Rappler's latest stories on Westmincom
Military taps sardine fishing crews as 'reserve force' in Sulu Sea
Crews of two major canned sardine companies have been armed and trained as 'special CAFGU' to guard the waters off the Zamboanga Peninsula, says the military

Suspected Abu Sayyaf bomber arrested in Zamboanga Sibugay
A joint team of the 44th IB of the Philippine Army and the PNP capture Isnaji Hasim

8 killed, 22 wounded in attack on military camp in Sulu
(3rd UPDATE) The explosion happens on the first day of the assumption of the new chief of the Western Mindanao Command

At least 23 dead in Jolo Cathedral bombing
(11th UPDATE) More than a hundred others are injured in twin explosions at the cathedral on Sunday morning, January 27

Another Abu Sayyaf leader surrenders in Basilan – WestMinCom
(UPDATED) Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana says the series of surrenders by Abu Sayyaf leaders signals the 'eventual collapse' of the terror group

Hapilon's close aide arrested in Zamboanga City
Hamsi Amajad Marani of the Abu Sayyaf Group is a bomber trained by an Indonesian Jemaah Islamiyah bomb expert says the military

#ThewRap: Things you need to know, June 9, 2017
Hello Here are the stories you shouldn t miss this Friday

Terrorists in Marawi holding 'more or less 100' hostages – military
Marawi priest Father Teresito Soganub is still alive according to ground commander Major General Rolando Bautista

Another notorious Abu Sayyaf leader killed
3RD UPDATE Alhabsy Misaya – the leader of an Abu Sayyaf subgroup in Indanan Sulu – is dead says the military

Soldier in Sulu abducted by Abu Sayyaf – military
Staff Sergeant Anni Siraji is abducted by about 7 people at 9:30 am while on the road heading to Igasan Patikul Sulu

2 Malaysian Abu Sayyaf hostages rescued in Sulu
UPDATED The rescued hostages are among the 5 Malaysian crewmen of Tugboat Serudung 3 who were kidnapped in July 2016 off the coast of Lahad Datu in Sabah

Rescue of Abu Sayyaf hostages continues amid beheading reports
Chief presidential peace adviser Secretary Jesus Dureza receives a report that the local terrorist group has beheaded its German hostage but he says this is still unverified information

2 children killed, 3 injured in Basilan explosion
The military blames the Abu Sayyaf for the explosion saying the terror group meant to sow fear in the area

2 Abu Sayyaf kidnap victims rescued in Sulu
Esteban Janamjam and Dulce Almers are rescued by members of the Joint Task Force Sulu

Zambo councilor-reporter involved in surrender speaks
Kagawad Teodyver Arquiza wonders if the outcome of events in Zamboanga would have been different if he did not coordinate with government troops
Coballes assumes Westmincom post
He vows to go after those behind death of 19 soldiers in Basilan
Northern Luzon, Western Mindanao have new commanders
New appointees are from PMA classes 79 80
Bandits attack Marine camp, 4 hurt
Two kids among hurt in Christmas Day attack
Hunt for Missing Officer in Zambo On
Army intelligence unit intercepted disarmed by suspected rebels in Zamboanga Sibugay