When Mothers Kill Their Offsprings

Walking along the street of A.H. Lacson, I saw a typical scene of what seemed to be a street child having a tantrum and a mother who tries to console her child. The boy, aged below ten years, was covered in  tears and clothed in dirt and grime. The lady, who seemed to be the mother, was slapping him mercilessly on his cheeks, alternating sides with every slap.  Not so typical scene for a child who just wants to have another toy, I thought. I was never slapped by wanting something I couldn't have.

As I was getting nearer, I started to hear their conversation. "Wag mo pakialaman yung pagkain ko ah!", the lady cried in the middle of the street. The boy, clinged on to her leg, while trying to avoid another slap. Ba't ba lagi ako pinagbibintangan mo? Finally, the boy answered back. Ako hindi na nakakain kasi pinapalamon ko na sainyo lahat, ngayon lang ako makakakain pinakelaman mo pa. Another hand fell on the boy's cheek.

It was a heartbreaking moment, seeing a mother not willing to suffer for her children. But who are we to judge her actions? She must've been that hungry and must've given her whole life for her family and for a moment, wanted something for her own. She needs nourishment too. Scarcity truly can bring the worst out of people.

After passing by Richville to drop something for a friend, I passed by the same scene. A twisted cloth was already around the child's neck, both ends pulled on by the mother. Sanamagan!