Analysis
Since the film was written in the years after Martial Law, Melchor's actions in the film could be seen in two ways:
1.) Socio-Political Mirror of the 1980s - During the period, the enemies of the people were not foreign, and in fact, combative foreign forces were no threat at all to the Philippines (symbolized by the dying Japanese soldier Miguel fails to kill). The enemies of the people then were their own countrymen: Marcos' military and police forces.
2.) Marxist - Melchor's actions were possibly a warning to the upper classes, who dominated Philippine politics at the time.
Read more about this topic: Oro, Plata, Mata
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