TACLOBAN CITY– An Italian national was found dead inside a restroom at his temporary residence in Purok Cantimog, Barangay Libhu, Maasin City around 8:00 am on Monday, April 21.
The victim, identified only by the alias “Carlo,” was a 63-year-old foreigner temporarily residing in the area.
According to a report from the regional headquarters of the Philippine National Police (PNP) based in Palo, Leyte, the Maasin City Police Station (CPS) received a phone call at around 8:50 am from a barangay councilor of Libhu reporting the discovery of a lifeless body.
Responding officers proceeded to the scene, where a doctor from the City Health Unit (CHU) of Maasin conducted an examination on the remains of the foreign national.
The foreign national was found lying on the floor of the comfort room and was declared dead at approximately 9:45 am.
Based on the statement of the victim’s live-in partner, the two of them had woken up around 8:00 am that morning.
While the Italian was defecating in an inflatable pool set up inside the restroom, he suddenly collapsed, the report said.
The victim’s remains were later brought to a funeral home.
Result of the post-mortem examination conducted on the victim has yet to be released by the CHO as of press time. (LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
SKEPTICAL. Leyte Rep. Richard Gomez expresses his doubt on the shooting incident involving Albuera mayoralty candidate Rolan ‘Kerwin’ Espinosa. Gomez said that he found some inconsistencies on the April 10 shooting incident of Espinosa. (FILE PHOTO)
Sees ‘flaws’ on the shooting
SKEPTICAL. Leyte Rep. Richard Gomez expresses his doubt on the shooting incident involving Albuera mayoralty candidate Rolan ‘Kerwin’ Espinosa. Gomez said that he found some inconsistencies on the April 10 shooting incident of Espinosa. (FILE PHOTO)
TACLOBAN CITY – Leyte Rep. Richard Gomez dismissed the claim of Albuera mayoralty candidate Rolan “Kerwin” Espinosa regarding the April 10 shooting incident during the latter’s campaign sortie in Barangay Tinag-an, Albuera.
In a post on his social media account, Gomez urged the public not to believe the allegations made by Espinosa, a self-confessed drug lord.
“Do not believe somebody like him who has no credibility and is a self-confessed drug lord,” Gomez said. “He will not make anything good for mankind,” he added.
Gomez said he is conducting his own investigation into the incident, but noted there are already “flaws” in Espinosa’s narrative about the alleged ambush.
The congressman, who is seeking reelection in the upcoming polls, represents Leyte’s 4th District, which includes the town of Albuera.
In a press conference held on Friday, April 11, Espinosa denied speculations that the incident was a staged attack or a case of “ambush me.”
“The (sniper) hit me near the heart. How can they say it was scripted?” said Espinosa, who was wounded in the upper chest and treated at a private hospital hours after the incident. He was discharged the following day upon his request.
Leyte Police Provincial Director Col. Dionisio Apas Jr. confirmed that seven police officers, including a former city police chief of Ormoc, remain ‘persons of interest’ in the case.
“They were not at the crime scene, and we do not yet have direct evidence or testimony pointing to who among them is involved in the crime,” Apas said.
Based on the initial probe, the seven officers claimed they were in the vicinity to serve a warrant of arrest. However, they reportedly failed to coordinate with the Albuera police. Apas clarified that the warrant was not intended for Espinosa and that the officers were approximately 400 meters away from the campaign area when the incident occurred.
A paraffin test was conducted on the officers to determine if any had recently fired a gun. Results are still pending as of Monday afternoon. Their issued and personal firearms have also been submitted to the crime laboratory for ballistic examination.
Apas said possible charges may include frustrated murder and violations of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
The officers are currently under administrative and restrictive custody at the Leyte Police Provincial Office in San Jose, Tacloban City.
ROCK FORMATION. Geologists from the National Committee on Geological Sciences (NCGS) and the University of the Philippines – National Institute of Geological Sciences (UP-NIGS) confirmed that the Biri rock formations contain rare analcime sandstones and conglomerates. These unique rock types are not reported elsewhere in the world, boosting its campaign for its campaign to make Biri as a National Geological Monument and UNESCO Global Geopark.(PPDO)
ROCK FORMATION. Geologists from the National Committee on Geological Sciences (NCGS) and the University of the Philippines – National Institute of Geological Sciences (UP-NIGS) confirmed that the Biri rock formations contain rare analcime sandstones and conglomerates. These unique rock types are not reported elsewhere in the world, boosting its campaign for its campaign to make Biri as a National Geological Monument and UNESCO Global Geopark.(PPDO)
TACLOBAN CITY – Unique rocks not found elsewhere in the Philippines have been documented in Northern Samar, reinforcing the province’s global geological significance, according to the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO).
This finding was confirmed through a recent geological assessment conducted by experts from the National Committee on Geological Sciences (NCGS), with support from the University of the Philippines – National Institute of Geological Sciences (UP-NIGS) and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
The assessment validated the occurrence of rare rock types that further highlight Northern Samar’s ancient geologic past and underscores its value in both national and international geoscientific studies.
