TACLOBAN CITY — A 20-year-old fish vendor was arrested after police allegedly seized nearly P4,000 worth of suspected shabu during a buy-bust operation in Isabel, Leyte on the night of June 30.
Police identified the suspect only by his aliases “Dean” and “Dyn Mark,” a resident of Barangay Marvel of said town.
The operation was carried out at around 11:04 p.m. by operatives of the Station Drug Enforcement Team (SDET) of the Isabel Municipal Police Station in Barangay Marvel.
Lt. Sergio Llaneta, officer-in-charge of the Isabel Municipal Police Station, said an undercover operative was able to purchase one medium-sized sachet containing a white crystalline substance believed to be shabu for P500.
A subsequent body search conducted in the presence of the required witnesses led to the recovery of a brown coin purse containing four more sachets of suspected shabu.
Police said the confiscated illegal drugs had a combined weight of 0.588 grams and an estimated street value of P3,998.40 based on the Dangerous Drugs Board valuation. Authorities also recovered the marked P500 bill used in the operation.
The suspect was informed of the reason for his arrest and apprised of his constitutional rights in a language he understood.
Charges for violation of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, have been filed before the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office in Ormoc City.
The suspect is currently being held at the detention facility of the Isabel Municipal Police Station pending further legal proceedings.
WORLD CHAMPION. Edgar “Taybo” Calvo Jr. of Borongan City, Eastern Samar celebrates after capturing the Longboard Qualifying Series (LQS 1000) crown at the World Surf League Siheung Korea Open in South Korea. Calvo led an all-Filipino sweep of the men’s longboard finals, showcasing the Philippines’ growing dominance in international surfing.(BORONGAN CITY INFORMATION OFFICE)
WORLD CHAMPION. Edgar “Taybo” Calvo Jr. of Borongan City, Eastern Samar celebrates after capturing the Longboard Qualifying Series (LQS 1000) crown at the World Surf League Siheung Korea Open in South Korea. Calvo led an all-Filipino sweep of the men’s longboard finals, showcasing the Philippines’ growing dominance in international surfing.(BORONGAN CITY INFORMATION OFFICE)
TACLOBAN CITY — Borongan City surfer Edgar “Taybo” Calvo Jr. brought honor to the Philippines after winning the Longboard Qualifying Series (LQS 1000) title at the World Surf League (WSL) Siheung Korea Open in South Korea, capping an all-Filipino podium finish in the men’s longboard division.
Calvo emerged victorious in the championship round held from July 3 to 5 at Wave Park on Turtle Island in Siheung, South Korea, posting a winning heat total of 17.40 points to outclass a field of seasoned international competitors.
His victory underscored the growing prominence of Philippine surfing on the world stage as all four finalists in the men’s longboard event were Filipinos.
Joining Calvo in the finals were Jay-r Esquivel, Jomarie Ebueza, and King Villanueva, guaranteeing the Philippines the championship even before the final heat began.
“I’m so thankful and grateful. I’m thankful and happy that we are all Filipinos in the finals,” Calvo said after claiming the title.
Around 250 surfers from 16 countries competed in the World Surf League event, which featured the Men’s and Women’s Shortboard Qualifying Series (QS 6000) and the Longboard Qualifying Series (LQS 1000).
Hosted at Wave Park on Turtle Island, the competition offered a total prize purse of 130 million Korean won (about US$85,000) and attracted many of Asia’s top surfing talents.
Calvo’s latest international triumph adds to the growing list of achievements by Filipino surfers and further cements Borongan City’s reputation as one of the country’s premier surfing destinations.
Known as the “Surf City” of Eastern Visayas, Borongan has gained national and international recognition for its consistent waves and easily accessible surfing spots located within the city proper. The city has produced several nationally ranked surfers and has become a regular venue for major surfing competitions.
Calvo’s championship is expected to further inspire young surfers in Eastern Samar and strengthen the province’s reputation as one of the country’s emerging surfing capitals.
FINAL FAREWELL. Family members, classmates, teachers, and friends pay their final respects to the three students killed in the June 22 mass shooting at San Jose National High School during separate burial rites in Tacloban City. As the last victim, Yohancee “Yancee” Separa, was laid to rest, the families of all three victims renewed their call for justice and accountability for one of the deadliest school shooting incidents in the country’s recent history. (JOEY A.GABIETA, PHOTO COURTESY)
Families renew plea for justice
FINAL FAREWELL. Family members, classmates, teachers, and friends pay their final respects to the three students killed in the June 22 mass shooting at San Jose National High School during separate burial rites in Tacloban City. As the last victim, Yohancee “Yancee” Separa, was laid to rest, the families of all three victims renewed their call for justice and accountability for one of the deadliest school shooting incidents in the country’s recent history. (JOEY A.GABIETA, PHOTO COURTESY)
TACLOBAN CITY — The three students killed in the June 22 mass shooting inside San Jose National High School have now all been laid to rest, but for their grieving families, the pain remains as they continue to demand justice and accountability for one of the deadliest school attacks in recent Philippine history.
