Manila, Philippines– The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea is aware of reports regarding the alleged presence of a new structure at Bajo de Masinloc.
Relevant government agencies are currently undertaking verification and validation measures to establish the accuracy, nature, and circumstances surrounding these reports, utilizing available monitoring, surveillance, and operational assessment mechanisms.
The Philippine Government takes seriously any development that may affect the country’s sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea.
The NTF-WPS is closely coordinating with concerned agencies to ensure a comprehensive and fact-based assessment of the situation. While verification efforts are ongoing, we underscore the importance of avoiding speculation and, instead, rely on information released through official government channels only.
The Philippines remains steadfast in protecting its national interests, defending its lawful maritime entitlements, and upholding the rules-based international order consistent with international law, particularly the 1982 UNCLOS and the 2016 Arbitral Award.
Further updates will be provided once the verification process has been completed and the facts have been firmly established.(PR)
SOLAR POWER PROJECT. Engineers from the DILG Samar Provincial Operations Office, together with personnel from the Local Government Unit of Zumarraga, conduct a site validation for the proposed P25-million solar street lighting project funded under the Local Government Support Fund-Growth Equity Fund. The project is expected to provide sustainable lighting and enhance public safety in 20 barangays across the island municipality. (DILG SAMAR)
In Samar
SOLAR POWER PROJECT. Engineers from the DILG Samar Provincial Operations Office, together with personnel from the Local Government Unit of Zumarraga, conduct a site validation for the proposed P25-million solar street lighting project funded under the Local Government Support Fund-Growth Equity Fund. The project is expected to provide sustainable lighting and enhance public safety in 20 barangays across the island municipality. (DILG SAMAR)
TACLOBAN CITY — Twenty barangays in the island municipality of Zumarraga, Samar are poised to benefit from a P25-million solar street lighting project after the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) conducted a site validation for its proposed implementation in 2026.
The validation activity was carried out by the DILG Samar Provincial Operations Office through its Project Development and Management Unit (PDMU) as part of the assessment and preparation process for the project funded under the Local Government Support Fund-Growth Equity Fund (LGSF-GEF).
During the inspection, the DILG team assessed the proposed installation sites to determine their accessibility, suitability for public safety purposes, and capacity to maximize solar energy efficiency.
The proposed solar street lighting project aims to improve public safety and security, particularly during nighttime, by providing reliable and sustainable lighting in communities through the use of renewable energy. Officials said the initiative is expected to enhance mobility, reduce accident and crime risks, and support the municipality’s overall development goals.
Among the 20 barangays expected to benefit from the project are Camayse, Macalunod, Boblaran, Poro, Mualbual, Lumalantang, Marapilit, Magaan, Talib, Tubigan, Sugod, Ibarra, Alegria, Arteche, Bioso, Tinaogan, San Isidro, Botaera, Maputi, and Pangdan.
According to the DILG, the site validation ensures that all proposed locations meet the technical and operational requirements necessary for the successful implementation of the project.
“This initiative marks a significant step toward building brighter, safer, and more sustainable communities for the people of Zumarraga,” the DILG Samar Provincial Operations Office said in a statement.
Once completed, the project is expected to provide long-term benefits by promoting energy-efficient infrastructure, improving community safety, and advancing the government’s commitment to sustainable local development.
TACLOBAN CITY — A total of 157 wanted persons, including a regional most wanted individual, were arrested by the Leyte Police Provincial Office (LPPO) during intensified manhunt operations conducted across the province throughout May 2026.
Data released by the LPPO showed that from May 1 to 31, police units arrested 26 Most Wanted Persons (MWPs) and 131 Other Wanted Persons (OWPs) as part of the Philippine National Police’s continuing campaign against fugitives.
Among those apprehended were one Regional Most Wanted Person, 13 Provincial Most Wanted Persons, three City Most Wanted Persons, and nine Municipal Most Wanted Persons.
The arrests were carried out through intelligence-driven operations conducted by municipal and city police stations under the supervision of LPPO Officer-in-Charge, Police Colonel Celerino Sacro Jr.
The month-long accomplishment underscores the provincial police force’s efforts to locate individuals with standing warrants of arrest and ensure their appearance before the courts.
“I commend all operating units for their dedication and professionalism in carrying out intelligence-driven and coordinated law enforcement operations,” Sacro said.
“The successful implementation of the manhunt campaign contributes to the maintenance of peace and order and strengthens public trust in the police organization,” he added.
The LPPO said it will continue to intensify its manhunt operations as part of its commitment to public safety and the administration of justice.
