Author: John Unson

John Unson is a veteran Filipino journalist who serves as a staff writer for the regions “Central Mindanao and BARMM” at The Philippine Star. He covers news and events in Mindanao — especially in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and the broader Central Mindanao area. His reporting spans a wide range of topics including security incidents, terrorist-related developments, drug enforcement, smuggling operations, social issues, and regional politics.

News

Military Officials, Peace and Order Councils Commends Muslim, Non-Moro, and Indigenous Communities for Helping Keep Bangsamoro Elections Generally Peaceful

byJohn UnsonSeptember 18, 2026September 18, 2026

Muslim, Christian and indigenous communities have been praised for helping maintain peace during the first…

News

Macacua Poised to Stay On as Bangsamoro Chief Minister as Local Leaders Rally Behind Him After Landmark Parliament Polls

byJohn UnsonSeptember 18, 2026September 18, 2026

Abdulraof Macacua is emerging as the preferred choice to remain Bangsamoro chief minister, with local…

Mindanao Regions

Violence Rocks BARMM Polls, Comelec Takes Control of All 37 Cotabato City Barangays

byJohn UnsonSeptember 14, 2026September 14, 2026

Six people were killed and at least 17 wounded in shootings and an explosion that…

Community Features

They Could Have Chosen Easier Lives. Instead, These Four Teachers Went Home to Serve Poor Children in Remote South Cotabato.

byJohn UnsonSeptember 13, 2026September 13, 2026

Four women who became teachers through a Sagittarius Mines scholarship have returned to remote Tampakan,…

News

‘Doc Jojo’ Gains Local Support as Officials Back His BARMM Parliament Bid

byJohn UnsonSeptember 12, 2026September 12, 2026

A physician known as “Doc Jojo” for bringing medical missions to poor Bangsamoro communities is…

Mindanao News Regions

MNLF Ulama Council Rallies Behind Peaceful First BARMM Parliamentary Elections

byJohn UnsonSeptember 10, 2026September 10, 2026

MNLF Chairman Muslimin Sema and Ulama Council members rally behind a peaceful September 14 BARMM…

Mindanao Regions

Lanao del Sur Governor Hails ‘Doc Jojo’ After Hospital Shake-Up Brings New Hope to Bangsamoro’s Forgotten Communities

byJohn UnsonSeptember 3, 2026September 3, 2026

Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal “Bombit” Adiong Jr. has thanked Bangsamoro Health Minister Kadil Sinolinding…

Elections Mindanao Regions Security

3 Army Divisions Mobilize for High-Stakes Bangsamoro Elections as September 14 Vote Tests Fragile Peace

byJohn UnsonSeptember 1, 2026September 1, 2026

Three Army divisions are coordinating security for Bangsamoro's September 14 parliamentary elections, a major test…

Mindanao Regions

Bangsamoro Leaders’ Partnership That Crosses Political Lines to Bring Peace, Healthcare, and Hope to Ligawasan Communities

byJohn UnsonAugust 30, 2026August 30, 2026

Bangsamoro Parliament Member Kadil Sinolinding Jr. and Ligawasan Vice Mayor Jenaida Abas are strengthening cooperation…

Mindanao Regions

5,000 Cops Deployed to BARMM: Massive Security Operation Launched as Region Braces for First-Ever Parliamentary Election

byJohn UnsonAugust 28, 2026August 28, 2026

Thousands of police are being mobilized across BARMM as authorities brace for its first parliamentary…

Mindanao News Regions

MP Sinolinding’s Supporters Urge Tight Security as Bangsamoro Parliamentary Vote Nears

byJohn UnsonAugust 24, 2026August 24, 2026

Supporters of Bangsamoro MP Kadil Sinolinding Jr. are urging the military, police and Comelec to…

Elections Mindanao Regions

3 BARMM Governors, Vice Governor Join Federalist Party Ahead of Parliamentary Elections

byJohn UnsonAugust 17, 2026August 17, 2026

Three BARMM governors and a vice governor have joined the Bangsamoro Federalist Party, strengthening Chief…