Mindanao

The Pulse of the Southern Philippines. Welcome to the home of Mindanao-related stories. From the vibrant urban hubs of Cagayan de Oro and Davao to the historic landscapes of the Bangsamoro, Mindanao Gold Star Daily delivers the narratives defining our region in 2026. Our reporting covers the critical intersection of Mindanao peace and development, the rapid digital transformation of our local economies, and the resilient spirit of the Mindanawon people. Whether it’s an update on the September 2026 BARMM elections, climate resilience in the Caraga region, or the evolution of "countryside journalism," we provide the factual depth and local context that national outlets miss.

4118 stories

Stakeholders from government agencies, security forces, political parties, religious groups and communities join the Unity Walk in Marawi City on August 10, 2026, as part of efforts to promote peaceful and orderly 2026 Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections. (Photo by 101st Infantry Brigade)

Bangsamoro voters urged to protect peaceful 2026 polls

Candidates, military officials, election authorities, and community leaders gathered in Marawi City to sign a peace covenant ahead of the 2026 Bangsamoro Parliamentary Election.

Aug 12, 2026000

PEACE GAINS. Military, police, local government officials and community stakeholders gather during the Handover of Area of Responsibility Ceremony and joint declaration of Stable Internal Peace and Security covering eight municipalities and one city in Misamis Oriental at the Provincial Capitol in Cagayan de Oro City on Aug. 10, 2026. The declaration highlights the collective commitment to sustain peace and promote development in the province. (Photo courtesy of 4th Infantry Division, PA)

9 Misor areas declare stable peace and security

Eight municipalities and one city in Misamis Oriental have jointly declared a status of Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS), strengthening local security frameworks and paving the way for sustained economic growth.

Aug 12, 2026000

The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) places the Mindanao power grid under yellow alert on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026. The grid advisory was issued after 12 power generation plants went on forced outage and five others operated at derated capacity, removing 709.1 megawatts (MW) from the grid and leaving an operating margin of only 145 MW against a projected peak demand of 2,527 MW. (NGCP File Photo)

Mindanao grid faces yellow alerts today

The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines placed the Mindanao power grid on yellow alert on August 11 due to thin power reserves. With 12 power plants undergoing forced outages and five operating at derated capacities, the grid’s available operating margin dropped to 145 megawatts during peak hours.

Aug 11, 2026000

SEIZURE. Law enforcement personnel inspect 1,400 reams of suspected smuggled “Greenhills” cigarettes seized during a checkpoint operation in Barangay Dalipuga, Iligan City, on Aug. 9, 2026. The cigarettes have an estimated suggested retail price of ₱1.12 million. (Supplied photo)

₱1.1m smuggled cigarettes intercepted at Iligan highway checkpoint

Local law enforcement intercepted ₱1.12 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes during a joint highway operation in Barangay Dalipuga, Iligan City. Authorities flagged down an aluminum van containing 1,400 reams of untaxed cigarettes, turning the seized contraband over to the Bureau of Customs for proper disposition.

Aug 11, 2026000

Members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Gingoog City review municipal legislation during their regular session on Monday, Aug. 10, 2026. The passage of the ₱12.95-million supplemental budget ensures the implementation of national salary standardization guidelines for local civil servants. (Photo by Edwin Iyo)

Gingoog approves ₱12.95-m salary hike budget

City government employees in Gingoog are set to receive their third-tranche salary adjustment after the Sangguniang Panlungsod approved a ₱12.95-million supplemental budget. Sponsored by Councilor Winfred T. Militante Jr. following a request from Mayor Erick G. Cañosa, the funding utilizes municipal savings from unfilled vacant positions.

Aug 11, 2026000

A Philippine eagle chick rests inside a nest supported by ancient forest trees on Indigenous ancestral land in eastern Mindanao. Local Mansaka, Mandaya, Mamanwa, Manobo, and Dibabawon-Manguangan forest guards actively patrol these territories, combining cultural heritage stewardship with wildlife conservation to safeguard the eagle's remaining strongholds. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Eagle Foundation)

Indigenous lands emerge as Philippine Eagle stronghold

A new habitat study reveals that nearly two-thirds of core Philippine Eagle nesting sites in eastern Mindanao fall within Indigenous ancestral domains, highlighting the essential role of tribal stewardship.

Aug 11, 2026000

AFFORDABLE RICE. About 500 qualified Camiguin residents from various sectors buy rice at ₱20 per kilogram during the expanded Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) Na! program at the Provincial Capitol on July 31. The subsidized rice gives families, including farmers, senior citizens, fisherfolk, transport drivers and minimum-wage earners, a chance to stretch their household budgets amid rising food costs. (Photo courtesy of LGU Camiguin)

500 Camiguin residents get ₱20 rice

Over 500 residents in Camiguin purchased subsidized rice at ₱20 per kilogram following the rollout of the expanded Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) Na! program at the Provincial Capitol. Implemented alongside the Department of Agriculture and Food Terminal Inc., the initiative allows registered qualified beneficiaries to buy up to 30 kilograms monthly.

Aug 11, 2026000

Members of the Philippine Army attend an orientation briefing on election security, political neutrality, and human rights standards in preparation for deployment in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) parliamentary elections on Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2026. The training session focused on non-partisan troop conduct, respecting local cultural sensitivities, and maintaining peace across election security areas in Mindanao. (Photo by Bonita L. Ermac)

AFP trains troops on Meranao culture ahead of BARMM polls

Ahead of election security deployment in Lanao del Sur, Philippine Army troops complete orientation on Meranao traditions and Islamic customs to build community trust.

Aug 11, 2026000

Photo caption: Commission on Elections Commissioner George Erwin Garcia speaks during the signing of a partnership agreement supporting the anti-vote-buying campaign at the Marawi Cultural Center. Garcia said the Sept. 14 Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections will allow BARMM voters to choose the region's first parliamentary leaders under its new system of government. (Photo by Shiela Mae Butlig)

Historic BARMM vote to shape region's next leaders

Comelec advances preparations for the historic BARMM parliamentary elections as regional leaders and civic groups launch anti-vote-buying initiatives in Marawi City.

Aug 6, 2026000

City Councilor Randy Ryan Ong and Senior Inspector Carmelo A. Corsame lead the 4th Public Hearing for the FREEDOM Program Ordinance at the Iligan City Jail–Male Dormitory in Iligan City on Friday, July 24, 2026. The proposed legislative measure successfully passed its first reading during the session, establishing a framework for Reintegration, Empowerment, Education, Development, and Opportunities for Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs). (Photo courtesy of BJMP-Iligan City Jail-Male Dormitory)

Iligan launches livelihood program for former inmates

Released inmates in Iligan City will soon receive business seed capital, toolkits, and mentorship under the newly approved FREEDOM Program Ordinance.

Aug 5, 2026000

Waves lap along the coastal shoreline facing the Puntod Shoal marine sanctuary in Gingoog City. City Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO) Head Engr. John Keno T. Ong urged residents to strengthen waste management, warning that land-based garbage threatens offshore marine protected areas. (Photo by Edwin Iyo)

Keep Gingoog's marine sanctuary clean, residents urged

Gingoog City officials are calling on all residents to strengthen household waste management, warning that land-based garbage threatens the Puntod Shoal marine sanctuary and its underwater shrine.

Aug 4, 2026000

High-voltage power transmission lines operated by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) following a reported drop in transmission charges.

Iligan consumers form 'Combati' group over utility hikes

Iligan City residents have formed "Combati," a crowd-funded advocacy group, to challenge rising electricity and water rates following a call to action triggered by the recent SONA.

Aug 3, 2026000