CEBU, Philippines - A good man, brother and friend.
This was how relatives and friends of Emmanuel Ponce described the man when he was laid to rest at the Queen City Memorial Garden yesterday afternoon.
Ponce killed himself after shooting three of his children, his wife, and their house help in Barangay Tabunok, Talisay City a week ago.
A sense of grief and loss filled the St. Joseph Parish in Barangay Mabolo, but those present did not shed tears, instead chose to reminisce Ponce’s ‘simple love’ for them with smiles.
“I hope that God will forgive…through my and your prayers, we hope that Emmanuel Ponce will rest in peace and that he will be accepted to the promise of our Lord for eternal life,” said Emmanuel’s first degree cousin Erwin.
Erwin said the family will take care of Ponce’s 13-year-old daughter. The daughter, the youngest among the siblings and reportedly Ponce’s favorite child, was the only one he spared during the massacre last October 16.
Erwin says the incident was very bitter, but he will hope and pray for complete healing for everyone connected to the Ponce family.
At the cemetery, Ponce was laid to rest above the tomb of his grandfather Aurelio. Tombs of other Ponce family members that have passed away lie nearby.
Disappointment
Meanwhile, a relative of Emmanuel who requested anonymity expressed disappointment over his daughter’s non-appearance at the interment.
“Naa unta siya aron makakita man lang sa kinatapusang higayon sa iyang papa nga grabi’g pagmahal niya (She (daughter) should have attended his father’s interment who loved him so much),” she said.
Erwin explained, however, that the child had to leave for Manila to travel to Sorsogon City in Bicol Province where the other massacre victims will be laid to rest.
He said he understands his niece’s fragile condition. “Kasabot mi, walay problema sa iyang pag-uban sa iyang mga iyaan,” he said.
Memories
Ponce’s close colleague who also requested anonymity recalled how much Ponce loved his 13-year-old daughter. Nothing could compare his (Emmanuel) love to his daughter,” she said.
This was reportedly Ponce’s biggest achievement when he was still alive, both as a father and as a businessman. In fact, the daughter reportedly grew closer to Ponce as she was growing up. Despite his busy schedule attending to his businesses, Ponce reportedly found time to drive her to school and fetch her almost everyday.
“We first met with Emmanuel when she (daughter) was still in kindergarten. He was wearing worn out shirt and short pants, which came to be his signature look ever since,” the colleague said.
“He drove her to school and fetched her almost every day…he loved her very much” she said further.
Merly Muanya, an owner of an eatery near the University of San Carlos South Campus, shared the same sentiment. (FREEMAN)