ORMOC CITY-A heated argument between two men ended in violence after one of them was stabbed with a steel bar around 12:20 pm on June 17, 2025, in Barangay Bobonon, Alangalang, Leyte.
The victim, identified only as alias “Tino,” of legal age, married, and unemployed, is currently recovering at the Eastern Visayas Medical Center (EVMC) in Tacloban City following the incident.
Police identified the suspect as “Natoy,” 64, single, a farm laborer, and a fellow resident of Barangay Bobonon.
According to the Alangalang Municipal Police Station (MPS), the incident was triggered by a verbal altercation between the two. The argument escalated, prompting the suspect to stab the victim in the right side of the chest using a pointed steel bar.
Responding police officers immediately arrested the suspect at the scene. He was informed of the reason for his arrest and was read his constitutional rights in a language he fully understood.
The suspect is now in custody at Alangalang MPS for proper disposition, while authorities continue their investigation to determine the full circumstances of the incident.
John Lester Ravas receives a certificate of appreciation from DepEd Eastern Samar Schools Division Superintendent Gorgonio Diaz and other key officials. (Photo courtesy of Vicente Antofina Jr.)
John Lester Ravas receives a certificate of appreciation from DepEd Eastern Samar Schools Division Superintendent Gorgonio Diaz and other key officials. (Photo courtesy of Vicente Antofina Jr.)
BORONGAN CITY– When John Lester Ravas climbed the stage on June 17 at the Borongan City Multipurpose Gym, he stood there not just as a guest speaker but as living proof of what the Alternative Learning System (ALS) can do to transform people to the best they can be.
Once a school dropout from Jipapad, Eastern Samar, Ravas shared his powerful story in front of more than 400 ALS graduates and their families during the province’s first Division-Level Graduation and Moving Up Ceremony for ALS passers.
Ravas’ message was more than inspirational. It was deeply personal, a testament to resilience, second chances, and the transformative power of education.
“This is not just the end of an academic journey. It is a celebration of your courage, your commitment, and your refusal to give up on your dreams. You are not ordinary students.
You are learners with strength, determination, and heart,” Ravas told the graduates.
Speaking from experience, Ravas acknowledged the real struggles ALS learners face, family responsibilities, financial hardship, lack of access, and more, but also celebrated their strength in choosing to come back and keep going.
“You juggled many roles in life, parent, provider, sibling, worker, and still chose to become a student. That, in itself, is a remarkable achievement,” he said.
After passing the ALS Accreditation and Equivalency (A&E) Test in 2016, Ravas pursued a degree in Criminology and graduated with honors. He later passed the Licensure Examination for Criminologists with distinction, ranking as second in Region VIII in 2022.
Today, he is a faculty member at Eastern Samar State University (ESSU) Main Campus, earned his master’s degree in Criminal Justice, and is currently taking his doctorate while being a Certified Legal Medicine Specialist.
“ALS is not a shortcut. In fact, it takes more discipline, more patience, and more sacrifice than many realize,” he said.
“You studied in barangay halls, during lunch breaks at work, while raising your children. And today, you are victorious,” Ravas’ added.
Ravas also honored the ALS teachers, mobile facilitators, and coordinators whose dedication makes the program possible.
“Your work goes far beyond teaching. You inspire, you guide, and you give people hope. You knock on doors, visit remote sitios, and never give up on a learner. You are changing lives,” he added.
His heartfelt message resonated deeply with the audience, bringing many to tears. But perhaps most stirring was his reminder that every graduate now carries the power to inspire others.
“Somewhere out there is someone who thinks it’s too late to go back to school. Be the voice that tells them: ‘If I can do it, so can you.’ This diploma is more than just paper. It is a symbol of your strength. It is proof that you can finish what you started,” Ravas noted.
In his message, Gorgonio G. Diaz, schools division superintendent of DepEd Eastern Samar, emphasized that the true measure of success lies beyond the diploma.
“ Success is not merely receiving a diploma. The diploma is just the beginning of true success. The best thing about learning is no one can take it away from you,” Diaz said.
Vicente Antofina Jr., ALS coordinator of DepEd Eastern Samar, shared that the event was organized to celebrate the achievements of ALS learners, expand the program’s reach, and encourage broader community involvement.
Graduates came from across the province, having passed the 2024 A&E Test earlier this year, as officially announced through DepEd Memorandum No. 46, s. 2025. In line with DepEd Order No. 55, s. 2016, passers are now eligible to advance to Grade 7 or 11, pursue vocational training, or seek employment with their certificate of completion.
But beyond the banners and speeches, it was Ravas’ story and his message that truly defined the day.
“You were never behind. You were simply building strength for the right moment. And that moment is now. You are not just survivors. You are achievers. You are not just learners.
You are leaders in your own right. And you are not just graduates. You are the hope of your community,” he concluded.
As the ALS Eastern Samar closes School Year 2024-2025 with this milestone event, it moves forward with stronger commitment to education for all. And in the hearts of those present, one message continues to echo: “Sa ALS, may pag-asa.”
