TACLOBAN CITY — Tingog party-list Rep. Jude Acidre of voiced support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., saying accountability over infrastructure issues should now rest with the Ombudsman and the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Acidre noted that the President’s statement on the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) reflects the commission’s completed work and reviewed records, emphasizing that conclusions were evidence-based, not numerical estimates.
“Claims that the administration is avoiding the truth are unfounded,” Acidre said, stressing that any further action should rely on facts and evidence.
He expressed confidence in Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla, citing his strong public support and track record in pursuing corruption cases. “If there is evidence, the proper institutions remain open to act,” Acidre added.
ORMOC CITY— A 31-year-old hairdresser was injured after he was allegedly stabbed by his live-in partner during a heated argument Monday night, January 19, in Barangay Sto. Rosario, Matag-ob, Leyte.
Police identified the victim as alias “Nathan,” 31, while the suspect was identified as alias “Carl,” 23, the victim’s live-in partner and an unemployed resident of the same barangay.
Based on a report from the Matag-ob Municipal Police Station (MPS) to Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8), the stabbing occurred at around 8:40 p.m. following an argument over a personal matter that escalated into violence.
Responding police officers said that upon arrival at the scene, they found the victim, a member of LGBTQ, bleeding from a stab wound. Initial investigation revealed that the suspect allegedly became enraged during the altercation, grabbed a bladed weapon, and stabbed the victim, hitting him in the body.
The victim was immediately brought to Gatchalian Hospital in Ormoc City for medical treatment, while the suspect voluntarily surrendered to the responding police officers.
Police recovered the bladed weapon used in the incident, measuring approximately 22 inches from tip to handle, which was surrendered by the suspect. The suspect and the weapon were taken to the Matag-ob MPS for proper documentation and disposition.
Authorities said appropriate charges are being prepared against the suspect.
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) welcomed the delegation of the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) led by its Chief of Air Force, General Dato’ Sri Haji Muhamad Norazlan Bin Aris RMAF, during a Courtesy Call on Lieutenant General Arthur M Cordura PAF, Commanding General, PAF, on January 16, 2026, at PAF Headquarters, Colonel Jesus Villamor Air Base, Pasay City.
Following the Courtesy Call, the RMAF delegation attended a command briefing that provided an overview of the PAF’s mission, organizational structure, and key operational capabilities, including its force development initiatives and strategic direction. The briefing facilitated professional exchanges and discussions on areas of mutual interest, supporting continued coordination between the two air forces.
The visit was conducted as part of the continuing interaction between the PAF and RMAF, contributing to sustained professional cooperation and dialogue through the sharing of perspectives on air power development, operational practices, and institutional priorities, as well as an appreciation of both air forces’ strengthened bilateral cooperation.
This engagement underscores the PAF’s pivotal role in advancing regional cooperation, as it prepares to host the ASEAN Air Chiefs Conference later this year, strengthening partnerships and enhancing collaboration among Southeast Asian air forces. (PR)
ORMOC CITY— A mason was arrested after police seized four sachets of suspected shabu during a buy-bust operation on Monday night, January 19, in Barangay Poblacion, Alangalang, Leyte.
The suspect was identified by police as alias “Robert,” of legal age, with a common-law wife, and a resident of Holy Child I, Barangay Poblacion, Alangalang.
Police said the operation was carried out at around 10:20 p.m. in Holy Child I, where an undercover operative was able to purchase one sachet of suspected shabu worth P500 from the suspect. Following the transaction, operatives immediately arrested him.
During a body search conducted in the presence of law-mandated witnesses, police recovered a black coin purse containing three more sachets of white crystalline substances suspected to be shabu and one P500 bill used as buy-bust money.
Authorities noted that the actual weight of the confiscated suspected shabu is still subject to laboratory examination by the Regional Forensic Unit.
The suspect was informed of the cause of his arrest and apprised of his constitutional rights in a language he understood, police said.
Charges for violations of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, are being prepared against the suspect, who is currently detained at the lock-up cell of the Alangalang Municipal Police Station.
ORMOC CITY— A heated argument between two farmer brothers escalated into violence, leaving the younger sibling wounded after a hacking incident Saturday afternoon, January 17, in Purok 3, Barangay San Vicente, Catbalogan City.
Police identified the victim as alias “Bet,” 22, with a common-law wife, while the suspect was identified as his elder brother, alias “Mar,” 28. Both are farmers and residents of Purok 3, Barangay San Vicente, Catbalogan City.
In a report submitted to the Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8), Catbalogan City Police said they received information from the barangay captain regarding the incident. Responding officers immediately proceeded to the area to verify the report and conduct an investigation.
Upon arrival, police said the suspect had already been subdued and turned over by barangay tanods to the responding Philippine National Police personnel.
Initial investigation revealed that the suspect, following a heated verbal altercation with his brother, armed himself with a long bolo locally known as a “sundang” and launched several hacking blows. The victim managed to parry the attack but sustained a defensive wound on his right hand.
Police said the suspect was brought to the Catbalogan City Police Station for proper disposition, while the victim was rushed to the Samar Provincial Hospital for medical treatment.
TACLOBAN CITY — Government employees across the Province of Samar donned blue attire on Friday, January 23, 2026, in support of the 30th National Autism Consciousness Week, following Executive Order No. 03-2026 issued by Governor Sharee Ann T. Tan.
The executive order, signed on January 16, directed provincial offices, component cities, municipalities, barangays, government-owned and controlled corporations, and other agencies to participate in the nationwide observance as a gesture of solidarity with persons on the autism spectrum.
National Autism Consciousness Week, celebrated every January under Proclamation No. 711 aims to promote acceptance, accommodation, and appreciation for individuals with autism.
This year’s theme, “Mula Kamalayan Tungo sa Gawa: Pag-unlad ng Autism-OK Philippines” (“From Awareness to Action: Developing an Autism-OK Philippines”), encourages translating awareness into concrete actions in schools, workplaces, communities, and public institutions.
Governor Tan stressed that the province fully supports the rights, dignity, and inclusion of persons with autism.
For uniformed personnel—such as teachers, health workers, and military or police officers were asked to have blue accessories like ribbons, pins, armbands, lanyards, patches, or face masks in compliance with professional standards and safety protocols.
Heads of national and local government units were instructed to ensure the smooth dissemination and observance of the order, which shall be conducted without disrupting regular office hours.
Wearing blue serves as a simple but meaningful symbol of acceptance and solidarity, reminding the public of the importance of inclusion for persons on the autism spectrum.
