Eastern Communications, the Philippines’ pioneer telecommunications and ICT solutions provider, has officially launched its services in Calbayog City extending its network and digital services across Eastern Visayas.

The milestone was celebrated through the company’s signature “Via Eastern” event held on October 15, 2025, at Baypark Hotel, Calbayog, gathering local business leaders, government representatives, and community stakeholders to explore how Eastern is driving digital transformation and enabling inclusive growth in the region.

Local officials and partner organizations, including Calbayog City Mayor Raymund Uy, Vice Mayor Rex Daguman, and ICT Council President Nancy Lanuza, joined the Via Eastern Calbayog celebration, recognizing Eastern’s contribution to advancing the city’s development agenda and promoting technology-driven progress across Samar.

“It is with great pride and excitement [that I join] today’s launch of Eastern Communications, a new [telco] player in our city. We know that connection should not only be faster, but it needs to be stable with the modern digital era at this time. Congratulations to Eastern Communications and thank you for helping move our city forward,” said Mayor Uy.

The expansion underscores Eastern Communications’ commitment to bridging digital gaps and empowering emerging business cities nationwide. As part of its strategy to strengthen regional presence, Eastern Communications identified Calbayog as a key business city in its joint Philippine Domestic Submarine Cable Network (PDSCN) project, the largest submarine cable infrastructure project in the country.

The PDSCN Express Route is made up of 80% undersea cables, allowing it to deliver resilient and reliable connectivity and bring world-class telecommunications services to more Filipinos.

As Calbayog positions itself to become a premier economic, ecological, and tourism center in Samar, Eastern Communications’ entry will play a vital role in building the city’s ICT backbone. The telco will provide advanced business connectivity services, including Eastern Fiber 1 shared internet and Internet Direct Service (IDS) dedicated connectivity. These solutions are designed to empower local MSMEs, agribusinesses, retail enterprises, and hospitality establishments to thrive in the digital economy.

Beyond connectivity, Eastern Communications will also offer a complete suite of ICT solutions such as Network Solutions, Cybersecurity, Cloud and Data Center Services, and Business Applications. These tools enable enterprises to enhance productivity, efficiency, and customer engagement.

“Our expansion to Calbayog aligns with Eastern Communications’ vision to strengthen our presence across the Visayas region,” said Edsel Paglinawan, Eastern Communications Chief Revenue and Innovation Officer. “By making Calbayog our entry point to reach more areas in Samar, we aim to empower local communities and businesses with resilient and reliable internet services. Through our strong connectivity and comprehensive ICT solutions, we’re committed to helping the region thrive and support the country’s digital growth.” (PR)

ORMOC CITY — A 7-year-old elementary school pupil was injured after being accidentally hit by a motorcycle while on her way to school around 12:10 p.m. on October 13, in Barangay Bunga, Cabucgayan, Biliran.

Police identified the victim as “Maeflor,” a resident of Barangay Bunga. The motorcycle driver was identified as “Charlou,” 31, a lending collector, and a resident of Kananga, Leyte. He was driving a blue and black Honda 125 motorcycle.

According to the Cabucgayan Municipal Police Station (MPS), the incident occurred when the pupil, who was walking along the roadside, suddenly crossed without noticing the oncoming motorcycle. The vehicle accidentally hit her, causing her to fall and sustain injuries.

The driver immediately stopped and brought the victim to the Cabucgayan Rural Health Unit (RHU), where she received initial treatment before being referred to the Biliran Provincial Hospital for further medical attention.

Police said the driver and the motorcycle involved were taken to the Cabucgayan MPS for proper investigation and disposition.

Authorities reminded motorists and pedestrians alike to exercise extra caution, especially near school zones, to prevent similar incidents.

(ROBERT DEJON)

TACLOBAN CITY — Authorities arrested 12 Chinese nationals in a coordinated immigration enforcement operation on October 15, 2025, at Ocean Wave in Barangay 95-A, Caibaan, this city.

The operation, conducted around noon, was carried out by the Bureau of Immigration Region 8 in coordination with the Tacloban City Police Office (TCPO), the Regional Intelligence Division (RID), the Regional Special Operations Group (RSOG), the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA-8), the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP), and the Military Intelligence Battalion (MIB).

The arrested individuals were identified through their aliases as “Yan” (47, male), “Xia” (36, female), “Yuan” (43, male), “Zi” (36, male), “Min” (29, female), “Zhu” (36, female), “Mia” (38, female), “Liang” (35, male), “Zheng” (33, male), “Wong” (45, male), “Liao” (54, female), and “Pen” (51, male)—all Chinese nationals temporarily residing in the said barangay.

The arrested individuals were identified as officials and employees of Ocean Wave Communications (Philippines) Corp., also known as Hailang Communications (Philippines) Company, an internet service provider operating in Tacloban City and nearby areas, including Palo, Leyte.

The suspects were apprehended for violating Section 9(a) of Commonwealth Act No. 613, or the Philippine Immigration Act, which prohibits foreigners from engaging in employment without a valid visa or work permit.

Investigators found that several of the Chinese nationals had entered the country using tourist visas and later obtained Alien Employment Permits (AEPs) through the use of invalid Tax Identification Numbers (TINs) to secure working visas.

Others were found to have acquired AEPs from different petitioning companies while actually working for Ocean Wave Communications.

Further inquiry also uncovered violations of labor, corporate, and tax laws, including acts of misrepresentation, discrepancies in the company’s articles of incorporation, and the use of incorrect TINs in company records.

The arrested individuals were brought to the BID office and are to face appropriate charges.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)