ORMOC CITY-Police in Alangalang have arrested one of three suspects involved in an early morning shooting incident that occurred around 2:33 am on June 19, 2025, in Sitio Bonol, Barangay Binongtoan, said town.
According to Police Major Godofreed Zantua, acting chief of police of the Alangalang Municipal Police Station (MPS), the victim, identified only as “Junjun,” 38, married, and unemployed, is a resident of Barangay Cavite. He personally went to the police station to report the shooting incident despite sustaining a gunshot wound.
Initial investigation revealed that the victim was driving through Sitio Bonol when he was accosted by three men riding a motorcycle.
One of the suspects, identified by the victim as alias “Lino” from Barangay Cabacungan, Dulag, fired at him using an undetermined caliber firearm, hitting his left arm. The other suspects were identified as alias “Carlo” of Mayorga and alias “Gary,” the motorcycle driver.
Following the attack, the suspects fled the area toward Sta. Fe, Leyte.
The victim was immediately rushed to the Eastern Visayas Medical Center (EVMC) in Tacloban City. Doctors later confirmed that he was in stable condition after receiving prompt medical treatment.
Investigators believe the shooting stemmed from a personal grudge, although further inquiry is underway to determine the exact motive.
Police from Alangalang MPS immediately launched a dragnet operation in coordination with nearby municipal police stations. Their efforts resulted in the apprehension of one suspect, who is now in police custody. The two remaining suspects are still being pursued.
Authorities are appealing to the public to cooperate by providing any information that could aid in the swift resolution of the case.
LIBRENG SAKAY. For the next five months, the government will provide free roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) transport for cargo trucks carrying essential and perishable goods between Amandayehan Port in Basey, Samar, and Tacloban City Port. The “Libreng Sakay” program officially began on Wednesday, June 18, with members of the Regional Inter-Agency Coordinating Cell–Task Force San Juanico Bridge (RIACC-TFSJ) present during the launch. The initiative is part of the government’s response to the partial closure of the San Juanico Bridge, which now prohibits heavy vehicles weighing more than three tons from crossing due to identified structural issues.(MARINA-8)
To ease San Juanico Bridge disruption
LIBRENG SAKAY. For the next five months, the government will provide free roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) transport for cargo trucks carrying essential and perishable goods between Amandayehan Port in Basey, Samar, and Tacloban City Port. The “Libreng Sakay” program officially began on Wednesday, June 18, with members of the Regional Inter-Agency Coordinating Cell–Task Force San Juanico Bridge (RIACC-TFSJ) present during the launch. The initiative is part of the government’s response to the partial closure of the San Juanico Bridge, which now prohibits heavy vehicles weighing more than three tons from crossing due to identified structural issues.(MARINA-8)
TACLOBAN CITY – To cushion the effects of the partial closure of the San Juanico Bridge, a free roll-on/roll-off (RORO) service for cargo trucks officially launched on Wednesday, June 18, transporting essential goods between Tacloban City and Basey, Samar.
Part of the national government’s “Libreng Sakay” program, the daily sea trips will run for the next six months between Tacloban Port and Amandayehan Port in Basey. The service is exclusively for heavy vehicles unable to cross the bridge due to load restrictions.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) imposed a three-ton weight limit on the 2.16-kilometer bridge starting May 15 after structural defects were discovered.
The maiden RORO trip departed at 10:45 a.m., carrying 28 trucks loaded with food and other perishable goods. The sea crossing takes about 30 minutes.
The initiative is led by the Regional Inter-Agency Coordinating Cell–Task Force San Juanico (RIACC-TFSJ), under the Office of Civil Defense–Eastern Visayas (OCD-8), and supported by P54.3 million in funding from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).
Roble Shipping Company is the designated vessel operator.
“This service is completely free and funded by the national government,” said OCD-8 Regional Director Lord Byron Torrecarion. “Our goal is to ensure the steady supply of food, fuel, and other necessities to minimize inflationary impacts caused by the partial closure of the San Juanico Bridge.”
Torrecarion said the move aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to support truckers and sustain supply chains.
The President visited San Juanico Bridge and Amandayehan Port on June 11, pledging swift government action.
DILG Regional Director Arnel Agabe expressed optimism that the bridge could handle heavier loads before the RORO program ends.
“We hope that during the program’s implementation, the bridge will be reinforced enough to handle loads beyond the current three-ton limit,” he said.
DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan earlier said retrofitting may be completed by year-end, raising the bridge’s load capacity to 12 tons.
Currently, five shipping companies are authorized by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) to serve the temporary route.
To support night operations, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) will install 14 navigational buoys next week.
“This will allow our vessels to travel even during nighttime,” said PPA Regional Manager Diane Steffi Guillamon.
According to the OCD, only trucks carrying essential or perishable goods are eligible for the free service. These include food, water, medicine, fuel, animal feeds, and medical supplies.
Government and humanitarian vehicles on official missions, and private suppliers endorsed by LGUs, the RIACC-TFSJ, or OCD-8, may also avail of the program.
Truck operators must submit a registration form from OCD, vehicle documents, and a cargo manifest listing the essential items onboard.
