MAASIN CITY-New voters in remote barangays of this city, including those with concerns that needed action by the Commission on Elections (Comelec), have expressed gratitude that the poll body went to their place to conduct registration and update records.

“I can sense their deep appreciation. Of course, for us, it was part of our service to bring the government closer to the people,” said Atty. Don Joshua Margate, city elections officer.

In an interview with the Philippine Information Agency, Margate stated that if an individual registrant had gone to the Comelec office located in the downtown area of Barangay Combado, they would have had to spend at least P120 on transportation alone, excluding expenses for meals and snacks.

On Feb. 24, Comelec personnel went to Barangay Lonoy, an upland community, for the first in a series of satellite registrations. People from the neighboring mountain barangays of Basak, Canjoum, and Tigbawan were also accommodated.

“Anindot nang programaha nga gisaka mi, gikalipay sa mga tawo,” said Celestino Laraga, Punong Barangay of Lonoy, when PIA asked for his reaction by phone. (The program is good, and it brings joy to the people.)

Aside from listing new voters, which totaled 41 for all four barangays, other services extended by the poll body included the transfer of registration, correction of entry, and reactivation of registration, Margate said.

When asked why Barangay Lonoy was selected as the pilot site out of more than 30 upland barangays in the city, Margate said the only consideration was that it was a catchment area for the three other barangays.

He said they would schedule going out for another satellite registration again in a place where people in nearby barangays can easily come, just like in Lonoy.

Aside from reaching out to far-flung communities, the Comelec will also hold a special registration next month for senior citizens, persons deprived of liberty (PDLs), persons with disabilities (PWDs), and grandparents. Margate shared this information.

The Comelec started continuing registration on Feb. 12 for next year’s local and national elections. As of the last count here in the city, there were already 243 new registrants, or those who shall turn 18 years old on the day of the elections next year, on May 12, 2025, based on their guidelines.

Comelec called on those living in the heart of the city, new voters, and those with other Comelec-related concerns to walk in at their office in Barangay Combado and have themselves registered until Sept. 30, 2024, so they can cast their votes for next year’s elections. (AAC/MMP/PIA Southern Leyte)

LLORENTE, Eastern Samar – The Department of Public Works and Highways Eastern Samar District Engineering Office (DPWH ESDEO) and Department of Agriculture (DA) has completed the farm-to-market road (FMR) of Sitio Kapatagan, Brgy. Antipolo, Llorente, Eastern Samar.

The project involved the construction of a two-lane concrete road with a length of 399 meters. The total appropriation for the project was P13,000,000 with a contract amount of P12,935,000 funded under DA FMR 2023.

The completion of the project has brought great relief to the residents of Sitio Kapatagan and nearby areas who were previously facing difficulties in transporting their farm products due to the lack of a proper road.

Edgardo Grafel, a resident farmer of Brgy. Antipolo, shared his thoughts on the impact of the project.

“Han una kay waray pa man kalsada dida hiton nga Sitio Kapatagan makuri an panara han mga produkto. Urog na adton mga humay nga gindadara nganhi han amon barangay pati ngadto han poblacion makuri an kuan kay nagsusuhol ngan mahal an pag-aaro yan mga nagho-howl [In the past, Sitio Kapatagan didn’t have a road, which made it difficult to transport farm products, particularly rice, to our barangay and to the poblacion. The hauling cost was expensive, making it challenging for the locals to transport their goods],” he said.

Grafel added that the project’s completion has not only eased transportation for the residents but has also improved the overall quality of life in the area.

“ Maupay na itond mga kamutangan hit parag-uma didto ha kapatagan kay dara nga mayda na kalsada, nadederisto na it mga sasakyan ngadto ngan yadto na it mga produkto dada-a hiton ligid hit kalsada harani na iton pagdara ngan diri na madalunot iton dalan [Things have improved in Sitio Kapatagan since the road has been paved. Vehicles can now easily reach the area, and farm products can be transported more efficiently. The road is no longer slippery, making it safer for people and vehicles to travel],” said Grafel.

Meanwhile, District Engineer Domcelio M. Natividad also said that the road will provide ease of transportation for the residents and contribute to the area’s economic growth.
“We are proud to have been a part of this initiative, and we hope that it will continue to benefit the people of Brgy. Antipolo and nearby areas for years to come,” said DE Natividad.

The FMR project was started on May 16, 2023 and slated to be completed on August 19, 2023.
(DPWH EASTERN SAMAR/PR)

No. 1 regional priority target of PNP

ORMOC CITY– Operatives of the Regional Drug Enforcement Unit of the Philippine National Police (PNP-8) conducted a buy-bust operation on Sunday (March 3) in Purok 4, Barangay Bagong Buhay, Bliss, this city, at about 11:48 am which resulted in the death of the suspect and the recovery of suspected shabu valued at P204,000 weighing 30 grams.

The primary suspect, identified as Sonny Aldemia, of legal age, engaged in a drug transaction with an operative, during which one bulk sachet containing white crystalline substances suspected to be shabu, procured for P30,000, was seized.

Following the transaction, upon sensing the presence of arresting officers, Aldemia fled into his residence, brandishing a firearm and firing towards the operating team.
In response, the team returned fire.

Despite being wounded, Aldemia was transported by the operating team to Ormoc District Hospital for medical intervention but was pronounced dead on arrival by attending physicians.

The Ormoc City rescue group was promptly notified to process the crime scene.
During the examination, one sachet containing suspected shabu weighing approximately six grams, purchased for P30,000, was recovered, along with a .38 revolver lacking a serial number, loaded with three live rounds, two fired cartridge cases, eighteen fired cartridges, and thirteen aluminum foil strips.

Further examination of Aldemia’s body at the hospital led to the discovery of 14 sachets containing white crystalline substance suspected to be shabu.
The victim’s remains were conveyed to a local funeral parlor for further procedures.
(ROBERT DEJON)