02/06/2025
THE DIFFICULTIES I CAME ACCROSS AS MEDIA PRACTITIONER
By: Genton Ampo Cachapero
C/o Infinite Radio 92.9 DYAU,
Can-upao, Jagna, Bohol
Posted: June 2, 2025
Although the event I would like to share in this article was occurred about three decades ago but it is essential for me to remember those personal experience when I was working in Mindanao as media practitioner to inspire others to make a difference in the media world.
In the year 1999, being an anchorman of the News and Public Affairs Program of Station DXDB, an affiliate station of Radio Veritas based in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon went to the outskirt of the Municipality of Carmen, North Cotabato to capture the story about the boundary conflict between the province of Bukidnon. The siren call of duty pulling our team towards the war zone without a battle gear but only a tape recorder and camera.
From the intersection of Barangay Malapag national highway, we ascended riding a hired motorcycle with a deep breath towards the highly elevated plateau locally called as High Point. The area was allegedly used as secondary camp of a group of dissidents who claimed they were members of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (M**F). It was an overlooking down to the vast plain belonging to the jurisdiction of the Municipality of Kadingilan, Bukidnon. Our mission was to hold an interview of the displaced native dwellers who were affected by the boundary conflict between the two provinces. The troubled areas were vacated upon order of the military for no man's land. The affected residents were splited into two groups -- that one was heading to the side of Bukidnon and the other was in North Cotabato to seek asylum in the hands of M**F. The situation of peace and order was on heightened alert due to tension brought by M**F) operating in the area. Nevertheless, our team has dared to proceed and we landed at the residence of the old-aged Barangay Captain for a series of interview.
From High Point our team was guided by some leaders of dissidents to proceed to another hinterland area passing through Barangay Aroman for another interview. With no doubt our team religiously followed the request because the group who invited us were very friendly anyway. Upon reaching the point of destination with about three hours ride by four-vehicle provided by the requesting party, we saw a group of people somewhat waiting on our arrival. They greeted us with smile and friendliness. But tension came to my attention when I saw a machine gun installed at the facade of the building and also a number of armalite rifles hanging on the wall and some were mounted on the other table. In a little while a man with a stouter body built calmly talked to us with some queries about our team. He attentively listened our response, then he introduced himself. Surprisingly he was the sub- commander of the M**F operating in the area. So, we moved with caution and aware of the danger lurking around in every corner. Later on, the interview followed and it lasted for about an hour.
At about sun set time, we asked permission to leave. Despite the difficulties, our mission was accomplished. When I came back to my radio program the following morning, the stories about our journey were the main topic. All recorded interviews were replayed to let concerned officials of the Provincial Government of Bukidnon make actions based on the sentiments of the affected residents.who ended up homeless when chaos broke out in the area.
