in the active service. We will be happier if the 32 months (more or less) of our pension differential will be released to us as mandated by Republic Act No. 8551 or the Philippine National Police Reform and Reorganization Act. Pondering here in our “twilight zone,” we keep on praying for the coming of a mighty superhero to bring us a beautiful sunset, and to color the remaining days of our lives.
With this, I would like to share the story about a mighty eagle.
Once upon a time, there was a mighty eagle who was chosen as caretaker of a wonderland. He was chosen not only because of his mighty wings and claws but above all because of his keen eyes which could see not only the truth but the lies as well. The busy bees assisted in the many things that had to be done, but the wonderland was too vast and there were places that the bees could not reach.
One day, while the eagle was resting on a treetop, a small bird reluctantly flew near him. The eagle felt her presence. Opening his eyes, the eagle said, “I am resting to gather more strength to do my obligations and you disturb me! But perhaps, you come here because you want to tell a very important thing to me. What is it that brings you here?”
The small bird answered, “Pardon me if I have disturbed you.” Looking at the sharp claws of the eagle, the small bird nervously continued: “I know telling lies will cost me my poor life but I am here to tell you that there are many birds pinned under a fallen tree.”
The eagle looked at the eyes of the small bird and saw nothing but truth. He then wasted no time and flew in the direction of where the small bird told him the fallen tree could be found. There he saw many birds indeed pinned under the fallen tree, sending out pained tweets. He quickly held the fallen tree with his iron-like claws, soared high and dropped the tree into the deep blue sea.
From above, he saw the newly freed birds merrily dancing and singing a beautiful song facing the equally beautiful sunset—their wings had been broken, but not their spirit and dreams.
How I wish, someday, I can give the names and faces to the characters of this story, and I am certain this will be my grandchildren’s—and everybody’s—favorite.
—MIRIAM VANGUARDIA JODIERES, retired senior police officer 3, and member, PNP Retirement Association Inc., Western Visayas/Iloilo/Batad Chapter