Commiserating with the families of nine of the victims of the horrific Maguindanao Massacre in General Santos was a wrenching experience. For the most part, we were silent, rendered speechless by the enormity of the crime. I found myself capable of a few words, however, when I was asked to give a eulogy at the wake of Atty. Cynthia Oquendo and her father, Catalino. Here is what I said:

I did not know Atty. Cynthia Oquendo and her father, but from the recollections of their colleagues and friends gathered here this evening, I have the picture of two individuals that cared about people and loved their families.