TACLOBAN CITY– The No. 1 most wanted person of the Tanza, Cavite was apprehended by operatives of the Tanza municipal police station, in collaboration with the provincial intelligence unit of the Samar Provincial Police Office, and local police around 3 pm on Saturday (Feb.17), in Daram, Samar.
The apprehended individual was identified as Agapito Fennelere, also known as Pitong, 32, with a common-law wife and a resident of Barangay Rizal, Daram.
Fennelere was arrested based on two warrants of arrest issued by Judge Flordeliz Cabanlit Fargas, presiding judge of Regional Trial Court Branch 5, Trece Marteres City, Cavite.
The first warrant, dated August 10, 2023, was for violation of RA 9262 under Case Number TMCR849-23, with a recommended bail of P3,000. The second warrant, issued by Judge Gaysol Amarian Luna, presiding judge, RTC Branch 130, also in Trece Marteres City dated January 2, 2024, was for the crime of rape under Case Number TMCR-848-23, with no bail recommended.
According to Tanza Police, upon learning of the formal charges filed against him, the suspect immediately fled Cavite and returned to his hometown in Samar, where he was subsequently apprehended.
He was then brought to Daram MPS for documentation, proper disposition, and booking before being returned to the court that issued the warrant of arrest. (ROBERT DEJON)
On February 14, coinciding with the Valentine’s Day celebration, Palo Archbishop John Du presided over the observance of Ash Wednesday, signaling the commencement of the Lenten season, during a Holy Mass held at the Palo Metropolitan Cathedral. Ash Wednesday serves as a solemn acknowledgment of human mortality and the imperative for reconciliation with God. It inaugurates the penitential period of Lent, often accompanied by the distribution of ashes, symbolically applied to the foreheads of the faithful, and fasting. (PALO METROPOLITAN CATHEDRAL)
On February 14, coinciding with the Valentine’s Day celebration, Palo Archbishop John Du presided over the observance of Ash Wednesday, signaling the commencement of the Lenten season, during a Holy Mass held at the Palo Metropolitan Cathedral. Ash Wednesday serves as a solemn acknowledgment of human mortality and the imperative for reconciliation with God. It inaugurates the penitential period of Lent, often accompanied by the distribution of ashes, symbolically applied to the foreheads of the faithful, and fasting. (PALO METROPOLITAN CATHEDRAL)
3 execs from Eastern Visayas
TACLOBAN CITY– A new political party, composed of various personalities coming from diverse sectors is expected to join in the 2025 midterm elections.
The People’s Progressive Humanist Liberal (PolPHIL) Party was officially formed on February 10 with three personalities from the region elected in key positions.
These are Councilor Larry Menzon of Babatngon, Leyte, as regional chairman for Eastern Visayas; Nestor Abrematea, named as regional media officer; and Engr. Billy Roseño, elected as vice president for the Visayas.
Elected as the party’s national chairman during its national assembly held at the Bahay ng Alumni, University of the Philippines (UP), Diliman, Quezon City was Rudy ‘Kid’ Cañeda
PolPHIL Party is now currently working for its accreditation before the Commission on Elections for it to fully participate in the crucial 2025 elections and for it to field its own candidates.
“The forthcoming 2025 midterm elections will be PolPHIL Party’s christening, by fielding and campaigning for national and local candidates,” Menzon said.
For his part, Roseño, in echoing the goal of the party said, “whatever the strength PolPHIL Party may build in the midterm elections, the party will harness all these as political capital for the bigger fight in 2028.”
“This will be the party’s reckoning moment on how the change movement will progress,” he said.
The 2025 elections will see the country electing local officials, including congressmen, party-list representatives, and 12 senators.
In 2028, the country will hold a presidential elections.
This early, the PolPHIL leadership said that it is open to have to a coalition or collaboration with other political parties or organizations so long as they have the same advocacies that are aligned with their ‘core principles’ such as environment, political, economic, social, and cultural.
The PolPHIL Party draws strength from its members who have rich experience from genuine and selfless service to the people. A great many of them sacrificed their youthful years, even personal dreams, to pursue their beliefs.
Elected as members of the Council of Elders were Nilo dela Cruz, Edicio dela Torre, Bishop Nilo Tayag, and Rodolfo Salas, all former political prisoners during the martial law era.
de la Cruz was a former chairman of the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Mangagawa ng Pilipinas-Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Bonyacao Brigade and is currently a labor federation consultant.
De la Torre, a former Catholic priest and political prisoner, is a founder and current president of the Education for Life Foundation, a non-government organization that runs a grassroots leadership formation program and co-convenor of ‘Atin Ito Coalition,’ an organization that supports the Philippines’ sovereignty claims in the West Philippine Sea.
Bishop Tayag is a founding member of the National United Front for the Kingdom of God and Filipinism (NUF-KGF) and co-founded, along with the late Jose Ma. Sison, the Kabataang Makabayaan in 1964.
Salas, also known as ‘Kumander Bilog’, chaired the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and headed its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA) until 1987.
Released in 1992 after his six-year detention at Camp Crame, former President Gloria Arroyo named him as chairman of the National Electrification Administration (NEA) and chief executive officer of Pampanga Electric Cooperative.
TACLOBAN CITY – The city government here, together with its newly-formed Culture and Arts Council, has launched a series of activities in celebration of National Arts Month, observed annually throughout February.
