Zamboanga Peninsula / Isabela City
Isabela City
A ferry carrying more than 350 passengers sank off Basilan on January 26, 2026, killing 29 people. Survivors were brought to the Isabela City port and treated at Basilan Medical Center. The DOTr grounded the entire Aleson Shipping Lines fleet after the sinking; Aleson had operated four daily round trips from Isabela City and Lamitan to Zamboanga City. Globe Telecom has a 175-kilometer, 48-core submarine cable project running from Zamboanga to Isabela City to Sulu, with full construction expected by mid-2027. A RoRo ramp expansion at the Port of Isabela was completed by PPA.
Isabela City at a Glance
- Location:
- Northern Basilan Island, facing Zamboanga City across the Basilan Strait
- Region:
- Zamboanga Peninsula (Region IX), though located within the Basilan island group
- Mayor:
- Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman
- Known for:
- Basilan’s primary port, Malamawi White Beach, and Santa Isabel Cathedral
- Local Program:
- City sea sweeper program for marine and shoreline cleanup
- Local fact:
- It serves as the commercial gateway linking Basilan islanders to mainland Zamboanga
- Barangays:
- 45
- Isabela City Hall
- Basilan coastal routes
- Santa Isabel Cathedral
Local context
Isabela City's current mayor reference on this page is Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman. Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman began a new Isabela City term after the June 30, 2025 inauguration; the city remains a Basilan administrative edge case in regional coverage.
Isabela City is linked to local place pages including Santa Isabel Cathedral, Isabela Port Area. Those pages help separate the city guide from a generic location summary by giving readers concrete markets, parks, transport corridors, civic districts, and visitor routes to compare.
The city profile emphasizes Isabela City Hall, Basilan coastal routes, Santa Isabel Cathedral. These points give the page a practical local frame instead of treating the city as only a name on a regional map.
Landmarks and orientation points
- Isabela City Hall
- Basilan coastal routes
- Santa Isabel Cathedral
Frequently Asked Questions About Isabela City
Is Isabela City part of Region IX or BARMM?
Isabela City is an administrative edge case. While it is physically on Basilan Island, it remains part of the Zamboanga Peninsula (Region IX). In contrast, the rest of Basilan province is governed under the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
How do you get to Isabela City from Zamboanga?
Travelers take a ferry or fast craft from the Zamboanga City Port. The trip across the Basilan Strait takes about 45 minutes by fast craft (roughly ₱150 to ₱200) or 1.5 to 2 hours by larger RORO ferries.
What is the best way to visit Malamawi White Beach?
From the Isabela port, take a short outrigger boat (₱5 to ₱10) to Malamawi Island. Once there, you can hire a tricycle (₱50 to ₱100) to reach the White Beach area, known for its fine sand and clear waters.
What are the main landmarks in the city center?
The primary landmarks are the Santa Isabel Cathedral, which serves as a central symbol of faith and heritage, and the busy port area that anchors the city’s daily trade and movement.
What is the "sea sweeper" program?
The sea sweeper program is a local government initiative dedicated to cleaning up marine debris and maintaining the city’s shorelines. It is a critical effort to support local fisheries and the growing tourism sector.
How is Isabela City different from Zamboanga City?
Zamboanga City is the main mainland center, while Isabela is on the island. Isabela has a quiet island port feel and is the main way to reach Basilan’s interior from the Zamboanga Peninsula.
Source note
Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman began a new Isabela City term after the June 30, 2025 inauguration; the city remains a Basilan administrative edge case in regional coverage.