LOWER OLANDANG, Midsayap, North Cotabato (MindaNews/18 October) – A bridge separates this town from Datu Piang in Maguindanao where one person was killed and another injured early evening Wednesday in Barangay Kalipapa but American soldiers participating in a medical civic action program (medcap) here Thursday, didn't appear bothered.

A team comprising representatives from the municipal health office, the Philippine and US military and the Philippine National Police arrived at noon in this tree-shaded area near a school, to distribute medicines for basic ailments, multivitamins, a few pieces of toothbrush, umbrellas, tee-shirts, bullcaps and backpacks.

Municipal doctor Amymone Rayray said a Medical Seminar (medsem) was held October 15 to 17 where they gathered three participants each from 15 riverside barangays, mostly Moro-dominated areas, to guide them on what to do during medcaps in their areas.

“This is the first time this is being done in the Philippines,” Dr. Shaun Alderman of Minnesota, a member of the US Special Operations Task Force, told MindaNews. He was referring to the holding of a medsem, which he described as a “brand new concept” and a “revolutionary method.”

MIDSAYAP, Cotabato — Pit Senor! Hala Bira! — the famous words uttered by devotees of Santo Niño all over the country, once again reverberated in the thoroughfare of Midsayap as it celebrated its patronal fiesta on the third Sunday of January.

Upon the invitation of Tourism Region XII director Sohura Dimaampao, we covered the Halad 2002 Festival, for a change, instead of the Sinulog in Cebu.

But something uncomfortable happened. In going to Cotabato, instead of the usual Manila-Cotabato-Manila ticket of PAL, we were given an Air Philippines ticket with a Manila-Cebu-Gen. Santos itinerary. We were fetched by Jose Cabulanan, DOT-Region XII tourism officer and from Gen. Santos started the four-hour drive to Cotabato.