ORMOC CITY– A 39-year-old mechanic from Leyte was declared dead on arrival at the Biliran Provincial Hospital after being run over by a pickup truck driven by a female architect along the national road in Barangay San Isidro, Biliran,Biliran on Saturday evening, October 4.

Police identified the victim as “Jobert,” a resident of Barangay Cristina, Calubian, Leyte, who was driving a black Honda Beat motorcycle. The driver of the red Ford Raptor pickup was identified as “Casa,” 42, single, an architect from Barangay 82, Tacloban City.

According to the Biliran Municipal Police Station, the accident occurred at around 7:30 p.m. when both vehicles were traveling in the same direction. Based on accounts from two witnesses — “Lima,” 22, and “Raf,” 19, both residents of Barangay Lemon, Capoocan, Leyte — the motorcycle attempted to overtake the pickup on the right side. However, due to the muddy and uneven condition of the road, the rider lost control and was thrown under the pickup.

Police said the mechanic was run over by the rear wheel of the pickup, sustaining severe injuries that led to his death. The witnesses, who were following the two vehicles, reported that the pickup driver continued driving after the incident.

The witnesses pursued the vehicle until it reached the Biliran border, while the victim was rushed to the Biliran Provincial Hospital in Naval but was pronounced dead on arrival.
Authorities have brought both vehicles and the pickup driver to the Biliran Municipal Police Station for proper investigation and disposition.

Police are conducting further investigation to determine possible charges in connection with the incident.

(ROBERT DEJON)

TACLOBAN CITY – The Northern Samar Provincial Population Office (PPO) has called for empathy and deeper understanding in the wake of a tragic case of infanticide in Barangay UEP Zone II, Catarman, where a newborn baby girl was found lifeless in a drainage canal on October 6, 2025.

In a statement, the PPO strongly condemned the act but emphasized the importance of addressing the underlying social and psychological factors that may have led to the incident.

“We believe that understanding the situation of the young mother—a college student—requires empathy and a holistic view of the emotional, social, and psychological struggles she may have been experiencing,” the PPO said.

The office also appealed to the public to refrain from passing judgment and instead promote compassion and awareness, noting that many young people silently face pressure, fear, and isolation.

“Let this serve as a reminder that our community must strengthen awareness, open communication, and accessible social support systems,” the statement added.

The PPO further stressed the need to reinforce programs on mental health, reproductive health education, and counseling, particularly for young women dealing with unplanned pregnancies and emotional distress.

It reaffirmed its commitment to promoting core advocacies such as Responsible Parenthood and Family Planning (RPFP), Adolescent Health and Development (AHD), and Gender and Development (GAD), to help individuals and families make informed and compassionate decisions.

Meanwhile, the Northern Samar Police Provincial Office (NSPPO) reported that the infant’s body was discovered after being allegedly disposed of by the mother.

The Women and Children Protection Desk of the Catarman Municipal Police Station, in coordination with the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office, continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the case.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY – Eastern Visayas’ creative spirit took the spotlight once again as Borongan City hosted the 2025 Fujifilm Nationwide Photo and Video Walk, drawing photographers and videographers from Samar, Leyte, and Biliran.

Now on its second year as a designated regional venue, Borongan has earned recognition for nurturing local talent and fostering a growing community of visual storytellers.
The event was organized by Fujifilm Philippines in partnership with the Borongan Digital Photography Forum and supported by the City Government of Borongan.

Reginald James Lorico, one of Fujifilm’s designated “walk leaders” for the Borongan leg, said the activity not only showcased artistry and technical skills but also highlighted the region’s rich culture and natural beauty.

“To our participants, from the youth to the seasoned photographers and videographers who continue to raise the bar, thank you for walking with us and proving that Eastern Visayas has a vibrant creative spirit worth celebrating,” Lorico said.

He also expressed gratitude to Fujifilm Philippines for investing in Borongan’s creative community, stressing that innovation and artistry need not be confined to major urban centers.

This year’s photo walk kicked off at 6:00 a.m. at the Borongan City Hall grounds, featuring challenges designed to inspire participants to capture unique perspectives through their lenses.

The 2025 edition of the nationwide event is being held simultaneously in at least 32 locations across the country, including Manila, Cebu City, Davao City, Bacolod, Baguio, Iloilo, Zamboanga, and Puerto Princesa.

Winners will be chosen from both the open and Fujifilm-exclusive categories, with prizes including high-end cameras such as the Fujifilm X-E5, X-T5, and X-H2S. Last year, Borongan’s own Justin Varela emerged as one of the national winners, raising the city’s profile in the country’s creative landscape.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)