Damo at Kabayo

". . . I am a Christian and I shall die for God, and for Him I will give many thousands of lives if I had them . . ."(St. Lorenzo Ruiz)

But what happened yesterday was the opposite of what St. Lorenzo said. I'm very saddened to hear about the tragic news . . . Accident like this could have been prevented or avoided had the event's organizer really arranged from the very start the security, first aid, medical needs, communication, and information with proper authorities both from the local government units and authorized volunteers and NGOs.

People died for the raffle tickets and the prizes attached to them, and since these tickets can be obtained at the gate, no wonder everyone was in a hurry . . . “there was pushing and people in front of the gate were crushed." (Myrna Britania, 42)

Stampede at Philippine Stadium Kills 73 (Yahoo! Asia News)

"At least 73 people were trampled to death early Saturday outside a stadium near Manila where thousands had lined up to watch a TV game show, many lured by the chance to win some easy money, a top Philippine health official said."

Merquieades Salazar cried over the body of his wife, who was among those crushed. Salazar, 45, said the couple was jobless and wanted to try their luck at winning the jackpot. "In the desire to win money, she is the one I lost," Salazar sobbed as he stroked his dead wife's hair.

Officials now say at least 88 people were killed in the stampede outside a sports stadium early on Saturday. (Radio Australia)

The number of casualties in the stampede that broke out at a stadium in Pasig City, has increased as Agence France-Presse quoted Red Cross officials as saying that 88 people were now confirmed dead, up from the last report of 79 dead. (INQ7 Interactive, Inc. An INQUIRER and GMA Network Company)

And now those people behind this “TV game show” are ensuring and assuring that they will give all the needed help of and support for the victims. “Aanhin pa ang damo, kung patay na ang kabayo.”

Mahalaga ang prinsipyong ito sa buhay. Huwag nang hintayin pang tuluyang mawawala ang ating mga mahal sa buhay bago natin ipadama ang ating pagmamahal at pagkatuwa sa kanila. (Gary Granada)

May the stampede victims' souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace, Amen!