Former NPA Commander Surrenders to Government in Bukidnon

A candidate for the provincial board in Maguindanao del Sur, Mohammad Datu Baba Omar, and his driver, Abel Buisan, were injured but survived an armed ambush in Datu Anggal Midtimbang on Monday afternoon.

According to initial police reports, the incident occurred shortly after Omar had attended a campaign sortie in Datu Piang as part of the “Team Agila” slate led by incumbent Governor Bai Mariam Sangki Mangudadatu. While en route back to Cotabato City, their vehicle was attacked by unidentified gunmen aboard a minivan with no license plates.

The suspects opened fire, shattering the vehicle’s windows. Police recovered at least 55 empty M-16 shell casings at the scene, underscoring the intensity of the ambush.

Both Omar and Buisan sustained injuries and are currently recovering in a local hospital.

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The Police Regional Office in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR) is conducting a thorough investigation to identify the suspects and determine the motive behind the attack.

In response to growing security concerns ahead of the upcoming elections, 700 Special Action Force (SAF) troopers have been deployed to Maguindanao del Sur to reinforce peace and order.

Authorities have not yet released any official leads or named persons of interest in the ambush.

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As of 2:53 PM today, April 14, 2025, a second ash emission event has occurred at Kanlaon Volcano, producing a thick ash plume rising approximately 600 meters above the summit crater. The ash is currently drifting west-northwest.

Residents in La Carlota City, Bago City, and surrounding areas are advised to prepare for possible ashfall and take necessary precautions.

Kanlaon Volcano remains under Alert Level 3, indicating increased volcanic activity. The public is strongly advised to avoid the 4-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) due to possible sudden hazardous eruptions.

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The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) announced the successful connection of the northbound tunnel of the Davao City Bypass Construction Project (DCBCP), a major milestone in one of Mindanao’s most ambitious infrastructure developments.

Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain reported on April 11, 2025, that the north and south portals of the northbound tunnel have now been connected. Meanwhile, excavation for the southbound tunnel is 91% complete, with only 202 meters remaining.

Under Contract Package I-1, which includes the 10.7-kilometer road mountain tunnel, the overall completion rate stands at 58.7%. The project is being carried out by the Shimizu-Ulticon-Takenaka joint venture.

Other segments under Contract Packages II-1 and II-2 are also moving forward. CP II-1, covering 2.54 km and featuring seven bridges, is now 72.83% complete and scheduled for completion in Q1 2026. CP II-2, a 3.52-km section, is 63.89% complete, with completion expected in Q3 2026.

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Packages I-2 and I-3 are also progressing, while Package II-3 is set to begin procurement.

According to DPWH, the DCBCP will provide a safer and faster route through Davao’s mountainous terrain, easing traffic congestion and improving regional connectivity. Once finished, it will cut travel time from Toril, Davao City to Panabo City from 1 hour and 44 minutes to just 49 minutes.

The project is jointly funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the City Government of Davao. It stretches from Barangay Sirawan in Toril to Barangay J.P. Laurel in Panabo City.

DPWH noted that the bypass is expected to enhance economic activity, promote tourism, and expand business opportunities across the Davao Region and greater Mindanao.

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