It was a dream coverage..and it came true! It was exciting, scary, heartbreaking all at the same time.
It’s true: once you’ve been to war, you’ll have a different look at life.
Will blog about this more, but for now I have to write stories. 
DAVAO CITY, Philippines — (UPDATE 2) Six vehicles in the convoy of Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno figured in a smash-up early Tuesday evening, causing minor injuries among journalists, including this writer, security escorts and DILG staff.
The 25-vehicle convoy was heading for Barangay (village) Dumoy in this city at around 6 p.m. when a car in the middle of the convoy suddenly braked, causing a chain reaction.
The rented vans and the Corolla Altis of Chief Superintendent Felizardo Serapio were wrecked.
Puno is in Mindanao to check the situation in areas affected by the fighting between government forces and Moro Islamic Liberation Front fighters.
The journalists had to be transported to Davao City on a police patrol car after the incident.
Among the reporters who covered Puno’s visit are Alcuin Papa of the Philippine Daily Inquirer (parent company of INQUIRER.net); Noel Alamar, radio dzMM; Benjie Liwanag, dzBB; Joy Cantos, Pilipino Star; Christine Roque, NBN 4; Cecil Suerte Felipe, Philippine Star; and Jamie Quinto, RMN Manila
VIEW STORY HERE: INQUIRER.net;
There was also a story in GMAnews.tv
OUR FUNNY PIC:
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This entry will be very short (hopefully, because I have to send stories and videos!) although I have soooooo many stories to share.
I’m just glad we’ve survived the first two days in Mindanao. Well actually the first day (Sunday) was lots of fun, haha. We were like tourists and posed for photos like there’s no tomorrow in Ozamiz City (with bodyguards, obviously). I was even able to go around the town ALONE for some 10-20 minutes. haha, stubborn me. I thought it was safe because our hotel was right at the downtown. But I knew I had to return to the hotel when I saw plenty of soldiers in one area.
Monday was very hectic. We had over four truckloads of heavily armed bodyguards. Soldiers even guard us when we need to go to the comfort room! Tsk.
Anyway, we went to Lanao del Norte and walked through the affected areas in MILF attacks. Heavens, it was heartbreaking. 
But I expected things like these, it’s just different when you’ve seen everything up close–the destroyed houses, the displaced residents, the chaotic community. Hmm which reminds me I must be doing my feature story now instead of this blog entry. :p
Tomorrow we’ll be in North Cotabato. I hope it’ll still be safe.
I’d love to write my thoughts about the never-ending conflict in Mindanao but I’m quite lost right now. But i think it’s a pity that such a paradise (so they say) turned into a war-zone.
Anyway, I’m crossing my fingers for this weekend trip to push through. After all these years, Mindanao coverage has remained a dream. But I think it’ll finally come true this Saturday (or Sunday? whichever)!
The desk editors said yes (after I assured them I won’t be in the war zone). Tickets are being readied by now. 
My mom and Nixlove gave their nods (with reservations, obviously).
Hay, I’m so giddy, excited, and nervous. But I think I can handle the trip already, Bell’s palsy is no longer a problem. :p I’ll just be taking tons of vitamins with me. hehe
A week before I bid the security beat goodbye, I’ll finally fulfill one of my dreams. Thank you, Lord!
MANILA, Philippines — The entire force of the National Capital Region Police Office has been placed on full alert to avert possible attacks in Metro Manila by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), an official said.
As of 8 a.m. Tuesday, the 25,000-strong NCRPO has been on its highest alert and will enforce strict security measures in public areas, said Police Director Geary Barias, NCRPO chief.
“We are just enhancing the security in Manila with regards to the peace and order situation in Mindanao,” said Barias in a phone interview.
FULL STORY HERE: INQUIRER.net
Lieutenant colonel slain in fighting
MANILA, Philippines — (UPDATE 4) An Army lieutenant colonel was among 26 persons — 23 civilians and three soldiers — killed in fighting triggered by attacks by fighters of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Lanao del Norte province on Monday, officials said.
Two other soldiers were wounded.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) said some 7,000 individuals in the province were displaced and are now in various evacuation centers.
FULL STORY HERE: INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — A junior police officer has been charged for the murder of broadcaster Dennis Cuesta, who died five days after he was shot in General Santos City on August 4.
Chief Superintendent Nicanor Bartolome, Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesman, said Inspector Redemptor Acharon was charged with murder before the Department of Justice Sunday for the death of Dennis Cuesta, program director of Radio Mindanao Network’s dxMD.
Bartolome said officers of the National Union of the Journalist of the Philippines (NUJP) met with Director General Avelino Razon Jr. about the case.
Razon has ordered the immediate transfer of Acharon from Central Mindanao (Region 12) to PNP headquarters in Camp Crame in Quezon City, Bartolome said.
FULL STORY HERE: INQUIRER.net
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