Since my childhood years, war has always been there, lurking in the peripheries. I remember in first grade, our teacher sometimes had to tell us to duck under our desks because of supposed rebel sighting nearby. When the coast was clear, Mrs. Salvador would tell us to run home as fast as we can. That was in the early 1970s. It saddens me that up to this day, my children had to undergo the same experiences that I had.

Now, I'm a happy semi-retired journalist here in Iligan City, which is geographically part of Lanao del Norte, enjoying the peace, the environment, family and friends. And then, once again, this.

I did not cover Day 5 coz I had a lot of things to do at home, and no Day 7, too, coz I had to go to Cagayan de Oro for some business. My coverage, mostly pictures, was for MindaNews and Reuters.