Protected By Conflict

I may have forgotten the first time I flew on a plane, but I will never forget the first time I flew with Seair.

Seair operated a small, 18-seater aircraft that I frequently boarded for trips to Jolo, Sulu and Bongao, Tawi-Tawi. The plane reminded me of the one in Jurassic Park—not because it was ancient, but because its compact size resembled the aircraft used in the movie. It felt personal, almost as if I were stepping onto a private plane rather than a commercial flight.

A fellow passenger once reassured me that this aircraft was safer than larger commercial planes because, in the event of engine trouble, it could glide rather than simply drop from the sky. That thought was somewhat comforting—though I wasn’t entirely convinced.

The takeoff was unlike anything I had experienced before. There were no standard safety instructions, no pre-flight briefing, and no demonstrations of how to use a life jacket. In fact, I had no idea where the life jackets were stored or how we would exit the plane in an emergency. But since no one else seemed concerned, I decided to follow suit and remain calm. We were flying over open water, and I reassured myself: *At least I know how to swim.*

As we left the mainland of Mindanao behind and soared over the islands of Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi, my initial apprehension faded into awe. The view from above was nothing short of breathtaking. The islands unfolded like emerald gems scattered across a sea of sapphire. Their lush greenery contrasted sharply with the pristine white sand beaches, while the clear blue waters shimmered under the sunlight. It was a sight that rivaled, if not surpassed, the famed tourist destinations elsewhere in the country.

Despite the stunning scenery, a sobering thought crossed my mind. These islands, so untouched and pristine, had long been associated with conflict. Ironically, I wondered if the very struggles that had plagued the region had, in some way, preserved its natural beauty—shielding it from excessive tourism and commercial exploitation.

My flight with Seair was more than just a journey; it was an experience that opened my eyes to the wonders of this lesser-known part of the Philippines. It reminded me that beauty and adversity often coexist and that even in places marked by history’s scars, nature continues to flourish, waiting for the world to take notice.