Shiela Mae Butlig

Shiela Mae Butlig is a correspondent for Mindanao Gold Star Daily. Based in Cagayan de Oro, She covers a wide range of local governance, social issues, and community-driven stories. Her work provides readers with essential, on-the-ground reporting, ensuring that the voice of the community remains at the forefront of the region’s news cycle.

649 stories

Students rest under the shade of an outdoor kiosk on a school campus in Eastern Visayas to shield themselves from high temperatures and extreme heat index levels. Meanwhile, schools across Northern Mindanao have implemented flexible measures to protect students and staff from heat-related illnesses. (PIA photo)

Persistent heat shuts classes again in Misor

At least 18 local government units in Misamis Oriental have suspended or shortened classes to protect students and teachers from a continuing high heat index.

Aug 17, 2026000

CONVOY ATTACK: A shattered window with a bullet hole is seen on a vehicle belonging to Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua’s convoy following an ambush by unidentified gunmen along the General Santos-Cotabato road in Maguindanao del Norte on Saturday. (Photo screen grabbed from DXMY Cotabato)

Macacua safe after convoy comes under fire

Interim Bangsamoro Chief Minister Abdulraof “Sammy” Macacua escaped unhurt after unidentified gunmen ambushed his convoy in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte.

Aug 17, 2026000

Camiguin Lone District Representative Jurdin Jesus M. Romualdo is elected Majority Leader of the Commission on Appointments during its plenary session at the Senate on Aug. 13. His new post gives Northern Mindanao a stronger voice in the body that reviews presidential appointments. Photo courtesy of Romualdo’s Congressional Office.

Romualdo gets key CA post, giving Mindanao a stronger voice

Camiguin’s lone district representative Jurdin Jesus M. Romualdo’s election as Majority Leader of the Commission on Appointments (CA) could give Northern Mindanao a stronger voice in decisions involving key national government appointments.

Aug 14, 2026000

Cagayan de Oro City Councilor Joyleen Mercedes “Girlie” Balaba shares details of her personal visit and conversation with former President Rodrigo Duterte at his detention cell at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague last week. Balaba, who faced questions from critics over how she was able to gain access to Duterte, said: “I am not obligated to explain.” Photos by Shiela Mae Butlig

Balaba stands by Duterte ICC visit, says: ‘I am not obligated to explain’

Cagayan de Oro City Councilor Joyleen Mercedes “Girlie” Balaba defended her visit to former President Rodrigo Duterte at his International Criminal Court (ICC) detention facility in The Hague.

Aug 14, 2026000

Cagayan de Oro City braces for dangerous heat as PAGASA forecasts a 43°C heat index, prompting the suspension of classes in all public schools on August 13 and 14. Photos by Shiela Mae Butlig

CDO kids stay home as heat hits 43°C

Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Rolando “Klarex” Uy has ordered the suspension of public school classes on August 13 and 14 due to a dangerous forecast heat index of 43°C. The move aims to protect students as PAGASA warns of intensifying El Niño conditions across the region.

Aug 13, 2026000

Officials and members of the Philippine Heart Association (PHA) Northwestern Mindanao Chapter led by Dr. Richard Henry P. Tiongco II and Dr. John Daniel Ramos formally open the organization's new chapter office at Maria Reyna Xavier University Hospital in Cagayan de Oro City. The new office aims to strengthen heart health awareness campaigns and promote early detection and prevention of cardiovascular diseases in Northern Mindanao. (Photos by Shiela Mae Butlig)

PHA opens CDO office, steps up fight vs. ‘silent killer’

The Philippine Heart Association (PHA) Northwestern Mindanao Chapter has formally opened its new regional base at Maria Reyna Xavier University Hospital in Cagayan de Oro City. The new office will help expand community-level cardiovascular health programs, early checkups, and hypertension awareness across Northern Mindanao.

Aug 12, 2026000

SCHOOL THREAT POSTS. COCPO spokesperson Police Major Emelita Simeon said some social media posts alleging threats against Cagayan de Oro schools were cropped, edited and reposted from other areas. Police have stepped up school visits and dialogues to address concerns and reassure parents, teachers and students. (Photo by Shiela Mae Butlig)

CDO police debunk edited school threat posts

Aug 12, 2026000

FINAL RESOLUTION. The Supreme Court En Banc has denied with finality the motion for reconsideration in G.R. No. 279499, ordering an immediate entry of judgment regarding the Camiguin disqualification case. (Photo courtesy of the Supreme Court)

SC ends Rodriguez’s Camiguin election case

he Supreme Court En Banc has denied with finality the motion for reconsideration filed by former Camiguin gubernatorial candidate Paul Rodriguez. Resolving the disqualification case over residency qualifications, the High Court ordered the immediate entry of judgment, clearing all legal challenges to Gov. Jurdin Jesus M. Romualdo’s election victory.

Aug 12, 2026000

Misamis Oriental Gov. Juliette Uy delivers her State of the Province Address, saying the provincial government is reviewing unpaid contractor claims and defective projects before releasing public funds. She said around 20% to 30% of the province’s outstanding obligations have already been settled. (Photo courtesy of Misamis Oriental Provincial Information Office)

Contractors’ unpaid bills pile up as Misor orders project checks

Governor Juliette Uy forms a dedicated task force to inspect completed public works and verify building standards before Misamis Oriental clears remaining unpaid contractor claims.

Aug 7, 2026000

Members of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) Cagayan de Oro Chapter announce plans to focus on the unresolved killing of blocktime anchor Federico "Ding" Gempesaw during this year’s International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists on Nov. 2. The initiative aims to renew public calls for justice in one of Northern Mindanao’s long-standing media killing cases. (Photo courtesy of NUJP-CDO Chapter)

NUJP renews call for justice in unsolved killing of blocktime anchor Ding Gempesaw

NUJP Cagayan de Oro makes the unresolved murder of radio anchor Federico "Ding" Gempesaw the centerpiece of its campaign against media impunity in Northern Mindanao.

Aug 7, 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

SISTER-CITY PARTNERSHIP. San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora announces plans to formalize a sisterhood agreement with Cagayan de Oro City during his visit to Northern Mindanao. The partnership is expected to strengthen cooperation in governance, tourism, trade, investment, and public service as the city hosts the League of Cities of the Philippines National Executive Board Meeting this August. (Photo by Shiela Mae Butlig)

CDO, San Juan to seal Sister-City deal during Higalaay

San Juan City plans to formalize a sisterhood partnership with Cagayan de Oro City, aiming to bolster economic development, tourism, and governance cooperation across regions.

Aug 6, 2026000