ORMOC CITY– Police operatives have recovered an estimated 9.19 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated value of P62, 492 from two high-value individual drug personalities during a buy-bust operation at Gawad Kalinga Village in Barangay Tambulilid, this city, on Jan.25 at about 12:12 noon.
Lt. Richie Selencio, chief of the City Drug Enforcement Unit, identified the arrested suspects as alias “Chard,” 40, single, sales representative, and alias “Joe,” 51, married, construction worker, both residents of said village.
The two suspects are listed as High- Value Individual (HVI) in the drug watchlist of the Ormoc City Police Office.
Target of the operation was alias “Joe,” who was in possession of one sachet containing a white crystalline substance suspected to be shabu procured by an operative in the amount of P5000, weighing 1.22 grams.
During the conduct of a body search done in the presence of law-mandated witnesses, the searching officer recovered a black wallet that contained seven sachets containing white crystalline substance, also suspected to be shabu, with an estimated weight of 3.15 grams with a commercial value of P21,420.
During the body search to alias “Joe,” the searching officer recovered eight sachets containing white crystalline substance suspected to be shabu, having an estimated weight of 4.82 grams with a value of P32,776, placed inside a plastic candy container.
The two suspects admitted to indulging in illegal drugs due to poverty.
The CDEU said that a total of sixteen sachets containing white crystalline substance suspected to be shabu were seized/confiscated from the two HVI suspects, having a total weight of 9.19 grams and with an estimated Dangerous Drugs value of P62, 492.00.
Charges for violation of Sections 5 and 11, Art II of R.A 9165 as amended by RA 10640, the Comprehensive Law against Illegal Drugs of 2002 were filed at the City Prosecutors’ Office against the two suspects who are now detained at the locked-up cell of Police Station 4 of the OCPO in Brgy. Linao here.
RELIABLE POWER SUPPLY. Northern Samar Rep. Edwin Ongchuan welcome the move of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) to start the pre-construction phase of a new electricity transmission loop connecting Calbayog City, Allen, and Catarman in Northern Samar. This will result in a more efficient power supply in the province and is seen to reduce power interruptions.(INVEST NORTHERN SAMAR FACEBOOK)
RELIABLE POWER SUPPLY. Northern Samar Rep. Edwin Ongchuan welcome the move of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) to start the pre-construction phase of a new electricity transmission loop connecting Calbayog City, Allen, and Catarman in Northern Samar. This will result in a more efficient power supply in the province and is seen to reduce power interruptions.(INVEST NORTHERN SAMAR FACEBOOK)
TACLOBAN CITY — To address persistent power interruptions and strengthen the province’s energy security, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has begun the pre-construction phase of a new electricity transmission loop connecting Calbayog City, Allen, and Catarman in Northern Samar.
Northern Samar 1st District Rep. Edwin Ongchuan welcomed the development, saying the project is expected to significantly reduce the frequency and duration of brownouts in the province. He described the transmission loop as a long-term infrastructure investment that has been in the pipeline since his term as provincial governor.
The Calbayog–Allen–Catarman transmission loop will complement the existing Calbayog–Lope de Vega–Catarman line by providing an alternative power route during line outages and system disturbances. NGCP said the added loop will improve system flexibility and enhance the overall reliability of electricity supply in Northern Samar.
As part of the project, NGCP will construct a five-hectare substation in the municipality of Victoria and a two-hectare switching station in Catarman. These facilities are designed to reinforce the transmission network and support the province’s increasing power demand.
NGCP noted that the additional loop is critical in maintaining electricity supply when disruptions occur along the Palanas–Cara segment of the Lope de Vega route.
With the Allen loop in place, power can be rerouted to prevent prolonged outages affecting households, businesses, and public facilities.
The Victoria substation is also expected to play a key role in integrating renewable energy into the grid. It will serve as a connection point for power generated by ongoing renewable energy projects, including the 206-megawatt Lihangin Wind Power Project currently under construction.
Officials said the project is part of broader efforts to modernize Northern Samar’s power infrastructure, improve energy resilience, and support the province’s transition toward cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.
SERVICES. Police personnel assigned at the regional police office no longer had to leave camp or queue at multiple offices to access basic government services with the rolled out a one-stop shop of frontline services for uniformed personnel and their dependents on January 28 right at the Camp Ruperto Kangleon, Palo, Leyte.(PRO-8 FACEBOOK)
SERVICES. Police personnel assigned at the regional police office no longer had to leave camp or queue at multiple offices to access basic government services with the rolled out a one-stop shop of frontline services for uniformed personnel and their dependents on January 28 right at the Camp Ruperto Kangleon, Palo, Leyte.(PRO-8 FACEBOOK)
TACLOBAN CITY — Police personnel in Eastern Visayas no longer had to leave camp or queue at multiple offices to access basic government services as the Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8) rolled out a one-stop shop of frontline services for uniformed personnel and their dependents on January 28.