The campaign supports the Philippine National Police’s thrust of providing fast, honest, and reliable public service while helping create safer communities across Leyte.
BOOSTING POLICE MOBILITY. Officials of the Tacloban Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (TFCCCII) and the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) formally turn over 12 motorcycles to the Tacloban City Police Office (TCPO) during a ceremony at the police headquarters on June 1. The donation aims to enhance police visibility, mobility, and rapid response capabilities in maintaining peace and order across Tacloban City. (TCPO)
BOOSTING POLICE MOBILITY. Officials of the Tacloban Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (TFCCCII) and the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) formally turn over 12 motorcycles to the Tacloban City Police Office (TCPO) during a ceremony at the police headquarters on June 1. The donation aims to enhance police visibility, mobility, and rapid response capabilities in maintaining peace and order across Tacloban City. (TCPO)
TACLOBAN CITY-The Tacloban City Police Office (TCPO) received 12 new motorcycles from two Chinese-Filipino business organizations on Monday, June 1, in a move aimed at enhancing police mobility, increasing visibility, and improving response capabilities across the city.
The motorcycles were donated by the Tacloban Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (TFCCCII) and the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) during a turnover ceremony held at the TCPO headquarters.
The donation underscores the continuing partnership between the local business community and law enforcement authorities in promoting public safety and maintaining peace and order in Tacloban.
TCPO City Director Col. Noelito Getigan expressed gratitude to the donor groups, saying the additional vehicles would significantly support police operations and strengthen law enforcement efforts throughout the city.
“These motorcycles will greatly help our personnel in carrying out their duties and responsibilities in ensuring peace and order in Tacloban City,” Getigan said.
He added that the donation reflects the confidence and support of the business sector in the Philippine National Police’s mission to safeguard communities.
“This also symbolizes the trust and support of the business community in our mission of maintaining peace and order and ensuring public safety,” he said.
TFCCCII president Johnny Go said the business groups believe that increasing police mobility would lead to greater visibility on the streets, which could help deter criminal activities.
“Visibility is prevention,” Go said, emphasizing the importance of a visible police presence in discouraging crime.
Meanwhile, FFCCCII vice president Jimmy Yaokasin said the motorcycles would help police respond more quickly to incidents and contribute to reducing crime rates in the city.
“These donated motorcycles will help ensure a quicker response to crime incidents. One of the reasons why we decided to donate them is to help increase police visibility,” Yaokasin said.
Yaokasin, a former Tacloban City administrator and president of Toyota Tacloban, also said the donor organizations would initially shoulder the maintenance of the motorcycles for several months before the responsibility is transferred to the TCPO through its maintenance and operating expenses budget.
The motorcycle donation is expected to enhance the mobility of police personnel, particularly in areas that require rapid deployment and regular patrols, further strengthening the city’s peace and security initiatives.
GREEN LANE FOR MSMEs. Northern Rep. Edwin Ongchuan proposal measure House Bill No. 601, or the proposed “Micro Business Enterprise Green Lane Act,” gained approval at the House of Representatives committee level. The measure seeks to establish dedicated green lanes in government offices to fast-track permits, licenses, and other regulatory requirements for micro enterprises, aiming to reduce red tape and improve the ease of doing business for small entrepreneurs nationwide.(FILE PHOTO)
GREEN LANE FOR MSMEs. Northern Rep. Edwin Ongchuan proposal measure House Bill No. 601, or the proposed “Micro Business Enterprise Green Lane Act,” gained approval at the House of Representatives committee level. The measure seeks to establish dedicated green lanes in government offices to fast-track permits, licenses, and other regulatory requirements for micro enterprises, aiming to reduce red tape and improve the ease of doing business for small entrepreneurs nationwide.(FILE PHOTO)
TACLOBAN CITY — A measure seeking to fast-track government transactions for micro businesses and reduce regulatory bottlenecks has gained strong backing from lawmakers and government agencies during deliberations in the House of Representatives.
House Bill No. 601, authored by Northern Samar 2nd District Representative Edwin Ongchuan, was endorsed by members of the House Committee on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development during discussions held on May 26.
The proposed legislation, known as the “Micro Business Enterprise Green Lane Act,” aims to establish dedicated “green lanes” in government offices to expedite the processing of permits, licenses, registrations, and compliance requirements for micro enterprises.
Under the measure, qualified micro businesses would be provided with a streamlined pathway for government transactions, reducing waiting times, minimizing documentary requirements, and facilitating coordination among agencies involved in business registration and regulation.
