Chapter 11
Kalibo
http://www.zcgvaz.com/i/KB.htm
Started 3 April 2008
Last Updated 13 October 2008 p
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Some painted their faces.
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Some wore masks.
January 2009
Lynn rode piggy back on Dala to the edge of the East bank of Malaki River. Dala called the fire station for help.
“Is anyone inside?” The Dispatcher asked.
“No, everyone got out.” She replied watching the flares lit by Elo and Samara moving farther away from the river. She started giving directions to the place. The Dispatcher read to her the instructions given by a previous caller. Dala verified that it was referring to the same location.
“I have to go right now. There is an Ati Atihan festival in Kalibo this weekend. Sigaw may have headed that way. Uncle Siro is checking with relatives in Palawan first. Then he will proceed to Aklan if Sigaw is not in Palawan. He’ll contact me as soon as he finds him. I’ll let you know where to meet us.”
Dala flew away in the darkness. A siren was heard soon afterwards. It was the SWAT crew. The police arrived next. Lynn wondered what number Dala called on the cell phone. Then she realized that she left hers inside Lungga.
“Someone reported strange activities here. Did you see anything?”
“Yes.” Lynn said. “I was in there. There was a fire.”
“A fire?” The SWAT leader asked surprised. “Hey, guys! There may be a smouldering fire in there.”
“10-4.”
“We were requested to check for possible drug related activity.” The police leader explained.
“No, I don’t think that is the case.” Lynn corrected him as another siren became audible. “Here they are. Dala called them. Who called you?”
Instead of a direct reply, the SWAT leader asked Lynn to show her ID and noted down her personal information. “Ma’am, we need to take you to the camp for more questions.”
“Sure. First, please get my cell phone from there.”
“I already have it. That is one of the things that would need some xplaining.”
“Why?” The fire crew leader asked.
“You also need to complete your report so join us at the CIS office.” The SWAT Team leader said instead of responding to the question.
“Will do.”
The police unit leader was also given the same request. Something … no, everything was strange.
Capt. Garcia was on the phone discussing the situation withLynn’sr brother when they arrived in the CIS office. “Ana San Joaquin called us about what was going on in there. It did not make sense at all. Then when our men radioed their findings, the more confusing things became. Then the report said they are bringing your sister in for questioning. Uh! Oh!! Here they are. Are you coming, sir?”
“I received a call from Maria San Jose at about the same time and with the same story. Either they are reading the same notes or the story is right. She told me to play the video on my sister’s cell phone. Did your men report finding a replica of a negative picture hanging from a wooden stand near an altar?”
“Yes, sir. She knew about that? Did she also say that the fire stopped just before a puddle of water on the floor in front of the altar?”
“Yes. Get other details from my sister and call me later. Maybe Maria will call again and add more strange stuff. I’ll wait here.”
“Ana San Joaquin said the men are headed for Kalibo. One is stopping in Palawan first.”
“I was not given that info. Alert Kalibo now and forward all evidence.”
“Yes, sir.”
Lynn’s cell phone was impounded as evidence. All phone companies were directed to send all her incoming messages to a new one lent to her by the military with conference setup for all calls. Dala’s cell phone number was also supplied to all with instructions given to keep track of her location by origin of calls and GPS monitoring.
“Now, about this picture … “ Captain Garcia started.
“It is an enlarged copy of a print of an internet photo of the Shroud of Turin.” Lynn stated carefully. “The picture on the Shroud is more controversial than the Shroud itself.”
“Ohhhhh!!!... “ Captain Garcia sighed. “I never understood half of the explanations about what, how and etc. about it. I hope you do a better job of enlightening and convincing me.”
“The gist of the story is that Dilim recognized Whose picture the original was of. He was frightened, sought refuge and ran away causing a fire that started to spread in the cavern.”
“That sounds simple. The details I heard do not seem to be as comprehensible.”
The Shroud of Turin is what believers think to be the original cloth wrapped around the body of Jesus Christ when he was locked inside the tomb made for Joseph of Arimathea outside the old walls of the original limits of the city of Jerusalem in about 28 to 33 AD. The mark of a Pontius Pilate coin minted between 29 to 32 AD was observed at the area of the right eye. That eye was paralyzed due to nerve damage from driving a large nail through the right wrist. The coin was probably placed over the open eyelid to keep it shut.
The story surrounding the Shroud of Turin is a matter of faith for most Christians and a mind boggling puzzle to both believers and unbelievers. Forensic studies detected no dye or pigment that could have been used by a grand maestro so we may be spared a grand novel and movie about such a thing. The Carbon 14 dating method used was declared faulty because of exposure to heat and smoke in a fire. Also, a statement was made by some experts regarding the plastic protective effect of ancient pollens and mold on artifacts such as the wood from Mt. Ararat. It is important to add that St. Jude Thadeus supposedly brought the original Shroud to Mesopotamia to restore an idolatrous king to health of both soul and body as mentioned in the ‘Acts of the Apostles’. The Shroud was carried to different places in a round container with a transparent window to enable viewing of the Christ’s face without opening the container. The ‘Lost Books of the Bible’ included a story about the letter of the ruler to Jesus asking for help. Jesus promised to send someone after His Ascension. The Blessed Virgin Mary filled the wounds of Jesus with unidentified spices with their individual medicinal properties not stated either. Water of Myrrh was poured on Jesus’ Body after being wrapped in the 14 by 3.5 footpiece of Cloth. The Cloth itself was made of linen fiber which was coated with starch as per customary procedure at the time, woven in a special 3 over 1 pattern which may have affected texture, porosity and absorbency. It has been damaged and repaired. Body oils, gases, liquids such as blood, Mary Magdalene’s tears, Jesus’ pericardial, intrathoracic and wound fluids, sweat, dirt, pollutants in cleansing water, rags used, tomb shelf and air are all additional chemical reactants to be considered. Starch and human AB type blood along with components such as albumin and bile pigments were confirmed to be present. Myrrh is a strong antiseptic, astringent and stimulant. It is also flammable. Light and temperature are other factors to include in various equations. The stains started to appear even before the tomb was closed and involved one surface of the entire Cloth. The colored stains studied were thought to be caramelized products of carbohydrate and amine interactions. The dark or stained areas corresponded to body prominances which touched the Cloth and the depressed areas vice versa. When a photograph was taken, it was the negative or reversed color version that showed the image that looked like a positive black and white print. It was a surface topography study of the front and back aspects of the Body. Sides and interiors were not shown. The shape of the body showed no bony deformity to indicate a fracture. The image was that of a Caucasian built man an inch less than six feet tall, with long hair and a mustache. Medical evaluation of findings were consistent with injuries from falls and flagellation and those of death from hanging on a cross in the manner done during Jesus’ time
Of note is that the image did not correspond with the common artistic renditions of Jesus on the cross. The Shroud was ANATOMICALLY ACCURATE. Ruling out the presence of pigments and dyes used in painting and other art was of critical value.
