TACLOBAN CITY-The Philippine Army in the region has initiated the Ready Reserve Unit (RRU) and Affiliated Reserve Unit (ARU) mobilization plan workshop “to ensure the readiness of the reserve force in the region.”

Col. Erwin Rommel Lamzon, the assistant division commander for Reservist and Retiree Affairs of the 8th Infantry Division, along with Col. Castor Bahin, head of the 8th Regional Community Defense Group (8RCDG)-Reserve Command, maintained “the need to have at hand a ready mobilization plan for the reservists to pave the way in case of any emergency that may arise in Eastern Visayas.”

During the recently-concluded mobilization plan workshop at the 8RCDG-Reserve Command headquarters in Ormoc City, the military officials identified the areas in the region that can be accessible by reservists.

The workshop’s participants also reconciled their records on the status of the reservists in the region.

The event was attended by 8RCDG operations officer Lt.Col. Arturo Dumalagan, 805 Community Defense Center (CDC) director Major Douglas Padillo, 801 CDC officer-in-charge Second Lieutenant Ronnie Jay Adaon, administrative officer Second Lieutenant Ma. Rodelyn Vera, Group sergeant major Master Sergeant Raul Doliendo, and other key non-commissioned officers.

The RRU and ARU mobilization plan aligned with section 48 of the Republic Act 7077, also known as the Citizen Armed Forces of the Philippines Reservist Act.
(RONALD O. REYES)

Leading digital solutions platform Globe recently partnered with givvable, an Australia-based global Artificial Intelligence-powered supplier sustainability platform, to promote the discipline and practice of sustainability throughout its supply chain.

Globe is taking a proactive approach to screening its suppliers based on their sustainability performance. In 2021, it worked with 887 local and 152 foreign suppliers, with over half its procurement budget dedicated to supporting local businesses.

As givvable’s first partner in the Philippines, Globe is leveraging the former’s advanced platform to easily access and analyze environmental, social, and governance (ESG) data on its suppliers and align them with sustainability targets, frameworks, and standards.

Naomi Vowels, Director of givvable’s APAC operations, says their platform drives significant efficiencies in monitoring supplier data. “Our clients report up to 85% cost efficiencies and 99% time savings. What used to take 7 months and 2-3 FTE, can now be done within the click of a button.”

Additionally, givvable supports the development and implementation of sustainable, ethical, diverse and inclusive procurement policies. It enables Globe to easily identify its pool of suppliers aligned with its sustainability goals and continuously monitor the sustainability credentials of its suppliers.

“We are excited to join forces with givvable to enhance our sustainability initiatives and encourage our suppliers to join us in our commitments to respect human rights, uphold labor standards, promote greater environmental responsibility, and ensure ethical business practices,” said Yoly Crisanto, Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer at the Globe Group. She added, “This partnership not only enables us to optimize our supply chain management but also empowers us to drive meaningful impact.”

Globe is dedicated to integrating sustainability into every aspect of its operations. By partnering with givvable, the company can identify and address potential sustainability risks within its supplier network, while also providing learning opportunities through modules on topics such as carbon footprint reduction, circular economy, and ethical sourcing.

givvable’s technology is the first sustainability solution on display at Microsoft’s Experience Centre in Singapore, and was most recently awarded the Australian Chamber of Commerce Singapore Sustainability Award and University of NSW Founder of the Year. They currently serve a range of industries, including banking and finance, property and construction, resources and facilities, manufacturing, food and beverage, and consumer retail.
Learn more about Globe’s sustainability efforts via https://www.globe.com.ph/. Visit https://www.givvable.com/ for more information about givvable. (PR)

ORMOC CITY-At least eight sachets of suspected shabu were recovered by operatives in a buy-bust operation from a man identified to be a priority target in San Roque, Northern Samar on Wednesday (March 8) at about 11:30 am.

The police identified the suspect as Jessie Mark Lobos, 26, and a resident of Brgy. Balud, also in San Roque, and is tagged as a priority target list.

Recovered from the possession of the suspect were eight sachets of suspected shabu with a commercial value of more than P7,000.

Charges of violation of RA 9165, the Comprehensive Law against Illegal Drugs of 2002, were filed against the suspect who is temporarily detained at the locked-up cell of San Roque municipal police station. (ROBERT DEJON)

TACLOBAN CITY– A man was arrested at a checkpoint in Allen town, Northern Samar on Wednesday (March 8) seizing with him a firearm and some ammunition.

Mark Jude Beato Balleras, 52, and a resident of Barangay Tinambacan Sur, Calbayog City was discovered to have in his possession a Caliber 45 with four magazines, and 46 ammunitions.

The discovery of a firearm from the suspect came about after Remegio Fajardo, who is from Calamba, Laguna, complained to personnel assigned at a checkpoint in Brgy. Jubasan, Allen town.

Fajardo said that while he was traversing along Brgy. Salvacion, San Isidro, also in Northern Samar, the vehicle driven by the suspect overtook him and pointed his firearm against him.

This prompted Fajardo to report the incident to the police personnel detailed at the checkpoint in Jubasan. In turn, the police flagged down Balleras where the firearm and ammunition were discovered in his possession.

Balleras is now detained at the Allen municipal police station.
B/Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil, the police regional director, said that the arrest of the suspect is a testament that the Task Force Maharlika he put up is working.

The said task force was put in place by Marbil to secure the Maharlika Highway from Allen, Northern Samar to San Ricardo, Southern Leyte, and deter the occurrence of a crime.

“The incident is now under investigation. We assure the public that we will be just and fair. Also, I’m calling the attention of everybody, especially those who have criminal intent that you will not succeed so long TF Maharlika is on guard,” he said in a statement.
(ROBERT DEJON/LIZBETH ANN A ABELLA)