MANILA, Philippines – Last month, the Philippines experienced a tragedy where some Chinese tourists were taken hostage by disgruntled former police officer Rolando Mendoza. Eight Hong Kong nationals perished on that fateful day.

This incidence had a major impact on our society. While many Chinese angrily reacted, Philippine tourism experienced a blow and our relationships with other countries had been affected.

There were lots of theories about Mendoza’s reason for doing what he did. But the bottomline is that what he did was unlawful.

In our everyday life, we face a lot of “discreet mutinies.’’ Maybe not soldiers against our leaders, or people against the government, but young ones against their families, young minds against himself and the society.

MEET THE REBEL

“Rebellion!’’

This was the battlecry of 17-year-old Robert de Asis or Obet to his friends. When I first talked to him heart to heart, Obet was full of inner anguish and disappointment. He was burdened by his family, especially by his father. “Mahirap lang po kami at alam ko po na kailangan na magsikap, kaya nga po doble kayod po ako,” Obet narrated.

Obet was a very responsible child. When he was still in elementary and high school, he worked part-time, packing paper boxes. Every centavo he earned was directly given to his parents. He also did household chores. “Malapit lang kasi ‘yung kartunan sa bahay naman, kaya ako din ang gumagawa ng mga gawaing bahay at nag-aalaga sa mga bata kong kapatid,” he shared.

In school, he was actively involved with extracurricular activities such as the school choir. After graduating high school, he hoped he would be in college.

A scholarship was the answer to his prayer. But his father did not allow him to go to college. “Naaalala ko ang sabi ng tatay ko na imbes na mag-aral, magtrabaho na lang daw ako kasi siya nung bata pa daw, nagsimula na din siyang magtrabaho, gusto niya na ganun din kami,” he recalls.

THE MUTINY

Though he was doing his best, Obet felt that he was still nothing. “Araw-araw po na ako ang kumikilos sa bahay, tapos trabaho pa, pero minsan hindi lang po ako makapagwalis sinasabihan na akong walang silbi at walang ginagawa,” Obet complained.

Because of his anguish and disappointment he decided to be rebellious. He started smoking and drinking alcohol. “Parang wala naman kasi lahat na ginagawa ko eh at parang wala lang din ako, hindi nila ako pinapansin, kaya nagbisyo ako, alak, sigarilyo, kahit po na hindi ko gusto para lang mapansin ako nagrebelde po talaga ako sa kanila.”

THE PARADIGM SHIFT

It was a big challenge dealing with children like Obet. Because of his bitter experiences in life, he became close minded and developed his own “principles.’’

But we never gave up on talking and encouraging Obet, until he met kids like him living in extreme poverty and were abandoned by their parents. Today, he is actively involved with Mind Your Rights, advocating the protection of children’s rights. He recently enrolled in a vocational course and dreams to pursue a degree eventually.

Obet’s story is not unusual. There are a lot like him. Maybe you know one, or you have met them on the street. If you are a teacher, maybe he or she is one of your students. Maybe you hate them or have yelled at them for being too exasperating. But have you ever asked them why they do these annoying things?

Meeting them made me realize and think that they are not villains. Most of the time, they are the victims of their own nightmares.

I hope that instead of condemning these people, they will be given enough understanding. They need more attention, more caring and counseling. We need to lead these youth towards the right path.

(Emanuel Bagual is a freshman college at UP Diliman taking up Community Development. He was nominated for the International Children’s Peace Prize in 2009.)