Trading Hub

There’s almost constant flow of goods and passengers at this boat landing in Barangay Kampurnah, Isabela City, Basilan, one of 65 constructed across the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and conflict-affected areas in Mindanao by USAID’s Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM) Program. The Kampurnah facility has become a primary landing point for agricultural and fish products from neighboring coastal communities. Through its Barangay Infrastructure Program, GEM has, in partnership with local governments, cooperatives and producers associations, completed more than 830 small water systems, warehouses, solar dryers, boat landings, culverts, foot bridges community centers and road upgrades. GEM is implemented under the oversight of the Mindanao Economic Development Council. (GEM)

Wanna play some hoops?

Without a doubt, Basketball is the most popular sport in the Philippines. There are so many different professional leagues, college hoops, etc. But, mostly, people just play basketball on dirt courts in the barangay.

Siargao Mayor Claims NPA Raid a Total Surprise; Second Time in Dapa Town

SURIGAO CITY – Dapa, Surigao del Norte Mayor Peter “Boy” Ruaya today claimed the NPA raid at Dapa town hall and police station was a total surprise and second time to happen after the 1980 NPA raid of the same town hall.

Ruaya told this writer in a mobile phone interview that he was in his house in Barangay Cagbuntog when the rebels attacked and raided part of the Municipal Hall and the Municipal Police Station at 10:30 p.m. Saturday evening. Read more

Siargao Mayor Denies Raiding NPA Rebels’ Charges; 11 Killed, 5 Captured in Hot Pursuit Operations

SURIGAO CITY – Dapa. Surigao del Norte Mayor Peter “Boy” Ruaya denied New People’s Army’s charges hurled against him claiming he is not sponsoring illegal gambling activities in Siargao Island particularly in his town.

Ruaya claimed he was in his house in Barangay Cagbuntog when the rebels attacked and raided part of the Municipal Hall and the Municipal Police Station at 10:30 p.m. last night. Read more

Poor Intelligence Network, Laxity Blamed on Latest NPA Twin raids in Caraga Region

SURIGAO CITY – Poor intelligence work and network, laxity on part of government forces and the police stations were culprits why the latest NPA raid and attack of two municipal police stations in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte were successful.

Two foreigners speaking in condition of anonymity who were former military officers in their country of origin now retired claimed that if only there were good local intelligence network and police preparedness the attacks would have been prevented. Read more