Chapter 1
The SUV drove by the three Journalists Daniel, Miggy, and Cristine was fast. The three were assigned to go to the 847 Community area. They need to make a full-length documentary for the select tv show that their network serves.
They have no idea what kind of place they are going to. As long as their Program Manager just told them, 847 is the right place. They say they can get many different stories from the residents living there.
From Manila, they traveled about seven hours to that place. That end of Batangas.
"Are we still far away?" asked Cristine, who was alone in the back of the SUV.
"I think we are still far away, Mam Cristine." old driver Dado replied.
"Stop there at the store. We'll ask for a moment. Maybe we're getting lost." Daniel commanded Mang Dado. Mang Dado stopped the SUV on the side of the road. The three Journalists got off and went to the little shop just next to the Highway.
"Are you sure you're going to that place?" astonished the old woman the three of them were talking to. It watches them closely. It looks at them from head to toe.
"Yes, mom. We are Journalists. We have to plan that place for our Documentary. Will we have to travel in a few hours to get there?" Miggy replied. While holding the DSLR Camera.
It was a long time before the old woman answered. It took a deep sigh first.
"You'll only have to travel for about half an hour. When you get to the bridge, it's already downstairs. On the left. But kids ... I hope you don't stay. That place is too dangerous. The policy there is different. Maybe you can't handle it. " meaningfully said the old woman.
The three Journalists looked at each other. But it was Cristine who spoke.
"We are ready, Mom, whatever we can encounter in that area. This is part of our job. Thank you very much, Mom."
The older woman shook her head. But it spoke again.
"It's up to you. Just be careful. Be alert when you are inside that place. That place is dangerous."
Cristine just smiled. Exile non said goodbye to the older woman. The three of them got back in the SUV and left the small shop.
After more than 30 minutes.
The SUV stopped in front of the massive gate. There is a large signboard posted there. 847 Community.
The name of that place is strange. It is not typical to call places in the province such as places or neighborhoods.
"Mang Dado, bring us back here at the end of this month. We need to stay here in this place so that we can do a good documentary that we need to do." Daniel said to the older man as Miggy helped him unload their belongings.
Cristine went downstairs. One by one, it captures the look of that place. It's not scary. But the quiet. Or maybe because they are not inside yet.
"Oh, okay, Sir Daniel. Just call me on my cellphone when you can reconcile."
"All right. Please be careful on the trip." Daniel replied.
Mang Dado got in the SUV again and left the three Journalists standing in front of the big gate.
WELCOME TO 847 COMMUNITY
This is what is placed at the entrance of the gate.
They approached there. Cristine did not know if she would laugh because there was a guard at that place's very gate.
They talked. Introduced. The guard called someone, and after a while, he let them inside.
847. It looks like a place in Metro Manila only. Lots of houses. It can be compared to the Baseco Tondo area.
"It's like we're in Manila. This place is unique. It's fascinating to go and make a documentary." said Miggy as she watched the people they met walk.
Soon someone was approaching them. Eight guards. Seven Kagawad and Punong Barangay.
"Hello. Come and stay in my jurisdiction."
They are already inside Brgy Hall. The Punong Barangay talks to them. Many people are curious outside the window. I was looking at them. Cristine is isolated. Miggy, on the other hand, just took the pictures. Daniel is talking to the Punong Barangay.
"You are free to do whatever you want for your Documentary. It is up to you which of the residents here you wish to interview. But I want to let you know that there are some rules here in 847. Once you are here, you must after you have been here for 30 days. Our megaphone sounds for a signal. A signal that residents are free to kill. There is no exact time of what time or when the megaphone will say. Every morning you will receive a white envelope outside your home. There is written the description of the person who will be killed here in the compound is. You only have two hours to make that policy. And if you do not do that, your life will be in danger. "
Daniel, Miggy, and Cristine could not speak. They were shocked. Curious. Confused. They looked at each other.
"What are you saying? We do not understand." Cristine asked.
"You will know in the next few days. Just remember, starting tomorrow, you need to be alert, be careful, do not trust those you encounter. The person who is afraid and will not fight will die."
The three Journalists could no longer speak. They seem to be getting cold. They do not fully understand what is in that place. They were nervous.
TO BE CONTINUED ...