GARDEMET!

That was his favorite expression.

As we all know, in the Philippines, it is the bastardized version of the English, “God damn it.” The word is a minced oath, a euphemistic expression common to police and military officers during our days.

Tito Alfon blurts out such a word not when he is mad. He usually yells it out when he is joking or full of joy.  Sober or otherwise.

His old-fashioned “profane” utterances are heard every time his “bottle mates” are keeping the nearly full glass of Emperador or Red Horse in their hands long. He would stare at the glass, tap his friend’s shoulder, and yell out loud, “Gardemet!,” followed by a hearty laugh. Or when he heard an exaggerated or funny rumor, new or recycled, from anybody from the drinking table, be it Norly (Saballo), Alex (Flores), Bihoy (Abeleda), or Allan (Villar).

Tito Alfon's other drinking buddy is Ronaldo "Roy" Robles, manager of the Tamaraw Rural Bank Sablayan Branch. "He (Alfon) only drinks beer and brandy, or mixing these two potions up. He is so introverted but a very kind man." Roy remembered him always escaping in every social gathering. "But he is such a jolly good fellow when surrounded by his close friends," he adds.

Police Lieutenant Alfonso Cabrera Paz, (Ret.), born December 19, 1949, might not be as religious and as sociable as his wife Flor but he gained respect from the people. With his long career in the police force and being assigned to three municipalities of Occidental Mindoro, he was never been involved in any wrongdoings and irregularities, especially brutality and corruption. He lived an honest life as an officer of the law which is so uncommon today. He is so proud of his family, his children and grandchildren. He is an excellent provider. Sober or otherwise.

Almost everybody in town has the impression that he is “suplado” but he is the most snobbish person in Sablayan with so many friends. That is because he has a very kind heart and a helping hand.

He loved to tell stories like how in the 90s he was nearly killed in an ambush staged by the communist rebels near a coconut plantation in Sta. Lucia. In that ensnarement, there were Sablayan policemen who died and several were fatally wounded. It happened while the police convoy was on its way to San Jose for physical training. He tells me in what way he and his Pare Oca (Tamares) managed to dodge the enemies firing from behind bushes and trees atop a hill. Including their operation against Ka Waras at Bungangang Pating in Barangay Burgos where the most wanted bandit disguised himself as a Mangyan and scaped the dragnet. While on duty away from home especially when on a delicate mission, he kept thinking about the safety of the family he left behind.

Municipal Executive Senior Police Officer (MESPO) Sergeant Jovanie Balicol said that the late police officer was one of the best investigators Sablayan ever had. “He finishes everything that he has started,” says Balicol who is now semi-retired. “He taught us that during an investigation, we should not leave even a single stone unturned. He has exemplary work ethic,” he added. 

He also told me in detail how he locked horns with an influential public figure over a gambling operation he got busted, standing solidly on his principle with the law behind him. He is a courageous policeman who is not afraid of any felon.

He was a basketball star way back in college and a varsity player at the Divine Word College of San Jose. He took up Commerce but finally decided to enter the municipal police unit that later became part of the Integrated National Police (INP) after he graduated.

My Tito Baby (whom he calls Ute) was his classmate in high school and he revealed to me how my uncle got that nasty scar on his wrist. When I was little, Tito Baby made me believe that he got it in a brawl, and knocked down his enemy armed with a knife even though he was wounded.

After 50 years or so I knew exactly the score. Tito Alfon revealed to me that Ute’s scar came from the broken jalousie glass window he was dusting as a punishment for being naughty in school. My biological uncle just made that story up.

When Ute’s daughter Barbie was temporarily assigned to Sablayan, Alfon accepted her to stay with them. She lived with his family ahead of me. May the souls of friends Ute and Alfon both rest in peace.

Wine and beer make him a good storyteller.

The last time I talked to her was during John Paul’s wedding. We just chatted a little for he was restless then as he is always when not at home. I expected to talk to him at length but he went ahead right after the ceremony ended. He skipped during the reception.

The night before his demise, I talked with Tita Flor before the saying of the Holy Rosary started at the San Sebastian Parish Church which was led by the employees of the LGU. She told me that Tito Alfon kept on mentioning me to her and asking what and where I am now. I told Tita that I was going to visit him one of these days. But that visit did not come. I was informed by Ate Nora (Urieta) the following day that Tito Alfon was gone.

From my family, our most heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and rest assured of our prayers.

I will remember him who welcomed me and let me stay in their house in my first four years in Sablayan and I was not able to fully thank him for that personally since I left their household.

I know he understands as he always does and he will just laugh and say, “Gardemet”.

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(Photo courtesy of JP Paz)