As of Wednesday, several trucks remain stranded on both sides of the bridge, waiting their turn for RORO transport.
VAST IMPROVEMENT. Under Mayor Aran Boller’s watch, the town of Matuguinao, Samar was transformed from being a haven of insurgency to a fast emerging tourist destination in the province.(FILE PHOTO)
VAST IMPROVEMENT. Under Mayor Aran Boller’s watch, the town of Matuguinao, Samar was transformed from being a haven of insurgency to a fast emerging tourist destination in the province.(FILE PHOTO)
MATUGUINAO, Samar– From terrorism to tourism. This is how Mayor Aran Boller describes the transformation of this once-insurgency-ridden town into one of the emerging tourist destinations in Samar province.
Nestled in the heart of Samar Island, Matuguinao was once isolated, with most of its 20 barangays heavily affected by insurgency. For decades, the town was only accessible via a four- to six-hour motorboat ride, discouraging development and making it vulnerable to communist influence.
But with the completion of a road project funded by the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (Pamana) program and Mayor Boller’s focused leadership on peace and development, the town has begun a remarkable turnaround.
“For people to believe that the municipality is already peaceful, we developed our cold spring into a resort that they may visit,” Mayor Boller said.
What started as a single attraction—Matugnaw Cold Spring—has now grown into two operating resorts, with a third one under development, including the Maslog Cold Spring. These natural attractions have become key to changing perceptions and reviving the local economy.
According to Tourism Officer Alexis Ogacho, 66,320 daytime visitors have been recorded since the spring resorts opened in 2021.
In 2024 alone, the town logged 15,084 tourist arrivals, placing Matuguinao 12th among the top 20 most visited tourism sites in the province that year.
This figure is expected to grow as the municipal government continues to develop other eco-tourism sites—caves, waterfalls, and hiking trails—and submits proposals to national agencies like the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA).
At present, only day tourism is allowed due to the lack of accommodation facilities, but Mayor Boller is encouraging residents with the means to invest in lodging services.
“Right now, there are houses that can be rented out for those who want to stay overnight. But probably by next year, we’ll already have proper accommodation facilities,” Boller said.
Despite the tourism gains, the mayor said his true goal is for Matuguinao to be declared insurgency-free, or under Stable Internal Peace and Security Condition (SIPSC) by the military.
Currently, only two to four barangays—mostly near the border with Northern Samar—remain affected. Mayor Boller revealed that only six active members of the New People’s Army (NPA) from the town remain, and they no longer operate locally.
The local government is pursuing localized peace initiatives by engaging families of active rebels to encourage surrender and reintegration.
“Although tourists are now coming, my greatest legacy will be seeing Matuguinao finally declared insurgency-free,” Mayor Boller said.
From a stronghold of conflict to a beacon of hope, Matuguinao is now charting a new course—one that leads to peace, progress, and prosperity through tourism.
INOPACAN, Leyte– Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco underscored the Marcos administration’s commitment to tourism as a tool for economic development during the groundbreaking ceremony of the first Tourist Rest Area (TRA) in this town, on Tuesday, June 17.
“This is why we need to construct proper tourism infrastructure—to uplift and enhance the tourist experience, provide them with convenience and safety, and encourage them to return,” Frasco said.
“Tourism for this administration is not simply for leisure. It should be an economic tool to drive community development and uplift the lives of our fellow Filipinos.”
The project in Inopacan is the first TRA in both Leyte province and the Eastern Visayas region. It is among the DOT’s priority initiatives and is funded by the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) with a budget of P10 million.
Frasco was joined by Leyte 5th District Representative Carl Nicolas Cari, who thanked the DOT for granting his request to build the facility in Inopacan. He said the TRA responds to the growing demand for a comfortable waiting area among tourists heading to the Cuatro Islas, the town’s top island-hopping destination.
“With a TRA in Inopacan, we can expect more tourist arrivals, better economic activity, and more livelihood opportunities for our people,” said Rep. Cari.
He added that he also requested another TRA for Matalom, home of Canigao Island, another top destination in Leyte.
The Inopacan TRA will rise at the town’s reclamation area, located behind the municipal hall near the baywalk, food stalls, and a children’s park.
The site also serves as a jump-off point for Cuatro Islas, which comprises four islets—Mahaba, Digyo, and Apid (under Inopacan), and Himukilan (under neighboring Hindang town).
Cuatro Islas is also part of Eastern Visayas’ cruise tourism route.
The DOT earlier announced additional TRAs for Tacloban City and Guiuan, Eastern Samar. The Guiuan facility will be located on Calicoan Island, a known surfing destination. The Tacloban City government has yet to finalize its TRA site.
Once completed, the TRA will offer tourists clean and secure amenities, including restrooms, a lounge, charging stations, and a dining area, all free of charge. A pasalubong center will also be established to promote local products and culture, supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Inopacan and nearby towns.
Among those present at the groundbreaking were DOT Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes, Undersecretary Ferdinand Jumapao, Assistant Secretary Christine Cari, TIEZA ACOO Jetro Nicolas Lozada, Director Glenn Ocampo, and Inopacan Mayor Alberto Rogelio Pua.
