The Department of National Defense (DND) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) began the year with a grand tradition, holding their annual New Year’s Call on January 12, 2024. The ceremony, coordinated by Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. and AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr., brought together defense leaders, high-ranking officers, and distinguished visitors to lay the groundwork for a year of togetherness, contemplation, and dedication.

The Joint DND-AFP Traditional New Year’s Call is a time-honored practice that represents the military’s close ties with its commanders. This gathering is more than a formal meet-and-greet; it demonstrates the defense department’s and the armed forces’ commitment to the nation. Senior Military Assistants to the President, Civilian Officials from the SND and GHQ, Foreign Armed Forces Attaches, Presidents of Financial Institutions, AFP, and Major Services Sergeants Major, along with their spouses, attended the event, fostering a sense of unity and fellowship.

During the New Year’s Call, Secretary Teodoro Jr. and General Brawner Jr. took advantage of the opportunity to reflect on the previous year’s successes. It served as a showcase for the organizations’ achievements, reinforcing their commitment to the flag and the country. Furthermore, the event provided a forum for top defense and military leaders to express their goals and directions for the coming year, laying the groundwork for the challenges and triumphs that lay ahead.

Separately, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) held their New Year’s Call on January 11, 2024, attended by military personnel such as PAF Unit Commanders, Senior Officers, and Foreign Armed Forces Attaches, among others.

The New Year’s Call is especially significant for the military, since it fosters a sense of unity, esprit de corps, and camaraderie among the ranks. It is an opportunity for commanders to show gratitude for their accomplishments over the previous year and reaffirm their commitment to the flag and country. The PAF celebration included a number of acts, displaying the abilities of its employees and providing a lively touch to the festivities.
With a remarkable record of accomplishments in the previous year, the PAF is ready to continue serving God, country, and people in 2024. The New Year’s Call serves as a sobering reminder that, regardless of the challenges that lie ahead, the armed forces are prepared to carry out their duties with unwavering determination.

The echoes of the New Year’s Call resound through the ranks of the Department of National Defense and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, signaling not only the start of a new year but also a commitment—a pledge to protect, uphold, and serve the nation with bravery and integrity. (PR)

TACLOBAN CITY-The Business Permits and Licenses Division (BPLD) noted strong business renewals, with collections reaching about P210 million by January 31, marking a 19.32 percent increase compared to the generated P176 million revenue in the same period last year.

In an interview, BPLD head Gemafiel Gaspay attributed the success to the strategic placement of three satellite offices in malls, providing convenience to business owners and easing congestion at the onsite Business One-Stop Shop in Tacloban City Hall.

Gaspay further disclosed that around 90% or a total of 7,122 business permits have already been renewed, with transport renewals reaching 1,351 or roughly 60-70% of the target.

In connection, she expressed confidence in hitting or even surpassing the P318,974,547.75 target despite the end of the extended surcharge-free period, as renewal processing continues at the City Hall BOSS on weekdays from 8 Am to 5 pm.

However, business owners who have yet to process their permits now will be facing a 25% surcharge on the total amount due and an additional two percent every month of delay until settlement, as stipulated under City Ordinance 99-58.

The official, on the other hand, extended her gratitude to the business community for their cooperation, noting their great contributions to keeping the local economy even more vibrant.

Meanwhile, the release of business plates, according to Gaspay, is scheduled for this month of February.

In a related development, as the city of Tacloban enforces the Plastic and Styrofoam Regulation Ordinance, the BPLD head emphasizes upcoming inspections to ensure businesses comply with the regulation, following extensive Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaigns conducted by their office and the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) since the ordinance’s enactment in March 2023.
(C.MERIN/R.CABLAO, CITY INFORMATION OFFICE)

ORMOC CITY– A case of murder and frustrated murder were filed against a suspect who confessed to have killed his friend and his brother-in-law in Barangay Bagong, this city, due to a personal grudge.

Mario Casani, 33, a resident of the said barangay, was formally charged at the City Prosecutor’s Office on Saturday (Jan.27) for killing Antonio Abundo, 46, and wounding his brother-in-law Carlito Baloro, 18.

Based on the police report, in the afternoon of January 25, 2024, Abundo was heading to his farm along with Baloro when the suspect appeared and fired at them using an improvised shotgun.

Abundo died immediately while Baloro was hit on his left arm.

It was learned that the suspect and his two victims were at the barangay hall to settle some past grudges in the morning before the incident.

Police Captain Rodolfo Mercolita, station chief of police said that the suspect decided to surrender to their barangay after the incident.

During an interview with the suspect, Casani confirmed in killing and wounding the victims which prompted the duty police officer to arrest him.

Casani narrated how he committed the crime, saying at first, he had no intention of including his brother-in-law.

However, the latter’s action of helping Abundo provoked him and fired Baloro with the use of a makeshift gun with a marble bullet.

The improvised shotgun, which the suspect made himself, was also turned over. He added it was made for the purpose of catching wild pigs and birds for food.

The suspect is now detained at the police station 5. (ELVIE ROMAN-ROA)