As of this writing, the headline of the same news website still says: “Bomb attack on Cotabato City cathedral kills four, hurts 30.” It’s clear on the story , not just on GMA News, that the bomb went off across the church and not even inside the compound of Immaculate Concepcion cathedral. Although the blast scene is just about 20 meters away from the gate the Cathedral,  it’s still not right to write the headline that way.

I understand that writing headlines should always be ‘catchy’ but it should not sacrifice the accuracy or even mislead the public. Accuracy is the word.  With that headline, it really appears that there is an attack against the place of worship. It adds fuel to the already complex Moro-Christian relationship in the region.

With this kind of treatment to stories, it does not actually help to the atmosphere of peace in Mindanao. Because for those who are not really familiar with the situation in Mindanao, it really appears that the conflict here in Mindanao has something to do with the religion.  That headline has an undertone.

For the story to sell, sensationalize it? I think it should not be like that. For the story to be credible, get it right.

This is a common problem with the Manila-based news organizations. I’m wondering if they have maps inside the newsrooms. General Santos City is about two hours away from Maitum town in Sarangani province.