Eid'l Fitr set Saturday, March 21

By Liza Jocson

Published Mar 20, 2026 05:20 pm

ABUBAKAR (Photo via Liza Jocson)

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Darul Ifta of Bangsamoro and the Zamboanga Peninsula and Palawan said Eid’l Fitr will be on Saturday, March 21.

“The Bangsamoro Darul Ifta-BARMM formally pronounces that the moon has not been sighted tonight,” said the Darul Ifta-BARMM. “Therefore, the Eid’l Fitr will be celebrated on March 21, 2026, Saturday.”

The same announcement was made by the Grand Mufti, Sheikh Walid Abubakar, of Region 9 and Palawan on Thursday, March 20.

Observers gathered at the Paseo del Mar here on Thursday afternoon to conduct moon-sighting activities which ended without the appearance of the crescent moon.

Eid’l Fitr is celebrated as the culmination of the month-long Ramadan characterized by fasting, charity, and devotion.

Bird strike forces commercial plane to return to Zamboanga City airport

By Liza Jocson

Published Oct 15, 2025 06:30 pm

ZAMBOANGA CITY – A Philippine Airlines flight was forced to return to the Zamboanga International Airport on Tuesday, Oct. 14, after experiencing bird strike while enroute to Manila.

One of the passengers said that PAL flight PR2950 left the Zamboanga International Airport at 6:35 a.m.

Some 15 minutes into the flight, the engine rumbled followed by an announcement by the pilot that he was turning back the plane due to a bird strike.

The airplane landed safely without incident. All passengers and crew were safe.

Airline authorities conducted an inspection of the aircraft to assess any damage caused by the incident.

P9-M smuggled cigarettes intercepted

By Liza Jocson

Published Sep 26, 2025 10:24 pm

CIGARETTE smuggling was foiled in Sulu.

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Smuggled cigarettes worth P9 million bound for Ipil municipality, Zamboanga Sibugay province were intercepted by Naval Command forces in the sea of Panamao, Sulu on Wednesday, Sept. 24.

Naval Command personnel were conducting seaborne patrol on board the BRP Hermenegildo Yurong (PG906) when they intercepted the motorized banca MFB Ghazi.

The boat was found to be loaded with 160 master cases of undocumented foreign-brand cigarettes valued at P9 million.

The vessel was manned by five individuals from Olutanga, Zamboanga Sibugay, and Isabela City, Basilan.

The vessel and contraband were secured by PG906 and escorted to Naval Station Romulo Espaldon in Bagong Calarian, Zamboanga City, for documentation, investigation, and turnover to concerned authorities.

Muslims celebrate Eid'l Adha in Zamboanga City

 

MUSLIMS gather at the Joaquin Enriquez Memorial Sports Complex in Zamboanga City for their congregational prayers in celebration of Eid’l Adha or the Feast of Sacrifice on June 6.  (City Hall PIO)

By Liza Jocson

Published Jun 6, 2025 03:04 pm

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Thousands of Muslim residents celebrated Eid’l Adha or the Feast of Sacrifice by participating in community prayers and visiting family and relatives here on Friday, June 6.

A big group trooped to the Joaquin Enriquez Memorial Sports Complex in the morning to participate in congregational prayers.

Similar gatherings were held in hundreds of mosques all over the city.

In his message, Mayor John Dalipe asked all Muslims to also honor the diverse traditions being celebrated in Zamboanga City as they mark this significant occasion in the Muslim religious calendar.

“May this occasion bring peace, prosperity, and unity to our beloved city,” Dalipe said.

Republic Act 9849 declares the 10th day of Zhul Hijja, the 12th month of the Islamic calendar, a national holiday for the observance of Eid’l Adha.

1,000 families flee Zamboanga City flooding

Juli 13, 2024 11:28 AM

  

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By LIZA JOCSON

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Over 1,000 families have evacuated due to heavy monsoon rains which pummeled this city since Friday night, July 12.

RESCUE teams from the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office conduct rescue operations in Barangay San Jose Gusu, Zamboanga City.  (City Hall PIO) 

Among affected barangays were San Jose Gusu, Talisayan, San Roque, Ayala, Baliwasan, Tumaga, Pasonanca, Tetuan, and Sangali.

Profiling and needs assessment are being conducted to determine the number of families affected.  

The City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office activated its Emergency Operation Center on Friday night as it launched rescue operations together with the Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Fire Protection, police and military units, and volunteer groups in flooded barangays. 

The City Social Welfare and Development Office initially provided food packs, sleeping, and hygiene kits to families staying at different evacuation centers. 

Mayor John Dalipe and House Majority Leader and Zamboanga City Rep. Mannix Dalipe visited evacuation centers to provide hot meals and food packs to flood victims.

Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils have established community kitchens in affected areas.

Offices and agencies of local and national governments are in close coordination to continuously monitor affected communities for continuous rescue operations and relief efforts.

Mayor Dalipe  advised the public to remain alert and vigilant as inclement weather continues here.