Moving out

Ben Contreras

AFTER 31 years, I am finally moving to a new place, a new house built by my youngest brother. He gave us the second for my family.

Being nostalgic about leaving my old place is only natural having spent almost half of my life in this once sleepy and secluded place.

Our first few weeks there were marked by an incident associated with “vigilantism.” We were roused by the sound of gunshots. Minutes later, a man was found sprawled on the pavement. Witnesses account revealed that the victim was seen seated at the rear end of a motorcycle. They came back for a few more shots to ensure that the man who fell off was dead.

Gaabucayan St., from Corrales Extension to Agora, had yet to be concreted at that time. Osmeña Extension was not in existence yet. Traffic was concentrated on Corrales Extension that went through several repairs because of the road damaged by trucks coming from and bound to the wharf.

Our tiny two story low-cost home also went through several transformations.

Kevin was born here. When Kacy was born, I saw it fit to build another room adjacent to our tiny house. The room became our masters’ bedroom when we tore down the old structure when it was infested by termites. It became the small bungalow that again, went through a few expansions to become what it is today.

But things changed with time. Flooding on Gaabucayan St. and Osmeña Extension dampened my desire to stay, coupled with the frequent heavy traffic outside. I thought that it’s time to move to a more quiet and peaceful place.

When Kevin’s employer decided to buy the property, I never thought I would be moving to this subdivision and in a new house. Well, things happen for a reason.

The days ahead will be very busy for me. Thus, I won’t be writing for a while since as I have to wait for the reconnection of my Internet. Besides, I will also be heavily engaged with the Duterte for President Movement by different groups in the city and province.

But “Knock Knock” will be back!

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There are illegal activities that our authorities turn a blind eye to because these concern poor people. And when things go awry, they look for a reason and people to blame albeit too late.

Why would there be very, very cheap goods for sale if not stolen?

Many years ago, an acquaintance went to jail for buying stolen goods (anti-fencing law). Yet, we know that this law has been ignored long enough. Ignoring the law encourages theft.

The latest event that saw a Multicab catching fire in Barra, Opol was due to stolen gasoline being sold dirt cheap. This trade has been going on, openly and untouched.

My son who works at a gas company has encountered such problem. Gasoline is syphoned off in secluded areas, and sold to known buyers.