ORMOC CITY — A father and his son were injured after the car they were riding overturned and crashed into an electric post along the national highway in MacArthur, Leyte on Saturday afternoon, February 9.

The accident happened around 2 p.m. in Barangay Tuyo, MacArthur. Police said the vehicle involved was a gray Suzuki Swift driven by the son, who was accompanied by his father and another passenger.

In a report to the Police Regional Office 8, the MacArthur Municipal Police Station said a concerned citizen reported the incident at the police station, prompting officers to immediately respond to the scene.

Initial investigation showed that the vehicle was traveling from MacArthur toward Mayorga when it reportedly skidded upon reaching Barangay Tuyo, overturned, and slammed into an electric post. The impact left the driver and his passenger with bruises and other injuries, while the vehicle sustained damage.

Responding rescue personnel administered first aid before the victims were transported by the MacArthur Rural Health Unit ambulance to the Eastern Visayas Medical Center in Tacloban City for further medical treatment.

The damaged vehicle was later towed to the MacArthur Municipal Police Station for proper disposition and further investigation.

(ROBERT DEJON)

ORMOC CITY– Authorities captured the No. 10 most wanted person in Biliran province during a coordinated operation in Quezon City on Saturday afternoon, February 14, 2026.
The suspect, identified as 38-year-old alias “Vic Jr.,” a security guard and resident of GK Housing Site, Barangay Burabod, Biliran, was arrested in Barangay Doña Josefa, Quezon City, at around 4:40 p.m. by personnel from the Biliran Provincial Mobile Force Company, the Provincial Intelligence Unit of the Biliran Provincial Police Office, and local police in coordination with Police Station 11 (Galas), Quezon City Police District.

Vic Jr. is wanted under a warrant of arrest dated June 20, 2025, issued by Regional Trial Court Branch 16, Naval, Biliran, presided over by Judge Luz Petilla Navarrete. He faces charges of qualified rape of a minor with no bail recommended.

Police confirmed that the suspect was informed of the reason for his arrest and his constitutional rights in a language he understood. He was initially brought to the Quezon City Police District, Galas Police Station (PS-11) for booking and processing, before being transported back to Biliran to face the court that issued the warrant.

Authorities highlighted the arrest as part of ongoing efforts to apprehend fugitives and ensure accountability for serious crimes in the province.

(ROBERT DEJON)

ORMOC CITY— A multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) sustained minor dents and scratches after being struck by a tricycle in Barangay P.I. Garcia, Naval, Biliran, on Saturday afternoon, February 14, 2026.

According to the local police, the incident occurred at around 2:50 p.m. when a Mitsubishi Expander GLS 1.5, driven by 51-year-old Chad of Brgy. 62-A Sagkahan, Tacloban City, was traveling along Redaza Street. A Honda TMX motorcycle with sidecar, color silver, driven by 46-year-old Luke of Brgy. P.S. Eamiguel, Biliran, was crossing Corvera Street.

Police investigation revealed that the tricycle failed to notice the approaching MPV, causing it to accidentally bump the right front door of the Expander. The collision left the MPV with dents on the right front door and scratches on its side mirror, while the tricycle remained undamaged.

Authorities confirmed that no one was injured in the accident. Both parties agreed to settle the matter amicably, and no charges were filed.

Local police personnel responded promptly after a concerned citizen reported the incident, ensuring that the situation was safely resolved and the vehicles were cleared from the road.

(ROBERT DEJON)

ORMOC CITY— Authorities are investigating the death of a 55-year-old laborer whose body was found in an early state of decomposition in Barangay Erenas, Victoria, Northern Samar, on Friday morning, February 13, 2026.

The victim, identified as alias “Art,” a single laborer and resident of the barangay, was last seen on February 10 when he returned home. The body was discovered around 10:30 a.m. by a local resident, alias “Luke,” who immediately reported the incident to the Victoria Municipal Police Station.

Police officers responded promptly and confirmed the lifeless body upon arrival. Initial assessments indicated that the victim had been deceased for several days, though the exact cause of death remains undetermined.

While the victim’s family requested that no charges be filed, believing the death resulted from natural causes or an existing illness, the Victoria police continue to conduct a thorough investigation to rule out foul play.

Authorities said the case is still under follow-up investigation, including verification of the circumstances surrounding the victim’s death. No injuries or external marks were reported at the scene, and the investigation aims to provide clarity on the cause of death.

(ROBERT DEJON)

TACLOBAN CITY — More than 11,800 residents in Calubian and San Isidro, Leyte, are set to gain improved access to safe and reliable water following the expansion and rehabilitation of Level III water systems funded under the 2024 Support and Assistance Fund to Participatory Budgeting (SAFPB), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) reported.

In Calubian, 6,005 residents across 11 barangays—including Abanilla, Juson, Matagok, Obispo, Pangpang, Paula, Padoga, Tabla, Tuburan, Villahermosa, and Villanueva—are expected to benefit from the ongoing water system improvements.

In San Isidro, 5,851 residents in Barangays Bawod, Capiñahan, and Crossing will similarly gain from the expansion and rehabilitation of their Level III water system.

DILG Leyte conducted project inspections to ensure implementation aligns with approved plans, timelines, and quality standards. Selected local government facilities were also assessed for compliance with Batas Pambansa Blg. 344, or the Accessibility Law, supporting inclusive infrastructure development and the criteria of the Seal of Good Local Governance.
San Isidro Vice Mayor Carmichael Villarino said the municipality is committed to completing the project by February 13, 2026, with ongoing technical support from DILG Leyte to ensure proper final testing and operational procedures.

Officials emphasized that sustained monitoring and technical assistance are crucial to ensuring that SAFPB-funded water system projects provide long-term access to potable water, improve sanitation, and enhance public health outcomes in beneficiary communities.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)