And so the unimaginable happened. On the eve of May 2, Norman Belbes, one of my closest friends since college and a godfather to my children, suffered the same fate as most “holdup” victims did, whose lives were wasted by what could be described as a crime for the sake of doing a crime.
Helpless and nonresistant, Norman died from a deadly stab that struck his heart. A certain witness recounted that Norman was heard pleading for his life but he was not spared by the cold-blooded murderers.
Norman died at the age of 32 leaving his 2-year-old son without any recollection that he really existed. What serves as a testament of his short stint on Earth is the collection of memories that we, his loved ones and friends, will continue to cherish for as long as we live. More than this, Norman left an indelible contribution to the mass movement that makes us very proud of him.
Last year, I wrote a letter condemning the brutal killing of Cyrish Magalang, and here I am again shouting for justice even if heaven should fall. Let justice be served!
Justice for Norman Belbes!
—DANIEL ALOC,
tierra.giya@yahoo.com