ZAMBO DAILY WIRE

Roel Pareño  ISABELA CITY, Basilan — Once dismissed as a pushover, this city has emerged as the “face of the region” in transparent and effective governance—earning comparisons to progressive cities like Quezon and Baguio. In a stirring State of the City Address held Wednesday at the Isabela City Civic and Cultural Center, Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman reflected on the city’s transformation over the past six years. “This is not just about reporting programs and projects,” the mayor said. “Today, we recognize the kind of city we’ve become—a city that has found its voice, its courage, and its place on the map of hope.” Turabin-Hataman recounted Isabela City's journey from a place plagued by fear and division to one of peace, unity, and resilience. Once overlooked and weighed down by conflict, the city has become a symbol of hope. Isabela City Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman speaks during her State of the City Address. "We are a city full of dreams, often denied the o...

Stranded tourists from Sta. Cruz Island arrived at the Parinan area aboard motorized banca. (Photo courtesy of City Tourism Officer Sarita Sebastian-Hernandez) By: Verano Long ZAMBOANGA CITY — A group of tourists stranded for several hours on Sta. Cruz Island due to sudden inclement weather were safely brought back to the mainland late Thursday afternoon, according to Zamboanga City Tourism Officer Ms. Sarita Hernandez. In a statement, Ms. Hernandez expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the safe return of all guests. The delay was caused by heavy rains and strong waves, which temporarily made travel unsafe. “We are grateful to our island staff headed by Hairal Taup, ably assisted by Usman, who handled our guests well during the wait for the weather to clear,” said Hernandez. “Despite the situation, the guests remained calm and cooperative.” Hernandez said by past 5 p.m., with weather conditions gradually improving, the experienced boatmen — fondly called "bangkeros" — br...

By: Verano Largo ZAMBOANGA CITY - - A couple were seriously injured when a falling big tree hit their house Thursday after strong winds spawned by Southwest monsoon pummeled this southern port city. The strong winds, enhanced by Tropical Depression "Crising", also plucked the roofs of 10 other houses in Barangay Recodo, a west coast village. The injured couple were identified as Marjon Reformado and his wife Jemelyn Reformado who are residents of Purok 7, Barangay Recodo. The incident occurred as strong winds spawned by Southwest Monsoon, locally known as "Habagat", and incessant rain batter the west coast district and caused the tree to topple and hit the house where the victims were taking shelter from rain. Emergency responders quickly transported the injured individuals to Labuan Hospital for medical treatment and subsequently transferred to Zamboanga City Medical Center (ZCMC) to undergo CT scan reportedly due to severe injuries. Barangay Recodo chairman...