The abduction of Professor Octavio Dinampo of the Mindanao State University-Jolo (along with ABS-CBN’s Ces Drilon and her crew) had come as a shock to many of his friends and colleagues in the civil society network. But the shock immediately turned to grave concern when news reports have started implicating “Prof. Octa,” also chair of the Mindanao Peoples Caucus, to the kidnapping. For those who know the well-loved and respected professor and peace advocate, this mere insinuation is outrageous.
It was not too long ago that I had met “Prof. Octa” but he struck me as one of those kindred souls you meet once in a while, whom you know would be teacher and friend, no matter how brief the encounter is.
I met him when he gave a Bangsamoro situationer to one electoral conference I attended last year. The professor’s sharp insights, delivered with clarity and peppered with humor, dispelled the many warped notions, myths and stereotypes about the region and its people. I congratulated him on how well he put the issues in context in clear messages and punch lines. He also maintained a calm presence when rebuked by a clueless Manila-based participant, parrying her stings with his characteristic wit, depth of insight and dignified grace.
Prof Octa is also, for me, the epitome of the “mentor-teacher”, the sort who would check on his students how they are faring, and give them the moral boost when it is most needed. In my case, it is writing – although I never had the honor to be his student in class but, nonetheless, he would treat me just the same.
He would encourage me to write some more and go to Sulu, write more in-depth articles about the many issues in the place. “So many things here don’t get to see the light of media,” he told me. Whenever I would chance upon him, he would sometimes ask me what articles I am working on and could I please send him a copy? “Yes, Prof, I promise.”
“What a beautiful article,” Prof Octa, ever the encouraging teacher, texted me after I emailed him one time. When I tried to protest, he insisted, “I mean it really. I can tell a writer when I see and read one. A writer is one who writes, researches, interprets, teaches, exemplifies, and retells, according to my old notes.” For many struggling writers, these words from a teacher are like balm to the many self-doubts and ‘creative woundings’ one gets along the way while working on one’s craft.
Aside from writing, we would also briefly talk about spiritual journeys, about the transient passing of storms in one’s life, about “warriors of the light”. “In Islam, there is what we call the internal jihad of the soul,” he said as he patiently explained to me the many aspects of jihad.
He also shared some stories about Sulu, that despite how it is being perceived as “God forsaken”, it remains home to him. I could not help but relate to Prof. how, until now, we still grieve for Mindanews photojournalist Gene Boyd Lumawag who was killed after shooting the sunset at the Jolo pier. But from his stories, somehow I saw a glimpse of the man who has relentlessly been serving his island and people well with all his heart.
He would also speak proudly of lawyer Mary Ann Arnado, his former student at the MSU Marawi and now MPC secretary-general, for her peace advocacy commitment and leadership; and of friends and colleagues whom he admire for embracing causes with passion, “you mean, the ‘pure hearts,’ Prof?” I kidded him, who “thrive in the midst of blight.”
The last time I ran into him was in a conference in Davao City a couple of weeks ago. How I wished I talked to him some more while he was having coffee at the lobby. He commented how I seemed to look more peaceful now. I smiled. “It is because the storms have started to ease, Prof.”
I could only pray and hope that whatever storm Prof. Octa may be going through now, Insha Allah (‘God be willing’), he shall prevail with his deep reserves of faith, grace and inner strength. (Mindanews)