The nail exit wound on the back of the left hand was correct. It was closer to the wrist rather than the middle of the palm. There were no nail wounds visible on the top views of the feet. Archeological investigators found a nail still attached to a crucifixion victim. The nail was driven through one side of the ankle to the other.
Some investigators also noted the occasional presence of a footrest or a seat on crosses. These allowed the victim to push himself up on and off allowing him to expand his chest to breathe and live longer to maximize the length of suffering. Eventually, the victim develops severe dehydration, exhaustion, Pneumothorax, Hydrothorax, Congestive Heart Failure, Pulmonary Edema, Cardiovascular failure and dies.
There was no wound seen on the left chest either. Other investigators said there was a right chest or flank wound. Later studies suggested the latter which was inflicted from below and entered the chest after piercing the diaphragm. Then the thin blade of the weapon went through the lung and pierced the heart. It was concluded that such was inflicted after Jesus was already dead since there was a separation of the components of blood to proteinaceus cellular clot and watery serum flowing one after the other after withdrawal of the blade. In the book ‘The Dolorous Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ’, the spear pierced the side of the right lower chest and exited on the side of the left upper chest. There were puncture wounds across the upper forehead suggesting impalement with thorns rather than simply wearing a wreath of thorns. Whipping marks on the back, buttocks and legs suggested the use of a Roman type flagellation device characteristic of the period. The examiners of the Shroud also concluded that there were two individuals of different height doing the flagellation from different angles. The stain pattern indicated that fluid collected and flowed across the posterior lower chest of the Body lying supine on the Cloth.
There was a report about another Cloth aside from the veil of Veronica. It was determined by comparing identifying points on the images that the image of this Cloth was made by the same Body in the Shroud. Again in the book ‘The Dolorous Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ’, the author quoted the visionary as saying that the Blessed Virgin Mary used a cloth she was wearing under her own veil as the headpiece inside the Shroud. This Cloth was from Claudia Procles, wife of Pontius Pilate. The Shroud Cloth was donated by Joseph of Arimathea. The image on Veronica’s veil was formed differently and prior to Jesus’ crucifixion. The markings did not correspond with identification points on the Shroud and the headpiece.
“Are you saying that the picture you hang in that dark corner is the picture of Jesus Christ?”
“No, it is an enlarged copy of a print of a copy published on the Internet. Dilim recognized it. Man will continue to question that. The devil should know for sure Who the Person in the original picture was.”
“Hi! Is this the owner of the cell phone?” An officer asked as he pulled a chair beside Lynn.
“Yes, Father. What do you think?”
“What movie was it from?” The chaplain asked.
“I had my cell on video mode during the session to document everything. My cousin recommended that because he was worried about questions later.”
“Who is your cousin?”
“Arnulfo Pablo.”
“Arnie! He was my oldest bother’s classmate. How is he doing?”
“He will probably be OK till he finds out what happened.”
“If he knew beforehand what you were up to, he would have been in bad shape a long time ago. This is not Hollywood stuff, I presume.”
“ … definitely not. I wish it were.”
Lynn told him as much as she could. Both officers decided to call Fr. Arnie for questioning. They need as many sides to the story and verification of details. The Chaplain was more interested on the other priest’s opinion of the presence or absence of a case of real possession by the devil. He has never been involved in such a case and was not happy to be in a possible one. The video captured on the cell phone was frightening even without the face of the creature. The scream was a surprise to begin with specialy with the static before that section of the video. The accompanying flames and commotion later was unreal.”
“You say all those folks in the record are ancient superhumans?” Capt. Garcia asked. “How do we capture them? Can we? What happens to us?”
“The old man and the younger lady should be able to do some of the physical confrontation. We have to help.”
“How?”
“Get me to Kalibo.” Lynn said.
“Get me Kalibo HQ. I want to speak with their Chaplain.” Someone from Kalibo received the call. The call was transferred.
Capt. Garcia waited and then repeated in a loud voice … “You heard me! … the Chaplain!!!” He waited again. It was the Area Commander he yelled at. “Sorry, Ben. I have my hands full and I am sorry that you have to take over. What did the Chaplain say? The Archbishop is coming!?”
The red phone rang. It was Lynn’s brother. He was briefed by the Kalibo officials. Lynn has to get there as a communicator with the Ancients. Maj. Salazar, the former Chaplain and current Archbishop of the city is going to handle operations under direct coordination with the Area Commander. The President has been briefed of the emergency. Do not leak news to the media. Maintain outgoing radio silence. Listen only.”
“What about your sister, sir?”
“I already OK’d a fixed wing vehicle to take her to Kalibo and then she changes to a Huey chopper for the search.”
“Sir, your sister wants us to fly her to Kalibo or Palawan.”
“I thought the Tri-suspect was going to the Ati Atihan? That is in Kalibo right now.”
“She’s not sure, sir. The old man is checking Palawan first and then will let the lady know where they should meet. She thinks it would be better to get on a chopper to begin with and take a flight path between the two places then veer to the correct direction when the destination is clearer.”
“They can run out of fuel between two islands if you do that. The Huey cannot go that far and then search up and down the city. They need an allowance of 300 M capability to cover a curved flight path as described. The Huey can only manage 248 M on a full tank at109 MPH.
“The McDonnell Douglas AH-64 A Apache has a Max speed of 227 MPH, range of 428 Miles or 629 km with an accessory Internal fuel tank, sir.”
“No. That requires two pilots to fly. Both seats will be taken. There can be no passenger and she cannot be one of the pilots. Besides, that is on loan for special attack only. We want to save not kill the TS.”
