Feuding families in Sulu town have settled their long-standing conflict, known as “rido,” through successful mediation by local leaders and the military. Brig. Gen. Alaric Avelino de los Santos of the Army’s 1102nd Infantry Brigade announced that the families of Padjid Yusop Ubaidulla and Rasmin Asara signed an amicable settlement last Wednesday at the Panglima Estino municipal hall. The conflict, which began on June 18, 2024, resulted in the death of Nurikman Padjid and led to a series of violent incidents between the two families. Meanwhile, Rep. Francisco Matugas of Surigao del Norte’s 1st district has been praised for launching an investigation into the high cost of air travel to Siargao Island. Ivonnie Dumadag, Region 13 director of the Department of Tourism, expressed concern over the soaring airfares, which reportedly reach up to ₱30,000 for a round-trip ticket, potentially impacting the local tourism industry. From January to August 19, Siargao welcomed 242,560 tourists, with nearly 70% being domestic visitors. In a separate incident, a 40-year-old mother, Carmelita Andico, and her nine-year-old daughter, Karen, tragically died in Zamboanga City after a landslide buried their home in Barangay Sibulao. Despite being rescued, both succumbed to their injuries at the hospital. Dr. Elmer Apolinario of the Zamboanga City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office noted that the area has been identified by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau as a landslide and flood-prone zone.
