TACLOBAN CITY– The health office here has started its campaign to immunize children against measles and polio.

The City Health Office (CHO) targets more than 29,000 children below five years for this nationwide immunization campaign spearheaded by the Department of Health dubbed as ‘Chikiting Ligtas.’

The measles and polio inoculation will be done for the entire month of May.

For the measles, targeted are children from 9 to 49 months old while for the polio vaccination are those from zero to 59 months old.

Dr. Danilo Ecarma, CHO in-charge officer, said that due pandemic coronavirus disease (COVID-19), a high number of children missed their immunization vaccine due to restrictions and strict health protocols leading to failure of vaccinating their children against measles, rubella, and polio.

CHO will deploy 52 medical teams in the city together with the assistance of the DOH to assure a door-to-door vaccination activity during the campaign.
(CARL ANGELO G. CORPIN, LNU Student Intern)

ORMOC CITY– A man was arrested by police in Cabucgayan, Biliran for cutting coconut trees without securing the necessary permit.

Arrested was Nelio Pelayo of sitio Andrade of Barangay Asug of the said town last April 26 by virtue of a warrant issued by Judge Ateneoness Bacale, presiding judge of the 2nd MCTC based in Biliran, Biliran.

Pelayo did not recommend for any bail against Pelayo who was charged for violation of RA 8048, otherwise known as An Act Providing for the Regulation of the Cutting of Coconut Trees) as amended by RA 10593 which prohibits cutting of coconut trees unless it’s 60 years old for tall varieties, and at least 40 years old for dwarf varieties.

The accused is now detained at the lockup facility of the Cabucgayan municipal police office.
(ROBERT DEJON)

TACLOBAN CITY-Engr. Miguel “Mike” Pedroso was re-appointed to his second term as farmer-director of Region 8 in conjunction with the celebration of Farmers and Fisher Folks Month.

In his installation, Pedroso expressed his commitment to his responsibility as a farmer-director which is to take the lead and be the voice of the department.

He highlighted in his message his goals and aspirations during his term.

One of them is to increase the farmers’ income by making the region’s very own jackfruit known nationally by encouraging the farmers to plant more of it and for the locals to support this activity.

“Hopefully, next time, when we say Region 8, it would be langka just like Davao which is very well known for its durian, malakas ang kanilang marketing, and reproduction,” Pedroso.

Moreover, during an interview, Pedroso gave a message of encouragement to his fellow farmers and fishermen.

“Sa mga magsasaka at mangingisda ng Rehiyon 8, itong buwan na ito ay sa aton ito. This is our time to celebrate, to shine, and to come together to discuss things to improve our industry —eventually, mapataas ang antas ng ating kita,” he said.

Former President Cory Aquino declared the month of May of every year as Farmers and Fisherfolks Month in honor of the farmers and fishermen in the country.
(TRIXIE ANNE NICOLE CALVO, LNU Student Intern)

TACLOBAN CITY– A police officer from this city is now being hunted down after killing a woman on Wednesday (April 3) at about 5:30 pm.

Police Senior Master Sergeant Van Gregory Benitez, 44, shot dead Jessica Durana, 30 using his service short firearm while the victim was on her way home together with her mother, Henerosa.

The victim and her mother were walking along Barangay 43, Quarry district, this city, with the suspect following them.

Without provocation, the police officer shot the victim several times, hitting her on different parts of her body.

This resulted in her immediate death though she was brought to the Tacloban City Hospital. The elder Durana was unhurt during the shooting incident.

Benitez immediately fled from the crime scene.

Master Sgt. Anwar Usman, officer-on-case, said in his report that jealousy could be the reason why the police officer killed the victim.

It was learned that the two were having a relationship.

The city police are now conducting a manhunt operation against the suspect.

(RONALD O. REYES/ROBERT DEJON)