“She must know what she is talking about, sir. She requested an Aerospapiale SA 316B Aloutte HI helicopter from here and to either Palawan or Kalibo search and rescue operation. She said that is the same used by Air Rescue where she is from. It can accommodate six passengers or transport gear but half or less of the passengers. It has a flight range of 375 miles or 605 kilometers with a max speed of 130 M or 270 Km and cruise at 115 M or 185 Km. That would have been perfect but we do not have it. It is only for hi altitude use. We are at sea level almost. I suggested the Augusta A 109 A. That is an Italian civilian model with sliding unrestricted access doors and room for five passengers in two triple seating capacity benches behind the cockpit. One bench can be used for a possible patient. The Max speed is 169 MPH and range is 345 miles. It has an accessory fuel tank. They can comb the target area. It is 42 ft 9.8 in long and 10 ft 9.8 in high. They will need to have a large parking lot or field for landing.”
“Alright, is there a possibility of sending James Bond? If she refuses, tell her to find her own transport.”
“I’ll check, sir. We need clearance from the home base.”
Fr. Arnie arrived and submitted his Psychological and legal reports as well as his recommendation to his superiors in his order. He included his own videotapes of his visits at Lungga.
“You expected this, didn’t you?” Capt. Garcia asked.”
“I was afraid it would happen but hoped it would not. My superiors will not be too happy.”
“ … At least they are cooperating with us.”
“What happens now?”
“Leave everything to us. Please do not release any information to anyone. Also, we may need more help from you so limit your movements to your home and office.”
“OK.” He waved at Lynn on his way out. “Take care.”
James Bond’s home base gave the OK. Lynn was escorted to the Helipad by a soldier. There was another one standing beside the chopper.
“At you service, Ma’am. I am Nino San Jose.”
“I was promised James Bond and they sent me Nino?”
“They were referring to this one.”
He pointed to the direction of the vehicle. Lynn squinted to see better but there was no one there. Nino moved closer to the chopper and pointed at the tail area. She stepped closer and squinted again to read the markings. Painted on it was ‘PI – JB007’. Lynn pouted as he helped her get into the seat normally occupied by the second pilot.
“Wow!” This is great!”
“Remember not to touch anything.” He cautioned her. “We shall be getting messages from here and home base. “I’ll do all the talking but listen to everything. I’ll explain things you do not understand later. Raise a finger if there is something I need to request them to clarify but keep mum. Everything gets recorded. There are multiple displays on the dash board as well as upper walls of the cabin. It can go crazy in here.”
“As long as you keep sane, I won’t mind.”
“Here’s your life vest. Go ahead and put it on. You may not have time to do so in case of an emergency. Your eject button is over there. You may have to push it yourself if I get unable to press the one that would eject both of us.”
They waited for clearance from the tower. Soon they were on their way. She had mixed feelings about the trip. This was not her idea of sightseeing. The sky was clear. Then they were over water. The sea was calm. She decided that she may as well enjoy the trip. The view was great.
“Which way is the Philippine Trench?”
“East.”
“Which way is East?”
“Ohhh!” He moaned. “Just in case anything happens necessitating that you take the controls, be sure to tell the Tower personnel to tell you to turn left or right not East or West.”
“Mine or the Anatomical left or right?”
“Yours! Entiende?”
“Wen, Manong … Yes, older brother.”
“The Philippine Trench is that way.” He pointed to their left. “It is not the only trench there.”
“I know the Dragon Triangle is there.” Lynn said.
“We still call it the Devil’s Sea. Some people think he lives there. The US did not know that when they occupied Guam and other Islands. Now they have to put up with him forever.”
“ … as long as they keep him there away from the rest of the world.”
“ … apparently not!”
“So, he swims in the deepest part of the ocean?”
“You can say that. The Challenger Deep is South West of Guam. It is 35838 feet deep.”
“I thought the Marianas Trench was the deepest in the world?”
“Challenger Deep is the deepest part of the Mariana Trench Complex which is mainly South East of the Marianas Islands. It was formed by the subduction of the Pacific Plate under the Philippine Plate.”
“Is the Philippine Trench part of the system?”
“Yes and no. The East border of the triangle cuts through the Philippine Trench as it goes down from East of Northern Luzon down to Maluku Island in Indonesia. That is where the deepest point is. Galathea Deep measured 34580 feet. The old record held by Mindanao Deep was 34438 feet. It is no longer the deepest part of the world’s ocean system. The Philippine Trench was formed by the collision of two earth plates. The heavier basalt Philippine Sea Plate shifted itself under the lighter graphite Eurasian Plate as it was melted by the hot mantle. So you see, they are close together but not all kissing couples are kissing cousins.”
“I never imagined the world floating on plates either. This makes a very changeable seating arrangement.”
“We need non-skid soles.” Nino added. “The Japanese would also want shock absorbent bumpers. The Kuril Trench facing Hokkaido Island and East of Kamchatka Peninsula not only measures 34000 feet making it one of the deepest four trenches. It also can generate big tsunamis. Japan is more prone than other countries to frequent earthquakes. The Tonga Trench area West of New Zealand had a tsunami a couple of years ago. It has a complex configuration involving the Pacific Plate being subducted below the Indo Australian Plate. It connects with the Kermadec Trench West and curves North. The deepest point, known as Horizon Deep, measured 35702 feet making it the second deepest point in the ocean. The two Trenches in the Dragon Triangle plus the Kuril Trench up North and the Tonga Trench just West of New Zealand probably all define a huge area of geophysical anomalies. The Dragon Triangle is wedged between the Philippine and Mariana Trenches. There is just a slight breathing space from both the Kuril on the North and the Tonga on the South. They can act as a unit and cause unimaginable havoc someday.”
“Worse than the Bermuda Triangle?”
“Give it time. I see a bullet wound with a small entry hole and a large exit one on the opposite side of the globe. They may actually be both involved in the same upheaval the likes of which we have never seen yet.”
“Are there a lot of Trenches on the Bermuda side?”