The Tacloban Arts and Culture Council (TaTAC) has organized various activities for the National Arts Month, including the opening of an art exhibit titled “HIMURASAK” or “bountiful harvest” at Robinsons North Abucay in the city.
The exhibit features works from 44 local artists belonging to seven different groups and will be open to the public until March 1.
Councilor Aimee Grafil, who chairs the committee for culture and arts, said that it is the first time that several arts groups in the city have come together to participate in an exhibit as part of the Arts Month celebration.
Grafil expressed hope that such initiatives would continue to showcase the talents of local artists, many of whom have gained recognition nationally, and even internationally.
February was designated as National Arts Month by Presidential Proclamation No. 683, signed by former President Corazon Aquino, to honor the country’s heritage and culture and celebrate artistic excellence.
Under the theme “Ani ng Sining, Bayang Malikhain,” this year’s Arts Month celebration aims to promote and celebrate the diverse talents within the country.
Department of Tourism 8 Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes emphasized the importance of recognizing and appreciating the talents of Filipino artists in various fields, including visual arts, dance, and music.
Tiopes also expressed DOT’s eagerness to support more cultural and arts events in the city to further promote local talent and creativity.
Visitors to the art exhibit at Robinsons North Abucay can also enjoy live portrait sketching performances by selected artists.
In addition to the art exhibit, the arts council has organized the Tacloban Community Marketplace Art Fair + Live Music + Flea Market, a weekly event at the People’s Center Grounds on February 17, 18, 24, and 25.
The Arts Month celebration will culminate on March 1 at Plaza Rizal with the Tatac Himurasak “Pag-arog” Waray Music Fest, featuring various Waray-Waray singers and songs. (ROEL T. AMAZONA)
ORMOC CITY– Fire ravaged three homes in Calbayog City on Tuesday (Feb.13) morning with arson investigators still conducting their probe as to the cause of the blaze.
The 3:28 am fire incident in Purok-7, Barangay Catarman damaged two residences and partially damaged another house, the city fire office said.
City Fire Marshal Fire Chief Inspector Leo Joshua Dangatan identified the homeowners affected as Rodel Sorio and Geronimo Rentasida Jr., with the house of Dominga Sorio sustaining partial damage.
Based on preliminary investigations, coupled with witness accounts, revealed that the fire originated at the second floor of Sorio Store, owned by Rodel and Anjelie Sorio.
Suspected to have ignited in the stock room, the fire rapidly spread to Rentasida Jr.’s adjacent house before reaching Dominga Sorio’s residence.
Prompt response from the local fire bureau prevented further devastation, with firefighters containing the blaze within 24 minutes of arrival.
The fire impacted a total of three structures, including a two-story mercantile building owned by Rodel G. Sorio, a two-story residential owned by Geronimo S. Rentasida Jr., and a single-story residential occupancy owned by Dominga Sorio.
The fire was placed under control at around 3:55 am.
Fortunately, there were no reported injuries from the incident. However, the estimated damage caused by the fire was pegged at P375,000.(ROBERT DEJON)
NSSDEO, Brgy. Burabud, Laoang, N. Samar – The Department of Public Works and Highways – Northern Samar Second District Engineering Office (DPWH-NSSDEO), spearheaded by District Engineer Charlito S. Carlobos and Assistant District Engineer Atty. Arthur Eric L. Sabong, completed a new multi-purpose building in Bantayan Elementary School (BES) located in Barangay Bantayan, San Roque, Northern Samar.
The P7 million fund from General Appropriations Act (GAA) of 2023 was used to partially construct the 499.2 square meters covered court. Earthworks, such as the removal of some existing slabs on the grade of the court for columns, reinforced concrete works, finishing works (termite control works, masonry, plastering, and partial framing and roofing works) were all part of the construction. As part of plumbing works, storm drainage and downspout, and as well as catch basins, also installed. Furthermore, NOAH Construction completed the works under Contract ID No. 23II0026.
This infrastructure facility is to provide accommodation or venue during significant school events, activities and programs, as well as to serve as an alternate or temporary study area if classrooms are unavailable. Additionally, because of this facility it offers protection for school events such as sports and recreational activities even during rainy season.
Consequently, Bantayan ES will now benefit from the newly-completed multipurpose building providing them as temporary shelter during various school activities regardless of weather condition. (ZYRA JOY J. CHING, PIO STAFF/PR)
PUBLIC MARKET. The town of Barugo in Leyte has a new public dry market funded by DPWH’s 2nd engineering office to the tune of P9.16 million.(L2DEO)
PUBLIC MARKET. The town of Barugo in Leyte has a new public dry market funded by DPWH’s 2nd engineering office to the tune of P9.16 million.(L2DEO)
TACLOBAN CITY– The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Leyte Second District Engineering Office has finished the construction of a multi-purpose building structure that will serve as a dry market for small independent businesses in Barugo.
According to District Engineer Leo Edward Oppura, the new dry market will encourage the growth of independent businesses and job opportunities which are required to stimulate the local economy.
Furthermore, consumers will have a one-stop shop for their essential market commodities requirements.
The dry market building is a two-story commercial building with a total floor space of 234 square meters. It features concrete columns and beams, as well as steel trusses and roofs. It also has provisions for comfort rooms and roll-up doors.
This P9.16 million public market facility will accommodate a wide range of products for consumers’ daily necessities, as well as some local delicacies.
This project is being carried out by YFL Builders, with funding provided by DPWH’s CY 2023 Basic Infrastructure Program: Multi-Purpose Buildings and Facilities to Support Social Services. (LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
