"Outbreak Tablas: The Bridge of Lies"

"Outbreak Tablas: The Bridge of Lies"

by:

Virgilio F. De leon Jr. 

(My name is not important. I was sent here to learn about the survivors of Tablas.It has been a hard mission since there are only a handful. Materials about them are also hard to come by but there is one that gave me a lot of interest. Among the ruins of a bridge was found this diary. It was the last stand on the island written by a man named John Forlales)

"Mayungot ey kag mga Yawa!!!" (The demons are near) I heard someone shout in clear Odionganon. I saw them running toward this now heavily barricaded bridge. This was the only way out of town and could only accommodate 2 lanes of traffic. We were standing at the far end of the bridge watching as the rest of the town proper burned. On this side there were at least 20 armed men. These weren't the kind of weapons that gave you confidence though , A couple of Armalites and a bunch of hand guns that looked like they were kept in someones baul for a long time. 

These people have called the undead the Yawa. A term that meant demon. A pestilence. And this was what the undead looked all across the island. They were the Yawa of this day and age. When young people use the term the Older folks would give them a good slap , when the adults said it they usually received a stern look.  It is amazing how people still cower in fear from their mothers.I doubted if any of the elders are still alive now though.

The outbreak here was fast and brutal. Someone suggested that we should hold the bridge so that the undead onslaught would not continue toward the northern tip of the island. I could still see the military barracks in the distance. It was on a hill that looked more defensible than this stone bridge that we have barricaded with tables and cabinets and sofas.Anything else that people could find really. All radio contact was gone with the barracks and the last gun fire was heard a few hours ago. No one seemed to have survived there as well. So far the outbreak was still confined in the southern part of the island but I knew that it would only be a matter of time before the Yawa consume everything and find this bridge. They may look slow but they are very efficient in what they do. 

This place used to be the Red light district of the island. Both sides of the bridge were lined with structures that stood on stilts or were being supported by struts embedded deep within the sloping stone walls. The river passing by below into the sea seemed like a relaxing view and also afforded a great place to vomit once someone had a few bottles too many. In a matter of hours the other side of the bridge has been completely deserted. The northern side was the only considered safe zone. I should add that before completely barricading here we have saved countless others. Let them escape to the northern end where hopefully there would be enough boats to  get them to safety. The 20 brave souls who remained here so that the others might continue and hopefully alert the authorities about what was  really going on here. Romblon was only a couple of hours away and might not be affected by whatever was here on Tablas.

I remembered the farewells. There were tearful good byes as Fathers kissed Wives and Children.Parents hugging new born sons and daughters. Pleas from people to leave the bridge and  I just join them to the journey north. These men were heroes in my eyes. Despite the temptation they stood here with me. They were former bouncers and discharged soldiers. They saw the importance of the bridge and so they lied.

I heard all the lies that people said when they knew what would really happen next. A resigned measure to encourage others no matter how bleak everything seemed. "Once things are OK here we will follow you" One lied , "We just want to make sure that none could follow us" another said.

The small convoys of jeepneys , tricycles and pedicabs went on. Many people on foot trudged on. A renewed sense of hope on their faces because at least on this side they would be safe.

Someone thought of blowing up the bridge. The plan called for an excursion to the south side to the mining district and the houses of some fishermen who were thought to hide sticks of dynamite for their illegal fishing activities. The plan was rendered moot however when the dogs on our side began a slow wailing howl that is normally reserved for horror radio programs. Then we saw them. There were dozens of them slowly shambling their way to where we were. First among them was a female ghoul , her head to her side, her exposed neck showing the that tore through it. Her blouse was torn exposing her right breast which swiveled with every step she took. There was a rose tattoo on it.

"Nong , buko ba si Ruby Kato?" (Nong isn't that Ruby?) someone said pointing to the lead ghoul.

Nong shook his head in disbelief. "Uya ey si Ruby" (Ruby is gone). Ruby was his only daughter. Most of the men knew Ruby as a fun-loving ,kind- hearted person who left to find her friend.The sadness in their faces were all too clear. 

Nong suddenly stood up and addressed everyone. 

"Haley kag mga Yawa. Buko tayo hadlok sa kanila.  Ipakita nato kag ato tapang. Uya't makakarayon hali sa atong tulay!!!!" (The Yawa are here. We are not afraid of them. Let us show them our courage! No one will pass our bridge!!!)

There were several grunting responses from the men and safeties on their weapons were being released. The men took positions among the barricades. It all seemed unreal but we will have to see if we could hold this bridge.

While people were facing the oncoming Yawas I was able to glance at the direction where our little convoy went.I offered a silent prayer for their safety. I saw a child in the clearing wearing nothing but a sando that was 2 sizes big for it. It was slowly walking toward us and it was gray.

If you are reading this please remember us. 

- John Forlales