Day 1: First salvo - Ambush in Molundo, Lanao del Sur
On August 17, fellow journalist Richel Umel (of Inquirer) and I covered a very peaceful endeavor in Marawi, at the capitol compound of Lanao del Sur -- awarding of scholarship, training and research grants courtesy of Saudi billionaire Prince Al Waleed -- when we heard of the war in nearby Molundo town. Shortly after, we visited Col. Rey Ardo at the headquarters of the Army's 103rd Infantry Brigade. When we got there, they were airlifting wounded soldiers to hospitals in Iligan City. Seven on the government side were killed and 12 wounded; no such report if the MILF sufferred casualties.