Kabugkos sa Kabisay-an Nakatundan

28/09/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/17miLThtXK/?mibextid=wwXIfr

"𝐒𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭: 𝐑𝐞𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐝𝐨'𝐬 𝐓𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐲 𝐈𝐬 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐝-𝐓𝐚𝐠𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠"

The Buklod Kapayapaan Federation Inc. (BKFI) firmly rejects the accusation of the College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) Panay that our member, Rey Christian Sabado, red-tagged any group or individual during the recent forum for campus journalists of Region 6 organized by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Panay.

Rey Christian Sabado did not accuse, label, or single out anyone. He shared his own story: his direct knowledge and lived experience as a former activist of Anakbayan and the National Union of Students of the Philippines (NUSP) who later joined the New People's Army (NPA) in the second half of the 2010s. Speaking about one's own past, and what one personally saw, heard, and went through, is testimony. It is not red-tagging.

Campus journalists deserve to hear every side of the story, including the experiences of young people who were drawn into the armed struggle through the student movement. Forums such as the one organized by PIA Panay exist to open these conversations, not to close them. To silence a former rebel who has chosen the path of peace, simply because his account is uncomfortable, is contrary to the very freedom of expression that CEGP claims to defend.

We believe CEGP Panay has overreacted to the truths Rey Christian Sabado shared. Instead of attacking the messenger, we challenge CEGP Panay to look inward and investigate its own ranks honestly. We, the members of BKFI, are former members of the CPP-NPA-NDF. We know from our own experience that the organizations mentioned by Rey Christian Sabado were created by, or have been brought under the control of, the Communist Party of the Philippines. We invite CEGP to engage with this reality openly, rather than dismiss it as red-tagging.

BKFI stands for peace, for the protection of the youth, and for the safety of every campus journalist. We do not condone harassment or violence against anyone, whatever their views. Our aim is simple: that no more young Filipinos lose their studies, their families, and their lives to an armed struggle that has brought nothing but suffering.

We stand with Rey Christian Sabado, and with every former rebel who dares to speak the truth.

25/09/2026

As the Philippines continues to address its energy needs, nuclear power is being presented as a potential long-term solution that can provide a stable and reliable source of electricity. DOST fellow Mark Aliperio explained that nuclear energy could serve as an important backup to the country’s existing energy sources, particularly because the Philippines remains heavily dependent on imported fossil fuels.

Unlike some renewable sources whose generation depends on weather and daylight conditions, nuclear power plants can operate continuously. According to Aliperio, nuclear energy could potentially run 24/7 for about 18 months, making it capable of providing a steady supply of electricity. This does not mean replacing renewable energy, but rather developing a diverse energy mix where nuclear, solar, wind and other sources can complement one another.

PREPARING TODAY FOR TOMORROW’S NUCLEAR WORKFORCE

The Philippines currently has no operating nuclear power plant, but preparations for possible future nuclear development are already underway. In 2025, DOST established the Nuclear Plant Simulator (NuSim) and Analyzer Facility to strengthen local expertise and prepare future workers.

The simulator allows trainees to experience realistic power-plant operating scenarios, including possible glitches and abnormal conditions, without exposing them to the risks of an actual facility. Since its establishment, the facility has already conducted multiple courses for more than 200 trainees.

The message is clear: developing nuclear energy is not an overnight undertaking. It requires science, technology, skilled people, rigorous training and long-term preparation. By building technical capacity today, the Philippines can be better prepared to evaluate and potentially adopt nuclear power as part of a more reliable and resilient energy future.

24/09/2026

The proposed ₱228.92-million budget for the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Program (EVIDP) in 2027 signals stronger government support for the country’s transition toward cleaner and more sustainable transportation. The proposed allocation is more than seven times the program’s 2026 funding, providing greater resources for EV infrastructure and testing capabilities.

The increased funding will support the EVision Project, which will expand EV charging facilities in selected government offices, as well as the establishment of an Electric Vehicle Charging System Testing Facility to strengthen the country’s capacity to assess charging systems. These investments can help make electric mobility more accessible and practical, particularly in government operations, while encouraging wider EV adoption.

