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COMELEC Chair George Garcia Enthroned as “Datu Romapunut” in Mindanao, Sparks Cultural Debate
Butig, Lanao del Sur – July 26, 2025 — Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Chairman George Erwin Garcia was officially enthroned as Datu Romapunut, or “Leader of Peace,” in a traditional ceremony held Friday at the Dianaton Naim Gymnasium in the municipality of Butig, Lanao del Sur. The event was attended by local officials, traditional leaders,…
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EU Envoy Visits Teduray School of Living Traditions in Maguindanao, Affirms Support for Indigenous Peoples
UPI, Maguindanao del Norte — European Union (EU) Ambassador to the Philippines Massimo Santoro underscored the importance of Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in peacebuilding and inclusive development during his visit to the construction site of the School of Living Traditions (SLT) in Barangay Nuro on June 23. “Indigenous Peoples, for the European Union, are a fundamental…
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Unlicensed Fisherman Arrested, Fishing Boat Confiscated in Basilan Maritime Patrol
BASILAN PROVINCE, Philippines — July 26, 2025 — A routine seaborne patrol operation conducted by the Basilan Maritime Police Station (MARPSTA) led to the confiscation of a commercial fishing boat and the arrest of an unlicensed fisherman in the waters off Barangay Upper Portholland, Maluso, Basilan. The operation, which took place at around 8:45 PM…
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Suspected Member of Sulu Private Armed Group Arrested for Multiple Criminal Charges
SULU, Philippines – Authorities have arrested a suspected member of a notorious private armed group in Sulu, identified as Otoh Sali, alias “Otoh Mangguna,” according to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Sulu Provincial Field Unit. CIDG Acting Director Brig. Gen. Romeo Macapaz confirmed that Sali was taken into custody by virtue of an…
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OPINION | No Decommissioning, No Peace? A Nation at the Crossroads of Broken Promises and Growing Distrust
When the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) declared in a July 19 resolution that “there will be no further decommissioning of MILF combatants until the government fulfills its promises to those previously decommissioned,” it sent more than just a message of frustration. It served as a warning — and a reckoning — for a fragile…
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Sulu Provincial Government Sends Relief Aid to Storm- and Flood-Hit Areas
Sulu Province — Demonstrating solidarity and compassion during times of crisis, the Provincial Government of Sulu has prepared and committed to delivering much-needed relief assistance to communities severely affected by recent storms and monsoon rains. Led by Sulu Vice Governor Abdusakur M. Tan, the province is set to distribute 2,000 sacks of rice and 1,000…
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Over 200 High-Powered Firearms Surrendered During 1st Barangay Peace Summit in Maguindanao del Sur
Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur — In a significant step towards promoting peace and public safety, more than 200 high-powered and assorted firearms were voluntarily surrendered during the successful conduct of the 1st Barangay Peace Summit held Friday, July 25, at Camp Datu Akilan Ampatuan in Shariff Aguak. The landmark event was spearheaded by Maguindanao…
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Popular Vlogger ‘Doofz’ Shot Dead Outside Coffee Shop in Sulu
Patikul, Sulu — A well-known vlogger in Sulu, Mohammad Riza “Doofz” Muksan, was shot dead by unidentified gunmen outside a coffee shop in Litayon Beach, Barangay Umangay, Patikul, on Friday evening, July 25, 2025. According to initial reports from the Patikul Municipal Police Station and the Sulu Provincial Police Office, the 37-year-old victim was about…
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2 Nabbed, P173K Worth of Suspected Shabu Seized in Maguindanao del Sur Checkpoint
Datu Anggal Midtimbang, Maguindanao del Sur — Two men were arrested and over P173,000 worth of suspected shabu was confiscated during a checkpoint operation conducted by the Datu Anggal Midtimbang Municipal Police Station (DAM MPS) along the National Highway in Barangay Adaon at around 7:47 PM on July 24, 2025. The anti-drug operation forms part…
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Six Barangay Chiefs in Pagalungan Surrender High-Powered Firearms to Police
PAGALUNGAN, MAGUINDANAO DEL SUR — In a show of strong support for peace and public safety, six barangay chairpersons from Pagalungan voluntarily surrendered several high-powered and homemade firearms to the Pagalungan Municipal Police Station on July 23, 2025. The peaceful turnover, held in the presence of barangay councilors and local police officers, is part of…