We begin a series of discussions with authors nominated for the Witold Pilecki International Book Award. Meet Carmela S. Fonbuena, whose book "Marawi Seige. Stories from the Front Lines" is nominated for the Prize in the 3rd category for contemporary war c

On 23 May 2017, an attempt by the Philippine military and police to arrest one of the leaders of a local terrorist network that identifies with the Islamic State began 153 days of clashes in Marawi City. In her book, reporter Carmela Fonbuena, who was present on the front lines of the fighting, describes the specifics of the war waged in a densely built-up city, where death arrived on snipers' bullets and in ubiquitous landmines. The book "Marawi Siege. Stories from the Front Lines" also introduces the broader context of the battle for the city and a conflict that tore apart the Philippine region of Mindanao. The author gives voice to both those who participated in the fighting and the civilians who suffered because of it.

Carmela S. Fonbuena is a journalist specializing in security and political life in the Philippines, as well as the director of the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism. She has previously been a correspondent for the Rappler website and currently works with The Guardian.