“ … just one … the Puerto Rico Trench and Fault marked by Puerto Rico immediately North of it. The Trench was formed by the Carribean and Atlantic Plates as well as the major transformation Zone of Plates between Cuba and Hispaniola along the Lesser Antilles Islands and to the coast of Central America. It is the deepest point in the Atlantic Ocean. It measured 28232 feet at Milwaukee Deep. The vertical line connecting Wisconsin and the Gulf of Mexico is the only area in the US where the compass points to the true North. Not many people venturing into that part of the sea or airspace know that. No wonder that pilot on Flight 19 did not know where West was. He was not a doctor basng everything on ‘Anatomical Position’.”
“I did not hear of all those points describing the triangle.”
“The most popular boundaries do not follow the Trench. Often mentioned are the Atlantic coast of Flor\ida, San Juan in Puerto Rico and Bermuda. Most frequent problems reported happened between Florida and the Bahamas. The area is also at major risk for a tsunami. … Again, most people do not know that.”
“Control to JB … Come in please.”
“JB here.”
“Proceed directly to Kalibo. TS roaming around. Old man on his track. Do you copy? Over.”
“JB to Control … Copy … Will proceed to Kalibo. Over and out.”
Nino glanced at the GPS monitor screen. There was a red dot\ and a blue dot.
“I thought you said the old man was going to Palawan and the lady to Kalibo.” Nino said. “Things apparently changed. We may have more surprises.”
“Control to JB … The lady made contact with base control. She is alerting all known relatives … lady will converge with old man soon. Follow red dot when you reach Kalibo.”
“10 – 4. Over.”
“Did you bring your makeup kit?”
“Beg your pardon?”
“We are going to mix with the crowd. They have their faces and other exposed areas painted black and decorated with weird figures.”
“I don’t have anything black except my pen. Will pinkish red something do? I have lipstick in my pocket.”
“Are you allergic to anything? I have shoe polish.”
The red dot moved away. The blue dot followed closely. They finally settled somewhere in the downtown area.
“Oh boy!” Nino said. “We’ll have a long walk if they stay there. There would be no place to land nearby at this time. All those spaces would be filled with stalls and people.”
“JB to Control … JB to Control …”
“Control to JB … Land at the school playground two blocks away South.”
Siro apparently finished consulting their relatives in Palawan quickly. He then proceeded to Kalibo where he found Dala stalking Sigaw. He then took over and sent Dala to confer with local relatives. Sigaw was enjoying the activities and was looking at masks and food. Siro bought some drinks and snacks for both of them. Siro kept slipping more ‘tuba’ wine in Sigaw’s bamboo section drink container. Dala soon showed up. They slowly worked their way to the school yard. Sigaw was getting sluggish.
“Lasing na siya? It’s too soon to be drunk.” Merry makers laughed. “We have a long weekend ahead of us.”
They made it to the school without incident. Sigaw pointed at the helicopter parked on the ground. Siro and Dala made some conversation trying to get him to walk closer to the building. He kept looking back to admire the vehicle. They were just a few feet away when he looked at the façade of the building. It was a gymnasium but most edifices in the compound had a cross prominently displayed somewhere. Dilim screamed from within Sigaw. Siro and Dala held on to Sigaw. Nino stepped forward from within the shadows and tripped Sigaw. The three tried to pin him down and tried to cuff his feet together. He kicked and they flew backwards. He was stronger than any man they previously encountered. Lynn realized there was trouble. She radioed for help. Dala found a stick and handed it to Siro. Nino tried to distract Sigaw by trying to grab an arm. Sigaw, Bulkan and Dala were all well trained by Siro, the Mara or expert master of their clan. They all have ‘Ma’ or sixth sense to enable remote feel by mentally expanding their body to the surroundings. Even with the effect of alcohol, Sigaw sensed Nino’s attempt and foiled it. They also have ‘Ki’ or double location as if having two bodies in different places. Siro was blind most of his life but he and Dala achieved the ability to sense each other’s intentions, locations and movements without visual or vocal prompts. He raised his hand to catch the stick thrown to him by Dala and in the next instant attempted to trip Sigaw with it. Sigaw sensed the motion and grabbed the stick as he fell. At the same instant, Siro grasped the second one thrown by Dala. With the use of Chi, Siro blocked each blow coming from Sigaw. They engaged in Taia, the ancient sword fight later known as escrima. Perhaps the alcohol inadvertently helped Sigaw. Ordinarily, it takes ‘No Mind’ to release inhibition on one’s psyche to remove the distraction from fear and simultaneous dangers. It usually takes complete concentration of the well trained mind to produce ‘No Mind’. Sigaw at this point had intoxicated brain mind. He did not care and was literally unaware of the dangers to care about their consequences. So both used different versions of ‘No Mind’ with unfortunately equal results. Lynn found a rope in the chopper. She handed it to Nino. He attempted to lasso Sigaw. This time, it was previous constant drilling and training with mind that allowed Sigaw to react automatically. Mind used in meditation and exercises train muscles to react spontaneously to signals perceived by the brain. Frequent repetition of such responses trains muscles to act appropriately to particular stimuli. No time is wasted on planning response. They just happen. Sigaw reflexedly avoided the lasso. However, Lynn had more than one rope. Siro and Dala threw one and then another to circle Sigaw around his chest and arms and another around the legs. He fell to the ground but immediately managed to kick Nino. The lower extremeties have larger and stronger muscles plus longerbones for more leverage. A one leg kick can be deadly. Nino received double trouble. He was thrown backwards. His stun gun fell on the ground. Lynn picked it up and tried to hit Sigaw. She fumbled. Siro caught it, clicked and hit on the first try. Sigaw let out a scream as his body went into spasm and then fell limply on the ground. The combination of alcohol, excitement, exhaustion and some degree of fluid and electrolyte imbalance was the perfect setting for cardiac irritability. The shock from the stun gun triggered it. Surprisingly, Dala also fell on the ground unconscious.
Siro guessed what happened. Sigaw had an electrically induced malignant cardiac rhythm. Dala and Sigaw’s lives depended on each other. Dala had a sympathetic life threatening cardiac arrhythmia. Lynn gasped. She had a pair of patients with impending or ongoing cardiac arrest. There are three rescuers but no equipment. By default, she was the team leader. It would be confusing to assign one person to do the breathing and the other to do the massage with each working alternately on the two patients.
