Category: News
New Army Commander in Central Mindanao Gains Broad Support
The new commander of the Philippine Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6th ID), Brigadier General Donald Gumiran, has garnered significant support from former extremists, local executives, and Bangsamoro regional officials for his cross-sector peacebuilding initiatives in Central Mindanao. Gumiran assumed command of the 6th ID on Saturday during a turnover ceremony at Camp Siongco, Datu Odin
How Big Tech, Billionaires, and Politics Twisted the War on Fake News
CNN’s chief media analyst Brian Stelter tweeted that “fact-check” had become a dirty word. His tweet wasn’t just hyperbole—it was a diagnosis of a profound shift in the battle against fake news and disinformation. Stelter’s remark followed Meta’s announcement to scrap its once-celebrated fact-checking processes, marking a stark departure from Big Tech’s post-2016 crusade against
Bangsamoro Chief Minister Urges Calm Amid Deadly Basilan Clash
Cotabato City, Philippines — As the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) marked its 6th foundation anniversary, a deadly encounter between soldiers and armed groups, including one affiliated with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), has cast a shadow over the celebrations. Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim has called for calm and emphasized the
Philippines Open to Interpol Cooperation on ICC Request for Duterte Case
Manila, Philippines – The Philippine government expressed its willingness to cooperate with the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) if the International Criminal Court (ICC) seeks assistance in gaining jurisdiction over former President Rodrigo Duterte, Malacañang announced on Friday. Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin reiterated the Philippines’ withdrawal from the ICC, effective since 2019, but emphasized the
Philippines Faces Funding Hurdles in Renewable Energy Push
The Philippines’ energy transition goals face a formidable obstacle: persistent financing challenges, particularly in the renewable energy sector, according to the Department of Energy (DOE). “If the financial requirements or the financial resources were there, we can go as the sky is the limit as far as renewable energy is concerned,” Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla
Philippines Signals Shift on ICC Drug War Probe
The Philippines is hinting at a significant shift in its stance toward the International Criminal Court (ICC) investigation into thousands of killings during the controversial “war on drugs,” a probe that could potentially see former President Rodrigo Duterte face charges of crimes against humanity. Rodrigo Duterte rose to power in 2016, riding on a wave
Gunmen Ambush Soldiers on Humanitarian Mission in Basilan, Killing Two, Injuring 12
Cotabato City, Philippines — A humanitarian mission in Sumisip, Basilan turned deadly on Wednesday afternoon, January 22, when gunmen ambushed a team of soldiers, killing two and wounding 12 others. The attackers also torched the soldiers’ vehicle during a tense exchange of gunfire. Brig. Gen. Alvin Luzon, commander of the Army’s 101st Infantry Brigade, and
Trump Breaks Tradition: No Bible for Oath-Taking
President Donald Trump made headlines during his inauguration on Monday by omitting a long-standing tradition—placing his hand on a Bible while taking the presidential oath. Standing next to him, First Lady Melania Trump held two Bibles: one belonging to her husband, given to him by his mother, and the historic Lincoln Bible used by President
Elon Musk Sparks Controversy with Gesture at Trump Inauguration Celebration
Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO and owner of X (formerly Twitter), ignited a storm of criticism after making a one-armed gesture during a speech celebrating Donald Trump’s inauguration. The event took place at Washington, D.C.’s Capital One Arena, where Musk addressed the crowd as a staunch ally of the newly inaugurated president. Musk, 53, thanked
Army Soldiers Raid Yields 19 Assault Rifles in Cotabato
Army soldiers recovered 19 high-powered firearms from an abandoned house during a raid in Pahamuddin, Cotabato, on Monday, January 20. The operation, a collaborative effort involving local officials and traditional Moro elders, highlights the community’s growing resolve to counter armed threats. Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, revealed on Tuesday,
Pope Francis Condemns Trump’s Deportation Plan as “A Disgrace”
Pope Francis has voiced strong opposition to President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed massive deportation program, set to begin on his first day in office. The pontiff, speaking in an interview with Italian television on Sunday, did not mince words about the moral implications of the plan. “If it is true, it will be a disgrace,” the
Scientists Sound Alarm Over Deadly H5N1 Bird Flu Mutation in the U.S.
The scientific community is on high alert after the United States reported its first death from the H5N1 bird flu in January 2025. The victim, who had been exposed to infected chickens, marks a troubling milestone in the ongoing battle against the virus. Adding to the concern, researchers in Texas have identified a mutated bird
