Sitting on a lofty mountain in Bataan gazing south to Mindanao pondering the situation and thinking back to the 1970’s and 80’s and what was going on then…
I was here in Olongapo City many times during Martial Law years ago, it was Inconvenient, for American servicemen who were here at the time, but that was my only real observation of Martial Law in the Philippines during that period as it did not pertain to me except to follow their rules and stay out of the business that was the Filipino’s and not mine..
Except for one time, when my C5-A landed at Clark AFB Pampanga and it was late at night and my driver could not take me to Olongapo until 5AM when the curfew lifted. Even then the road was full of barefooted people carrying AK-47’s, stolen chickens and sacks of rice along the National Highway, my driver Ding told me they were members of the NPA (No Permanent Address?) It did make me wonder just who it was enforcing the curfew in the country.
If we (Sailors and Marines) were in Olongapo at night and missed the curfew we slept in the bars (Or continued drinking) or spent the night with a new found friend. At 5am we’d wander to the open bar on Magsaysay Street called the Brown Fox, which was located across from Station “B” It would be wise to wander over to the police and ask if any shipmates need the fine paid so they could get back to the ship on time. The fine was normally five hundred pesos, and if paid before the Shore Patrol made their rounds then what ever infraction occurred that night really never happened. Do not ask for a receipt!
The local people, not the elite or the media, were content with Martial Law as they explained to me that more new schools and hospitals were built, more roads were constructed or paved than at any other period during their time on earth. The price of food at the market was also affordable and stable during that time.
This is what they told us military folks, so unless they all were forced to lie to us, I took them at their word.
After 911 in the United States we had a form of Martial Law called the Patriot Act where our freedoms were usurped by our government in the name of our safety. The funny part is the Patriot Act is still in force whereas most Martial Law has a time limit. Great Briton just had armed troops on the streets of London, after the cowardly attack by those “Losers” in Manchester. And Briton pulled the troops within days! American media cringed when our President Trump referred to ISIS and other terrorists as losers. It could be that the media thought it was CNN, MSNBC or the others he was referring too.
My weighted opinion on what is happening in Mindanao at this time is, for the sake of the Filipino People I pray it is resolved quickly and peace returns to the area. I further wish that the UN keeps its corrupt nose out of the situation and other countries mind their own business. In a time of a National Situation on the Philippines Archipelagos it reminds me of something I wrote about pertaining to living in a country not your own.
This applies once again to me and the other foreign guests of these Islands who have no wish to be deported.
As a guest in their house we are welcome to partake of their hospitality, we may sit anywhere we desire, but as a guest we have no right to rearrange their furniture. We are still only a guest!
This is why during my 25 plus years here in the RP I avoid commenting on things that do not pertain to guests like me.
Mr. Martin; I respect how you phrased your article, with information and not opinion. Some of the responses (A few) caused me to take pen in hand….
Written to the point. Nice one, Paul.
Marcelino Zabal ;
And the point is; only the citizens of the Philippines have the right to comment. I take offence when that phony British woman named Madonna makes comments about the United States in her phony English accent. People from Detroit don’t talk like that. (LOL)
Sorry Paul, but that’s a bit strong:
Name : Madonna Louise Ciccone
D.O.B : August 16, 1958 (age 58)
Bay City, Michigan, U.S.
I think we “Brits” currently have enough problems, without taking the blame for Madonna!
Paul said she is American.. but that she fakes being British! He knows that she is from Michigan, he even mentioned “people from Detroit”.
“British woman named Madonna”
It clearly says “phony British woman”
https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/3dc0ed84fd54cf24cdbd115adbe91bec93d281d8d22cf67ba001d5b9f95b47a8.png
Yes – she’s a phony, but she is not British and the context of Paul’s message was national of other countries holding forth on domestic issues. Madonna is a US citizen commenting of US issues.
Steve;
You have blown that out of proportion, to prove what ever point you needed to make.I’m tired of explaining it to you I’m sorry I confused you with “Phony British woman”. Next time I’ll use the word imitation, vice phony.
Hi Paul, no need for sorry! – just a difference in understanding. I read your stuff every week and really enjoy your views on life here. Cheers
Steve;
No problem, but my beer intake is restricted and it causes me to misunderstand. Stay well!!!
The “Phony British Woman” Might have been a clue, I have known for over 30 years where she is from, but we can’t convince her. But as long as you keep her, the more she belongs to you.
Very kind, but no thanks, I think we have enough of our “home grown” fools 🙂
OMG, we all know that Madonna is American born and an American citizen. Obviously our American humor is not understood. Let’s move on….
Thank You! (that certainly puts me in my place)
Steve;
That was not my intent, I was only joking about a fool that thinks she was born in your country.
..”we are welcome to sit anywhere we desire..but have no right to rearrange their furniture”. One of your best, Mr. Paul T. I salute you once again for telling it the way it’s supposed to be. Have a good day there in DinBat.
Jose
Jo Ess;
I wrote that years ago, about people who think they know the Philippines better than the people born here..
I agree with u 100%. God Bless u.
Thank you!
