Flood of Greed

Chapter 10: The Escape

As the threat against Mayor Caloy Mendoza intensified following his removal from office, he faced a critical decision: flee San Ignacio to ensure his safety and continue his fight against corruption from a safer location. With the help of Kumander Boy, a trusted ally and leader of the Provincial Liberation Command (PLC), Caloy embarked on a perilous escape. This chapter marks the beginning of Caloy's exile and his struggle to stay hidden while planning his next moves.

Scene 1: The Secret Meeting

In the dead of night, Caloy met with Kumander Boy at a discreet location—a small, dilapidated warehouse on the outskirts of San Ignacio. The area was carefully chosen to avoid detection, and Kumander Boy's presence was a reassuring sign of Caloy's continued support.

Kumander Boy: "Caloy, ang oras ay dumating na. Hindi natin pwedeng ipagpaliban ang iyong pag-alis. May mga impormasyon na sinubukan nilang hanapin ka."

Caloy: "Salamat, Kumander. Ang mga tao ko ay sinubukan kong iwan sa ligtas na lugar, pero ang kaligtasan ko ay mahalaga ngayon. Ano ang plano mo?"

Kumander Boy: "May isang lihim na ruta na makakapaghatid sa iyo sa safe house sa kabundukan. Doon ka muna mananatili hanggang sa makabuo tayo ng plano."

Kumander Boy handed Caloy a map marked with a series of routes and safe houses. Caloy carefully studied the map, noting the different checkpoints and hidden paths.

Scene 2: The Departure

As dawn approached, Caloy prepared for his departure. He packed a few essentials, including documents, a change of clothes, and a small amount of cash. Kumander Boy provided him with a disguise—simple clothes and a hat to blend in with the local villagers.

Caloy (to Kumander Boy): "Kumander, salamat sa lahat ng tulong mo. Hindi ko alam kung paano ko maitatago ang aking sarili."

Kumander Boy: "Huwag kang mag-alala, Caloy. May mga kasama tayong nagbabantay sa kalsadang ito. Maging maingat ka at huwag magtangkang lumabas sa ruta."

With a final handshake, Caloy left the warehouse, slipping into the shadows of the early morning. He started his journey, moving cautiously through familiar streets that were now fraught with danger.

Scene 3: The Hidden Route

Caloy followed the route outlined by Kumander Boy. The path led him through remote and rugged terrain, avoiding major roads and towns to minimize the risk of detection. He used old, forgotten trails and hidden paths, often guided by local allies who helped him along the way.

Caloy (whispering to himself): "Huwag kang mag-alala. Ang bawat hakbang ay papalayo sa panganib."

As he navigated through dense forests and narrow paths, he encountered various local allies who provided him with brief but crucial support. They offered him food, water, and updated information on potential threats.

Ally 1: "Caloy, dumaan ka dito sa ruta. May mga tao sa kalsadang malapit, kaya't mag-ingat ka."

Caloy: "Maraming salamat. Kailangan ko ang lahat ng tulong na makakaya ko."

Scene 4: The Safe House

After hours of grueling travel, Caloy finally reached the safe house—a secluded cabin nestled deep in the mountains. The cabin was modest but well-equipped, providing a temporary refuge from his pursuers.

Kumander Boy (via radio): "Caloy, nakarating ka na ba sa safe house? Ang ruta ay malinis ngayon, pero mag-ingat ka sa mga susunod na araw."

Caloy: "Oo, nandito na ako. Salamat sa tulong. Anong mga susunod na hakbang?"

Kumander Boy: "Maghintay ka ng mga updates mula sa amin. Patuloy kaming magmamasid sa iyong mga kaaway at magbibigay ng impormasyon sa iyo."

Caloy settled into the safe house, taking a moment to catch his breath and reflect on the events that led him to this point. The isolation was both a relief and a burden, as he grappled with the sense of loss and uncertainty about the future.

Scene 5: The Struggle to Stay Safe

While in exile, Caloy faced the ongoing challenge of staying hidden and secure. He maintained a low profile, avoiding unnecessary contact and relying on trusted intermediaries to communicate with his allies and supporters.

He began to formulate a plan to continue his fight against corruption from a distance. Despite the limitations of his new situation, he was determined to leverage the resources and networks still available to him.

Caloy (writing in a journal): "Ang laban ay hindi nagtatapos dito. Kailangan nating magpursige at gamitin ang lahat ng paraan upang ipagpatuloy ang ating misyon. Ang aking pag-alis ay pansamantala lamang."

Scene 6: A Ray of Hope

As Caloy continued to adjust to his new life in exile, he found a measure of hope in the unwavering support of his allies and the resilience of the community members who continued to fight for justice. He received occasional updates from trusted sources, providing him with information about the ongoing situation in San Ignacio and the progress of his former supporters.

Caloy (to a trusted ally): "Ang suporta ng mga tao ay nagbibigay sa akin ng lakas. Alam kong may mga patuloy na nagtatanggol sa ating layunin. Huwag tayong mawalan ng pag-asa."

The chapter closed with Caloy sitting by the window of the safe house, gazing out at the mountain landscape. Despite the uncertainty of his exile and the challenges ahead, he remained committed to his mission. The fight against corruption and injustice was far from over, and Caloy was prepared to face the challenges of his new reality with determination and hope.