The final victim, 15-year-old Yohancee “Yancee” Separa, was buried on Thursday, July 2, at Holy Cross Memorial Garden, four days after her classmate, 15-year-old Chris Lorenz Fabian, was laid to rest and a day after the burial of 14-year-old Ayessha Nicole Dazo.
Their burials brought to a close days of emotional farewells that drew hundreds of mourners, classmates, teachers, relatives, friends, and community members still reeling from the tragedy that left three students dead and 20 others injured.
The June 22 shooting, allegedly carried out by two minors aged 15 and 14, has shocked the country and ignited nationwide discussions on school security, gun ownership, and the country’s juvenile justice law.
As Separa’s coffin was lowered into the ground, her father, Jaime Separa, struggled to contain his grief.
“Sorry, Yancee. I was not around when it happened,” he said in Waray, his voice breaking with emotion.
The grieving father later said he could not forgive himself for not being with his daughter during the attack.
“If I had been there, I could have saved her. I could have helped,” he said.
Separa’s mother, Jennelyn, quietly clutched a framed photograph of her daughter throughout the burial. Before the coffin was finally covered, she softly whispered, “We love you, Yancee.”
The family’s anguish was shared by Separa’s 11-year-old brother, who tearfully promised to seek justice for his sister.
“I will miss you, Yancee. I will never forget you, and I will make sure that those behind your death will be held responsible,” he said before tossing unripe mangoes wrapped in cellophane—one of his sister’s favorite fruits—into her grave.
Separa died while being rushed to the hospital after a bullet struck her in the back and exited through her chest.
Earlier, hundreds gathered for the burial of Chris Lorenz Fabian at Superior Memorial Gardens, where he was honored not only as one of the victims but also as a young hero.
Classmates and relatives said Chris sacrificed himself by shielding fellow students during the shooting, allowing others to escape.
His funeral was marked by military honors from soldiers of the Army’s 8th Infantry Division, who rendered a 21-gun salute, while members of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines paid their final respects by rendering the Scout Salute and reciting the Scout Oath.
A Philippine flag was also presented to his family in recognition of his bravery.
As his white coffin was lowered into the grave, family members released white balloons while wearing shirts bearing the words “Justice for Chris Lorenz.”
Overcome with grief, Chris’ mother appealed directly to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
“Please, Mr. President, help us find justice,” she said after the burial.
She also questioned why the alleged 14-year-old gunman could not be criminally prosecuted under the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act.
“We want the 14-year-old to be held accountable, including his parents and his aunt. Chris is no longer with us, while he appears to be receiving comfort from the government,” she said.
Authorities earlier disclosed that the firearm allegedly used by the younger suspect reportedly belonged to his aunt, who is a member of the Police Regional Office.
Chris’ mother also revealed that the tragedy had deeply traumatized her younger son, a Grade 7 student, prompting the family to transfer him to another school.
“Until now, the child remains traumatized,” she said.
Among those who paid tribute to Chris was his classmate, Jomar.
“I will miss him. He was such a good person. On the day of the incident, we promised to play Mobile Legends,” he said before breaking into tears.
The three families have consistently appealed for justice, insisting that everyone responsible for the tragedy be held accountable.
Police have filed three counts of murder and multiple counts of frustrated murder against the 15-year-old suspect.
However, no criminal charges have been filed against the 14-year-old suspect, identified only by the alias “Nash,” because under the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act, children aged 14 and below are exempt from criminal liability, although they may undergo intervention and rehabilitation.
Both minors are currently housed separately in facilities managed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) while legal proceedings continue.
The DSWD, together with Leyte Representative Martin Romualdez, also shouldered the funeral expenses of the three victims.
The tragedy has since sparked renewed calls from lawmakers, legal experts, and victims’ families to revisit the country’s juvenile justice law, particularly the age of criminal responsibility, while also prompting broader discussions on school safety, mental health interventions, and responsible firearm ownership.
Although all three young victims have now been laid to rest, their families say their fight is far from over, vowing to pursue justice until everyone they believe is responsible is held accountable.