Well written Paul. l was here the first time from 1970 to 1973 and we had the Bases closed for a few days and AFPN (US armed forces TV) and our officers told us what was going on and also gave us strict orders do not talk about local matters. It was not our business and I agree. I am a guest here. Even if my wife or her parents ask me my thoughts, I beg off from giving an opinion, as I do not know the full back ground nor is it my business. But I do make comments about what is going on in the USA. Not happy about lots there.
Luke;
The Philippines or the other 80 or 90 countries I’ve been to, I keep my mouth shut as I lack the right to comment. 20 Years ago my Brother-in-Laws would ask me questions, like why do Americans throw their kids out at age 18. I explained that it was largely the kids that wanted to strike out on their own. My job is to train them to do well out in the world, but to also go bring them home if they need help. My Daughter went to work in Singapore at a international company. She did well because I told her that I would fly to get her if any problem came up. That knowledge is why she succeeded. She knew she had our backing.
I do agree with the opinion of “butting-out” when it comes to internal matters Filipino. I’ve only been here 12 years…the best 12 years of my 70 on this planet I might add..! No matter how ridiculous or ill considered a Filipino viewpoint may be, it is inappropriate to voice my opinion…no matter how insightful or well-considered I might think they are!
Being an American here can sometimes be challenging since we are not “well-liked” by ALL! But then….who can lay claim to that anyway! Better to keep my own counsel…and one ear to the ground to listen carefully for the signs of any personal dangers. After all….my choice to be here is a personal one… from a personal perspective. We each have to find our place in the world….wherever it may be!
Greg;
My advantage was the Navy and merchant marine, where I have worked for Filipino’s and other times where they have worked for me. I found that they tend to accomplish all things their own way, and being a believer in the overall result of the job, vice how you get there, we never had a conflict. If my worker at my house breaks out his tube of water and checks to see if it is level, I say nothing, and expect the same from then when I check it with my laser level.
But your attitude will serve you well while living here. Puerto Rico had their way of doing things and my years living there helped me adjust to being here. Mutual respect is the golden key to living here.
The Patriot Acts we’re a far cry from any form of Marshall Law. I’ve read where some think they we’re but I don’t agree.
I suspect that you know little about martial law in Mindanao. I live here in Mindanao, life has not changed since martial law was started nothing is different than it was two weeks ago. Of course you’re entitled to your opinion, but your opinion is based on nothing. I’m living here.
Bob, I never mentioned the present marshal law in Mindanao. Why would I talk about marshal law in Mindanao?
I live on the island of Bohol. However, I wouldn’t talk about the terrorists that came to Bohol as I didn’t live in the towns they tried to occupy.
hgb;
I’m confused at to which Marshall Law you are talking about?
LOL, me too!
The law the dictators ruled by in Central and South America. Please read my comment to Paul.
hgb;
What the hell are you trying to say? It makes no sense.
BTW No one has to read to me, but maybe someone should write for you. If you want to go off topic and cause conflict please go to CNN with those nut jobs.
I’m very conservative. Personally I can’t stand CNN.
I’ve always liked your posts/articles. Why I just can’t make a comment I don’t understand.
I just won’t make comments as they obviously bother you. For that I’m sorry. Especially since you done a lot for this country and the US.
hgb;
I told you I was done with your comments, you don’t bother me, you annoy me. I don’t need it in my life.
It isn’t important. I’d just made a comment. I didn’t mean to start a conflict. Seems people, really foreigners, get upset too easily. Thin skinned.
They know everything. Even if I’ve lived through 3 dictatorships in Central and South America and know exactly what I’m talking about.
Nope, they say. Sad!!
hgb;
You just made a comment based on no facts just how you feel, there are people who think they know everything, and then others who post and prove they know nothing. Yes it seems sad that everyplace you live is wracked with turmoil. I’m tired of your meaningless comments.
Sir, Here are facts (that Filipinos have expressed) and that I was going by when I made my original comment:
The marshal law under Marcos, and the constution at that time, can’t compare to the marshal law Duterte declared in Mindanao, and the present constitution, right? Just as the Patriot Acts shouldn’t be compared, in my opinion, to marshall law.
It seems like we’ll have to agree to disagree. I’m not sure why you have to make degrading comments.
hgb
Thank you for your opinion, we don’t need to agree to anything, I just need to ignor your comments and that is what I’ll do.
hjb
Not agreeing is your right,in the past American’s have buried their head in the sand because people in power told them to. Was it a good idea to strip the rights from Japanese Americans steal their property and intern them in camps until the war with Japan was over? We locked up no people of German decent! A slippery slop sir!
Touchy. The Patriot Acts (in my opinion ) were completely different than the countries, not the Philippines, I lived in that had marshal law.
hgb;
If you think the Patriot act, is the way to go, than enjoy it!
hgb;
I will defer to your vast knowledge pertaining to the Patriot Act!
Hi Paul,
Keeping eyes, ears and mind open, while keeping mouth shut sounds like good advice to me!
Peace
Jay
Jay;
It works all over the world in any country you visit.
