ZAMBOANGA CITY — Personnel of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao (Navforwem) rescued a distressed wooden-hulled motor launch with seven crewmen aboard off Tawi-Tawi, a top official said Tuesday. Rear Admiral Rene Medina, Navforwem commander, said motor launch M/L Jomong was rescued Monday while the sailors aboard Patrol Craft-387 (PC-387) of the Naval Task Group Tawi-Tawi was […]
MILF chief assumes gov’t post as BARMM chief
COTABATO CITY – The leader of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is now officially a government official after he assumed on Tuesday the leadership of the expanded autonomous region in southern Philippines. In a turn-over ceremony, MILF chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim assumed the top post of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) from […]
Ex-druggies join Army in Maguindanao fun run
AMPATUAN, Maguindanao – To prove they have reformed and ready to live normal lives again, about 30 former drug dependents who surrendered to the government here joined a fun run initiated by Army troops on Saturday. “The activity was aimed to ensure the well-being of all reformists to deviate them from using illegal drugs and provide […]
Mislatel expected to start ops after May election: DICT
MANILA — The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) said it expects Mislatel Consortium to commence operations after the midterm elections, as both the House of Representatives and Senate still need to reconcile provisions of their respective versions of the resolution approving its franchise. DICT Acting Secretary Eliseo Rio Jr. said the department must wait […]
WHO eyes SoCot as model site for HIV/AIDS intervention
GENERAL SANTOS CITY — The World Health Organization (WHO) is eyeing the province of South Cotabato, as the model for the initiatives on the Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) local government intervention. Dr. Rogelio Aturdido Jr., chief of the Integrated Provincial Health Office, said Monday that a team from the WHO visited […]
Zambo Sibugay vet removes fishing hooks from sea turtle
IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay — A green sea turtle is now recuperating after undergoing a one-and-a-half hour surgery to remove two fishing hooks from its throat. Dr. Efren Davin, the provincial veterinarian, performed the surgery on Wednesday at his office to remove the hooks since the turtle “is in trouble” when it was turned over to environmental […]
Malacañang to Ressa: Just focus on your defense
MANILA — Malacañang on Wednesday urged Rappler chief executive officer (CEO) Maria Ressa to just focus on her defense after the Manila Regional Trial Court branch 46 ordered her arrest over a cyberlibel case. Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said that the Department of Justice (DOJ) has given Ressa all the opportunity to defend herself. “The charge […]
Eastmincom chief wants to adopt Caraga peace zone initiative
DAVAO CITY — The chief of the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) said military units should address issues in conflict-affected areas under the peace zone concept, with Caraga region as the benchmark for the initiative. Major Gen. Felimon Santos Jr. said he personally witnessed the positive results from the peace and development concept in Caraga during a […]
Bangsamoro museum opens
ACOTABATO CITY — The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) on Wednesday opened to the public the first-ever Bangsamoro Museum at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex, the provisional seat of the ARMM. ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman, who led the opening of the museum, said they have sought the assistance of a national curator, and the competence […]
‘Bato’ asks prelate for forgiveness over drug war deaths
NAGA CITY — Former Philippine National Police (PNP) and Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Chief Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa on Wednesday asked forgiveness from Archbishop Rolando Tria Tirona of the Diocese of Caceres in Naga City, for the lives lost as a result of the government’s campaign to eradicate drugs. “Bishop, ako po ay humihingi ng tawad sa […]
6 towns to remain in Lanao Norte after BOL plebiscite
TUBOD, Lanao del Norte — The six contested towns in this province will remain under its jurisdiction after the “no” vote won the February 6 Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) plebiscite. During Thursday’s final canvassing, results showed that the six towns that vied for inclusion in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao voted “yes” but all […]
Cebu farmers embrace new technologies to improve production
CEBU CITY — Farmers in the canyoneering town of Badian, Cebu proved to the whole world they can also become astute in learning new ways of tilling their land, thanks to the Department of Agriculture’s determination to infuse new technology in Cebu’s farmlands. Judilyn Catacutan, a farmer of Banhigan, Badian, loved the usual and traditional method […]
Large fishes thrive near Gigantes Island
ILOILO CITY — Large fishes have been spotted near the shore of Carles in Iloilo province’s Gigantes Island based on testimonies of local fishers, as gathered by a team sent by the local government unit to probe the stranding incident of a Sei whale species (Balaenoptera borealis) off the coast of Barangay Gabi on February 4. […]