The activity, held at the PRO-8 Multi-Purpose Hall, was spearheaded by Regional Director B/Gen. Jason Capoy in line with the directive of PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. to deliver faster, more accessible, and people-centered public service under the banner “Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman,” in celebration of PNP Day.
The one-stop shop gathered various government agencies and partner institutions to provide on-site services aimed at easing the administrative and personal needs of police personnel and their families. Among the services offered were license renewals and registrations by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) 8 and the Land Transportation Office (LTO) 8.
Clearance applications and eligibility authentication were facilitated by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Eastern Visayas and the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) 8, while the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) assisted in the registration and issuance of Philippine National ID cards, as well as birth and marriage certificates.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) conducted legal education sessions for police investigators, focusing on proper case filing and strengthening prosecutorial coordination. In support of food security and health initiatives, the Department of Agriculture (DA) distributed free seedlings, provided anti-rabies vaccinations for pets, and operated a KADIWA store, while the Philippine Coconut Authority shared dwarf coconut seedlings.
Health and wellness services were also extended through the PRO-8 OLC Foundation Inc., which offered medical services and health lectures. Financial and social welfare assistance were provided by PhilHealth Eastern Visayas and Pag-IBIG Fund Tacloban, with additional support desks from the Public Safety Mutual Benefit Fund Inc. (PSMBFI), Philippine Savings and Loan Association Inc. (PSSLAI), and Armed Forces and Police Savings and Loan Association Inc. (AFPSLAI).
Capoy thanked partner agencies for their support, emphasizing that the initiative reflects the organization’s commitment to the welfare of police personnel and their families.
“This one-stop shop shows that the welfare of our personnel and their dependents is a priority. By bringing these services directly to our camp, we ensure that our men and women in uniform truly feel the support of both the organization and the government,” Capoy said.
TACLOBAN CITY — The House Committee on Higher and Technical Education has approved at the committee level House Bill No. 2778, a proposed measure that seeks to institutionalize a one-time internship allowance for students completing required internship, practicum, or on-the-job training (OJT) programs.
The bill, titled the “Student Internship Allowance Act”, aims to grant a P10,000 one-time allowance to qualified students who successfully complete their required training, in recognition of the financial burden often shouldered by students for transportation, meals, documentation, and other incidental expenses during their internship period.
House Bill No. 2778 is principally authored by Leyte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, together with Tingog party-list Representatives Yedda Marie Romualdez, Andrew Julian Romualdez, and Jude Acidre.
During the committee deliberations on Tuesday, Acidre emphasized that internship and practicum programs serve as a critical bridge between education and employment, but frequently come at a high cost to students and their families.
“This measure recognizes that learning does not stop in the classroom. Internships are an essential part of preparing students for the workforce, and we should not allow financial constraints to prevent them from completing this requirement,” Acidre said.
Under the proposed measure, the allowance will be extended to students enrolled in public and private higher education institutions recognized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), as well as technical-vocational institutions accredited by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
Beneficiaries must have satisfactorily completed the required internship, practicum, or OJT hours under their respective academic or training programs.
The bill further provides that the allowance shall be non-taxable, non-transferable, and not subject to any deductions. Initial funding for the program will be sourced from the existing budgets of CHED and TESDA, with subsequent allocations to be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
The proposed Student Internship Allowance Act was among the policy measures put forward during the First Eastern Visayas Young Leaders Parliament held in December 2024, reflecting youth-led recommendations aimed at easing the transition from education to employment.
Following its approval at the committee level, the measure is now set to advance to the next stage of the legislative process.
MORE FUNDING. The Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport, regarded as the premier gateway to Eastern Visayas and is located in Tacloban City, is among 21 airports nationwide slated to receive funding under this year’s national budget. The allocation aims to enhance airport facilities, boost passenger experience, and attract more tourists and investors to the region. (GERRY RUIZ)
Seen to improve connectivity, economic growth
MORE FUNDING. The Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport, regarded as the premier gateway to Eastern Visayas and is located in Tacloban City, is among 21 airports nationwide slated to receive funding under this year’s national budget. The allocation aims to enhance airport facilities, boost passenger experience, and attract more tourists and investors to the region. (GERRY RUIZ)
TACLOBAN CITY — Three airports in Eastern Visayas, led by the Daniel Z. Romualdez (DZR) Airport in Tacloban City, are among 21 airport facilities nationwide that will receive government funding for modernization and facility upgrades under the P7.8-billion capital outlay provided in the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA), House Minority Leader Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan said.
Libanan, a lawmaker from Eastern Samar and a member of the 4Ps party-list, said the allocation underscores the government’s effort to improve regional air connectivity and support economic growth outside Metro Manila.
Of the three airports in the region, Tacloban Airport will receive P741.7 million, while Ormoc Airport in Leyte and Catbalogan Airport in Samar have been allotted P433 million and P200 million, respectively, for facility development.
