Tell it to the Marines! Such a classic call. But, true to its words, Marines never surrender. Marines get killed but never surrender.

        Bicol is grieving, once again, for one of its sons has fallen. Sgt. Gerardo Licup is one of the dead Marines ambushed in Basilan by joint forces of Abu Sayaf and MILF rebels. Licup is from Santo Domingo, Albay.

        If you are a true Bicolnon, you would love Sto. Domingo. It is famous for seashore, beaches and winding road. It is at the very foot of Daragang Magayon. A serene town.

        A Bicolnon knows by heart Kalayukai Beach (although the place was immorally devastated when the x-rated film “Saging Ni Pacing”, a Rossana Ortiz-Tito Galla-Lito Legaspi explosive starring roles, was filmed during the mid-70s). Even Naguenos (Naga City residents) visit Kalayukai, once or twice a year.

        Who’s Bicolnon who would not know Sto. Domingo? Even its old name, Li-bog, will never be forgotten. Li-bog is the place where the Bicol’s famous song, Sarong Bangui, was originated. A serenade from a serene place. Sarong Bangui was played in the United Nations General Assembly in the late 40s. No other Filipino song, except the National Anthem (of course), has ever been played in the UN since then.

        Back to Licup, Milda, his mother, is furious. She wants her son to wake up and fight the Abu Sayaf.

        When asked where she prefers her son’s final resting place, without hesitation, she replied: “Santo Domingo”.

        Sad, isn’t it?

        Another fallen comrade. Another fallen Bicolnon.

        We can’t say anything. We can shout nothing. All we can say is tell it to..... (see the title).

Efren Rempola