Rev. Julius and I arrived at Sitio Baraoas, Brgy. Anonang at a little past 12 noon. "The prayer meeting must have ended already", I told Rev. Julius."Probably, Father", he replied.
We were met by one of the BEC members who insisted that we wear rubber boots for the walk going to the place of the prayer meeting.
"We have only one pair right now, Father", she told me. "The other pair are with Sis. Cathy. She will be bringing them with her when she comes."
I wore the rubber boots which were borrowed from a man who was all smiles as he handed them to Sis. Susing, our guide. "They are my cousin's", she told me.
I wondered if the boots would fit me. I looked inside cautiously. There were pieces of papers inside the boots. The markings on the paper were familiar. "Of course!" I told myself.
We arrived at the house where the prayer was held. We were on time for lunch!
**
When we went back, we passed by a huge lot with high walls.
The markings in the paper inside my boots? They were Jueteng bets! The lot with the high walls were apparently meant to hide some operations being done three times a day!
So many in the barangay knew the existence of that lot, and what was being done there.
Except its officials. And the police.
As usual.
See no evil. Hear no evil. Say no evil.
