From the window of my boarding house, I saw 2 helicopters, in the distance . . .
"Will they attack Camp Crame?" I was thinking.
I started to cry. I thought filipino soldiers were about to kill their filipino brothers in the streets of Manila . . .
I live in the hills in the distance, behind the tower in the picture. From the window of my room, I and my brother Michael could see the helicopters hovering over Camp Crame. We were terribly worried that there would be killing and that the beginnings of civil war were taking place . . .
Marcos had declared over the radio that he would "take care" of the rebel soldiers that Enrile and Ramos were leading. He had sent soldiers and tanks to actually shoot even the civilians standing in the path to the camps of the defected army party. I was afraid that the helicopters were over the camp to do just that.
But no! It turned out that those helicopters were carrying defecting soldiers! They too, wanted change in the government and wanted Marcos to concede that he had lost the presidential elections. And an incredible thing happened to the soldiers in the tanks and they did not fire on their sisters and brothers in the streets. (see the story about a miracle)
This picture was taken the day after I first saw the helicopters. My friend took this picture from the top of the V.V. Soliven building that is along the EDSA highway. This particular helicopter must be carrying more soldiers coming to join the anti-marcos camp.
Hundreds of thousands of and later, over a million, people are on EDSA Highway between the two Camps. By this time, there is no more regular traffic. Only people fill the streets. A festive feeling, no longer fear, now is the dominant mood.
Still there is the anticipation that something is about to happen.And something does happen, something very momentous and pivotal, Marcos leaves the country by plane. The country is astounded and then millions take to the streets and rejoice. (more)
m a
j o r d o m a ' s. h o m e p a g e
All rights reserved©1996 Perla P. Daly
Copying and electronic or printed redistribution of the above text or
graphics are prohibited without written and signed consent of the author/authors.
