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OP-ED: Building Bridges for Peace and Progress — The Promise of the ZAMBAS Friendship Bridge
June 2025 For decades, the Island Province of Basilan has remained just out of reach — both literally and metaphorically — from the opportunities that have transformed mainland cities like Zamboanga into centers of trade, education, health, and governance in Western Mindanao. This disconnect has contributed to a cycle of underdevelopment, isolation, and instability. But…
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BCCI President Slams Poor Ferry Services Between Zamboanga and Basilan, Calls for Urgent Reforms
Isabela City, Basilan — June 3, 2025 The Basilan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) has raised alarm over what it calls the “unacceptable” state of maritime services between Zamboanga City and Basilan, citing rampant violations of safety protocols, worsening customer service, and the unchecked presence of illegal ticket sellers. In a strongly worded statement,…
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Lanao del Sur Backs MSU-Led Research to Save Lake Lanao’s Endemic Fish Species
Marawi City, June 3, 2025 — The Provincial Government of Lanao del Sur has pledged full support to a newly approved research initiative spearheaded by Mindanao State University (MSU) to conserve the endangered endemic fish species of Lake Lanao—one of the oldest and most ecologically significant lakes in the Philippines. The commitment was reaffirmed in…
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Drug Suspect Nabbed in Wao Buy-Bust Operation
Wao, Lanao del Sur — May 31, 2025 — A joint anti-illegal drug operation conducted by local law enforcement agencies led to the arrest of a suspected drug pusher in Wao town on Saturday afternoon. Authorities identified the suspect only by his alias “Tarak,” a 33-year-old male resident of Purok 7, Barangay East Kili-kili, where…
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Vendor Nabbed, Two Others Escape in Datu Odin Sinsuat Anti-Drug Operation
Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte — Authorities arrested a 42-year-old female vendor identified as a newly listed drug personality during an intelligence-led anti-drug operation in Sitio Ummah Village, Barangay Capiton, around 8:30 PM on May 30, 2025. The suspect was caught in the act and taken into custody, while two other individuals — a…
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Senior Drug Suspect Nabbed in Marawi City, Php6.8-M Worth of Shabu Seized
Marawi City, Lanao del Sur – Authorities arrested a 64-year-old man in a major anti-drug operation on May 31, 2025, that led to the confiscation of approximately one kilogram of suspected shabu valued at Php6.8 million. The suspect, a resident of Barangay Dilausan in Poona Bayabao, Lanao del Sur, was apprehended in a buy-bust operation…
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Opinion: BARMM Deserves Better—Not Just Peace, But a Political System That Works
The recently concluded 2025 National and Local Elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) were once again marred by the paradox that has haunted this region for decades: a fragile peace protected by guns and uniforms, and a democratic process riddled with fear, coercion, and control by political dynasties and armed groups.…
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144 Former Extremists in Basilan Receive Livelihood Support to Aid Reintegration
Isabela City, Basilan | May 31, 2025 — In a significant step toward lasting peace and reintegration in Basilan, 144 former violent extremists (FVEs) received livelihood assistance through a community-based initiative led by the Katalingbanong Pamahandi sa Mindanaw Foundation Inc. (KPMFI), with support from the 101st Infantry “Three Red Arrows” Brigade and the Provincial Government…
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Police Operation in Tawi-Tawi Yields ₱85K Worth of Suspected Shabu, Firearm; Suspect Killed in Encounter
Languyan, Tawi-Tawi — June 1, 2025 — A suspect was killed and over ₱85,000 worth of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, or shabu, was confiscated during an anti-illegal drug operation in Barangay Basnunuk, Languyan, Tawi-Tawi on May 30. According to the Languyan Municipal Police Station (MPS), the operation was launched at around 4:10 p.m. in response to…
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MILF Commander Fatally Shot in Mamasapano, Family Seeks Justice
MAMASAPANO, MAGUINDANAO DEL SUR — A commander of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) was gunned down by an unidentified assailant in Barangay Libutan, Mamasapano, on the evening of May 30. The victim was identified by relatives as Mahdi Eskak, also known by the alias “Supremo,” a battalion commander of the National Guard and Task…