Mindanao
The House of Representatives committee has approved resetting the first Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) parliamentary elections to the second Monday of September 2026 to avoid breaching term limits. Commission on Elections Chairman George Garcia warned that synchronizing it with national polls could shorten the three-year term of parliament members, violating the Constitution and Bangsamoro Organic Law. The decision still requires full House and Senate approval before reaching President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Imeripotiwa na AI
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has hoisted Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 over parts of eastern Mindanao due to the approaching Tropical Depression Basyang. It is located 735 kilometers east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, and is expected to make landfall on Thursday or Friday. Residents are advised to prepare for possible heavy rains and strong winds.
An independent monitor has warned that violent extremism remains a serious threat in the Philippines despite military operations weakening ISIS-linked groups. The alert follows investigations into a December mass shooting in Sydney by gunmen who had visited southern Mindanao. The watchdog cites rising youth recruitment and increased clashes in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.