About the author: Jesus G. Dureza. The following introduction to the author preceded the article in which the diary was published:
Dureza had successfully handled past crises situations notably the “detention” by MNLF Saber Malik of Marine Gen. Benjamin Dolorfino and OPAPP Usec Ramon Santos in Sulu in 2007; the handover of Misuari from Malaysian authorities to face rebellion charges in 2002; the surrender of convicted priest-killer escapee Manero in 2001; the release of Gen. Obillo and Capt. Montealto by NPA Commander Parago with the Capalla humanitarian team in 1999; the Cebu Pacific plane crash in Misamis Oriental in 1998; the Mindanao El Nino crisis in 1998; the Davao Penal Colony hostage situation in 1998.)
About this diary: This diary was originally released to the public as “Maguindanao Massacre: The Four Critical Days.” Mindanews subsequently published a modified version of this account in four installments, a year later. See: Day One, Day Two, Day Three, Day Four. Both versions are presented in The Philippine Diary Project: the diary as originally published is in bold text, while the version published a year later, is in unformatted text.