Bonita Ermac

Bonita Ermac is a dedicated reporter for Mindanao Gold Star Daily based in Iligan City. With an eye for community-focused journalism, Bonita covers a diverse range of topics, including local government, social issues, and regional events. Her reporting keeps readers informed on the most critical developments across Lanao del Norte.

119 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

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 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

PEACE PLEDGE. Participants sign a Peace Covenant during the Youth for Peace Youth Leadership Summit in Munai, Lanao del Norte, on Sunday, July 26, 2026. The three-day event, held from July 24 to 26, brought together local youth to pledge their commitment against violence and illegal activities while promoting unity and responsible leadership.

Youth summit inspires Munai's next peace leaders

Forty-five young leaders from Munai, Lanao del Norte completed a three-day leadership summit organized by the 44th Infantry Battalion to advocate for peace and combat violent extremism.

Jul 29, 2026000

Law enforcement personnel and DENR inspectors document open cargo sacks filled with suspected copper mineral ore inside an abandoned truck in Barangay Buru-un, Iligan City, on Monday, July 27, 2026. Authorities initiated the recovery operation after local residents alerted police that unidentified individuals were attempting to break into the vehicle and steal its unattended freight. (Supplied Photo)

₱2.5-m suspected copper ore haul found in abandoned Iligan truck

Authorities in Iligan City have seized an abandoned wing van carrying ₱2.5 million worth of suspected copper ore in Barangay Buru-un. Left unattended for nearly two months without transport permits, the cargo has been impounded by police and DENR-10 for further investigation.

Jul 28, 2026000

ASSUMING COMMAND. Brig. Gen. Bernardo A. Taqueban receives the brigade colours during his installation as commander of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry "Magbalantay" Brigade at Camp Sultan Badrodin in Iligan City. Armor Division Commander Maj. Gen. Ronel R. Manalo said military leaders are responsible for safeguarding the brigade's mission, readiness, discipline and the welfare of its personnel. (Photo by Bonita L. Ermac)

New brigade chief vows stronger security, soldier welfare

Brig. Gen. Bernardo A. Taqueban formally assumed command of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade during an installation ceremony at Camp Sultan Badrodin in Iligan City, pledging to strengthen regional security while prioritizing soldier welfare and community partnerships.

Jul 27, 2026000

HELPING FARMERS GROW. Pilmico Animal Nutrition Corp. marked its 28th anniversary in July by expanding technical assistance and sustainable feeds to livestock farmers across Capas, Tarlac. The initiative aims to strengthen regional agriculture and fortify the nation’s overall food supply. Supplied Photo

Farmers get more support as Pilmico marks 28 years

Jul 27, 2026000

Law enforcement personnel from Police Regional Office 10 and the Iligan City Police Office display confiscated illegal cigarettes following an operation along the National Highway in Barangay Dalipuga, Iligan City. Officers seized an estimated 1.2 million pesos worth of smuggled tobacco products during the anti-smuggling intervention on July 16, 2026. (Photo courtesy of PRO-10 Regional Public Information Office)

₱2M in alleged smuggled cigarettes seized; suspect arrested

Malabang police intercepted ₱2.05 million worth of alleged smuggled cigarettes at a checkpoint in Barangay Rebokun, Lanao del Sur.

Jul 23, 2026000

BACK-TO-SCHOOL HELP | Young learners from beneficiary schools in Iligan City and Lanao del Norte receive NGCP school kits filled with essential learning supplies. The annual Gamit ni Bulilit program supports pupils from host communities while promoting transmission line safety among students, parents, and teachers. (Photo courtesy of Abaga Integrated School and Rupagan Elementary School)

NGCP school kits reach 2,000 young learners

Over 2,000 primary students across Iligan City and Lanao del Norte started the school year with new backpacks and learning kits through NGCP’s annual Gamit ni Bulilit initiative.

Jul 21, 2026000

Regional recognition: The Aboitiz Foods team receives the Bronze Award for Best Content Campaign for Sustainability at the Content Marketing Awards Asia Pacific 2026 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, for its everymeal campaign promoting responsible food production and sustainability. (Supplied photo)

Aboitiz Foods bags Asia-Pacific sustainability award

Agribusiness leader Aboitiz Foods secured a major regional win at the inaugural Content Marketing Awards Asia Pacific 2026 in Malaysia.

Jul 20, 2026000

Hero saves 2 children, loses own life

Jul 14, 2026000