gadon can’t offer.”

“Pardon me but I am puzzled.” Melchor said.

“Well,” Alipato replied. “Why not try to visit at the sitio that’s been liberated by our forces. From there it’s more than just liberating them by arms, but arming them to liberate further.”

TO BE CONTINUED