The Philippine Online Chronicles

A day after the National Elections, I received a text message from Mark, the son of Malou Galipon. Mark wanted me to talk to his mother who was having a hard time breathing due to the multiple tumors that had grown in her lungs. Malou’s cervical cancer had reached its final stage.

I immediately contacted Malou. Thank God she answered my call. She still managed to say a few words to me, “Father, hirap na hirap na akong huminga. Paki-tawagan mo si Senator Pia Cayetano. Sana matulungan niya ako. Hirap na hirap na ako. Masakit na masakit na po.” ( Father, I am suffering so much. Please call up Sen. Pia Cayetano. I am hoping she can help me. I am suffering so much. There is so much pain.)

I felt sad that I was too far from Malou. All I could offer her was a short prayer over the phone. But that little call, I knew, could do something to lift Malou’s spirit, if not to remove her suffering. It was the fourth day of my hunger strike for peaceful and honest elections. At least, I had something, though small, to offer for Malou: my hunger and prayers for that day.

A few days after the elections, I flew to Hong Kong for my work at the Asian Human Rights Commission and my street ministry for the OFWs. It was during this time that I tried to see Tony, Malou’s husband. Tony’s employer was rather strict. He could not leave even for a short time. Even on a Sunday evening, he had to work in his employer’s house. I was able to speak to Tony and told him about my conversation with Malou.

Last Monday, after the run for Healthy Lungs and Healthy Environment in Puerto Princesa, I received text messages from Aida Dyogi informing me that Malou had died. Last night, Melina Lagarbe, coordinator of Buhay Ka, called me up to break the same sad news. Melina informed me that as the family read the entries in Malou’s journal, she expressed the wish to have me bless her remains and say her funeral mass. It was impossible for me to go to Tayug, Pangasinan. I had just arrived from Puerto Princesa.

Early this morning, I contacted Tony to express my condolencese. Tony also informed me about Malou’s dying wish, written in her journal. I apologized and promised Tony that I would keep Malou in my thoughts and prayers the whole day.

I looked back and recalled my first encounter with Tony and Malou. It was at the Hong Kong entrance of Star Ferry for Tsim Sha Tsui. It was a happy encounter which immediately led to a deep friendship because of Malou’s condition then. Malou did not waste time. She immediately informed me about her cervical cancer and the status of her treatment. From then on, Malou became part of Buhay Ka. She never failed to attend meetings and important activities that are supposed to raise the awareness of OFWs on the importance of health care and early detection.

More than a month ago, at the house of the Mayor of San Agustin, Sibuyan, Romblon, I met the wife of the Mayor of Tayug, Pangasinan. She is the sister of the Mayor of San Agustin. What an unlikely coincidence! She also knew about Malou and offered to help her in any way.

These past months and days, Malou had tried to reach me by text message and mobile call. We managed to connect no matter how briefly on this brief and fragile journey of life. Godspeed Malou. Goodbye. Remember us, as we continue to affirm the gift of life….Buhay Ka!!!

We thank you, Lord, for the life of Malou. She has shown great joy and faith in spite of her impending death. She embranced all, including death. May we learn from her courage so that we too may live life with joy, faith, and peace. Amen .