Navy Rescues 30 Passengers Off Turtle Islands
A Philippine Navy gunboat rescued 30 passengers from a distressed wooden-hulled ship stranded off Turtle Islands in Tawi-Tawi over the weekend. Rear Admiral Constancio Aturo Reyes Jr., commander of the Navy Western Mindanao Naval Command, said BRP Juan Magluyan (PC392) was on a routine patrol when they spotted a distress signal from M/L Nurdia. The vessel had engine failure due to a broken rudder. The Navy crew immediately launched a rescue operation, saving passengers including a pregnant woman, two senior citizens, and five children. They were brought to Turtle Islands and assisted by the local disaster risk reduction team.
844 Filipinos Deported from Sabah
Another 844 Filipinos were deported from Sabah as Malaysia continues its crackdown on undocumented foreign workers. The Department of Social Welfare and Development assisted the group upon their arrival aboard M/V Antonia at Zamboanga City port last Saturday. The deportees included 518 men, 210 women, and 116 minors.
Contraband Items Seized in Butuan Jail
Over a ton of contraband items were confiscated during a search at Butuan City Jail’s overcrowded male dormitory. Chief Inspector Diovin Auza said seized items included liquor, cigarettes, vapes, and bladed weapons. The dormitory, housing 435 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs), has a 114% congestion rate.
