Magnitude-5.3 Earthquake Jolts Southeast of Mindanao

Sultan Kudarat, Philippines – A New People’s Army (NPA) rebel was killed in a firefight with government troops in Baluan village, Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat, the military reported on Sunday, March 2, 2025.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Aaron Gumabao, commander of the 57th Infantry Battalion (57IB), the encounter occurred around 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 1, when troops conducting a security patrol came across 20 fully armed NPA rebels.

The clash resulted in the death of one NPA rebel, whose comrades left behind his remains as they retreated in different directions. Soldiers at the scene recovered an M-16 Armalite rifle, an M-14 rifle, and other war materials from the slain rebel.

Authorities have yet to confirm the identity of the deceased insurgent.

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Meanwhile, Brigadier General Michael Santos, commander of the 603rd Infantry Brigade, directed his troops to pursue the fleeing NPA members.

“This operation is a clear message that we will not tolerate the presence of these lawless elements in Sultan Kudarat,” Santos stated.

In a separate statement, Brigadier General Donald Gumiran, commander of the 6th Infantry Division, encouraged remaining NPA members to surrender and reintegrate into society.

“Ang inyong Hukbong Katihan ay handang tumanggap sa mga nais magbagong-buhay. Sa halip na patuloy na mabuhay sa takot at panganib, maaari kayong bumalik sa mapayapang pamumuhay kasama ang inyong pamilya (Your Armed Forces is ready to receive those who want to live new lives. Instead of continuing to live in fear and danger, you can return to a peaceful life with your family),” said Gumiran.

Authorities continue their operations to track down the remaining rebels in the area.

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Source: Sunstar

COTABATO CITY – Four bomb-making experts from a local terror group and residents of Mamasapano, Maguindanao del Sur have surrendered to authorities in separate ceremonies, marking progress in disarmament and peace efforts in the region.

On February 27, four bomb-makers pledged allegiance to the government in Datu Anggal Midtimbang, surrendering an M16 rifle, two caliber .30 M1 Garand rifles, a 40mm grenade launcher, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) capable of remote detonation. They also renounced ties with the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) during a ceremony attended by local executives and officials from the 1st Mechanized Battalion, led by Lt. Col. Robert Betita, and Col. Edgar Catu, commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade.

“We are thankful to all local officials and barangay leaders who helped secure their surrender through dialogues,” Army Brig. Gen. Donald Gumiran, commander of the 6th Infantry Division, said.

Earlier, on February 24, residents of Mamasapano turned over 13 M1 Garand rifles to the Army’s 33rd Infantry Battalion as part of peace efforts. The surrender was conducted alongside the signing of a peace covenant by local election candidates to support peaceful May 2025 elections in the municipality.

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The peace dialogue, held at the 33rd IB command post in Barangay Zapakan, Radjah Buayan, was organized by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in the Bangsamoro region, the Maguindanao del Sur Provincial Police Office, the Mamasapano Municipal Police Station, Mayor Akmad Ampatuan Jr., and Col. Edgar Catu. Candidates signed a manifesto supporting election security measures.

Through the efforts of Mayor Ampatuan and Col. Catu, residents surrendered their firearms to back the Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) Management Program of the 6th ID and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity.

The 6th Infantry Division, implementing the SALW program across six provinces and three cities in Central Mindanao, has collected over 700 firearms in the past six months, including combat rifles, machine guns, pistols, and grenade launchers, many from former members of Moro fronts that now have peace agreements with the national government.

These efforts highlight continued disarmament and reconciliation initiatives aimed at promoting long-term stability in Maguindanao del Sur and the wider Bangsamoro region.

Source: PHILIPPINE STAR

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MANILA – The Senate has proposed to start the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte on July 30, following a structured pre-trial process to ensure a fair and orderly proceeding, Senate President Francis Escudero announced on Thursday.

Escudero confirmed that preparations would begin on June 2, when the Senate resumes session. Prosecutors will present the Articles of Impeachment, and senators will approve revised trial rules.

On June 3, the Impeachment Court will convene, and senator judges will take their oaths. By June 4, the Senate is expected to issue a summons to Duterte.

From June 14 to 24, the prosecution and defense will exchange legal pleadings. Pre-trial proceedings will take place from June 24 to July 25, establishing the trial framework and organizing the presentation of evidence.

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With the 20th Congress set to open on July 28, after the May 12 midterm elections, newly elected senators will take their oaths on July 29, officially seating them as Impeachment Court judges. The trial will begin on July 30, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily.

Escudero said the Senate is implementing security measures, logistical arrangements, and legal preparations to prevent delays.

“We are ensuring that all necessary resources – from security protocols to legal support – are in place before proceedings begin,” he said.

The Senate has procured robes for senator judges, improved court documentation procedures, and engaged external legal consultants to assist in the case.

The House of Representatives transmitted the verified impeachment complaint against Duterte to the Senate on Feb. 5, triggering its constitutional role as an Impeachment Court.

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Escudero assured the public that the Senate will uphold due process and impartiality throughout the proceedings.

“The integrity of this impeachment trial is paramount. We are duty-bound to conduct the process with professionalism and transparency,” he said. (PIA)