The concept of a “green lane” is similar to priority processing systems used in airports and government service centers, where applications are handled through a simplified and accelerated process.
Advocates of the bill say such a mechanism would help small entrepreneurs navigate government procedures more efficiently and lower the cost of doing business.
The proposal comes as many MSMEs continue to face challenges in securing permits and complying with various national and local government requirements. Business owners often have to deal with multiple agencies, lengthy processing periods, and repetitive documentary submissions before they can start or expand operations.
According to government data, MSMEs account for more than 99 percent of business establishments in the country and generate a significant share of employment. Despite their contribution to the economy, many small enterprises struggle with regulatory compliance due to limited financial and administrative resources.
Among those who expressed support to the measures was Representative Anna Marlesa Hofer-Hasim of the second district of Zamboanga Sibugay emphasized the importance of easing bureaucratic burdens on entrepreneurs.
She noted that the measure could help stimulate entrepreneurship, create jobs, and strengthen local economies, particularly in rural communities where small businesses serve as important sources of livelihood.
For his part, Ongchuan said the bill is intended to remove unnecessary red tape that often discourages entrepreneurship and limits business growth.
He said that by simplifying government transactions, entrepreneurs would be able to devote more time and resources to expanding their operations, creating employment opportunities, and contributing to local economic development.
If enacted into law, House Bill No. 601 is expected to complement the government’s broader ease-of-doing-business initiatives by providing a more efficient regulatory environment specifically tailored to the needs of micro enterprises.
Supporters of the measure believe the proposed green lane system could improve business productivity, encourage the formalization of small enterprises, and generate greater economic opportunities in communities across the country.
SOLAR ENERGY. Police Brigadier General Jason Capoy, regional director of PRO-8, leads the inauguration of the first phase of the Solar Power Energization Project at Camp Ruperto Kangleon in Palo, Leyte. The newly installed 48-kilowatt solar photovoltaic system is expected to reduce electricity costs and enhance the police force’s operational readiness during emergencies and power outages. (PRO-8)
SOLAR ENERGY. Police Brigadier General Jason Capoy, regional director of PRO-8, leads the inauguration of the first phase of the Solar Power Energization Project at Camp Ruperto Kangleon in Palo, Leyte. The newly installed 48-kilowatt solar photovoltaic system is expected to reduce electricity costs and enhance the police force’s operational readiness during emergencies and power outages. (PRO-8)
CAMP RUPERTO KANGLEON, PALO, Leyte– The Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8) has taken a major step toward energy independence and disaster resilience with the launch of the first phase of its Solar Power Energization Project at Camp Ruperto Kangleon on Tuesday, June 2, a move expected to significantly reduce electricity costs and ensure uninterrupted operations during emergencies.
The project comes amid the government’s continuing push for renewable energy adoption across public institutions as a means of lowering operational expenses and reducing dependence on conventional power sources.
PRO-8 officially inaugurated a 48-kilowatt (kW) solar photovoltaic (PV) system installed at its regional headquarters.
The P2.4-million facility serves as the initial phase of a three-stage renewable energy program aimed at supplying a substantial portion of the camp’s power requirements.
Police Brigadier General Jason Capoy, regional director of PRO-8, said the initiative demonstrates the police organization’s commitment to sustainability and efficient resource management.
Capoy expressed hope that provincial police offices, city and municipal police stations, and other police units across Eastern Visayas would adopt similar renewable energy projects to help cut electricity expenses and promote environmental stewardship.
Once all three phases of the solar power project are completed, PRO-8 estimates savings of between P120,000 and P150,000 on its monthly electricity bill. The entire project is expected to cost between P8 million and P9 million.
Beyond financial savings, officials said the solar power system will strengthen the operational readiness of the police force, particularly during natural disasters and power interruptions that frequently affect the region.
Atty. Risty Sibay, regional director of the National Police Commission (Napolcom) in Eastern Visayas, lauded the initiative, noting that renewable energy systems can provide critical backup power during emergencies when government services are most needed.
He said energy-resilient facilities are essential in ensuring that law enforcement and public safety operations continue even during prolonged power outages caused by typhoons and other calamities.
Eastern Visayas is among the regions most vulnerable to severe weather disturbances, making reliable and alternative power sources increasingly important for government agencies tasked with emergency response and public safety.
The Solar Power Energization Project forms part of PRO-8’s broader efforts to improve operational efficiency, reduce energy costs, and contribute to environmental sustainability while enhancing the region’s disaster preparedness capabilities.
