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Ibrahim Hussin: A Sense of Honor |
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Monday, 04 August 2003 |
(Editor’s Note: In 1991 the Department of Education, Culture and Sports [DECS], now simply known as the Department of Education or DepEd, published a book entitled “Profiles of the Filipino: Stories of Timeless Value.” As the title suggests, the stories in this book highlighted the heroism and patriotism of Filipinos. These stories sought to somehow inspire and educate Filipino children who are the target readers of this book. Included in these stories are anecdotes of prominent Moro heroes and leaders. Sadly they have been forgotten by time, history and even by our educational system. I am sure that old and young alike would appreciate remembering and learning from these “forgotten” heroes of Mindanao.)
“Where are the sergeant and his men?” boomed General Pershing as his party reached a remote outpost on the island of Jolo.
Children, women, and old folk rushed out of their huts to see whose voice had ruptured the quiet of their sitio. They saw that it was a burly-looking American officer on horseback.
Three native soldiers stepped out of the military headquarters.
The general frowned as the three men approached. He barked out once again, “Where are the sergeant and his men?”
One of the three soldiers was Sergeant Ibrahim Hussin. He welcomed the general with a Salaam, the Muslim way of greeting, then kept quiet as did his companions.
Enraged by their silence, the general lashed out, “Who is this little dog who does not understand and speak English?”
Sergeant Hussin stiffened at the insult and stared the American officer right in the eye. Measuring his words carefully, the sergeant spoke back. “Who is this pig who cannot understand and speak Tausug?”
The general was dumbfounded at the proud reply. He turned red as a tomato, but contained his fury as he quickly understood what the lowly soldier had done.
The soldier had simply upheld his native sense of honor.
Sergeant Ibrahim Hussin was known to be a brave and loyal soldier. He helped many of his people return to the fold of the law.
He made sure that all his children finished school. Up to this time many of his descendants are still found in his village.
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