PARTNERS FOR SAFE MOTHERHOOD. Officials of the Provincial Government of Northern Samar, the municipal governments of Biri, Gamay, and Mapanas, together with representatives of the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and World Vision, sign a memorandum of agreement launching the second phase of the Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (MNCH) Project. The five-year initiative aims to reduce maternal and newborn deaths through improved healthcare services, upgraded facilities, and enhanced training for community health workers. (Photo courtesy of the Provincial Government of Northern Samar)
PARTNERS FOR SAFE MOTHERHOOD. Officials of the Provincial Government of Northern Samar, the municipal governments of Biri, Gamay, and Mapanas, together with representatives of the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and World Vision, sign a memorandum of agreement launching the second phase of the Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (MNCH) Project. The five-year initiative aims to reduce maternal and newborn deaths through improved healthcare services, upgraded facilities, and enhanced training for community health workers. (Photo courtesy of the Provincial Government of Northern Samar)
CATARMAN, Northern Samar – The provincial government of Northern Samar has forged a five-year partnership with the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and World Vision to strengthen maternal, newborn, and child healthcare, a program expected to reduce maternal and infant deaths by improving access to quality health services, upgrading facilities, and enhancing the skills of community health workers.
Provincial officials expressed gratitude to the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and World Vision for their continued commitment to improving healthcare services in Northern Samar following the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on June 24.
The agreement, signed by KOICA, World Vision, the provincial government of Northern Samar, and the municipal governments of Biri, Gamay, and Mapanas, formally launched the second phase of the Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (MNCH) Project in the province.
Present during the signing were World Vision Korea Project Director Jihwan Jeon and World Vision-KOICA MNCH Project Manager Romil Jeffrey Juson, along with provincial and municipal officials.
Representing Governor Christopher Harris Ongchuan, Board Member Dexter Galit said the partnership goes beyond a formal agreement and represents a shared commitment to protecting the lives of mothers and newborns through safe, accessible, and quality healthcare.
“The signing of this agreement is more than formalizing a partnership. It reflects our shared commitment to the people we serve—especially mothers, newborns, children, and families—to ensure they have access to quality healthcare services,” Ongchuan said in a message read during the ceremony.
The governor said improving healthcare remains one of his administration’s top priorities, noting that a healthy population is essential to the province’s economic and social development.
He added that the MNCH Project complements the provincial government’s long-term development agenda by strengthening healthcare delivery, particularly in geographically isolated and disadvantaged communities.
The five-year project, which will run until 2030, includes capacity-building programs for healthcare workers, rehabilitation and construction of health facilities, provision of medical equipment, medicines, vitamins, and supplies, and implementation of community-based health promotion campaigns.
The initiative also seeks to improve access to maternal and child health services while providing additional support to vulnerable families in Northern Samar.
Vice Governor Clarence Dato, represented by Board Member Lope Radomir, described the partnership as a significant milestone in advancing public health in the province.
“This gathering is more than a ceremonial signing of documents. It is our affirmation of a shared commitment to ensure that every Nortehanon receives quality healthcare, every child is given the opportunity to grow healthy and strong, and every family—especially those in vulnerable and underserved communities—has access to essential health services,” Dato said.
For the municipality of Mapanas, one of the three project sites, the program is expected to address persistent challenges in maternal healthcare.
Vice Mayor Maria Luisa Barbara Tejano welcomed the inclusion of Mapanas in the project, saying it would greatly benefit the municipality by improving the capacity of healthcare workers who care for pregnant women and newborns.
She said that despite having a functioning birthing facility, some expectant mothers still choose to deliver at home with the assistance of a traditional birth attendant, locally known as a hilot, instead of giving birth in healthcare facilities attended by skilled birth professionals.
“We continue to encourage pregnant women to deliver in health facilities because we want every mother to have a safe childbirth,” Tejano said.
World Vision-KOICA MNCH Project Manager Romil Jeffrey Juson expressed confidence that the second phase of the project would significantly contribute to reducing maternal and newborn deaths in the three beneficiary municipalities.
A major component of the project is the implementation of Timed and Targeted Care for Families (ttCF), a community-based strategy that trains barangay health workers (BHWs) to regularly visit pregnant women and families with newborns.
Under the program, trained health workers will conduct scheduled house-to-house visits to monitor pregnancies, identify potential health risks early, provide health education, and ensure that expectant mothers receive timely prenatal and postnatal care.
“This project focuses on Timed and Targeted Care for Families (ttCF). We train our barangay health workers to conduct regular home visits because pregnant women and newborns need to be closely monitored,” Juson explained.
