by Loui Galicia, ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau
Posted at 06/13/2011 7:29 PM | Updated as of 06/13/2011 10:52 PM
NETHERLANDS - The 113th celebration of Philippine Independence on Saturday became memorable for the more than 4,000 Filipinos and Dutch who were at the Spaarnwoude Park in Haarlemmermeer.
In the middle of the Independence Day musical program, Communist Party of the Philippines founding chair Jose Maria Sison surprisingly showed up, causing a commotion among Pinoys who scrambled to shake his hand or pose for photos with him.
It was indeed very rare for Sison to attend such a festivity, especially since it has always been held in a very big park packed with more than 6,000 people every year. However, the stormy weather dampened the attendance this year.
According to Sison, he hasn't been to the Filipino community's Independence Day celebrations since 1999 because of fear for his security.
"Me mga reports na me mga hit team na pinalakad nun ng rehimen sa Pilipinas so bilang pag-iingat kaya di ako sumisipot sa Independence Day," Sison told ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau.
Sison said he decided to finally join the biggest gathering of Filipino communities in Holland after intelligence report showed there is no threat to his security.
"Normal na sumasama ako sa mga kasayahan ng Filipino community. Kahit na open air ito, nagustahan ko, dahil marami, me libong Pilipino ngayon at ako'y natutuwa na nakikiisa sa kanila sa kanilang pagdiriwang ng independence day," Sison said.
The Philippine Embassy staff, led by Charge d'Affaires Frank Cimafranca, was also there. Sison’s presence became the greatest show of unity among Filipinos.
"I heard that he [Sison] came but I think it's a good thing. He should join with the Filipino Community in celebration of Philippine Independence. Kasama yan sa pagkakaisa. Hopefully back home, they will try to approach the peace process positively and let's unite as a people and let's do away with violence and use of force," Cimafranca said.
Sison said he has not observed any bad blood between the 2 parties involved in the ongoing peace talks.
Sison added the second round of formal talks had only been disrupted because of the Philippine government’s opposition to free the individuals who are protected under the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees or JASIG. The kinks have already been smoothened out, he said.
There is a great belief among the Pinoys here that the time to be one as a nation and as a people has finally come.
SOURCE:WWW.ABS-CBNNEWS.COM
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