Aside from these three facilities, operational airports in the region are located in Borongan City in Eastern Samar and Catarman in Northern Samar. It was not clear why these two airports did not receive funding under the 2026 GAA.
“The upgrades are expected to improve the overall travel experience of passengers, attract more tourists, support the growth of small and medium enterprises, and generate additional jobs,” Libanan said in a statement on Sunday.
He added that the investments are intended to strengthen inter-island air connectivity, boost domestic and international tourism, and stimulate local economies, particularly in geographically isolated and disaster-prone areas such as Eastern Visayas.
Libanan also stressed that making public the budget allocations is part of the Minority bloc’s mandate to promote transparency in government spending and to enable local communities to closely monitor the implementation of infrastructure projects in their areas.
The DZR Airport, considered the region’s premier aviation gateway, serves the Manila and Cebu routes with more than 20 daily flights. It has been undergoing major rehabilitation since 2024, including the construction of a new passenger terminal building that is expected to partially open within the year, in line with plans to decongest the existing terminal and accommodate rising passenger traffic.
Under the 2026 GAA, other airports funded for modernization include New Dumaguete Airport (P2.5 billion); Mati Airport (P700 million); Laoag International Airport (P507.3 million); New Naga Airport (P444.6 million); Busuanga Airport (P415 million); Candon Airport (P350 million); New Manila International Airport (P200 million); Kalibo International Airport (P195.5 million); Bukidnon, Daet, and Bicol International Airports (P150 million each); Central Mindanao (M’lang) Airport and Siargao Airport P100 million each); and Antique Airport (P99.5 million).
In addition, separate allocations have been approved for night-rating improvements, including P70 million for Busuanga Airport, P23 million for Siargao Airport, and P160 million for Cauayan Airport, which will be used for lighting, navigation, and safety systems to allow aircraft operations during nighttime and low-visibility conditions.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said the funds will be used for the construction and rehabilitation of runways, taxiways, ramps, control towers, and passenger terminals, as well as for the procurement of modern air navigation and safety equipment.
The airport modernization program comes as the Philippines continues to ease travel restrictions for foreign visitors, including the recent move to allow visa-free entry for Chinese nationals for short-term tourism and business travel, subject to existing requirements. China was the country’s top source of foreign tourists prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Government officials said the improved airport facilities are expected to accommodate increased passenger traffic and support the anticipated rebound of tourism at both major gateways and regional airports nationwide.
VOTERS EDUCATION. Commission on Elections chairman George Edwin Garcia lead a voters education campaign held in Basey, Samar and Maripipi, Biliran on Friday, Jan.23, urging the young voters, in particular, to scrutinize carefully not only the plans of the candidates but their characters as well. (PHOTO COURTESY)
VOTERS EDUCATION. Commission on Elections chairman George Edwin Garcia lead a voters education campaign held in Basey, Samar and Maripipi, Biliran on Friday, Jan.23, urging the young voters, in particular, to scrutinize carefully not only the plans of the candidates but their characters as well. (PHOTO COURTESY)
TACLOBAN CITY — Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Erwin Garcia on Friday, Jan. 23, underscored the role of voters in shaping the country’s leadership, saying poor governance and corruption are often consequences of public participation—or the lack of it—during elections.
Garcia made the statement during his visit to Eastern Visayas, where he led voter education activities in Basey, Samar, and Naval, Biliran as part of Comelec’s continuing campaign to encourage informed and responsible voting ahead of the 2026 polls.
He said citizens should not place sole blame on elected officials for ineffective or corrupt governance if voters themselves failed to actively and responsibly participate in the electoral process.
“Registering and voting are not just rights, they are responsibilities. They are the means by which citizens can correct the direction of leadership,” Garcia said.
The Comelec chair particularly appealed to young and first-time voters, urging them to carefully evaluate candidates’ integrity, competence, and track record before casting their ballots.
“How can you condemn a leader for being ineffective if you yourselves did not take part in electing or rejecting that leader?” Garcia asked.
“There is no one else to blame in society if society itself neglected or refused to participate in choosing its leaders.”
Garcia added that if current leaders turn out to be negligent or corrupt, voters must also acknowledge their role in allowing such officials to gain power through the electoral process.
With the country continuing to face challenges such as corruption and weak governance, Garcia stressed that elections remain the most democratic and peaceful way to effect change, rather than resorting to calls for revolution or extra-legal actions.
“The business of elections is not only the business of the Comelec; it is the business of everyone. If we fail, you fail,” he said.
Comelec is currently conducting voter registration nationwide until May 18, 2026, and is urging unregistered but qualified voters to register at their respective city or municipal Comelec offices.
The commission also expressed optimism that, as seen in the last two elections, there will be a high turnout of young voters in the November 2, 2026 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.
Election officials added that senior citizens and persons with disabilities will again be allowed to vote early, from 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m., to ensure their comfort and safety on election day.
