TACLOBAN CITY– Filipino fishermen and church leaders have expressed alarm over the continued recovery of suspected Chinese-deployed underwater surveillance drones in Philippine waters.

“We’re deeply concerned. Since they [Chinese forces] arrived, we’ve been blocked from fishing in our own waters,” said Leonardo Cuaresma, a fisherfolk leader in Zambales, who also noted the disappearance of giant clams in the area.

From 2022 to 2024, five undersea drones were recovered in strategic coastal provinces, including Ilocos Norte, Zambales, Cagayan, Misamis Oriental, and Masbate. According to Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, forensic analysis of three devices revealed Chinese components and links to a state-owned defense firm.

“These drones are capable of collecting and transmitting data useful for undersea warfare,” Trinidad said, citing their ability to map underwater terrain.

Community organizers and the Catholic Church also raised concerns over national security and the threat to local livelihoods.

“If China can intimidate the Philippine Coast Guard, what more ordinary fishermen?” said Anthony John Jumauay of Uswag-Este Katarungan in Eastern Samar.

Caritas Philippines called on the government to show political will and protect Filipino fishing communities. “Our resources must benefit our people,” said Caritas’ ecology head, Jing Rey Henderson.

The Chinese Embassy has not issued a comment as of press time.
The Navy urged fishermen to stay alert and report suspicious devices as the territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea continues to escalate.

(RONALD O. REYES)

ORMOC CITY – A Manila-based worker was found lifeless inside his barracks in Barangay Cagusuan, Homonhon Island, Guiuan town on April 14, according to a report from the Police Regional Office 8 (PNP-8).

The victim, identified only by his alias “Leo,” 49 years old, married, and a resident of Lot 1, Block 10, 4th Street, Tañong (Pob.), Malabon City, was employed as a fitter, welder, and foreman under Dover Shipping Services Inc., a subcontractor of Verum Tera Geoscience Incorporated (VTGI), a mining company.

Based on the initial investigation of the Guiuan Municipal Police Station(MPS), personnel from the 2nd Eastern Samar Provincial Mobile Force Company (2nd ESPMFC) and Guiuan MPS responded to a report from a company worker, alias “Alfie,” regarding a dead body found inside the workers’ barracks.

According to police, the victim was last seen alive around 5:20 am on the same day when he reportedly went to sleep. At around 8:50 am, Alfie and another co-worker, alias “Gimo,” attempted to wake him but received no response.

The company’s registered nurse was then called to assess the situation and declared that the victim had likely been dead for several hours.

VTGI’s company doctor later confirmed the fatality upon the arrival of responding police officers.

Authorities said the body will undergo a post-mortem examination by the Rural Health Unit (RHU) of Guiuan to determine the cause of death.

As of press time, foul play has not been ruled out pending further medical and forensic findings.
(ROBERT DEJON)

TACLOBAN CITY – Three active members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Samar province surrendered to government forces on April 11, 2025, seeking a fresh start and a peaceful life with their family.

They voluntarily turned themselves in to the 19th Infantry Battalion (19IB) and the Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF-ELCAC) in Matuguinao, headed by Mayor Aran Boller.

The former rebels include alias ‘Ben,’ his son, and daughter-in-law.

“(They) left because they believed there was no future here. But now they see that a peaceful life is possible,” Ben’s wife, who facilitated their surrender, said.

“Every time I heard of an encounter, my heart would sink. I didn’t know if they were alive or dead,” she added, describing the anxiety that finally drove her to act.

On the night of April 11, the three came down from the mountains and were warmly received by 19IB troops.

‘Lucille’, the daughter-in-law who went by the alias “Osang” in the underground movement, shared that life in the armed struggle was far from ideal.

“There were days when we had nothing to eat but dried root crops. We walked constantly, always hiding, always running,” she recounted.

Now back in the fold of the law, the rehabilitated rebels will receive support under the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), which includes psychosocial services, livelihood training, and financial assistance. The MTF-ELCAC in Matuguinao will also extend further help to ensure their reintegration into society.

“To those still in the mountains—we’ve lived that life. Ask yourselves what you’re still fighting for. Life is here, with your family, and the government is ready to help,” Ben, in his appeal to remaining NPA members, said.

Lieutenant Colonel Ricky James Rosalejos, commanding officer of the 19th IB, commended the three for their courage to return to civilian life.

“This surrender is a testament to how peace can begin at home. When families step in and communities support them, healing becomes possible,” he said.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY – At least 30 drug suspects were arrested and over P378,000 worth of illegal drugs were seized during a weeklong series of police operations across the region from April 7 to 13, 2025.

The intensified anti-narcotics drive yielded 55.68 grams of suspected shabu, valued at P378,629.44, according to the Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8).

“This accomplishment reflects the hard work and commitment of our personnel, as well as the support from our communities,” said PRO-8 director Brigadier General Jay Cumigad. “We urge the public to continue cooperating with us by reporting suspicious drug-related activities.”

A total of 26 anti-drug operations were conducted, leading to the arrest of 27 listed and three unlisted drug personalities. No voluntary surrenders were recorded during the campaign period.

Authorities filed 31 cases for violation of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, against the suspects.

The Leyte Police Provincial Office (LPPO) accounted for the largest seizure with 33.77 grams of shabu, followed by the Tacloban City Police Office (TCPO) with 10.13 grams.
Among the notable arrests was a Rank No. 9 High-Value Individual (HVI) caught in Barangay Poblacion, Kananga, Leyte on April 7, with 5.2 grams of shabu worth P35,360 confiscated. The next day, a Rank No. 3 HVI was apprehended in Barangay 105, Suhi, Tacloban, yielding 10 grams of shabu valued at P68,000.

Cumigad reiterated the police’s commitment to sustaining anti-drug efforts across the region.
(RONALD O. REYES)