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MENRE Opens Door to International Energy Partnership as Malaysian Firm Eyes BARMM Opportunities
COTABATO CITY — In a move signaling the Bangsamoro government’s growing openness to strategic and sustainable energy partnerships, the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Energy (MENRE) welcomed officials of Malaysia-based Watan Energy Solution during a courtesy visit on January 27, 2026, aimed at exploring potential collaboration in the region’s emerging energy sector. The visit…
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Bridging the Digital Divide: Globe’s Submarine Cable Project to Strengthen Connectivity in Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi
ZAMBOANGA CITY — Long isolated by geography and years of limited digital infrastructure, the island provinces of Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi are poised to take a major step toward digital inclusion as telecommunications giant Globe Telecom prepares to roll out its Submarine Cable Project in early 2026—an initiative seen as critical to ensuring that island…
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PCG Rescues Distressed Passenger Boat off Basilan Amid Ongoing SAR Ops
BASILAN PROVINCE — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) successfully rescued a distressed motor launch off the coast of Basilan on Sunday after it suffered a steering failure while en route to Zamboanga City, authorities said. The Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao (CGDSWM), through BRP Tubbataha (MRRV-4401), responded to the emergency involving ASX Express 2, which…
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Farmer shot dead in broad daylight in Rajah Buayan, Maguindanao del Sur
RAJAH BUAYAN, Maguindanao del Sur — A 39-year-old farmer was killed on the spot after being shot in a brazen midday attack along the national highway in Barangay Mileb on Sunday, February 1, police said. The victim was identified as Datu Adzis Kanakan Utto, also known as “Mandangan,” a married farmer and resident of Barangay…
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After the Bodies Are Recovered, Will We Finally Act?
The sinking of M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 off the waters of Basilan, which claimed at least 40 lives, has once again exposed a painful truth Filipinos know too well: government action almost always comes after tragedy, never before it. In the days following the disaster, decisive words finally surfaced. Bangsamoro officials pledged cooperation with national…
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Former Violent Extremists, Army Forge Trust in Basilan Peacebuilding Initiative
LAMITAN CITY, Basilan — In a significant step toward lasting peace and social reintegration, Former Violent Extremists (FVE) and the Philippine Army’s 18th Infantry Battalion (18IB) successfully conducted a team-building activity on January 31, 2026, at the 18IB Headquarters in Barangay Campo Uno, Lamitan City. Led by 18IB Commander Lt. Col. Anthony C. Caro, INF…
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Three More Bodies Recovered in Ongoing SAR Ops for Sunken MV Trisha Kerstin 3
Zamboanga City — The death toll from the sinking of passenger vessel MV Trisha Kerstin 3 has risen to 36 after authorities recovered three more bodies during continuing search and rescue (SAR) operations, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) confirmed on Friday, January 31, 2026. According to the PCG, two cadavers were retrieved at around 1:42…
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Two High-Value Drug Suspects Nabbed in Php210K Buy-Bust Operation
Wao, Lanao del Sur — In a coordinated crackdown against illegal drugs, law enforcement authorities successfully arrested two suspected drug personalities and seized illicit substances worth over Php210,800 during a buy-bust operation in Barangay East Kili-kili on January 28, 2026. The operation was the result of sustained intelligence gathering and careful surveillance by a joint…
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Maternal Death in Basilan Raises Alarms Over Gaps in Public Health System
Isabela City, Basilan — The death of a 27-year-old pregnant woman and her unborn child at the Basilan Medical Center (BMC) has ignited public outrage and renewed scrutiny over the country’s strained public health system, particularly in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas like Basilan, where chronic shortages in funding, facilities, and medical manpower continue to…
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Army Corporal Riddled With 15 Bullets in Broad Daylight Ambush in Lanao del Sur
PAGAYAWAN, Lanao del Sur — An Army corporal was killed in a brazen daylight shooting after being riddled with at least 15 bullets by still unidentified gunmen along a roadside in Barangay Bandara-Ingud, Pagayawan, Lanao del Sur, on the morning of January 30, 2026. The victim was identified as CPL. Raven D. Bulaclac, also known…