Mindanao
Basyang weakens into tropical depression while nearing Bohol
Reported by AI Image generated by AI
Tropical Storm Basyang weakened into a tropical depression as it approached Bohol on Friday, February 6, 2026, according to PAGASA. It continues to bring moderate to intense rain to 24 provinces, raising risks of floods and landslides. A landslide in Cagayan de Oro killed four family members.
Building on recent watchdog warnings of collapse risks in the BARMM peace process, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao continues its unfinished journey toward stable autonomy. Rooted in decades of conflict from Martial Law-era violence to peace agreements, today's repeated election delays—exacerbated by court rulings and pandemic fallout—threaten to deepen divisions, as experts and local leaders caution.
Reported by AI
The government has allocated nearly P4.4 billion for relief operations following Tropical Storm Basyang, which battered Visayas and Mindanao. The Presidential Communications Office assured that aid is reaching affected areas. Around 467,000 people have been impacted, with 12 reported deaths under verification.
In January 2026, the Bangsamoro Transition Authority passed a long-delayed districting measure to enable the region's first parliamentary elections. Yet, the election date remains uncertain due to legal and operational issues. Comelec Chairman George Garcia stated that holding the polls by the Supreme Court's March 31, 2026 deadline is no longer feasible.
Reported by AI
The Bangsamoro Parliament approved a long-delayed districting law on January 13, 2026, setting 32 districts for the region's first parliamentary elections. The measure followed a 10-hour special session amid delays from Supreme Court rulings. Comelec can now proceed with preparations for the March 30, 2026 polls.