"Among the most things valued by man is his freedom and independence. This became an issue in a discussion with my friends who wanted a better understanding of the meaning and effects of the presence of foreign troops in a country. Military bases and forts from the early colonial period has an impact on local life. Today however it is often argued to cause detrimental effects.

According to Dr Julius Bautista, a Filipino-Australian  anthropologist at the National University of Singapore’s Southeast Asian Studies Department , the local reactions foreign military can sometimes be uniquely spiritual. A graduate of the Australian National University doctoral programme, Dr Bautista is now working in Asia Research Institute (ARI). According to his study of Christian religious practices in Pampanga, the Philippines, during Holy Week, hundreds of Catholics willingly and literally acted out the story of Jesus' torture and crucifixion (nailing of the hands and feet). This festival was deemed 'excessive' by critics but Dr Bautista in his research maintained that these rituals in Pampanga began in the 1960s. Locals dressed up as Centurions show their masculinity and heroism. Typically, this rite or ritual was accompanied by the poor and needy who feel oppressed. This was a display of masculinity which perhaps became a source of empowerment to locals. A statement probably against the presence of the America military forces once situated there. Dr Bautista’s research highlights importance of understanding local reactions to phenomena especially when religion is used to articulate a language of resistance."

The Berita Harian