Wednesday, February 06, 2008 'Aswang' phenomenon in Silay can be a ploy By Gil Alfredo B. Severino
ANTHROPOLOGIST Violeta Gonzaga has an explanation as to why residents of Barangay Mabulac, Silay City, had become insomniac for almost a week, vigilant of the "aswang" attack in their area.
Gonzaga from her studies had observed that in the Philippines, whenever something new and innovative is being introduced, people's social psychology seem to focus on "eerie beings."
"Especially in Silay where Mayor Oti (Jose "Oti" Montelibano) is implementing the law, phenomenon like this appears," Gonzaga explained.
The study of psychology is clear that whenever the law is implemented, there are those who are hurt.
The creation of the "aswang" phenomenon is a form of hurt displacement as studies in psychology explains.
Gonzaga further explained that there appears to be a connection between the grenade explosion in the mayor's residence and the source of the "aswang" phenomenon in Barangay Mambulac.
"The pattern is, that the handler is militaristic in orientation. Amateurs don't handle grenades, one with military orientation can. The source of the phenomenon at Barangay Mambulac is a police officer. So, all these can be a militaristic ploy against the administration of Oti," Gonzaga said.
"Somehow, somebody militaristic would like to make his presence felt in Silay," Gonzaga explained.
The Americans had already used the "aswang" phenomenon during World War II as a ploy to justify their presence.
"In Silay, an awry picture is being painted to discredit the government of Oti," Gonzaga added.