The proposed EVIDP funding is also part of a broader ₱5.58-billion proposed 2027 budget for the Department of Energy, alongside investments in energy-resource exploration and assessment. Together, these initiatives reflect a broader effort to strengthen energy security, expand access to cleaner technologies, reduce long-term dependence on imported energy, and support a more sustainable and resilient Philippine economy.

24/09/2026

The first BARMM parliamentary elections mark a significant milestone in the region’s transition toward democratic self-governance. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. welcomed the successful conduct of the historic polls, emphasizing their importance to the continuing peace process and the Bangsamoro people’s aspirations for a peaceful and progressive future.

With 80 parliamentary seats contested and voter turnout reaching 82.41 percent, the elections demonstrated substantial participation by Bangsamoro voters. The peaceful and orderly conduct of the polls, despite isolated security incidents, also reflected the efforts of Comelec, security forces, and other stakeholders in protecting the democratic process.

The historic exercise shows how dialogue, peacebuilding, and democratic institutions can provide a political path for self-governance. As the Bangsamoro Parliament begins this new chapter, sustaining peace, strengthening democratic participation, and translating autonomy into inclusive development will remain important goals for the region and the country.

23/09/2026

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. called for stronger and evolving protection for Filipino seafarers as new technologies transform the maritime industry and global security risks continue to emerge. Speaking at the Philippine Maritime Convention 2026, Marcos stressed that seafarers can be exposed to armed conflicts, geopolitical tensions, attacks and other dangers beyond their control.

The government has been strengthening safeguards through updated employment rules and contracts, compliance with international training standards, dedicated Seafarers’ Welfare Centers, enhanced emergency repatriation capabilities, and assistance for seafarers and their families. A Full-Cycle National Reintegration Program also provides returning seafarers with livelihood, wellness and financial literacy support.

With Filipinos accounting for nearly one in every five deployed seafarers worldwide, protecting their safety and welfare is not only a labor concern, it is a national responsibility. The call for modernized training, stronger safety systems and greater support for Filipino maritime workers is a crucial step toward ensuring that those who keep global trade moving can sail with greater security and confidence.

22/09/2026

OPEN SEA LANES, FASTER DISASTER RESPONSE

In a disaster-prone archipelagic country like the Philippines, keeping our sea lanes of communication (SLOCs) open, safe, and accessible is not only a matter of maritime security, it is also critical to saving lives.

Department of National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. emphasized that open sea lanes provide some of the quickest avenues for relief missions, allowing emergency personnel, relief goods, medical assistance, rescue assets, and other essential supplies to reach communities affected by typhoons, earthquakes, flooding and other disasters. He stressed that these routes should remain free and open in accordance with UNCLOS and international law, particularly as disasters become more severe and unpredictable.

This is especially important for the West Philippine Sea (WPS). For an archipelagic nation, our maritime routes connect islands, coastal communities, ports and vital logistics networks. Keeping these waters accessible and secure helps ensure that humanitarian assistance and disaster-response operations can move where they are needed even when roads, bridges or airports are damaged or inaccessible.

The WPS therefore has significance beyond maritime security and sovereign rights. Safe and open seas are also lifelines for Filipino communities. Protecting freedom of navigation and ensuring that maritime routes remain accessible supports not only commerce and fisheries, but also humanitarian assistance and disaster response.

The Philippines and Japan are currently co-hosting maritime-security activities under the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting-Plus, involving personnel, naval assets, ships and aircraft from eight participating countries. The activities are designed to strengthen procedures, interoperability, trust and practical cooperation among participating defense establishments and navies.

As the Philippines faces increasingly complex disasters and maritime challenges, keeping our seas open means keeping a vital pathway open to help, rescue, recovery and humanitarian assistance.

Open sea lanes save time.
Open sea lanes deliver aid.
Open sea lanes help save lives.

