SAN MIGUEL, Leyte– The Philippine Statistics Authority Regional Statistical Services Office VIII (PSA RSSO 8) successfully brought its fast and convenient services closer to the Leytenos through the “Barangayan-PSA Caravan” held at Brgy. Sta. Cruz Gym in San Miguel, Leyte, bringing essential National ID (NID) and civil registration services directly to the community. The activity is part of the government’s effort to improve accessibility and efficiency of frontline services.

In support of the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. to accelerate the delivery of public services and strengthen government presence in communities, especially in geographically isolated and under-served areas, the caravan provided National ID services including registration, printing of National ID in paper format, updating of demographic information, and assistance in accessing the Digital National ID. An information awareness campaign was also conducted highlighting the importance and acceptance of the various formats of NID and the call for everyone to register.

In addition, the PSA also deployed its Civil Registry System (CRS) Mobile Outlet which catered to requests and issuance of PSA-issued civil registry documents such as Birth Certificates, Marriage Certificates, Death Certificates, and Certificates of No Marriage (CENOMAR). The mobile outlet provided convenience to residents who would otherwise need to travel to Tacloban City or nearby service centers to secure their documents. The activity also benefits neighboring communities, particularly senior citizens, students, solo parents, and low-income families.

Gemma Ponferada, barangay kagawad and chairperson of the committee on social services, expressed her gratitude to the PSA for bringing the services directly to their barangay.
“Maraming salamat po sa PSA! Para sa mabilis at abot-kamay na serbisyo sa aming mga kababayan. Malaking tulong po ito sa amin lalo na para mga senior citizens at mga kabataan na nangangailangan ng National ID at kopya ng mga civil registry documents. Nawa ay marami pa pong komunidad ang maabot at marating ng PSA Mobile Caravan.”

Meanwhile, Kyle Peña, a resident of Brgy. Sta. Cruz, also shared how the activity helped lessen the burden of securing important documents.

“Malaking ginhawa na hindi ko na kailangang lumayo at gumastos sa pamasahe. Salamat po PSA sa mabilis at taos-pusong serbisyo. Nakuha ko ang aking National ID at kopya ng Birth Certificate ng aking anak.”

The PSA reaffirmed its commitment to continue conducting mobile outreach activities to ensure that every Filipino has easier access to government services and vital documents.
For inquiries and further information, you may visit the PSA’s official website at www.psa.gov.ph or contact our office with telephone number (053) 839-1884 and email address rsso08@psa.gov.ph. (PR)

ORMOC CITY — Police authorities arrested two most wanted persons in separate law enforcement operations conducted in Southern Leyte and Leyte on May 13 and 14, 2026.
In Liloan, Southern Leyte, personnel of the Liloan Municipal Police Station (MPS), supported by the 2nd Southern Leyte Police Mobile Force Company, arrested the Municipal Level Most Wanted Person, Rank No. 1, at around 10:30 a.m. on May 14, 2026, in Barangay Malangsa.
The suspect was identified as Dionesio Mantilla Sajol, 50, single, a laborer, and a resident of Barangay Malangsa, Liloan, Southern Leyte.

Authorities said the arrest was carried out through a warrant issued for four counts of rape under Article 266-A(1) (d) of the Revised Penal Code, as amended by Republic Act 11648, docketed under Criminal Case Nos. R-2500 to R-2503, dated May 12, 2026. The warrant was issued by Judge Fabio T. Albao Jr. of the Regional Trial Court (RTC), 8th Judicial Region, Branch 39, Sogod, Southern Leyte, with no bail recommended.

The suspect is now under the custody of Liloan MPS for proper documentation and disposition.

Meanwhile, in Leyte, operatives of the MacArthur Municipal Police Station arrested the province’s No. 4 Most Wanted Person at around 8:00 p.m. on May 13, 2026, in Poblacion District 1, MacArthur, Leyte.

The suspect was identified as Elson Estorpe, 26, single, a laborer, and a resident of MacArthur, Leyte.

Police served a warrant of arrest dated July 21, 2025, for statutory rape issued by the RTC Branch 10 in Abuyog, Leyte, also with no bail recommended.

After his arrest, the suspect was brought to the custody of MacArthur MPS for proper booking and documentation.

Authorities said both operations are part of sustained police efforts to locate and apprehend wanted persons in the region to ensure public safety and the swift administration of justice.

(ELVIE ROMAN ROA)

ORMOC CITY — A police officer escaped unharmed after he was fired upon by an armed suspect in Barangay Busay, Barugo, Leyte early morning of May 25, 2026, in what authorities described as a targeted attack.

The incident occurred at around 6:10 a.m. when the victim, identified as PCpl “Rex,” 36, a resident of Barugo and an active member of the Philippine National Police, was on his way home.

Police said the suspect, identified only by the alias “Reo,” 40, unemployed and also a resident of the area, allegedly blocked the officer’s path while carrying a firearm.
Initial investigation showed that the suspect confronted the officer and reportedly uttered, “Ginpe-personal mo gud ako,” before suddenly firing shots.

The officer managed to take cover behind a nearby post and returned fire, hitting the suspect on his left arm.

Following the exchange, the victim immediately alerted the Barugo Municipal Police Station (MPS) for assistance. Responding personnel later found the suspect lying on the road with a gunshot wound. Emergency responders from the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) transported him to a hospital for treatment.

Authorities confirmed that the police officer was not injured during the incident.

Investigators also disclosed that the suspect had prior run-ins with the law, including a drug-related case in 2019 and a previous arrest on January 24, 2026 for alarm and scandal in relation to Republic Act 10591. He was reportedly out on bail at the time of the shooting and was listed as a monitored drug personality in the area.

Recovered from the scene were two firearms and an extra magazine allegedly in the possession of the suspect. Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) processed the area for further evidence collection.

The Barugo MPS continues to investigate the incident to determine the full circumstances and possible motives behind the attack.

(ELVIE ROMAN ROA/ROBERT DEJON)

TACLOBAN CITY — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) distributed P5,000 in cash assistance to 2,855 delivery riders across Eastern Visayas as part of the government’s response to rising fuel prices.

The regionwide payout, conducted simultaneously on May 27, aimed to provide immediate financial relief to transport-dependent workers whose daily income has been affected by increasing fuel costs amid the country’s ongoing energy concerns.

Tacloban City logged the highest number of beneficiaries with 1,124 riders receiving assistance. Samar followed with 536 beneficiaries, while Ormoc City recorded 402 recipients. Eastern Samar had 346 beneficiaries, Southern Leyte 202, Northern Samar 157, and Biliran 88.

According to the DSWD, delivery riders were prioritized under the program because of their heavy reliance on fuel for work and day-to-day operations. The agency said the initiative forms part of continuing government interventions designed to help vulnerable sectors cope with higher transportation expenses.

The DSWD added that coordination with local field offices and partner agencies will continue to ensure the orderly implementation of future payouts and the verification of qualified beneficiaries.

(BLUE REUGINE RUTHIELLE L. NICOLAS, LNU Student Intern)