ORMOC CITY– A 57-year-old farmer was found dead in a rice field in Barangay Maghulod, Tanauan, Leyte, on the evening of April 14, 2025.

The victim, identified by the alias “Tonio,” was discovered by his live-in partner, alias “Malyn,” 50, who reported the incident to their barangay officials around 8:30 pm.

According to the police, the victim had left their home earlier that afternoon to tend to their rice field. When he failed to return by evening, “Malyn” went to look for him and found his lifeless body lying on a grassy portion of the rice field. She then sought assistance from the barangay chairman, who reported the incident to the Tanauan Municipal Police Station.

Responding police officers conducted an initial investigation and found no signs of foul play. The victim’s daughter, alias “Mica,” informed authorities that her father had been complaining of persistent pain in the nape and head prior to the incident.

The victim’s remains were brought to the Tanauan Rural Health Unit for medical examination. The family has requested an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

(ROBERT DEJON)

BORONGAN CITY-The Department of Public Works and Highways Eastern Samar District Engineering Office (DPWH ESDEO) was recently visited by Dr. Ir. Iwan Aang Soenandi, an esteemed professor from Universitas Kristen Krida Wacana (UKRIDA) in West Jakarta, Indonesia.

Dr. Soenandi, an expert in ergonomics, visited the office as part of a week-long International Faculty Mobility exercise of Eastern Samar State University (ESSU).
Accompanied by Dr. Rowena Capada, Dean of the ESSU College of Technology, and other program heads, Dr. Soenandi conducted an assessment of the workplace of DPWH ESDEO on October 9, 2024.

During his visit, he toured the entire office and inspected the working environment.
Dr. Soenandi commended DPWH ESDEO for its compliance with ergonomics standards, noting the use of ergonomic chairs and comfortable desks for all employees.

“After we have seen the facility, I think it’s very good. You already use ergonomic chairs and the desks are comfortable for all employees,” said Dr. Soenandi.

Assistant District Engineer Chito Nelson Eusores mentioned that the office certification of ISO 9001: 2015 helps improve the working environment of the office.
The Indonesian expert recommended the availability of an evacuation area for employees during a national disaster.

“In Indonesia, we must prepare for natural disasters by having an evacuation room or area for people when a disaster strikes. I think we can prepare this kind of area to improve safety for the people.”

In response, Assistant Chito Nelson Eusores mentioned that the office actively participates in the National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) conducted every quarter to educate employees and prepare for disasters.

Engr. Eusores also mentioned plans to improve the open space for evacuation once the old building is demolished, which will be used as parking and will improve open space for evacuation area in the office vicinity.

Moreover, Assistant District Engineer Eusores expressed gratitude to ESSU for choosing DPWH ESDEO to be visited by their visiting professor from Indonesia.

Engr. Eusores also highlighted DPWH ESDEO’s continuous support for the university’s programs, including On the Job Training (OJT) of the ESSU students.

The visit of Dr. Soenandi, a highly regarded professor from UKRIDA, is part of a week-long engagement of Eastern Samar State University.

His visit included engagements with partner agencies of the ESSU such as the DPWH, reflecting the strong partnership between the university and these institutions. (PR)

Manila-From March 24 to 28, the United States government, through the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) International Counterproliferation Program (ICP), hosted a maritime security training to enhance Philippine government’s efforts to counter the maritime trafficking of hazardous chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) materials.

During the Targeting and Risk Management Workshop held in Manila, DTRA experts and Filipino facilitators from the Philippine Office for Transportation Security (OTS) trained 35 representatives from various Philippine government agencies in identifying, targeting, and interdicting illicit vessels and cargoes that traffic hazardous components of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) in different maritime domains. It also included “train-the-trainer” activities to sustain the agencies’ efforts in identifying maritime security operational and doctrinal gaps.

Participants included representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry’s Strategic Trade Management Office, Department of Transportation’s OTS, Bureau of Customs, Philippine Ports Authority, Maritime Industry Authority, Presidential Office for Maritime Concerns, Philippine Nuclear Research Institute, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Navy, and Philippine National Police Maritime Group.

In his remarks, Director Jose S. Embang, Jr. of the CBRN office of the Philippines’ Anti-Terrorism Council Program Management Center (ATC-PMC) thanked DTRA for its support in helping the Philippines refine its tracking methods and response procedures for potentially hazardous unauthorized materials discovered at seaports. He added that these efforts contribute to national and global security.

“We value our longstanding partnership with ATC-PMC and their unwavering efforts to strengthen Philippine CBRN policy and legislation. We anticipate continued engagement with ATC-PMC, the National Maritime Center, and the Philippine interagency in support of initiatives that reinforce the ironclad commitment between our two countries,” said Nicholas DeDominici, Chief of DTRA at the U.S. Embassy in Manila.

The workshop is part of DTRA’s efforts to help strengthen interagency cooperation within Philippine government agencies; improve their capabilities to counter WMD proliferation and respond timely and effectively to maritime security incidents.; and strengthen U.S.-Philippine cooperation in support of a secure, prosperous, free, and open Indo-Pacific. (PR)

ORMOC CITY– A 15-year-old Grade 10 student died following a road accident involving a motorcycle and a tricycle along the national highway in Barangay Poblacion, Merida, Leyte, on April 13.

The victim, identified only by the alias “Zorren,” was reportedly driving a white-and-black Honda XRM motorcycle with his mother and a cousin as back riders when the collision occurred around 6:00 pm.

His back riders were identified as his 10-year-old cousin, alias “Louie,” and his mother, alias “Nissa,” 41, a housewife. All three are residents of Barangay Can-unzo, Merida.

According to a police report, the mother went to the Merida Municipal Police Station at around 5:45 p.m. on Monday, April 14, to report the incident. She recounted that they were traveling toward the town proper when a tricycle, driven by a certain “Tony” from Barangay Lundag, was spotted at the right shoulder of the road and suddenly signaled a U-turn.

“Nissa” said she immediately warned her son to brake, but a collision still occurred. The impact caused all three motorcycle riders to fall to the pavement. The boy’s abdomen reportedly struck the handlebar of the motorcycle.

The teenager was rushed to Gatchalian Hospital in Ormoc City onboard a municipal ambulance, but he was declared dead by attending physicians while undergoing treatment.
Authorities are conducting a follow-up investigation to determine liability and further circumstances surrounding the incident.

(ROBERT DEJON)