A Big Loss in Peace

Linamon, Lanao del Norte - The late Robert Matalines, the young man at age 37 has passed away last December 20, 2009 at 4:20 in the afternoon. From the town of Linamon, he was a young dynamic politician in Lanao del Norte, a member of the Provincial Board, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan in the First District of the province. During his life, he was active in the Non-governmental Organization (NGO), the President of the Board of Trustees of Balay Integrated Rehabilitation for Total Human Development (BIRTHDEV), Incorporated based in Lanao del Norte, one of the partner organizations of the Civil Society Organization Forum for Peace, Inc. (CSO-FP).

As a religious family man, he was a Pastor of the Christian Church, the Living Word Ministry. During the day when he parted ways this world of flesh, he was officiating a baptism to a person to become a member of the Church in the beach of Linamon near their house. According to witnesses, his only son Matthew at age of 7, joined him in the beach and stayed in the sand, but unknown to many they did not noticed the innocent Matthew got to swim in the beach despite heavy waves. It was recounted that Robert wanted to save his beloved son Matthew but to no avail both of them drowned in the beach together with the other person known as "Roro" who tried to rescue them but was also drowned. During that day, three of them passed away and joined to the Lord.

On the last vigil night, political kingpin of Lanao del Norte, the Dimaporo couple, said that the death of Robert is a big loss of the province of Lanao del Norte. Congressman Bobby Dimaporo said that Robert told him in several times that he will help to work for the Christian-Muslim unity for peace in Lanao del Norte to achieve real development for the welfare of its people. During the day of the burial, December 30, 2009, there was a programme started from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, a tribute to Robert prior to the final bereavement at 1;00 p.m.. The bodies of the father and son were brought to the municipal hall of Linamon to give chance for the local people to take a last glimpse.

In her message, Grecille, the loving wife of Robert revealed that during the time when they were missing for many hours, She said that Robert texted her and said "MY LOVE" and no other words to read. Grecille in tears said that Robert waas very closed to God because even during the time of his death he was able to text her. praised the Lord!. She said that she will love them forever and ever!.

Robert, Matthew and Roro may rest in peace!