“It is important to care for the mother during pregnancy so that the baby is born healthy. If a newborn is not healthy at birth, complications can arise. That is why we are strengthening the training of barangay health workers, who will conduct house-to-house monitoring of pregnant women and ensure they receive the care they need,” he added.
The KOICA-funded initiative is expected to strengthen Northern Samar’s healthcare system by improving maternal and child health services, expanding access to quality healthcare, and empowering frontline health workers to provide life-saving interventions at the community level.
TACLOBAN CITY — The Senate on Wednesday, July 1, pressed for stronger school safety measures and updates on the investigation into the fatal school shooting in Tacloban City after Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8) Regional Director Brig. Gen. Jason Capoy appeared before a Senate panel to detail the progress of the case that claimed the lives of three students and injured 18 others.
Capoy testified before the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality during its inquiry into the June 22 shooting at a private school in Tacloban City, one of the deadliest school-related attacks in recent years.
The hearing focused on the status of the police investigation, the government’s response to the incident, and possible legislative reforms aimed at strengthening campus security, protecting students, and preventing similar acts of violence.
During the inquiry, Capoy briefed senators on the steps taken by PRO-8 since the incident, including crime scene processing, forensic examination, evidence gathering, witness interviews, and coordination with prosecutors and other government agencies to build a strong case.
He assured lawmakers that the regional police office remains committed to securing justice for the victims and their families, saying investigators are exhausting all legal remedies to ensure that everyone found responsible will be held accountable.
Capoy also emphasized the need for closer collaboration among law enforcement agencies, the Department of Education, local government units, school administrators, parents, and community stakeholders to strengthen security measures in schools and improve emergency response protocols.
The Senate inquiry forms part of the government’s broader review of existing policies on campus safety and child protection following the Tacloban tragedy. Lawmakers said the findings of the investigation would serve as the basis for possible legislation and policy reforms aimed at preventing future school shootings and ensuring safer learning environments nationwide.
HOMEMADE. Ormoc City Mayor Lucy Torres Gomez leads the official launch of ‘Homemade: A Taste of Ormoc’ on June 27. The coffee table cookbook features 77 treasured recipes and personal stories from Ormocanons, celebrating and preserving the city’s rich culinary heritage for future generations.
(Photo courtesy of the Ormoc City Government)
HOMEMADE. Ormoc City Mayor Lucy Torres Gomez leads the official launch of ‘Homemade: A Taste of Ormoc’ on June 27. The coffee table cookbook features 77 treasured recipes and personal stories from Ormocanons, celebrating and preserving the city’s rich culinary heritage for future generations. (Photo courtesy of the Ormoc City Government)
TACLOBAN CITY— Ormoc City officially launched ‘Homemade: A Taste of Ormoc’, unveiling a coffee table cookbook that documents the city’s rich culinary traditions through treasured family recipes and personal stories in a bid to preserve its food heritage for future generations.
The launch, held at the Sports Complex Badminton Center in Barangay Juaton on June 27, marked the culmination of a three-year project dedicated to documenting and celebrating Ormoc’s culinary identity.
The book features 77 cherished recipes contributed by Ormocanons, each accompanied by personal narratives that reflect family traditions, cherished memories, and the cultural significance behind every dish. More than a cookbook, the publication captures the city’s heritage, illustrating how food serves as a bridge between generations and strengthens community bonds.
During the launch, Ormoc City Mayor Lucy Torres Gomez said she hopes readers will discover more than recipes within the pages of the book.
“I hope that each Taste of Ormoc instills a deeper appreciation for the stories, emotions, and values that define Ormoc today,” the mayor said, adding that the publication aims to preserve not only the city’s culinary traditions but also its history, culture, and way of life.
The cookbook is part of the local government’s continuing efforts to promote Ormoc’s cultural identity through gastronomy. By documenting traditional recipes and the stories behind them, the project helps safeguard the city’s intangible cultural heritage while supporting culinary tourism, an emerging driver of local economic and tourism development, Torres Gomez said.
As food tourism continues to gain popularity across the Philippines, initiatives such as Homemade: A Taste of Ormoc help preserve traditional cooking methods, highlight local ingredients, and introduce visitors to the distinctive flavors that define communities. Through the publication, Ormoc hopes to inspire both residents and tourists to appreciate the city’s rich culinary legacy and its growing reputation as a food destination in Eastern Visayas.
Joining Mayor Torres Gomez during the unveiling were Rep. Richard Gomez, daughter Juliana Gomez, members of the city council led by Vice Mayor Leo Carmelo Locsin Jr., among others.
