ORMOC CITY-An alleged drug suspect was killed in a buy-bust operation in the town of Sulat, Eastern Samar province on Tuesday (Sept.19).
The local police identified the suspect as Carlo Alcado, considered as a high value target, who reportedly drew his gun after he realized that he was dealing with an undercover agent during the sting operation in his home address in Barangay San Juan at about 6:15 am.
The operatives, belonging to the provincial drug enforcement unit of Eastern Samar Provincial Police Office, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, and local police, fired back at the suspect, hitting him at the different parts of his body.
The law enforcers brought Alcado to a hospital where he was declared as dead on arrival.
Seized from Alcado were suspected shabu contained in two sachets with a commercial value of P10,000, Caliber 45 and five live ammunitions. (ROBERT DEJON)
ORMOC CITY– A 19-year-old student suffered a slash on his neck after the suspect sneaked inside the house while he was asleep in Calbayog City last Sept. 21.
The victim, Kenth Ashly Ferrer, and a resident of Barangay Beloso, Almagro town in Samar while the suspect was identified as Melvin Campong, 27, who is from Brgy. Mabuhay, also in Almagro.
Ferrer had a sleepover at the house of his teacher in Barangay Rawis, Calbayog City, when at about 3:30 am the suspect, using a knife, slit his neck while he was in deep sleep.
The pain of his slashed neck with his blood oozing awakened the student and ran towards the bedroom of his teacher to ask for help.
The suspect, who is a helper of the house owner, was arrested after the incident by the Calbayog city police. Burglary was said to be the motive of the crime.
Ferrer had a sleepover at the house of his teacher, Nieves Geras, as there was no sea trip available on that day as the two just attended a school-related activity in Catbalogan City.
The victim is still recovering from the deep wound he sustained at the Eastern Visayas Medical Center in Tacloban City. (ROBERT DEJON)
TACLOBAN CITY– An alleged member of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed as a result of an encounter with government troops in San Jose de Buan, Samar on Monday (Sept.25) afternoon.
The rebel was killed in a 20-minute encounter in Sitio Salvacion of Barangay San Nicolas in the said town with the soldiers belonging to the 63rd Infantry Battalion at about 12:51 pm.
The encounter was a result of ‘running gun battles’ between the government troops and the 15 members of the communist armed group which started last Saturday(Sept.23) in the hinterland villages of Samar, B/Gen. Noel Vestuir, the commanding officer of the 802nd Infantry Brigade.
As of this writing, the dead body of the rebel is still in the area of encounter and will be turned over to village officials for identification purposes.
It was learned that the communist rebels were said to be members of the Yakal platoon of the sub-regional committee ‘Browser’ that operates in the western parts of Samar Island.
These areas are now the target of ‘massive operations’ by the government troops, Vestuir said.
“We are optimistic that with the timely information provided by the local residents in the area, our troops will locate and hit their targets including the formations of the remnants of the NPA terrorist,” he said in a statement.
“The cooperation of the communities and the local leaders is a clear manifestation of the dwindling support of the masses that would eventually cut their alliance and ties with the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA-National Democratic Front(CPP-NPA-NDF) terrorists,” he added.
Vestuir urged the remaining NPA members who continue to fight against the government to surrender and return to the fold of the law.
“Now is the time to abandon your life of terror and danger in exchange for well-spent quality living with your families in the comforts of your home. I also call on the families of remaining NPA members to save your loved ones from peril and encourage them to heed the popular clamor of laying down their arms and join the bandwagon for peace,” he said. (JOEY A. GABIETA)
September is recognized as Suicide Prevention Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the urgent issue of suicide and promoting initiatives aimed at prevention. This month-long observance serves as a crucial opportunity to address the alarming rates of suicide that continue to plague our society. It is essential to not only comprehend the gravity of this topic but also actively contribute to its prevention. Understanding the underlying causes, risk factors, and preventive measures associated with suicide is crucial.
Suicide is rarely a result of a single cause but rather an intricate interplay of several factors such as mental health disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety), substance abuse, social isolation, and external stressors. We must recognize that pressures, including high expectations, competition, and workload, may exacerbate these risk factors. By acknowledging this reality, we can contribute to creating a supportive environment that prioritizes mental health and well-being.
Furthermore, we must be aware of the warning signs and risk factors associated with suicide, both in themselves and in others. Expressions of hopelessness, withdrawal from social interactions, sudden mood swings or changes in behavior, giving away possessions, or discussing death are all indicators that someone may be at risk. Recognizing these cues and responding promptly with empathy and support can make a significant difference in the life of someone struggling with suicidal thoughts.