Paul Thompson a well written perspective for all of us “guests” that currently call the Philippines home. Of course it will never truly be “my home”, but everyone is very hospitable and as a guest I too stay quiet. The threats faced by the Philippines and the world at large is nothing short of frightening if we don’t believe it can be addressed. I actually am very positive that things will be handled here in the Philippines. There is really no other choice.
I think, like most, that the philippine government will come out on top in making their people safe, it seems to be their one goal,and the people are behind them
Gerard;
So far only the media and the UN has been against it.
DustOff;
I think they will solve their problem on there own, with out help from we guests. (LOL)
PapaDuck;;
I will remain out of the Frey, and will defer to Ann’s first had knowledge.
Agreed. I have been here three years, up in Metro Manila with my wife. We already face stereotypes, haha. When we travel, people assume is an American and his Filipina wife on vacation from the U.S. No…She works and all her contacts are here. I retired, much easier for us I moved here. That said…it becomes increasingly clear to me the history of the nation, and the need for it to attain it’s own identity without interference. Assist yes, if asked. We have a president in the U.S. that seems to be living in his own little orbit, and they have enough of their own problems dealing with that mess. I see it too, to live here, be aware of surroundings at times but realize I just live here, not get involved in it’s affairs. We have friends, family. Not everyone is going to be friendly, but then again, not everyone in the U.S. was either.
Hi Rick;
I’m perplexed as to why you brought our President (Mr. Trump) into a conversation about Marshall Law in the Philippines?
Unless you are not an American and your wife is not a Pinay then why would people try and stereotype you?
In twenty five years of living here I’ll assume that people might think I’m an American and Mayang is a Filipina, albeit they could be wrong as I look Irish too. (LOL) But we are all wise to maintain our distance from interfering in Philippines matters what.
BTW the reason you encounter more people who are not friendly towards you might be because you are in Manila where they tend to be standoffish like most people I encounter from large cities. Come out to the country and meet the real people!
Oh…No I’m American, she’s Filipina…We went to Sagada last week, and this has happened before, when visiting somewhere sometimes someone mistakes us for tourists from the U.S. because I’m American, and of course we must have got married and moved to the U.S…She sets it straight, joking I like it better here…I miss family, but the U.S. itself not so sure. I analyze it a lot in my mind. I like it here! We talk of moving to her hometown one day. My wife knows I can be both positive and negative on both here and the U.S.
Trump I brought up because of statements he made regarding the Resorts World tragedy even before the police had a chance to investigate, stating it was terrorism. He did the same with London. The difference I noticed even though he gave Mayor Khan of London a hard time, he offered assistance. He offered nothing here, and while no doubt there is some U.S. presence in the background in Mindinao, it is good he left it alone. I found his prayer offer to Americans bizarre.
…We do travel some, feels good to get out of the city lol…I encounter all kinds of people. Some to me I consider rude staring at me on a jeep. The neighborhood is good, people we live by are friendly, and I know areas that are hot spots learning how to protect belongings from pickpockets. My wife lets me know things. She is from Daet but has lived in the city for years.
Haha I’m part Irish…And English/German, Italian, Native American…Mutt…Thank you for the article.
Hi Rick,
I actually recall seeing a recent article online about the US providing weapons very recently to help in the fight in Mindinao. Here is a link to the story:
https://ph.usembassy.gov/us-military-presents-new-weapons-equipment-philippine-marine-corps-commandant-counterterror-fight/
Peace
Jay
Jay;
And last week the Philippine President was in Russia and bought weapons from them, I still won’t get involved in the Marshall Law discussion here in Mindanao.
Hi Paul,
Sorry for butting in but I read Rick’s comment about how President Trump was not giving any assistance to the Philippines and knew I had information to the contrary. The way I see it is if the USA is giving Filipino troops arms then the Commander and Chief in this case President Trump. I personally agree with President Trump about providing arms, but not manpower, US soldiers, to assist the Philippines. I think the POTUS made the right choice.
Rick seemed upset that President Trump did not seem to care. I agree with you with this has nothing to do with minding ones business. So , I will move on.
Peace
Jay
Jay;
As I mentioned Putin is also providing weapons and no doubt China would also if asked. After all the deaths the terrorists caused my sympathy level for them is quite low. Rick had some good points I wish he left US politics out of it, it just didn’t belong.
Yeah, seen the news. And no not upset, curiosity. If I went off point, it was that curiosity. The Philippine and American military have trained together a long time. I doubt the WH has much to do with it.
I do agree we are like guests here. As well as anywhere else outside the U.S. It is kind of common sense to allow things to unfold and not get involved, show respect as well as making sure one is in a safe environment. I feel safe around my family here, as they know me as far as discussion. I am not just a foreigner to them, but part of the family. But outside of that, only my wife and I discuss things. If the actors on the stage, celebs and politicians outside this beautiful country wish to say their opinions, that’s their thing. I prefer more to continue to learn the language, explore the arts and history, and we travel around when we can as well as spend time with family and friends.
Rick;
The only question I found odd was when a local asked;”How much money do you earn?” I’ll ask one more time why Mr. Trump is being brought into the conversation about Expats minding their business over the situation in Mindanao, The CNN site is where that belongs.