ORMOC CITY – An instructor from the Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) Ormoc Campus was killed in a head-on motorcycle collision in the early hours of Sunday, May 25, along the national highway in Sitio Seguinon, Barangay Libertad.
The victim was identified as Engr. Joel Capala, 52, married, and a resident of Barangay Bagong Buhay, Ormoc City. He was an engineering instructor at EVSU.
According to the Ormoc City Police Office, the accident occurred around 3:27 am but was only reported an hour later, at 4:27 am.
The crash involved two motorcycles: a Honda Click driven by Angelito Miaga, 45, of Barangay RM Tan, and a Honda Dream driven by Engr. Capala.
Initial investigation and witness accounts revealed that both motorcycles were traveling in opposite directions—Miaga was headed out of the city proper, while Capala was going towards the city. Capala’s motorcycle allegedly swerved into Miaga’s lane, resulting in a head-on collision.
The impact caused severe damage to both motorcycles. Capala sustained fatal injuries and died instantly at the scene. Miaga was also injured and remains confined in the hospital.
Authorities also discovered that both motorcycles had expired registrations.
The Ormoc City Police continue to investigate the incident to determine the full circumstances and identify any possible liabilities.
The EVSU–Ormoc Campus has expressed deep sorrow over Capala’s passing, describing him as a respected and valued member of their faculty.
E-CLIP WINNER. Northern Samar was honored as the best Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) implementer.Jenny Darish, provincial social welfare and development officer, representing Governor Edwin Ongchuan, received the award on May 21 during the 7th founding anniversary of the National Task Force Balik-Loob at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
(THE NORTHERN SAMAR PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT)
E-CLIP WINNER. Northern Samar was honored as the best Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) implementer.Jenny Darish, provincial social welfare and development officer, representing Governor Edwin Ongchuan, received the award on May 21 during the 7th founding anniversary of the National Task Force Balik-Loob at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City. (THE NORTHERN SAMAR PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT)
TACLOBAN CITY – The province of Northern Samar was honored as the best Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) implementer during the 7th Founding Anniversary of the National Task Force Balik-Loob held on May 21, 2025, at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
Jenny Darish, provincial social welfare and development officer, received the award on behalf of Governor Edwin Ongchuan, who chairs the Northern Samar E-CLIP Committee.
The recognition highlights the province’s outstanding and holistic implementation of E-CLIP, particularly in addressing the legal and security concerns of former rebels; providing tailored support services such as financial aid, livelihood assistance, document processing, and medical care; engaging municipal LGUs and community stakeholders during reintegration; strengthening inter-agency collaboration, coordination, and documentation; and ensuring ongoing monitoring and evaluation to sustain results.
Governor Ongchuan credited the success to a unified effort of various government agencies and partners, notably the DILG-Northern Samar Provincial Office under Provincial Director Geraldine C. Maquelabit; the Northern Samar Police Provincial Office (NSPPO) led by PCOL Sonnie Omengan; the 803rd Infantry (Peacemaker) Brigade under BGEN Efren Morados, Municipal LGUs, and the community organizations across the province.
“This award reflects our shared commitment to peace, security, and inclusive development,” Ongchuan said.
E-CLIP is a flagship reintegration program of the government that aims to help former rebels return to mainstream society through comprehensive support, thereby addressing the root causes of insurgency.
Maquelabit reaffirmed the DILG’s dedication to peacebuilding, emphasizing the agency’s consistent involvement in all stages of the reintegration process.
Also recognized during the event was Samahan ng Kababaihan sa Barangay (SAMAKABA) from Lope de Vega, named as the Best People’s Organization-partner in the region for its role in supporting reintegrated individuals and promoting peace within the community.
ORMOC CITY– A 48-year-old farmer listed as a street level individual on the local drug watchlist was arrested in a buy-bust operation conducted by the Station Drug Enforcement Team (SDET) on Sunday night, May 25, in Barangay Libo, Carigara, Leyte.
Carigara Chief of Police Major Reymund Quinagutan identified the suspect as alias “Chito,” single and a resident of the said barangay.
During the operation, police operatives were able to purchase one sachet of suspected shabu from the suspect using a marked P500 bill. A subsequent body search, conducted in the presence of witnesses as required by law, yielded three more sachets of the same substance, along with the marked bill and P313 in various denominations.
According to Quinagutan, the total estimated weight of the seized suspected shabu was 0.5 grams, with a Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) value of approximately P3,400.
The suspect was immediately informed of his rights and the nature of his arrest in a language he fully understood. He is currently detained at the Carigara Municipal Police Station while charges for violation of Section 5 (selling illegal drugs) and Section 11 (possession of illegal drugs) under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 are being prepared.
