Requescat in Pace

Right after the priest gave the final blessing, the throng of faithful rushed into the street that leads to the public cemetery. It was already nine o’ clock in the morning of November 1, 2000 and the crowded graveyard was, as it has always been on All Saints’ Day, venue to the festive mood.

The juxtaposition of women lighting candles as they murmured verses of prayers for their dearly departed relatives and the carousing of Tanduay by men were common scenes on this time of the year.  But what was unusual on that fateful Wednesday morning was Ray, armed with a .45 automatic, half-naked, shouting to the top of his voice: “INAWAY!”

The tradition of drinking intoxicating liquor in the cemetery every All Saints’ Day is not unique of Balete alone. Almost everywhere throughout the country, All Saints’ Day celebration has been observed to include unrestrained drinking. The Sanggunian Bayan of the Municipality of Balete, Aklan, notwithstanding its respect for the tradition of celebrating the feast of all the saints, deemed it proper to come up with something to make such an event wholesome and fitting of a Christian celebration. Hence, seven days after the incidence, the local council deliberated on the possibility of enacting an ordinance that would eventually prohibit the drinking of liquor in public places.

The prohibition of drinking liquor in public places would not necessarily eliminate the commission of violence. What the Municipal Officials have in mind was that its thorough and consistent implementation would contribute to the awareness that unrestrained consumption of intoxicating liquor often leads to violence—domestic or otherwise. Besides, the imposition of such ordinance, says Councilor Villanueva would “further instill in the mind of our people a sense of decency and respect for the sensitivity of others” while in public places.

Members of the Catholic Women’s League noted that many mothers were appreciative of the moved made by the Councilors. “That’s also good for the policemen. It would keep them busy moving around,” they quipped with knowing grins.

For a number of reasons, deliberation on the proposed ordinance dragged on for several months. Eventually, it was enacted on May 31, 2001 by a unanimous vote. The Mayor affixed his signature on it the day after thus sealing its immediate implementation a week before the opening of classes.

On August 30, 2002, the Sangguniang Bayan invited various civil society organizations in the municipality to an evaluation meeting. It was particularly called to monitor and solicit feedbacks regarding the impact of the imposition of the ordinance prohibiting the consumption of liquor in public places.  Their sentiment was undivided. Imposition of the ordinance should be continued to give birth to a culture that is respectful of the sensitivity of others and uphold a sense of decency among our people.

Ray was shot to death on April of 2001.  It turned out that the incident involving him on November 1, 2000 at the Public Cemetery was his farewell party. With the strict imposition of Ordinance No. 2001-01, he and the rest of the faithful departed in Balete can now rest in peace.