“Nino! 1 to 1 CPR on Sigaw. Siro! Do the same on Dala. Now!”
The two rescuers turned their corresponding subjects on their backs, checked their responses to shaking, pulses or cardiac movement and respiratory activity. Both reported all parameters negative. They each delivered two breaths mouth to mouth, checked for effective rising of the patients’ chests and started cardiac massage by chest compression.
“One and two and three and four and five. Breathe.” She started the count and completed another set of pulse and breathing checks which were still negative.
“Change to 10:2.”
The rescuers shifted to a two breaths per ten chest compressions rhytm.
“One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten.” Lynn counted at a faster rate. “Two breaths.”
“Pulse?
Nino palpated the Carotid Artery on the side of Sigaw’s neck. Siro used Sonar to detect any movement of Dala’s heart. Responses were still negative. They made one more round with no success. Then Siro pointed out that he cannot rule out wiggling of the individual heart muscles. Independent fibrillation or twitching of muscle fibers do not cause pumping action. Dala’s heart muscles can still be alive but unable to synchronize to contract at the same time in rhythm with the other muscles. The activity of each chamber also was out of phase with the others. The stun gun might work as a defibrillator. They need a strong electrical stimulus to overpower the scattered ones and shock the sinus and A-V nodes back into their roles as automatic alternating pacemakers.
Lynn mentally prayed to ‘St. Einstein’ for a suggested dose and schedule. She needed to deliver 200 watt seconds the first try and increase to 300 the next try. People survive receiving stun gun fire. Presuming a stun gun burst may be less than 300 joules, a 1 to 1 equivalent may hopefully be at least safe and a later increased dose be correct. A 30 ampere flow will stop a person’s breathing. Stun guns have not done that. One defibrillator shock is greater than 4000 volts. Two microseconds times 200, 300, 360 (joules) watts equals the corresponding watt seconds.
“Why can’t everyone use the same measurements? I also have to remember that these folks are paranormal humans.” She thought.
The sound of a helicopter was heard. No one looked up. They knew it was coming close but not close enough or soon enough to take over their task.
“Give each a shot.” Lynn shouted.
Siro did. No success. Two consecutive shots each were given next. … Still no success. They continued CPR.
“Let’s try two simultaneous ones at a time.” A voice from above said.
Nino grabbed a stun gun from a paratrooper that just landed but was not quite free from his chute. He ran back to Sigaw’s side and fired two shots at Sigaw and then at Dala. There was no change in results. More CPR was done.
“The current has to flow.” Siro said. He placed one hand on the right side of Dala’s chest. “Shoot here. ”He pointed to the left of the midline.
“No! You’ll get electrocuted.” Lynn objected.
“If they die my mission ends anyhow. I relieve you of all guilt and responsibility.”
Nino, the owner of the second stun gun and a second paratrooper started to aim. Then Siro raised his hand and shouted.
“ … Kim pa!!!”
Nino and the second paratrooper understood. Each turned one patient to expose the back of the chest almost simultaneously. Each delivered a quick blow with the small finger side of the closed fist on the middle section of the Thoracic spine. Each held his breath and hoped for the best. After what seemed to be eternity, the patients started to breathe.
“ … Pulse?”
Both Siro and Nino smiled and nodded in relief.
In the nick of time, Siro realized what must have happened earlier. During the struggle, aim was poor. He must have accidentally delivered the shock wave to the side of Sigaw’s neck. It literally stunned the nerve receptors in the linings of the neck blood vessels as well as the main ones from the heart, the blood vessels in and on the heart and the heart itself. They were rendered unresponsive to all stimuli. Mechanical, chemical or electrical messages were unable to have any effect on them. The end switch was neurologically turned off. A switch at or close to the Central Nervous System which is composed of the brain and the spinal cord had to be turned on. The nerves on the spinal cord closest to the heart received the impulses from the fist blows. The resulting electrical signals turned the end switches back on and then travelled through the previously dead circuits. Sigaw and Dala were successfully resuscitated.
There was no time to be faint. Lynn asked the newcomers to tie and cuff Sigaw to a portable patient board. Dala requested to have her wrist cuffed to one of Sigaw’s. Siro moved to the other side and was similarly cuffed to Sigaw.
“If he escapes, he takes us with him.” Siro laughed. “I should weigh him down. Grab my feet.”
“This way.” Someone standing in front of the gym shouted. He spoke on his radio and someone from inside opened the door. NP Rangers apparently arrive in the meantime and entered from the rear. “I decided to hold all proceedings here. This building was made for gymnastics. It can take a lot of unexpected moves and counter moves.” The Archbishop announced. “I am Retired CMaj. Salazar.” He introduced himself to the group. “I was the camp’s Chaplain but became the city’s Archbishop after retirement. The President authorized my emergency deployment and assigned me to handle this problem with Camp Commander Col. Castillo’s cooperation. I take care of the religious matters. He does the Military aspect. Of course, I was authorized to give necessary orders.”
“Isn’t there supposed to be a separation of Church and State?” Lynn asked.
“Yes but this is what we call coordination of powers. If you remember our history, we were conquered by both the cross and the sword. On a few instances, such cooperation has been used to advantage.”
“Yes, I remember People Power. It finally ended a dictator’s regime and saved lives. However, on a different issue, God spoke through Mt. Pinatubo.”
“It is His option to select the appropriate solutions to crises. I hope He guides us through this one.”
Soldiers attached the patient board Sigaw was tied on to a heavy table. The stage was converted to an altar that would be away from possible commotion. A smaller altar was on the floor in front of the stage. This had the objects that would be needed by the Archbishop and attendants. The table was a few feet away from the secondary altar and far away from the other three sides of the gym. There was adequate space for soldiers, helpers, Medical team and prayer groups. There would be no one from the press or media. All recording and reports would be handled by the Military. Direct communications would be maintained with the home base. Col. Castillo would have direct live audio-video access to and from them. The two helicopters remained on the front yard. A fire truck and ambulance were in the backyard. SWAT personnel stood inside and outside. Police units started to take positions around the perimeter. Traffic controllers covered all street intersections. Most people were concentrating on the parade route. New arrivals proceeded to the parks where refreshments, souvenirs and shows would continue day and night. Then, soldiers arrived with painted faces and outer shirts covering part of their uniforms.
