COTABATO CITY – Broadcast, print and online journalists covering the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and North Cotabato mourn the demise of a fellow journalist in a vehicular accident Monday afternoon in Matalam, North Cotabato.
Manila Times provincial correspondent Mohammad “Moh” Saaduddin, 37, son-in-law of Manila Bulletin scribe Ali Macabalang, figured in a mishap along the national highway in Matalam town at 5:30 p.m.
Macabalang said Saaduddin was driving his motorbike, a Suzuki Raider 150cc motorcycle, traveling back home to Kidapawan City from a news coverage in Cotabato City when the accident happened.
Saaduddin’s motorbike rammed the rear portion of a cargo truck, the Matalam police said. He died on the spot from severe head and neck injuries.
Saaduddin had just covered the 3rd “Kanduli” (thanksgiving party) of the Mangudadatu and Sinsuat political clans’ renewal of coalition at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex in Cotabato City prior to the ill-fated incident.
The victim was laid to rest Tuesday morning according to Islamic rites.
In a statement, the Cotabato City-based journalists described Saaduddin as a gentle fellow and full of smiles during news coverages.
Maguindanao Governor Esmael Mangudadatu condoled with the family of Saaduddin, while Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Assistant Sec. Dickson Hermoso recalled Saaduddin as a very jolly person. (/PNA)