Cacdac among Cabinet members to tender courtesy resignation
Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac
TACLOBAN CITY – The National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP), the country’s sole government-run maritime training and research institution based this city, has expressed its full support for the continued leadership of Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac at the helm of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
Cacdac, who has been holding the post since April 24 last year, was among the Cabinet members who tendered their courtesy resignations upon the order of President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr.,
In an official statement issued on Monday, May 26, NMP commended Secretary Cacdac for his instrumental role in securing enhanced budgetary support that aligns with NMP’s evolving mandates and strategic goals, particularly in the agency’s modernization and infrastructure expansion initiatives.
“Secretary Cacdac has been instrumental in championing the NMP Modernization and Expansion Plan—an initiative that reflects our shared commitment to strengthening maritime education and training for the benefit of our Filipino seafarers,” the statement read.
NMP also lauded Secretary Cacdac’s backing of Republic Act No. 12021 or the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, which has strengthened NMP’s mandate to serve the maritime industry.
His leadership, the agency said, consistently upholds policies that safeguard the rights and welfare of migrant workers, especially seafarers, who remain a vital pillar of the Philippine workforce.
NMP Executive Director Victor Del Rosario praised Cacdac’s integrity and dedication, saying, “I cannot think of a better person, after the late Secretary Maria Susan ‘Toots’ Ople, to lead the DMW in this critical moment… He embodies the values and vision needed to move the Department forward.”
The statement emphasized Secretary Cacdac’s professionalism, empathy, and deep commitment to the service of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), which have fostered confidence and progress within the agency and the wider sector.
“With deep respect and confidence, the National Maritime Polytechnic stands in solidarity with Secretary Cacdac,” the statement concluded, affirming its commitment to work closely with the DMW in transforming the maritime training landscape and championing the welfare of migrant workers.
SECOND OPINION. Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez urged the government to seek for a second opinion on the structural integrity of the San Juanico Bridge which was placed under a three-ton weight restrictions.
TACLOBAN CITY – Mayor Alfred Romualdez has urged the national government to seek a second opinion regarding the structural condition of the San Juanico Bridge, following the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) decision to impose a three-ton weight limit on the 52-year-old structure.
The DPWH move came after a consultancy firm recommended the restriction, citing structural defects that require immediate attention.
However, Mayor Romualdez, a cousin of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., believes a separate assessment from independent experts is necessary before making any long-term decisions that could disrupt regional mobility and commerce.
“I believe we need a second opinion regarding the structural integrity of the San Juanico Bridge. We may be overreacting,” Romualdez said in an interview on Sunday, May 25. “Before making a decision, we should consult other experts. Just like when we’re sick—we seek a second opinion.”
Given that the bridge was constructed by a Japanese company with the help of its engineers, the mayor suggested that the government should also consider consulting with Japanese experts or institutions involved in its original construction.
The San Juanico Bridge, which spans 2.16 kilometers, connects the town of Sta. Rita in Samar to Tacloban City in Leyte. Built from 1969 to 1973, it remains a vital infrastructure that links Eastern Visayas to the rest of the country.
Mayor Romualdez also proposed a review of the imposed weight restrictions, suggesting flexibility for certain vehicles.
“Maybe empty trucks could be allowed to cross. They could be given specific schedules and speed limits to ensure safety,” he said.
The mayor also expressed frustration that despite the installation of a weighing scale for trucks and heavy vehicles at the bridge, it was apparently never utilized.
“The problem is, we had a weighing scale but it wasn’t used. We should learn from this,” Romualdez said.
He warned that mismanagement of the situation could lead to unnecessary government spending.
“For instance, if we start building multiple ports to compensate for the disruption, that could cost billions—possibly more than repairing the bridge itself,” he added.
Meanwhile, regional officials have raised concerns about the exorbitant rise in airfare on the Tacloban-Manila route following the implementation of the load limit at the bridge.
Jam Colas Villaber, assistant regional director of the Department of Economy, Planning and Development, brought up the issue with Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon during a meeting on Sunday. Dizon reportedly committed to raising the matter with airline companies.
Local businessman Wilson Uy noted that airfares have surged to over P9,000, which is more expensive than flights to some international destinations like Hong Kong. Before the increase, airfares ranged from P2,000 to P4,000, depending on the season.
TACLOBAN CITY – A P7.8-million multi-purpose building has been completed in Barangay Calingcaguing, Barugo, Leyte, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Leyte 2nd District Engineering Office announced.
Finished on March 16, 2025, the 14.9 x 30-meter facility features concrete structural design, steel roofing, lighting, and basketball goal systems to support community and sports activities. The project was funded under the 2024 General Appropriations Act and implemented by Astilla Construction & Supply.
Barangay Councilor Sylvia Panao thanked the DPWH, calling the facility a valuable space for assemblies, events, health programs, and disaster response.