“We were ordered to blend with the crowed.” One of them explained. “We had to come on foot. Everyone in the country must be here.”
“I bumped into foreigners as well. I played ‘tour guide’ for a while. They were not too happy to know that all hotels are full and they have to stay with friends or party as long as they can in the parks, streets or the beach.”
“A couple tried to follow us here thinking we would lead them to more comfortable quarters. We lost them in a private backyard. The dogs chased them away.”
Priests, nuns, and seminarians showed up, The Archbishop requested and authorized their presence.
“These are the prayers we are going to say in here.” The Archbishop told everyone. “All those outside shall pray the Holy Rosary.”
“The teachers will lead their respective groups. They are gatheringing in all the churches and school chapels for the same purpose. Families with young children were instructed to stay home and pray there.”
“I am impressed with all these preparation. You are going all out to help Sigaw and Bulkan?”
“We did the same thing to repulse the invading Dutch centuries ago and depose two corrupt leaders more recently. What can be more important than saving a soul? In this instance, two are at stake. One of them is innocent and trying to protect the guilty one.”
“Do the others think the same way?”
“Have you lost your Military instinct?” The Archbishop asked Lynn. “The flames from Dilim’s mouth seen and captured on video was a high intensity explosion.”
Lynn stared at him. No one told her.
“It was a spontaneous combustion of an unknown object and mysteriously limited by water that it has not even reached yet.” He continued.
Of course Siro and Dala long ago suggested a connection between global problems and Dilim’s efforts. It had something to do with world instability and evil ambitions. Those have been prophesied for over two thousand years. She did not think it was that close.
“It is not the end yet.” The Archbishop read her mind. “You noticed of course that man has become very advanced in ln technological annihilation through our lifetime alone. Of course Dilim and his horde can come up with progressively worse ideas and outcomes in the future. We are in the line of fire. We should at least employ evasive tactics.”
“What?”
“ … continue what you started. We have to render Sigaw harmless.” The Archbishop sighed. “Of course my head may get chopped if it does not work but simply confining him won’t work. As long as Bulkan is around to let Dilim in, the entire world is in trouble. We first convince Bulkan to renounce Dilim who is Satan. Then we ask Sigaw to do the same which I believe he would be eager to do as soon as we cleanse and liberate Bulkan’s soul. Then we zero in with all our forces to expel Dilim.”
“What if he comes back?”
“Sigaw will probably just tell him to shut up. What we really have to do is make Dilim promise that he will not come back or have no reason to come back.”
More helpers arrived dressed in costumes and with painted faces. The Atis and Maraymons never dreamed that their little show of mutual gratitude would turn this way. Back in the thirteenth century, the light skinned Bornean Maraymons arrived in Aklan. The left their old home due to socioeconomic conflict. The Negrito Atis sold them a piece of land and graciously allowed them to sttle in the lowlands. The Atis preferred to live in the highlands. One year, the harvest was poor. The Atis came down to ask the Maraymon immigrants some food. The following year, they returned to ask again and danced and sang to show their gratitude. In ancient cultures, singing and dancing were forms of prayer. The Atis returned a material favor by exchanging a spiritual one. Genuine friendship started. This became a yearly event. Later, the Maraymons joined the dancing and singing. They painted their faces black to be ‘Ati Atihan’ or ‘like Ati’. After the arrival of the Spanish and spread of Catholicism, they turned the celebration into the annual town fiesta which was to be in honor of Santo Nino or the Infant Jesus Christ. What has turned to be the local version of the Mardi Gras spread to other locations in the islands of Panay and Palawan. It is celebrated in the third week of January when the newborn Christ is still a neonate. The Sto. Nino statue was the first gift by Spain to the Philippines. It was actually given to the wife of Rajah Humabon who was baptized shortly after the arrival of Ferdinand Magellan and Fr. Andres de Urdaneta in March of 1521. The Sword and the Cross presented the Child Who was accepted. In less than a month, Magellan was killed by ChiefLapu Lapu in the island of Mactan. However, the cross planted on the soil in Cebu City is still there. The previous pagans of different color, genetics and culture still live together in harmony and both praise Sto. Nino.
A soldier with facial and shirt décor handed the Archbishop a bamboo knife.
“Put that away.” The latter said. “We are not going to use that.”
“ … but I thought it was part of the ritual to pierce the heart with a wooden knife if the exorcism does not work.”
“If that happens, we pray harder and longer. You simply hand over the victim to the devil in surrender if you kill him. So the soul goes to the devil with your help yet.”
“Oh boy! I don’t want that, Sir/Archbishop.”
Another soldier announced the arrival of a delegation claiming to be former associates of Siro.
“We were requested by our former Chief Elder to help save our king.” The oldest man said. “He is a brave and innocent victim of the devil and the deposed king residing in his body. His mother and great uncle over there stood by him for thousands of years. They sent us away for our own safety. Now they need help for the safety of the entire world. We were designed to live this long precisely for that purpose. Please allow us to perform our sacred duty and assist you at the same time.”
“You are most welcome to help. Siro advised me of your plan and I gladly incorporated it in today’s important ceremony.”
“Did Siro tell you why it is important to release Sigaw from Bulkan and Dikim?”
“Yes. You understand, of course, that today’s population may not believe what you say. I want you to know that I do.”
A soldier walked around with a Geiger Counter to check everyone and the surroundings. The Archbishop looked at him. The soldier signaled a negative reading.
“In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.” The Archbishop started the Opening Prayers.
Lynn and Dala said the responses. Siro and the Elders said their incantations silently. Half of the men sent brain waves to Sigaw. They repeatedly told him to resist both Bulkan and Dilim. Half sent their messages to Bulkan. They told him to renounce Dilim. Siro tackled Dilim. He told him to leave and NEVER come back.
Lawin was there but only the family and the Elders were aware of her presence. She spoke to Bulkan.
