To our forefathers who fought tirelessly for our rights through the golden years, ensuring that future generations could enjoy the liberties they themselves could only dream of; who stood bravely on the front lines of battle, facing oppression and injustice with unwavering resolve. Your perseverance and relentless spirit have laid the foundation for the freedoms we now cherish.
Who bled and sacrificed in the quest for peace, long before we took our first breaths, laying the groundwork for a more harmonious society. Your blood, sweat, and tears have nourished the seeds of peace, allowing them to grow into the strong, unyielding tree that now provides shelter and hope to countless souls. Your sacrifices have not been in vain, for they have paved the way for a future where harmony reigns over discord.
Who raised their voices in defiance of tyranny across decades, never wavering in their conviction and determination. Your voices, though sometimes silenced, have echoed through the annals of history, resounding in the hearts and minds of those who dared to listen and act. Your unwavering commitment to justice and liberty has inspired generations to carry the torch forward, ensuring that your struggles were not forgotten but rather celebrated and built upon.
Who laid down their lives selflessly for the future and welfare of the Bangsa, so that we might live in a world shaped by their courage and vision. Your ultimate sacrifices, made in the heat of battle for the greater good, have left an indelible mark on our history. You envisioned a world where future generations could live free from fear and oppression, and your courage has made that vision a reality.
To the Mujahideen who continued the fight, the war is over. You can now rest and start over, embracing a life of peace and renewal. No more running from shadows or hiding from threats. The days of fear and uncertainty have given way to a new dawn of safety and security. Your perseverance has brought us to this moment where we can begin anew, unburdened by the weight of past conflicts.
You can now take to the streets freely, dancing with your grandchildren without a single worry in your heart. The joy of watching the younger generations thrive in a world free from the turmoil you once knew is the ultimate reward for your sacrifices. The laughter and playfulness of children, the carefree running in the streets, are the manifestations of the peace you have fought so hard to secure.
The weight of the past has lifted, replaced by the joy and freedom of the present. The shadows of old fears have dissipated, replaced by the light of newfound hope and opportunity. This is a time for celebration, for embracing the fullness of life that was once overshadowed by conflict.
No more guns to carry, only pens to write new beginnings, to script the stories of a hopeful future. This time, a beautiful one, filled with dreams realized and a legacy of resilience and triumph. The tools of war are now exchanged for the tools of creation and expression. With pens in hand, we write the next chapters of our history — chapters filled with innovation, progress, and unity.
As we reflect on the sacrifices of our Mujahideen, we cannot forget the pain and suffering endured by the families left behind — the mothers who lost their sons, the wives who became widows, and the children who grew up without their fathers. These families bore the heavy burden of war and conflict, living with the constant fear of loss, and the deep sorrow that came with each life sacrificed for our freedom. But now, as the shadows of the past begin to lift and the dawn of peace emerges, a new chapter unfolds for them as well.
The tears of the mothers, the widows, and the orphans, who have endured unimaginable sorrow and loss, will now transform into joy as their sacrifices bear the fruit of peace and prosperity. The anguish and heartache they have known will be replaced by smiles and laughter, as they witness the realization of the dreams their loved ones fought and died for. Their resilience and strength through the darkest times have been a beacon of hope for us all, showing that even in the face of immense loss, the human spirit can endure and overcome.
The flowers will bloom in the battlegrounds once stained with the blood and sweat of the Mujahideen, symbolizing the resilience and rebirth of our land, honoring the bravery and sacrifices of those who fought for our freedom. These flowers, vibrant and full of life, will stand as living testaments to the transformation from war to peace, from despair to hope. They will serve as a reminder that out of the harshest conditions, beauty and renewal can emerge, honoring the bravery and sacrifices of the Mujahideen.
The scars of the bullet wounds from the past, etched deeply into our flesh and memories, will now begin to heal, marking the end of an era of pain and suffering. These scars, both physical and emotional, serve as reminders of the trials we have endured and the strength we have found within ourselves. As they heal, they signify the beginning of a new chapter, one where healing and growth replace pain and suffering. The wounds that once symbolized our struggles will now transform into marks of resilience and triumph, testament to our capacity to overcome adversity.
To our Mujahideen, the mothers, the widows, and the orphans, your strength, your sacrifices, and your unwavering hope have brought us to this moment. As we move forward, we carry your legacy with us, committed to building a world worthy of your dreams and sacrifices.
(This is a longer version of a poem I wrote back in 2019, during the result of the plebiscite in Cotabato City, titled ‘Bangsamoro Mujahideen.’)