when i was doing the schedule for our impact assessment survey in ARMM, i made sure that id go to camp abubakar.jaime had earlier gone to the place, famed for its reputation as the MILF's training camp.i dint had any reservations or worries.i just wanted to go. i was curious.i wanted to meet some rebels, see if they did carry firearms around their neighorhood.so when we finally arrived at the place, i got more than i bargained for!
slow-mo to our trip, we rode this 4x4 pajero because the place has a rough terrain. we were going off-road, baby. :) along the main road, you could see rolling hills planted with tall coconut trees.the road was not paved and we had to endure some bumps. when we exited from the highway, that was when the real action began.it had rained the day before, so the road was muddy AND a bit steep.good thing i was used to baguio's off-road inclines so it dint come as a shock for me.fast-forward and we arrive at the place.already, a group of farmers had arrived at their training venue.while we were conducting the interviews, i saw this guy arrive with his big ammo.man, it wasnt just an ammo.M-16.it was big!and loaded.he even has spare magazines neatly stuck on his belt.sheesh.i just shrugged it off and continued with the interviews.the farmers were accomodating, although they had some difficulties talking to me because they dint know much tagalog words.we went there on a friday, the day when moslems go to their mosques for service.so we had to finish before 12 noon.while on our way back to the office, the driver told me one of the armed men asked him about me.tsk!he was asking if he could get my number, blah blah.
buti na lang hindi alam ng driver yung number ko.bless him. :)


add-ons:
mom has never called me since i got here.it has always been me who calls her evrytime id feel homesick.but when she learned i was in camp abubakar, napatawag ang lola mo! haha.really freaked out. :) i decided i wudnt tell her id go to basilan. *wink wink*