The West Philippine Sea is part of the broader maritime environment through which the Philippines protects its communities, exercises its lawful maritime rights, and ensures that assistance can reach Filipinos when disaster strikes.

22/09/2026

The Philippine government has stepped up efforts to protect children from harmful online content after the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), upon the request of the Philippine National Police (PNP), blocked two websites reportedly linked to real-world violence and the online grooming of minors. Authorities have not publicly identified the websites.

According to the PNP, the websites were identified through intensified cyber-patrolling by its Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG). Authorities said some online platforms can expose young users to increasingly serious or violent content and may be used to influence or groom minors toward acts of real-world violence. The PNP said its monitoring of other websites and platforms is continuing, and additional blocking may follow.

The government’s action comes amid heightened concern over the exposure of young people to violent online material following recent school shooting incidents. The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has also been coordinating with the NTC, PNP, Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center, internet service providers and digital platforms to strengthen online safeguards against graphic violence and other harmful content.

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents and guardians also have an important role to play. Children should be guided on responsible internet use, taught to recognize harmful or manipulative content, and encouraged to report suspicious online interactions. Monitoring sudden changes in behavior and maintaining open communication can also help identify when a child may be experiencing harmful online influence.

🛡️ The internet should be a place for learning, connection and opportunity, not a space where children are targeted, manipulated or exposed to content that encourages violence.

📱 Think before you click. Talk to your children. Report harmful content. Help keep Filipino children safe online.

21/09/2026

A serious maritime incident occurred on September 18, 2026, when China Coast Guard vessel CCG-21585 made contact with Philippine fisheries vessel BRP Datu Magat Salamat while the BFAR vessel was conducting a fuel-assistance mission for Filipino fisherfolk in the West Philippine Sea.

According to the Philippine Coast Guard, the Chinese vessel first cut across the BFAR vessel’s stern at a distance of about 10 meters before repeating the maneuver minutes later and striking the Philippine ship. The impact damaged railings, metal supports and deck equipment. The Chinese vessel subsequently passed behind the BFAR ship at only about 5 meters.

The incident occurred approximately 54 nautical miles from Palawan, making it the closest such ramming incident to the Philippine coast recorded by the PCG, according to PCG spokesperson Rear Adm. Jay Tarriela.

The Department of Foreign Affairs condemned what it described as aggressive, coercive and dangerous actions, saying the incident endangered the civilian crew and was inconsistent with obligations under UNCLOS, the 2016 Arbitral Award, COLREGs and SOLAS. China, however, disputed Manila's account and blamed the Philippine vessel for the collision.

Filipino vessels must be able to operate safely.

A civilian government vessel delivering assistance to Filipino fishermen should not have its crew placed in unnecessary danger.

The Philippines has stated that it will continue lawful activities and support Filipino fisherfolk in the West Philippine Sea while responding with restraint, professionalism and adherence to international law.

17/09/2026

As we remember September 21 and reflect on the lessons of Martial Law, let us recognize the value of peaceful and democratic ways of expressing our grievances.

Our concerns can be heard through dialogue, civic participation, elections, lawful assemblies, and constructive action. Violence and armed conflict can put lives, families, and communities at risk.

Let remembrance strengthen our commitment to a society where differences are addressed through democratic means, where people can speak up peacefully, and where the future is shaped through participation, not violence.

15/09/2026

DON’T GLAMORIZE THE CHAOS. RECOGNIZE THE MANIPULATION.

Nihilistic violent extremism is not rebellion, freedom, or a form of edgy self-expression. Behind the provocative imagery and promises of belonging is a dangerous reality: young people can be manipulated and exploited by individuals and criminal networks that use anger, isolation, and psychological cruelty to push violence and chaos.

We must strip away the aesthetic and expose the reality. Violence does not create purpose, it destroys lives, traumatizes families, and turns vulnerable young people into victims and tools for others.

Reject the glorification of violence. Question extremist content. Resist manipulation. Speak up when someone is being targeted or recruited. Choose connection, purpose, and community over hatred and destruction.