In Eastern Samar

TACLOBAN CITY– Ten members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Eastern Samar surrendered attributed to the newly-formed program of the provincial government encouraging rebel members to return to the fold of the law.

The 10 reformed rebels were identified by the military officials as key leaders of the ‘Apoy platoon’ of the sub-regional committee of the NPA operating in Eastern Samar.

On Oct.17, seven of them surrendered while on Monday(Oct.23) three more followed their comrades in giving up armed struggles.

The former rebels who surrendered before Lt. Col. Allan Tria, the commanding officer of the 78th Infantry Battalion based in Borongan City, also gave up their firearms consisting of two M16 rifles, one M14 rifle, and one M653 carbine, and other ‘war materials.’

Brigadier General Noel Vestuir, the commanding officer of the 802nd Infantry Brigade, also based in Borongan City, disclosed that the surrender of the former rebels was a result of the provincial government-initiated program under Governor Ben Evardone encouraging the rebels to surrender, dubbed as ‘Friends Rescued Engagement through Families’ or FReE Families.

The military official said that since the program was launched on September 19 of this year, 15 rebels have already returned to the fold of the law.

“We have once again proven that the love of family conquers the hate that the terrorist CPP-NPA-NDF sowed in the hearts of their recruits as part of their agitate-organize-mobilize methods of radicalizing our people to support their evil intentions,” Vestuir said.

“The FReE Families project gives you an opportunity to be reunited with your families at the comforts of your home especially now that Christmas is fast approaching,” he added.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)

The Office of the Ombudsman has tapped leading finance super app GCash, as a cashless payment partner, enabling it to accept fees for its legal services through GCash Scan-To-Pay QR in all its offices.

A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed at the Office of the Ombudsman in Agham Road, Quezon City. Representing the Office of the Ombudsman during the MOA signing were Ombudsman Samuel Martires, Deputy Ombudsman for Military and Other Law Enforcement Offices Hon. Jose Balmeo, Deputy Ombudsman for Luzon Hon. Cornelio Sumido, and Special Prosecutor Edilberto Sandoval. Joining them were GCash AVP and Head of Public Sector Cathlyn Dolor Pavia, and Public Sector Head for National Mara Karmela Duterte.

“The Office of the Ombudsman shares a common goal with GCash in making government services safer, faster and more inclusive, all of this while ensuring transparency in every digital transaction under this partnership,” said Ombudsman Samuel Martires. “The Office of the Ombudsman plays a pivotal role in ensuring the integrity of public office. With a history of safeguarding the interests of the Filipino people, the Office of the Ombudsman remains steadfast in its mission to maintain good governance and fight against corruption.”
The partnership marks a milestone in financial technology, demonstrating GCash’s dedication to building and upholding the trust and confidence of the government and the nation at large.

“GCash is honored to become a partner of the lead agency against corruption. This shows the trust of our government in our capability to provide accountability and transparency through financial technology. We hope that the general public, especially our users, will continue to give their trust in us,” said Gilda Maquilan, vice president and head of corporate communications of GCash.

GCash has been proactive in establishing partnerships with government agencies to promote financial inclusion and strengthen the public’s trust and confidence. The collaboration between the Office of the Ombudsman and GCash is a testament to their shared vision for a more transparent and accessible government-citizen relationship.(PR)

A week before the BSKE

PALO, Leyte– About 2,660 police personnel were deployed to the different parts of the region on Monday (Oct.23), exactly a week before the conduct of the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (BSK) elections.

The send-off ceremony, held at the grounds at the Camp Ruperto Kangleon, the regional headquarters of the Philippine National Police(PNP), this town, was attended by top police and Army officials and Commission on Elections(Comelec) headed by its regional officer-in-charge, lawyer Felicisimo Embalsado.

Of the policemen deployed, 820 of them will be heading to Northern Samar; 603 for Samar; Leyte, 570; Ormoc City, 209; and Tacloban City, 123.

The Eastern Samar Provincial Police Office will have an additional force of 131 while the Southern Leyte Provincial Police Office will receive 103 personnel and the Biliran Provincial Police Office, 93 additional personnel.

Police regional director, Brigadier General Rodolfo Pawid said that the deployment of these policemen is meant to ensure that the conduct of the barangay and SK balloting in the region will be peaceful and secured, both to the candidates and the voters.

For his part, Comelec Regional Director Embalsado reminded the deployed police personnel to always strictly uphold their sworn duties during the balloting.
(ROBERT DEJON)

ORMOC CITY-A man who was suspected to be engaging in the illegal drug trade surrendered to police authorities in Biliran, Biliran on Oct.18.

The 47-year-old man, and a resident of Busali, Biliran town, said that he has voluntarily surrendered to the police authorities as a proof that he is no longer engaged in the illegal drug trade.

In fact, he said, he will just be willing to help the local police on their campaign against the proliferation of the illegal drugs in their town.
(ROBERT DEJON)