“My dear son, your father and I are very worried about you. We understand and we want you to realize that we have not given up on you. It is difficult to grow up feeling less than your own expectations. We tried not to make you feel that way but you saw things as you thought outsiders think of you. You actually rose up to standards expected of you and met your responsibilities more than adequately. Your mind has been blurred by worry about how others felt about you and did not see your own virtues. Eventually, Dilim succeeded in controlling your self evaluation and drove you to inappropriate compensatory responses. Your judgment and conscience became erratic. We tried hard to save you from yourself until your dependence on Dilim became too strong for anyone to overcome. We still love you. Send Dilim away. There is a place for you in the dwelling of our ancestors. You will have to leave Dilim and come completely independent of his grip. Straighten your conscience and clean your soul. Only then can I take you home with me. Your body, crown and kingdom are not prerequisites for life in spirit. We shall be together as a family again.”
“Bulkan, do you renounce Satan and all his horde?” The Archbishop asked.
Dilim growled and Bulkan shrieked in horror. All the prayer groupscontinued as planned in different locations. The Elders pressed on with their brain waves. They got stronger and stronger. This time, it was Dilim who shrieked. Sigaw was restless and tried to brake free. The Archbishop sprinkled more Holy Water. Nino held the statue of the Child Jesus closer and closer to Sigaw. Dilim shrieked louder and louder. The soldiers shivered. The nuns continued their prayers as calmly as they could. The Archbishop re-started the ritual. Dala held Sigaw’s hand that was cuffed with her other hand. Siro did the same.
Somehow, the passersby became aware of something going on in the gym. Each one was advised by the teachers or soldiers, policemen or SWAT member to say the rosary with them. They did. Someone went away and reported some weird proceedings inside to authorities. The local police official told her to pray the rosary. Someone went on the Internet and told as many people as she can about some crazy stuff going on during Ati Atihan in Kalibo. It hit the media. People rushed to the area. They were told to pray with the rest of the crowd. The local TV finally admitted knowledge of a religious gathering and the need for everyone’s support. Dilim’s screams were heard outdoors by some who managed to get past the guards and press an ear on the doors. They guessed what was happening. The guards advised them to tell everyone to pray the rosary or just pary for the souls of two men.
“Two?!”
“Yes! Double your prayers. It is to save all of us. Pray non-stop. Get everyone to pray. Involve people of different religions even faith healers, ‘mangkukulam’ and ‘mananaggal’.”
The national media picked up the news. Next, the President confirmed that the situation was important to the entire country. The people have to forget regional differences and band together.
Sigaw started to squirm and grunt. He appeared to be fielding blows from inside.
“Sigaw, be strong. Bulkann renounce Dilim. Dilim, get out!” The Elders and Siro were now shouting.
“Bulkan, do you renounce Satan and all his pomp?”
Everyone was getting exhausted. The Archbishop called for a break and Strategy Reevaluation Conference. Two of the Elders relieved Siro and Dala whowere still Handcuffed to Sigaw. Groups took turns to have needed nourishment provided by a local convent. The Archbishop blessed the food and said grace. After the plan was defined, they resumed their work. Elo would join Lawin in persuading Bulkan to denounce the evil spirit in him and botherin Sigaw as well. Samara and another Elder will keep encouraging Sigaw to stay on the side of God. Siro was to focus on Dilim. The Elders were redistributed with the largest group sending mental and vocal signals to Dilim. The smallest group would cheer Sigaw. The moderate but eldest of the Elders shall work very hard on Bulkan.
Elo and Dala were handcuffed to Sigaw whose body housed the spirit of Bulkan who in turn housed that of Dilim. If Dilim tries to escape, he would have to do so with all of them or get out of Bulkan first. Nino has to hold the Santo Nino statue as close to Sigaw’s face as possible at all times. He has to move with every change in direction of the latter’s gaze. Firemen stood at the periphery and held their extinguishers. The other soldiers each had a bucket of water which the archbishop proceeded to bless. The Elders continued their chanting uninterruptedly. Their brain waves focused on their respective targets incessantly.
“In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit …” The Archbishop reconvened the exorcism rite. He blessed everyone. He tracedhe sign of the cross with his finger moistened with Holy Water on Sigaw’s forhead and blessed him. He repeated the procedure for Bulkan. Lynn and Nino glanced at each other when it was Dilim’s turn to get the probably unwanted benefit. The Archbishop went through the triad of blessings using blessed oil on Sigaw’s forhead. Then he made the imposition of hands on Sigaw and addressed all three souls.
“May the Father bless you, the Holy Spirit enlighten you and the Son save the penitent ones among you. He died on the cross to atone for the sins of all humanity. We have already been redeemed. It is up to each one of us to repent and be sorry for our sins and amend our lives. Salvation is open to all of us. It is up to each of us to choose the path to God’s light or the darkness of His eternal absence. Make the choice now!” He gave absolution to all who inwardly or outwardly professed contrition for their sins and blessed everyone again.
Then he started saying the Holy Mass not in Tagalog or English or Latin but in the language of Jesus Christ and the Apostles … ARAMAIC!!! Lynn and the soldiers read the responses from the notes the Archbishop distributed earlier. Siro, Dala, Elo and Samara did not need notes. Neither did Nino. Surprisingly, the Elders also knew the Aramaic liturgy. Half of them recited the responses. Half continued to chant.
“Sigaw, be strong.” Sigaw responded ito invocations uttered by the Archbishop in Aramaic whenever he was not overwhelmed by blows from inside.
“Bulkan, renounce Dilim.”
“Dilim, go away!”
Lynn listened carefully. Yes, they did so in an ancient language. She was not familiar with it. Bulkan whimpered audibly. Dilim growled and howled frequently. He understood every word.
Then the Archbishop delivered a sermon about the Shroud of Turin. He did so in Tagalog. When it came to the Consecration of the bread and wine into the Blessed Sacraments, Dilim growled almost continuously but stayed put. Sigaw grimaced and jerked often as Dilim and Bulkan delivered blows from within him. Sigaw accepted and received the Sacred Host dipped in the Sacred Wine. Bulkan sobbed. Dilim howled. The Archbishop smiled when all the Elders and the soldiers received Holy Communion. At the end of the mass, everyone received another blessing.
“Sigaw, are you still with us?”
“Yes!”
“Bulkan, do you renounce DILIM?” The Archbishop asked using the specific name instead of the encompassing ‘Satan’.
Dilim growled before Bulkan can respond. This happened over and over again.
“Bulkan, do you wish to be with God or with Dilim?”
