Ricky, Davao City, Philippines I could see they were ready. They were proudly wearing their uniforms, guns hanging from their necks. The Alamara, which are indigenous people armed and protected by the soldiers, were also there, surrounding me. Daggers waiting. The first time it happened, I was just waiting to feel a sharp, stinging pain or maybe something wet, dripping.This is what it's like to be a teacher in far-flung communities of the Philippines.