ORMOC CITY– A house made of light materials was completely destroyed by fire on December 26, around noon, in Brgy. Herrera, Calubian, Leyte, authorities reported.
The house belonged to “Micah,” 16, who lives with her partner. Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident.
Police said the Calubian Fire Station and local authorities responded after a report from Brgy. Gutosan about the fire. Upon arrival, responders saw the house engulfed in flames.
Initial investigations revealed that the fire started in the cooking area at the back of the house. The owner told police that she and her child had gone to sleep after cooking around 11:00 a.m., and only noticed the fire hours later. She managed to evacuate with her child and some belongings before neighbors assisted in calling for help.
Due to the house being made of light materials, the fire spread quickly. The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Calubian controlled the fire at 12:40 p.m. and declared it fully extinguished at 12:55 p.m.
The estimated property damage is around P50,000, but no injuries were reported. The origin of the fire remains under investigation.
ORMOC CITY– The skeletal remains of an 89-year-old farmer reported missing weeks ago were discovered by his grandson on December 23 in Sitio Kankisi, Brgy. Guinmaayohan, Balangiga, Eastern Samar authorities said.
The victim, identified as “Matthew,” had been missing for about a week. His grandson, “Carlo,” reported the discovery to the Balangiga Police Station, prompting coordination with the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) to verify the remains.
Police said the identification was based on the victim’s clothing and personal belongings found at the site. Family members believe the death was likely natural, citing Matthew’s advanced age and history of hypertension.
The remains were subsequently transported to the Balangiga Public Cemetery, escorted by Balangiga MPS personnel, for proper interment.
Authorities confirmed there are no signs of foul play.
MISSING PRIEST. The Archdiocese of Palo and Babatngon police are appealing to the public for help in locating Rev. Fr. Edwin “Kutz” Caintoy, parish priest of San Jose de Malibago Parish, who has been missing since December 23, 2025. Fr. Caintoy was last seen near Robinsons North Tacloban wearing a white clerical polo and carrying a black sling bag.(PHOTO COURTESY)
Fr. Caintoy is a priest in Babatngon
MISSING PRIEST. The Archdiocese of Palo and Babatngon police are appealing to the public for help in locating Rev. Fr. Edwin “Kutz” Caintoy, parish priest of San Jose de Malibago Parish, who has been missing since December 23, 2025. Fr. Caintoy was last seen near Robinsons North Tacloban wearing a white clerical polo and carrying a black sling bag.(PHOTO COURTESY)
TACLOBAN CITY — Church authorities and police have appealed to the public for information on the whereabouts of a parish priest of the Archdiocese of Palo who has been missing since the morning of December 23, 2025, after he was last seen in Tacloban City.
In an advisory issued on December 24, the Archdiocese of Palo confirmed that Rev. Fr. Edwin “Kutz” Caintoy, parish priest of San Jose de Malibago Parish in Babatngon, Leyte, has not been heard from since he was last sighted near the bus terminal close to Robinsons North Tacloban.
Fr. Caintoy, 55, was reportedly wearing a white clerical polo shirt, black slacks, and carrying a black sling bag when he was last seen.
The archdiocese said it is closely coordinating with authorities and urged anyone with information that could help locate the priest to contact Rev. Fr. Gwen Lovelino Padagdag, chancellor of the Archdiocese of Palo, at 0928-219-3275.
“We earnestly ask the faithful to keep Fr. Caintoy in their prayers,” the archdiocese said.
Based on information released by the Babatngon Municipal Police Station (MPS), Fr. Caintoy was last seen around 9:08 a.m. on December 23. Police said he traveled to Barangay 108, Tagpuro, Tacloban City aboard an orange RUSI motorcycle driven by his sacristan, Janriel Pelapel.
From there, he reportedly boarded a NORBATCO passenger bus (Bus No. 0085, Plate No. GAW 7651) bound for Tacloban City.
Police said Fr. Caintoy disembarked near the corner of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church along Quezon Boulevard. At around 9:52 a.m., he was captured on CCTV footage from VSYS Department Store walking toward Robinsons North Tacloban. Since then, he has not returned and his whereabouts remain unknown.
Fr. Caintoy stands about 5’6” tall, has a large build and fair complexion. He is a native of Abuyog, Leyte, and has served as parish priest of San Jose de Malibago Parish for about five years. The parish covers several island barangays in Babatngon.
Due to his absence, Archbishop John Du designated another priest to preside over the Misa de Gallo at San Jose de Malibago Parish.
The Babatngon MPS, under the leadership of Officer-in-Charge PCapt. Junriel Rosario, said a flash alarm has been issued to neighboring police stations and concerned agencies to assist in locating the missing priest.
FOREST GOVERNANCE REVIEW. Officials of the Northern Samar provincial government, led by Vice Governor Clarence Dato, representing Governor Harris Ongchuan, underscore the need to strengthen local forest governance to boost climate resilience during the Local Forest Performance Review held on Dec. 22 at the Ibabao Hall, provincial capitol, Catarman.
(THE PROVINCINCIAL GOVERNEMNT OF NORTHERN SAMAR FACEBOOK)
FOREST GOVERNANCE REVIEW. Officials of the Northern Samar provincial government, led by Vice Governor Clarence Dato, representing Governor Harris Ongchuan, underscore the need to strengthen local forest governance to boost climate resilience during the Local Forest Performance Review held on Dec. 22 at the Ibabao Hall, provincial capitol, Catarman. (THE PROVINCINCIAL GOVERNEMNT OF NORTHERN SAMAR FACEBOOK)
TACLOBAN CITY— The provincial government of Northern Samar highlighted the urgency of strengthening local forest governance and protecting forest resources as key measures to enhance climate resilience during the recent Local Forest Performance Review held at the Ibabao Hall, provincial capitol.
