Day: January 26, 2026
ICC: Duterte Fit To Join Pre-Trial Proceedings
Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte is medically fit to participate in pre-trial proceedings, the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) Pre-Trial Chamber I ruled on Monday. The decision followed a medical assessment by a panel of three independent experts appointed by the Court to evaluate Duterte’s physical and mental condition. “Having regard to the relevant legal principles,
Army, Police Arrest Top Wanted Murder Suspect In Zamboanga Sibugay Town
IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay — Joint forces of the Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police arrested Wahabbin Bautista Abdulhari, a national-level most wanted fugitive facing multiple murder charges, in Barangay Tiayon, Ipil, on Friday, January 24, 2026. Authorities apprehended Abdulhari at around 4:40 p.m. at Purok China Harbor during in a law enforcement operation led
Cargo Ship That Capsized Near Panatag Was Carrying Nickel Ore, Not Iron — Shipping Data
MANILA, Philippines — The Singapore-flagged bulk carrier M/V Devon Bay that capsized near Scarborough (Panatag) Shoal last week was carrying nickel ore, not iron ore, according to shipping industry data and clarifications from Philippine maritime authorities, correcting earlier reports that misidentified the cargo. The vessel, crewed by 21 Filipino seafarers, overturned in the West Philippine
SIDEBAR: Why Gutalac exports nickel — not iron ore
Gutalac, a coastal municipality in Zamboanga del Norte, is known in mining and shipping circles as a nickel export point, not an iron ore hub. According to government mineral records, Gutalac has no active iron ore mines. Instead, the area hosts lateritic nickel deposits, which are rich in nickel and iron-bearing minerals but are commercially
15 Dead As RORO Ferry Sinks Off Basilan; Search Ongoing For 43 Passengers
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — At least 15 passengers were confirmed dead after a roll-on/roll-off (RORO) ferry sank off the waters of Basilan early Monday, January 26, authorities said. Basilan Governor Mujiv Hataman confirmed the fatalities in an interview with Super Radyo dzBB, saying rescue operations are still ongoing for dozens of missing passengers. Hataman said
PNP Orders Intensified Intel Ops vs Terror Recruitment In Mindanao
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has ordered stricter monitoring and intensified intelligence-gathering to prevent terrorism-related recruitment and training activities in Mindanao, following warnings of renewed militant movements in parts of the region. PNP acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the police force is in constant coordination with the Armed Forces of the
Bright Low-Orbit Satellites Are Becoming A Growing Problem For Astronomy
MANILA, Philippines – Bright satellites orbiting close to Earth are increasingly threatening astronomical research, as a new study on Amazon’s internet satellites underscores a wider problem facing scientists worldwide. Low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites are designed to sit just a few hundred kilometers above the planet to deliver faster internet coverage. But their proximity to
