Mindanao
The sinking of the M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 off Basilan on January 26 resulted in 29 confirmed fatalities, prompting the Department of Transportation to ground Aleson Shipping Lines' entire passenger fleet. The tragedy underscores the company's 32 maritime incidents since 2019, while revealing its ties to Zamboanga City Mayor Khymer Adan Olaso. Officials demand accountability and a thorough probe.
Ti AI ṣe iroyin
An independent monitoring group, Climate Conflict Action Asia (CCAA), has warned of a resurgence of violent extremism in Mindanao following an ambush in Lanao del Norte that killed four soldiers. The January 23 attack in Barangay Lininding, Munai town, was allegedly carried out by remnants of Dawlah Islamiyah (DI), contradicting military claims that militant groups in the area had been largely neutralized. The incident points to growing operational capacity among extremists amid upcoming elections in the Bangsamoro region.