In a message delivered by Vice Governor Clarence Dato, Governor Harris Ongchuan emphasized the critical role of forests in safeguarding communities against climate-related disasters, including floods and landslides.
“We will continue to support initiatives that promote climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and the sustainable use of our forest resources,” Ongchuan said, stressing that responsible stewardship of the environment is fundamental to maintaining a safe, orderly, and productive province.
The governor also noted that the Local Forest Performance Review provides a timely opportunity to evaluate existing programs, identify gaps, and enhance local forest governance through shared learning and the adoption of best practices.
Ongchuan expressed gratitude to Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officers (MENROs), forest management teams, and partner stakeholders for their ongoing efforts in protecting Local Forest Conservation Areas, emphasizing that the collective responsibility of safeguarding natural resources benefits the entire province.
Anchored in the Provincial Government’s development agenda—Serbisyong H.C.O. (Health, Capacity Building, Climate Resilience, and Opportunities)—the governor reaffirmed that environmental protection remains a core priority and a cornerstone of sustainable development. He called for unified and sustained action to ensure a more resilient Northern Samar for present and future generations.
TACLOBAN CITY — The Police Regional Office (PRO-8) has reported a marked improvement in police response and operational efficiency across Eastern Visayas following the intensified implementation of the Philippine National Police (PNP) unified 911 system.
Data released by PRO-8 showed that from August 11 to December 14, 2025, regional police units responded to 645 public safety incidents generated through emergency 911 calls and field police reports. These operations resulted in the arrest of 59 individuals and the resolution of 588 cases, covering crimes, disturbances, and other emergency situations.
Among the notable incidents was a shooting in Pambujan, Northern Samar, on October 6, where police arrived at the scene within two minutes, arrested the suspect, and recovered a .22 caliber revolver with 21 rounds of ammunition.
In Catubig, Northern Samar, on November 3, officers responded within three minutes to a fatal hacking incident, leading to the immediate arrest of the suspect following a hot pursuit operation.
Another rapid response was recorded in Biliran on November 16, where police acted within two minutes after receiving a report of a suspect who attempted to fire at a complainant, preventing further escalation and possible loss of life.
Police Brigadier General Jason Capoy, PRO-8 regional director, attributed the improved response time to disciplined coordination, real-time monitoring, and the effective integration of communication networks under the unified 911 system.
“Through the unified 911 strategy, PRO-8 has consistently turned emergency calls into swift action—saving lives, curbing criminal activities, and strengthening public trust,” Capoy said.
The unified system allows for more precise and faster dispatch of police units, ensuring that responders arrive within the critical “golden minutes” of emergencies. PRO-8 officials said the results reflect a more proactive approach to policing, with an emphasis on visibility and rapid intervention to protect communities across Eastern Visayas.
BOARD PLACERS. The Eastern Samar State University (ESSU) produced board passers in this year’s Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (LEPT), drawing praise from Eastern Samar Lone District Rep. Christopher Sheen Gonzales. Among them was Katherine Joy Elem who ranked No. 7 in the elementary level, who posted of 92.80 percent. Jennifer Bacula, also placed seventh place with the same rating.
(PHOTO COURTESY)
BOARD PLACERS. The Eastern Samar State University (ESSU) produced board passers in this year’s Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (LEPT), drawing praise from Eastern Samar Lone District Rep. Christopher Sheen Gonzales. Among them was Katherine Joy Elem who ranked No. 7 in the elementary level, who posted of 92.80 percent. Jennifer Bacula, also placed seventh place with the same rating. (PHOTO COURTESY)
TACLOBAN CITY — Eastern Samar State University (ESSU) has once again made its mark in teacher education after four of its graduates landed in the Top 10 of the 2025 Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (LEPT), drawing praise from Eastern Samar Lone District Rep. Christopher Sheen Gonzales.
Based on the results of the September and November 2025 LEPT released by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) on December 18, ESSU College of Education graduates Jennifer Bacula and Katherine Joy Elem both ranked No. 7 in the elementary level, each posting an identical rating of 92.80 percent.
In the secondary level, ESSU graduates Aira Shane Nicart and Chris Anthony Gajelan secured No. 9 and No. 10 spots, respectively, with ratings of 93.20 percent and 93.00 percent.
Gonzales described the achievement as a source of pride not only for ESSU but for the entire province, noting that it reflects the university’s sustained commitment to quality teacher education.
“Jennifer, Katherine, Aira Shane, and Chris Anthony exemplify academic excellence, discipline, and dedication. Their achievement reflects not only their personal effort but also the quality of training and mentorship provided by ESSU’s College of Education,” Gonzales said.
“They have brought honor to Eastern Samar and inspired a new generation of future teachers,” he added.
The lawmaker also congratulated all examinees who passed the licensure examination, underscoring the vital role of teachers in nation-building.
“Teaching is one of the most important professions in our society. It shapes minds, values, and the future of our country. Your success is a victory for Philippine education,” Gonzales said.
Gonzales expressed optimism about employment prospects for newly licensed teachers, citing ongoing government efforts to expand the public school workforce to address classroom shortages and improve instructional quality.
Earlier this month, the Department of Education (DepEd) announced plans to hire 32,916 new classroom teachers in 2026 through the creation of an equal number of Teacher I positions.
“With thousands of new teaching positions authorized by Congress, our newly licensed teachers can be optimistic about securing meaningful and purpose-driven employment,” Gonzales said.
He added that Congress remains committed to improving teachers’ welfare, noting that he has filed several measures aimed at enhancing compensation and overall support for public school teachers, including a proposal to triple the annual World Teachers’ Day Incentive Benefit.