Dilim replied for Bulkan with a louder growl.
This happened repeatedly also. The Archbishop persisted. Lynn started to worry about the Archbishop’s stamina. He was the one who reminded her earlier that man is no match for the devil. This man was not only challenging Dilim. He was challenging himself and everyone in the building and everywhere else where there are souls praying for the salvation of a lost one.
Elo spoke to Bulkan with surprising gentleness and evident concern. His voice was not audible and his lips did not move. All the Elders and members of the family heard him. Dilim most likely did as well because he groaned loudly. Bulkan whimpered like a child being scolded for some deed he knew was wrong.
“Bulkan, I promised my sister, your grandmother, to watch over her children and later descendants. When your grandfather sent all the younger members of his kingdom to a safer place, he picked us from among the Elders who were supposed to await their fate in the ravaged island, to go with your parents. Siro was a very young man at the time. He needed a pair of seasoned brains to help him guide the younger generation. Knowing my vow to your grandmother, he urged us to cross the sea as guiding lights for the inexperienced youth. When your parents died, we helped Siro raise you. When Sigaw sent all his people away to save themselves from Dilim, Samara and I stayed to protect you, Siro, Dala and Sigaw. You are all dear to me. Samara is a cousin of your grandfather. We are all each other’s flesh and blood. To lose one of us to Dilim is the loss of part of us. We shall not let that happen even if our attempt costs our own lives. Siro, Dala and specially Sigaw endured undeserved punishment all these centuries because of your acceptance of Dilim. All the members of your kingdom endured the same because the suffering of one is the suffering of all. Yet, all of the Elders are here with us. The others are praying in their far away homes. Not a single one gave up. We all support you. We shall all direct all thee collective energy we can generate to give you the strength to denounce Dilim and return to God’s favor. We all waited till the time is ripe. It is NOW!”
“Sigaw, are you still with us?”
“Yes!”
“Bulkan, do you renounce Dilim?”
“Yes!” Bulkan finally said. “Ow!”
Sigaw jerked repeatedly in response to misdirected blows from Bulkan and Dilim.
“Are you sorry for your sins?” The Archbishop asked Bulkan again.
“Yes!” Bulkan sobbed. “Dilim! Get out!” He repeated after Siro.
An inhuman growl was heard. The lights went off. Candles blew out. There was a whirlwind in the gym. “Ow!” “Ow! “Aray!” People screamed as they were hit by flying objects. The Archbishop reeled to one side as a body struck him.
“Repeat after me … The Archbishop started. “Act of Contrition … “
Thud… Pow …
“I’m scared …” Bulkan wailed.
The Archbishop kept trying. The Elders chanted audibly. The soldiers joined them.
Lawin, Elo, Samara and Dala took turns coaxing Bulkan to repent.
“Dilim! Release Bulkan!” Siro shouted over and over again.
“Sigaw, be strong.>
“Bulkan, renounce Dilim!”
“Dilim! Release Bulkan!” The Elders chanted loudler each time. So did the soldiers.
“I am heartily sorry … The Archbishop prompted Bulkan again.
Bulkan followed haltingly a few words at a time. The Archbishop and the entire group persisted with their efforts. Finally, Bulkan found the resolve to continue till the end of the prayer. The gym was suddenly silent. The Elders and everyone shifted to mental mode. They sent the most powerful brain waves towards Bulkan.
“Be strong, Bulkan. Go ahead! You can do it. Renounce Dilim! Tell God you are sorry! Please …”
“Oh my God, I am heartily sorry for all my sins because I dread the loss of heaven and the pains of hell but most of all, because I offended Thee, my God, Who art all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve with the help of Thy grace to confess my sins, do penance and amend my life. Amen.”
“I absolve you of all your sins… ” The Archbishop said while making a sign of the cross in the air to bless Bulkan. He then sprinkled Sigaw and Bulkan within him with Holy Water saying … “in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit… ”
“Ahhhhh!!!!” That was not Bulkan.
The Archbishop was hurled to the floor by an invisible foe. Lynn looked at him. He was in obvious pain but not in acute cardiorespiratory distress. His right shoe was pointing to the side at a 90 degree angle outwards.
The front door blew open breaking the protective bar across the inside. A smelly, dark shadow was seen flying that direction but swiftly turned around to release its fury on everyone present. Then he halted suddenly and screamed louder than he ever did previously. The bucket brigade threw their entire supply of Holy Water towards him. The family and the Elders held up crossed forearms for him to see. They kept chanting.
“Bulkan, renounce Dilim!”
“I renounce Dilim!!!”
“Dilim, go away! … FOREVER!!!”
Lynn held a cross above her head. Nino held the statue of Sto. Nino even higher than the cross. Dilim screamed louder yet when he saw all the soldiers holding up their personal copies of the print of the picture of the Shroud of Turin. They stood everywhere except along the way out.
People outside observed a dark, smelly silhouete bursting out of the building. They started screaming and pushing each other in a hurry to leave. Strong gusts of wind carried sticks and other debris haphazardly.
“ … Breaking News! A TV commentator announced, A surprise storm hit Kalibo. A whirlwind blew from the center of the city and off the island of Panay. High winds were reported at sea. Giant waves were encountered around Guam. An empty fishing boat was later recovered. It had a high Geiger reading. Injuries were reported but were said to be not life threatening. The Archbishop of Panay, former Chaplain of Kalibo Military Area was transported to the University Hospital for emergency surgical management of a fractured right hip. It was fortunate that Paramedics and a transport helicopter were already on site. Additionally, a team of Medical experts have been flown from Kaharian earlier in anticipation of the worst. Since the injury was incurred in the line of duty, a purple heart was considered. The Archbishop declined since he was not wounded … just broken inside temporarily. If a pope can recover from a fractured hip, he figured he can expect the same. The scar would be his irrevocable, non transferrable and non removable badge of honor. It was worth it. His only regret was that it shall not be on display.”
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The dual nature of Jesus Christ made it possible.
Jesus, the Man, died on the cross to atone for the sins of ALL humanity,
Jesus, the Son of God, resurrected from the dead and will come again!
All Rights Reserved 2008
Submitted for Copyright
Magdalena D. Guerrero, M.D., FACOG/GP (dr G)