As a former journalist who covered the Sipadan and the Dos Palmas kidnapping capers by the Abu Sayyaf Group in Sulu and survived, let me give those colleagues of mine some tips on how to handle this situation:
1.
If you're assigned in Jolo, it is best to live inside the PNP camp, a few meters away from the city center or the capitol town. The camp is gated. It is safer there.
2.
Now, if you don't have money to spend in the air-conditioned rooms of the PNP camp, try Helen's lounge. It's cheap. It's decent and clean. However, one tip---when you wake up in the morning and you find kids asking for alms or food, give them some money. And be consistent. Make friends everywhere, even in the Jolo public market (the public market is a place where Christians just find themselves shot in the head, especially if you're a soldier or a cop).
3.
Keep your distance. There are many people who will approach you and will offer assistance or information on the whereabouts of the victims. Don't be misled. These people are scammers. If the contact is legit, you'll know by your gut.
4.
Never give in to the lures or demands of the kidnappers. When I covered the Sipadan hostage crisis, a known contact from the ASG demanded from us ten (10) sacks of rice as "fee" to cover the foreign hostages. I simply said no. I just reasoned that if I give 10 sacks of rice, then, the group will have food to eat and that will simply prolong the situation, ergo, I just have to stay there in Jolo longer than usual.
5.
Try to understand the local culture. There are many former Christians now Muslims living in the town center. They speak Tagalog. Befriend them. Buy something from their stores. Be curious about their thoughts. Ask them the reason why all these things are happening in Jolo. Then, file your reports.
6.
Live as they live. The Jolo town center teems with ASG spies and sympathizers. In fact, you'll find two kinds of people in Jolo---those legit ASG's and military spies. They mingle with the population. They pose as your friends, when they are simply spying on you. Always be attentive and mindful of your surroundings. Try to prevent from being spied on and listed as a prospective victim.
7.
Never agree to go to the ASG camp. This is a very bad move. Okey if you're deeply trusted by the ASG. But, if you're not and your just there for a brief moment, don't sacrifice your life for that exclusive. It's always best to just get your news from the AFP and civilian sources. But, getting first-hand info? Nah. That's just a coverage. Not worthy to give your life to.
8.
Don't get caught between crossfires. Stay clear of military operations, unless you are allowed and the military thinks that it's safe for you to cover it. Safety is your utmost concern. Don't embarrass yourself, your family and your news company if something happens to you. Publicly, they'll not reprimand you. Privately, getting injured or killed when there's actually a safer way to get the info is at most, stupid or worst, reckless.
