'Twas so good to be young then, to be close to the earth and to be by your wife at the moment of death'

     I feel mixed emotions whenever I come across news on OFWs dying abroad specially those killed innocently in the crossfire of conflicting ideologies. I felt these feelings again when, recently, foreign workers including three Filipinos were held hostage and mercilessly killed.

     First, I feel deeply saddened because it means innocent workers dying far away from their families and their motherland and secondly, angered by insensitivity of people to collectively voice out their disgust over such senseless violence.

     I am deeply saddened because behind the news I see the dying man as he lies covered by his own blood and gasping for his last breath, looks towards heaven and asks why he deserves such horrible fate when he devoted his life to earn a decent living for his families from whom Death is violently taking him away.

     I deeply grieve for those whom he left behind, those who suffered from the moment the sad news was delivered to them. I also mourn for those who initially could not accept the reality of his sudden demise and whose patience was extremely streched by the long wait while his body was repatriated. My heart blleds for those who were forced to finally accept the reality that they won't see him alive again as the as the box that carried him was unloaded and presented to them.

     I symphatize with those whose horizons have been drastically changed by the untimely death of the pillar of their family, whose dreams will no longer be fulfilled, and whose tomorrows may never be bright. I pity those children left behind who will no longer feel the warm embrace of their father and see the fulfillment of his promises.

     At the same time I fell anger at those in power who regard this senseless killing as just another collateral damage. I am outraged specially by people who believe that the victim should be blamed for being at the wrong place at the wrong time as if the victims while alive were given the choices.

     I find it hard to accept that millions of people can lift their telephones almost simultaneously to vote for their choice in "American Idol" and yet find no time to send their messages if indignation against inhuman acts. I am amazed that, at one time, tens of thousands of people were glued to their TVs watching the death procession of Princess Di while to them the death of these workers are insignificant news items. I am shocked by the fact that thousands take time off, get emotionaly involved and watch high-earning professionals hurt each other to score a goal while completely ignoring the brutal slaying of individuals who help make their lives better.

     International terrorism must stop! But world leaders, aside from solving this worldwide menace, must also address this apathy and insensitivity to the feelings and future of the victims' families. A world in search of peace and order must honor not only people who fought for them but also those who died innocently because of them. World leaders must not only bring terrorist to justice but also to their victims and the victims' dependents. If the UN has set up committees that take care of various concerns and governments have established agencies to assist marginalized groups then a foundation honoring the victims and supporting the displaced dependents should be put up.

     The Philippines, as present head of Security Council, should take this unique opportunity to lead a vigorious international crusade to set up the foundation, since its economy has been supported for the past decades by its OFWs and since it annually sends out workers some of whom return in coffins.

     However, among Filipinos, the spark plug of this crusade must come from those who have greater potentials of being victims of international terrorism-the OFWs. Those in Korea can do this through UPAK which can convey their clamor to the national and local political leaders in the Philippines. Send us your messages and we will be happy to help you.