ORMOC CITY — A ‘habal-habal’ driver listed as a street-level drug personality was arrested in a buy-bust operation conducted by the Station Drug Enforcement Team of Police Station 5 on Saturday night, November 8, in Purok 3, Brgy. Dolores, this city.

PCpt. Sheriza Jane Salazar identified the suspect as alias “Anton,” 37, a resident of NHA Village and living with a partner.

Police initially recovered one sachet of suspected shabu worth P500 from the suspect during the transaction.

A body search, conducted in the presence of mandated witnesses, yielded a matchbox containing five more sachets of suspected shabu. The seized drugs weighed approximately 0.71 grams with an estimated Dangerous Drugs Board value of P4,828. Authorities also recovered the marked P500 bill used during the operation.

The suspect was informed of the nature of his arrest and his constitutional rights and is currently detained at Police Station 5 in Brgy. Dolores. Charges for violation of RA 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) have been filed with the City Prosecutor’s Office.

(ROBERT DEJON)

TACLOBAN CITY — In a major step toward sustaining peace in one of Samar’s once insurgency-affected towns, a total of 116 former rebels from Matuguinao have formally applied for amnesty following a two-day orientation and intake activity led by the Local Amnesty Board (LAB)–Catbalogan.

The activity, held in Barangay Mabuligon, was organized in partnership with the 43rd Infantry Battalion and the local government of Matuguinao. Mayor Aran Boller spearheaded the initiative, emphasizing its importance in reinforcing the town’s peace gains and supporting the reintegration of former combatants.

Representing Battalion Commander LtCol Jason Que, 2LT Mariel Andrea Marcos and her team assisted the former rebels in completing their custodial debriefing reports — a crucial requirement in their amnesty application.

The LAB Secretariat also provided a comprehensive briefing on the government’s amnesty program, outlining the full process from application to endorsement to the Office of the President and clarifying which offenses qualify under the proclamation.

On the first day of intake, 82 FRs submitted their applications, followed by 34 more the next day, completing the total of 116 applicants. Officials described the turnout as a strong sign of determination among the FRs to clear their names and formally rejoin mainstream society as law-abiding citizens.

All applicants took their oath of allegiance before Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) lawyers Cheska Marie Geli and Nancy Faye Bernardo, who ensured that each former rebel fully understood the responsibilities and commitments under the amnesty program.

Mayor Boller reiterated the municipal government’s firm resolve to end insurgency permanently by opening long-term avenues for reconciliation, reintegration, and livelihood opportunities.

Meanwhile, Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace and Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) Area Management Unit–Eastern Visayas Program Manager Imelda Bonifacio briefed the FRs on ongoing peace and development projects in Matuguinao. She highlighted the importance of infrastructure upgrades, particularly the road network linking Las Navas and Matuguinao, and affirmed continued government support.

Bonifacio also introduced members of the Special Project Team (SPT) — themselves former rebels — who are assisting the LAB Secretariat in processing applications.

The successful completion of the activity highlights how coordinated efforts between LGUs, security forces, and national agencies continue to accelerate peacebuilding and support the transformation of conflict-affected communities across Eastern Visayas.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

CATARMAN, Northern Samar (PIA) — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Northern Samar prioritizes the resilience of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in its development efforts as it prepares for the ‘2nd Manggad San Northern Samar’ Pre-Christmas Trade Fair at Gaisano Grand Mall, Catarman, from November 14 to 17.

DTI Provincial Head Mimosa Regis highlighted these initiatives on PIA’s ‘Huruhimangraw sa Panginudto’ radio program on November 12, noting that local entrepreneurs received targeted support to build resilience.

“These exhibitors have been trained in basic entrepreneurship through DTI’s Negosyo Centers in their respective municipalities,” she said.

Regis stated that the agency trained MSMEs in packaging and product development to improve marketability and meet consumer demands. She added that DTI helped exhibitors prepare business continuity plans to sustain operations during unexpected events, especially in a typhoon-prone province.

To support production efficiency, DTI provided MSMEs with access to Shared Service Facilities that offered modern machinery and tools for food processing, furniture making, and bamboo crafts at no extra cost. Regis stated that this shared access lowered investment costs and enhanced product quality.

Fifty exhibitors from 15 municipalities, including Lavezares, Allen, Laoang, Palapag, Victoria, Las Navas, Lope de Vega, Gamay, Catarman, Mapanas, Bobon, Mondragon, Biri, and San Roque, will participate in the fair. The DTI coordinated with the provincial government and local units to transport products free of charge.

The four-day event features local bamboo crafts, abaca products, crocheted fabrics, wood carvings, and a variety of foods, including pili items, tablea, native delicacies, pastries, banana chips, seaweed, and coconut products.

Regis stated that the DTI is also working to revive the abaca industry in the province, aiming to expand opportunities for MSME innovation and promote long-term growth.

(TBC, PIA Northern Samar)

TACLOBAN CITY — The Visayas Command (VISCOM) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines has reaffirmed its loyalty to the Constitution and assured the public of its non-partisan position, amid renewed calls to preserve democratic institutions in the country.

In a statement released Wednesday, November 19, VISCOM Commander Lt. Gen. Fernando Reyeg emphasized that the command remains committed to protecting the Filipino people while maintaining professionalism and allegiance to duly constituted authority.
“The Visayas Command (VISCOM) reaffirms its steadfast commitment to uphold the Constitution, preserve democratic institutions, and serve the Filipino people with honor, discipline, and unwavering professionalism,” Reyeg said.

The declaration comes as communities across the Visayas continue to rebuild from recent calamities, including strong typhoons that battered parts of the region. Reyeg highlighted that unity is crucial to ongoing rehabilitation efforts.

He assured Visayan communities that VISCOM troops remain apolitical and focused on safeguarding peace and stability across the region.

“Our commitment to constitutional order is not merely a duty; it reflects the values we uphold,” he said. “Every soldier under VISCOM understands that our strength lies not in force, but in fidelity to the rule of law and service rooted in integrity.”

Lt. Gen. Reyeg also appealed to the public and local leaders to pursue initiatives that “heal, unite, and move the Visayas forward.”

“You can rely on us to stand firm, serve honorably, and protect the welfare of the people in the region,” he added.

VISCOM, headquartered in Cebu City, oversees security and peacekeeping operations throughout the entire Visayas region.

(JOEY A. GABIETA)