Benjamin Batara News Today

JOLO, SULU: After decades of conflict and militant unrest, Sulu in the southwestern Philippines is pinning its hopes on visitors returning as the scenic island province finally enjoys a return to peace. The province, with more than 150 islets, forms part of the Sulu archipelago, stretching from the tip of the Zamboanga Peninsula in the north to the island of Borneo in the

FRUITFUL MEETING. Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. (front, left) meets with local officials and top brass of the 11th Infantry Division to discuss their gains in Jolo, Sulu on Thursday (March 17, 2022). President Rodrigo Duterte previously said he will be leaving the presidency with a relatively peaceful Mindanao. (Photo courtesy of OPAPRU) JOLO, Sulu - The security situation in this island province has significantly improved over the years, cr...

FATHER AND SON. A father and son members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) receive food and cash assistance after surrendering to the troops of the 1103rd Infantry Brigade Thursday (Feb. 3, 2022) in Barangay Bonbon, Patikul, Sulu. The two will be enrolled in the Localized Social Integration Program of the provincial government of Sulu. (Photo courtesy of Western Mindanao Command Public Information Office) ZAMBOANGA CITY - The number of Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) surrenderers in Sulu has climbed to 16 si...

Fifteen Abu Sayyaf bandits surrendered in Sulu last month amid sustained military offensives.

Egyptian terrorist, 2 Sayyaf bombers killed in Sulu SULU - The Philippine military announced Saturday the killing of an Egyptian terrorist - who was believed to be an ISIS soldier - and two Filipino Abu Sayyaf bombers in a brief, but fierce firefight in Sulu, but security officials claimed four other foreign terrorists are embedded with the pro-ISIS group in the province. Army Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr., chief of the Western Mindanao Command, identified the slain Egyptian only by his first n...