Preventive measures, such as promoting mental health resources, establishing support networks, and fostering open dialogue, are paramount in addressing suicide prevention. We can actively engage in destigmatizing mental health concerns by participating in awareness campaigns, organizing workshops or seminars, and advocating for policies that prioritize mental well-being on our campuses. Additionally, incorporating mental health education into various academic disciplines can increase understanding and facilitate early intervention, further promoting a culture of prevention and support.
September’s designation as Suicide Prevention Month highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to combat this critical issue. By grasping the complex nature of suicide, recognizing warning signs, and actively implementing preventive measures, we can work towards creating a society that values mental health and strives to prevent suicide. Let us use this month and beyond to encourage open dialogue, raise awareness, and support initiatives that prevent tragedies and save lives.
Not many people are privileged enough to reach old age; they die younger. Old age brings with it a myriad of physical, emotional, and social changes. This period in a person’s life is often associated with both challenges and opportunities, as individuals face the inevitable decline in their physical health and confront the realities of aging. Consequently, it is crucial for society to support and understand the unique experiences of older adults, particularly considering their wisdom and contributions to society.
As individuals reach old age, they often experience a decline in physical health and vitality. Age-related changes can manifest in various ways, such as decreased muscle mass, diminished sensory function, and an increased vulnerability to diseases. These physical transformations may limit a person’s mobility, independence, and overall quality of life.
Comprehending the impact of these changes is crucial in empathizing with older adults and advocating for the necessary healthcare and facilities to improve their well-being.
With old age comes a range of emotional challenges that can significantly impact an individual’s mental health. Older adults may face feelings of loneliness, grief, and depression due to the loss of loved ones, the decline in their own physical abilities, or the lack of social connections. It is crucial to understand and address these emotional challenges, as they can have a profound impact on an individual’s overall quality of life. It is essential to advocate for mental health resources tailored specifically for older adults, such as counseling services and social support networks.
Besides physical and emotional changes associated with aging, there are also profound social implications that older adults encounter. Many older adults face stereotypes and ageism, which can lead to discrimination and marginalization within society. It is necessary to recognize the tremendous value that older adults bring to our communities through their wisdom, knowledge, and experience. People have a unique responsibility to challenge ageist stereotypes and promote an inclusive society that values the contributions of older adults.
Old age also presents opportunities for personal growth, reflection, and the development of new interests and hobbies. As individuals retire from their careers, they may have newfound time to pursue their passions and explore new areas of knowledge. Society must acknowledge and facilitate these opportunities by providing access to lifelong learning programs, recreational activities, and community engagement initiatives. It is crucial to advocate for these resources, recognizing the diverse interests and capabilities of older adults and promoting a fulfilling life during their later years.
It is essential to consider the role of intergenerational connections when addressing the experiences of old age. By fostering positive interactions between older adults and younger generations, society can learn from the wisdom and experiences of older adults, while simultaneously addressing ageist attitudes. This collaboration can lead to innovative solutions, cross-generational understanding, and reciprocal support systems. We have a unique opportunity to bridge these generational gaps and create a more harmonious and inclusive society.
Old age is a complex period marked by physical, emotional, and social changes. It is crucial to comprehend and advocate for the unique needs and challenges faced by older adults. We can work towards a society that values and empowers older people. Old age should not be seen solely as a phase of decline but rather as a time for personal growth, enrichment, and continued contribution to society.
Factotums supporting the present Marcos-Duterte administration roughshod the passage of the budget containing the anomalous intelligence fund that is too dull in the eyes of the truly intelligent people. The justification is too tough to accept especially in the face of the economic condition the country had been dragged by the present politicians masquerading as leaders. It is so disturbing due to the huge amount that would fund counter-insurgency programs in the guise of protecting school children from supposed insurgents that intrude into school campuses purportedly to recruit students into the insurgency movement.
People are well aware that counter-insurgency and anti-insurgency programs are the functions of the country’s armed forces and the national police. These agencies and instruments of the government are already taking a huge chunk of the national budget; Why else allocate a huge budget for the education department for it to depart from its primary function of educating the school children? Such act would cause duplication and chaos among the agencies tasked to protect the citizens from the purported insurgents living and operating in the countryside.
Like the failed experiments in the inclusion of sex education in the elementary curriculum, this anti-insurgency and counter-insurgency programs seems bound to the same direction and conclusion. The program is being sugarcoated to entice the gullible parents and the innocent school children into accepting and supporting the program. Despite all negative indications, the education department is bound to implement the program by hook or by crook.
The true and real opposition in both the house of representatives and the senate are doing their all to compel the education secretary to disclose the items comprising the entire intelligence fund. But one representative Stella Luz A. Quimbo of Marikina City’s Second District is taking the cudgels to parry all efforts demanding transparency and accountability from the education secretary.
There is only one thing that is certain, the budget for intelligence fund is bound to be spent elsewhere without transparency and accountability. By all indications, it is not for education. comments to alellema@yahoo.com
