Brief: To develop an in depth cover feature for Expat magazines first ever Humanitarian Issue.
SCOPE OF WORK: Produced a journalistic article that was shot on location over a 3 day period in the Southern Philippines conflict zone, Maguindanao. World Food Programme’s country director Stephen Anderson was the cover feature while Filipina actress and WFP’s ambassador, KC Concepcion was a second feature.
For those who may not be aware of the conflict in Mindanao. Let me offer a brief history. The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) (Arabic: جبهة تحرير مورو الإسلامية) is an Islamist group located in the southern Philippines. It is one of two Islamic military groups, the other being the Abu Sayyaf, that claim belligerency against the Government of the Philippines, the United States and its supporters for political corruption. These groups are found in Bangsamoro region, an area in Mindanao, the Sulu Archipelago, Palawan, Basilan and other neighboring islands.
It’s sad that the conflict down South causes the instability for families who just want to “get on with life”. Most affected are the kids and the elders…My team and I was very blessed to see a part of the world off limits to most. I must admit it was a bit odd being looked at in such a curious manner. We were in Cotabata City. Cotabato City is one of the cities of the Philippines located in Mindanao. Cotabato City is an exclave of the SOCCSKSARGEN region found within the boundaries of Maguindanao province, but is independent of that province. Cotabato City is distinct from and should not be confused with the province of Cotabato. Cotabato City is the regional center of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao but the city is actually part of the SOCCSKSARGEN region and does not belong to the ARMM.
