Assignment Code 2 “The 4R”

Brief Historical Analysis of events in the Philippines

1. SAF 44 MASSACRE

The SAF 44 Massacre left a remarkable spot in every Filipinos’ heart as it was a
tragedy that had led many people devastated. The whole nation agrees it is one for the
books which will always serve as a reminder of heroism and love for country. Up to this
day the government always made sure to commemorate the heroism of the Fallen 44
who was killed last January 25, 2015 in a mission to hunt down a terrorist. This event is
an important reminder to all Filipinos that selfless people had died for them out of
service for the safety of all.

The most affected group by the situation was the families left behind by the 44
SAF troopers who had mostly lost their breadwinner and were left to despair and loss of
financial support. The sacrifice of the Fallen 44 was not left unnoticed as government
made sure to compensate their families appropriately and what is due. It also affected
the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force because they loss their men and
though this continuous coordination with other departments were made as well as
improvement of training to prevent the situation from ever happening again.

The event was distressing enough for the affected families of the situation and
was recognize by the whole nation as a tragedy due to government inefficiency (Cupin,
2016). For the most part, National Capital Region Police Office director Major General
Vicente Danao Jr. acknowledged the sacrifice of 44 SAF troopers to have preserved
peace and order all over the world. He recognize them as being a part of our history of
exceptional dedication to duty, supreme, selfless service, and unqualified love of
country amidst the obstacles and danger.
 The tragedy was devastating for a lot of people especially the police forces
department as they lost some of their own men but it serves as an inspiration for newer
generation of police officers to show bravery, patriotism and selflessness which the 44
heroes have conveyed. Although many years have passed by, it is an event which is hard
to forget as heavy pain was brought along into it and a reminder of heroism.

2. QUIRINO GRANDSTAND HOSTAGE CRISIS

This situation was very eventful as it happened in one of the Philippines’

respected location where it commemorates Philippines’ democratic struggles as well as
where the past president took his vow. This incident has revealed the shortcomings of
the country’s security defense and the lack thereof of strategies amidst adversity.
People from all around the nation knew about this incident so well that they refer to it
as Bloodbath in Quirino. Several people died in the situation which could have been
prevented if the security team moved faster and smarter. Unfortunately, there were
tactical errors that took place which was seen by international spotlight and it have
revealed the incompetency of the law enforcement department.

The event was historical because it was unlike any other hostages that took place
in the country. People from another country were involved which put the whole
situation much critical. This happening was a reminder of the country’s need for change
in their system. Up to this day people still remember the incident that happened
because it was surreal and at the same time awakening for the government.

3. ERUPTION OF MT. PINATUBO IN JUNE 15, 1991

The event was referred to as the Cataclysmic 1991 Eruption of Mount Pinatubo
that took place on the island of Luzon. It was by far the second largest volcanic eruption
that has continuously has an impact till this day. People considered it as the second
largest volcanic eruption on earth in this century affecting thousands of lives. The good
thing about it though was people living in the area were able to evacuate because of the
 timely forecasts made by scientists from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and
Seismology and the U.S. Geological Survey which has saved many lives. This eruption
was like no other as it has impacted other phenomenon to happen like an earthquake,
some several landslides, and short-lived increase of steam emissions from preexisting
geothermal areas. The volcano hasn’t erupted for about 500 years until last June 15,
1999. This situation makes the event more significant because of the unique series of
events along with it.

Before the earthquake happened to its full potential, several earthquakes in

some areas has already occurred causing powerful steam explosions. Due to the several
earthquakes happened, many tons of toxic gas were emitted by the volcano which
dangers the lives surrounding it. Following the eruption, worse things continuously
happened because of the ash deposits which eventually ruined the properties of the
people.

What makes the eruption significant was its first spectacular eruption happened
on June 12 which is the Philippines’ Independence Day. It is a remarkable day for a
phenomenon to happen too. Even after more than 5 years, hazardous effects of the
eruption continue to happen and wreak havoc in people’s daily lives. Even from miles
away of the area of eruption, jets who happened to pass through still acquired damage
from the ash. The event was remembered fully by the Filipino natives living near the
area who were evacuated leaving everything behind. They went back after the eruption
has finally approved to have halted but still face health threats up to this day.

4. ARRIVAL OF MACARTHUR AND OSMENA IN LEYTE

This event was very significant that a monument was made in the exact place
where General Macarthur and Osmena landed on Leyte. Macarthur’s arrival was historic
because it commemorates the campaign to recapture and liberate the Philippines from
the abusive Japanese occupation on October 1994. This has become part of history
because this was the event that led to the largest naval battle of World War II and
 Japan’s defeat and surrender for the 3 years of taking over the country. The monument
is one of the major tourist attraction in the Philippines which was declared as a national
park on July 12, 1997 through the Letter of Instructions No. 572 which was signed by the
late President Ferdinand Marcos.

The place was made recognized by the government to be a symbol of freedom

and independence from the hands of colonizers who abuse the people and their rights.
The event was captured in the iconic photo by Gaetano Faillace which serve as the basis
for the monument. What made the event even more significant was because the statues
mark the spot where General MacArthur fulfilled his promise of quote the famous line “I
shall return” at Red Beach which was one of the landing areas of the US Army. Adjacent
to the monument is a museum filled with the memorabilia and photographs of General
MacArthur including his famous speech and also a bronze cast of his footprints.

This historical event is special for our forefathers who experienced the Japanese
regime as this was their mark of independence against the colonizers. It places a special
part in all Filipinos because we wouldn’t have freedom right now if it wasn’t for this
special incidence.

5. YAMASHITA TREASURE

It is also referred to as Yamashita’s gold, a name which is given to the stolen

treasures during the war in Southeast Asia by Imperial Japanese forces. The treasure were
supposedly hidden in caves, tunnels, and underground places in the different cities in the
Philippines. Yamashita got its name after the Japanese general Tomoyuki Yamashita who is
known as the “The Tiger of Malaya” because he was able to conquer Malaya within 70 days
from the British regime. This event plays a significant role in the Philippine history basically
because the treasures are hidden on the grounds of Philippines. The treasures were
supposedly a secret by few people but it lured treasure hunters from around the world for
over 50 years. Some claim it to be non-existent but most people still believe it is still hidden
somewhere.
 The incident stays in one of the historical events because the situation got related to
the late President Ferdinand Marcos. Some claim Ferdinand Marcos got hold some of the
treasures and stored in different countries under his name. It was a prevailing issue around
the country and even experts from foreign countries took notice of it. People have this
familiarity with the issue as every time they hear the name, they would know what it meant
and how significant it is in the Philippine History. It might seem the newer generation may
not know of it but it still continues to be taught in school and be featured in books and
documentaries.

Some experts are still hovering around the issue and believe it is still worth finding
for. Apart from that, they are investigating the involvement of Ferdinand Marcos and how
he got hold of the treasures. There is still missing details on the whereabouts of the
treasure which up to this date some people are taking all their efforts to seek for the truth.