According to Dr. Allan Gil Fernando, a geologist and micropaleontologist from UP-NIGS, rock formations in Biri Island share a geologic connection with mainland municipalities such as Lavezares and Allen, despite differences in origin. This connection suggests that millions of years ago, these areas were geologically linked, the PPDO said.
Fernando, as quoted by the PPDO, explained that Biri’s iconic rock islets likely originated from the weathering and erosion of ancient volcanic rocks located in Lavezares and Allen.
These volcanic rocks, identified as “Allen Phonolite,” is a rare type of alkaline igneous rock deposited in a deep marine environment approximately 20 million years ago. Over time, through tectonic uplift and other geological processes, the Biri rock formations emerged above sea level.
Field observations also revealed strong evidence of ancient volcanic activity across the Lavezares-Allen-Biri region. Lava flow structures and the mineral composition of the rocks point to volcanic eruptions that occurred around 15 million years ago.
To confirm the extent of the Allen Phonolite, the geologists conducted additional investigations in Sitio Imaga, Barangay Cabacungan in Allen town.These volcanic rocks add valuable data to the province’s geologic timeline and evolution.
In parallel with mainland assessments, the team revisited several of Biri’s rock islets—including Magasang, Magsapad, Bel-at, and Macadlaw. These formations are not only geological landmarks but also hold international scientific importance.
An earlier study by UP NIGS faculty and students found the presence of rare analcime sandstones and conglomerates in Biri, a rock type reportedly undocumented elsewhere in the world. This discovery bolsters Biri’s candidacy as a National Geological Monument (NGM) and its potential designation as a UNESCO Global Geopark (aUGGp).
During the assessment, the team initiated the identification of a strategic location for the installation of an NGM marker, which will serve as a symbol of Biri’s exceptional geodiversity and support the development of geotourism and scientific education in the region.
Inspiring Future Earth Scientists
Beyond field research, Fernando also advocated for environmental awareness and climate education.
Provincial Government’s Continued Support
The provincial government of Northern Samar, under the leadership of Governor Edwin Marino Ongchuan, continues to support initiatives that promote scientific collaboration and conservation.
Through its partnerships with NCGS, UP-NIGS, and MGB-DENR, the province is taking active steps to protect its geological heritage while fostering research that brings to light the rich, untold stories embedded in its ancient rocks—stories of underwater volcanism, tectonic shifts, and the resilient beauty of Earth’s natural processes.
FORT BONIFACIO, Taguig City – Army Chief Lt. Gen. Roy M. Galido committed to stronger ties between the Philippine Army and the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA) and explored points of convergence towards enhancing both Armies’ defense capabilities during his official visit to Vietnam from April 7 to April 10, 2025.
Lt. Gen. Galido rendered a courtesy call to Gen. Nguyen Tan Cuong, Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army, followed by a bilateral meeting with Lt. Gen. Nguyen Van Nghia, Deputy Chief of the General Staff, at the Ministry of Defense Headquarters in Hanoi.
Lt. Gen. Galido also observed a capability demonstration at the VPA’s Special Forces Academy and toured the Viettel High Tech Company, a leading technology provider which plays a key role in enhancing Vietnam’s military technology and defense capabilities.
The Army Chief’s official visit aims to foster camaraderie and strengthen bilateral engagements between the two armies, building upon the foundation established by the 2015 Joint Statement on the Establishment of a Strategic Partnership between the Philippines and Vietnam.
Meanwhile, the bilateral meeting between Lt. Gen. Galido and the VPA top brass provided a venue for professional discussions on topics of mutual interest, including the exchange of experience, knowledge, and information, as well as identifying opportunities for capability development for both organizations, potentially leading to the establishment of formal Terms of Reference in the future. (PR)
CATARMAN, Northern Samar– Northern Samar Gender and Development (GAD) advocates have called on all sectors of the province to collaborate in educating women and children about gender-based violence.
Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) Chief Police Capt. Nuncia Formaran reported that rape cases in 2024 reached a total of 101, an increase from 67 cases in 2023. This indicates a 66 percent rise compared to the previous year.
In 2023, the WCPD recorded 47 cases of Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC). This number increased to 51 cases in 2024.
Incidents of lasciviousness increased from 23 cases in 2023 to 26 cases in 2024. Under Republic Act 7016, also known as the Child Abuse Law, 17 cases were documented in 2023, rising to 23 cases in 2024.
“Perpetrators know no time in doing this kind of violence, and this is quite alarming as it shows an increase every year,” Formaran said.
She then urged the GAD team and local officials to review policies addressing the rising violence against children aged 10-20.
She emphasized parental responsibility in monitoring their children’s activities to prevent exploitation.
She also called on the Municipal and Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (MPCPC/BCPC) to activate their councils and offer accessible assistance for those in distress.
Dr. Venus J. Cardenas, a board member of the Women’s Initiative for Social Development in Northern Samar, noted that while there are government programs to protect women and children, better enforcement is needed as not all councils are functional.
She emphasized that effective implementation of gender-sensitive programs from the municipal level down to the barangays can help minimize abuse cases.
Cardenas also urged women and children facing violence to speak out, seek help, and take action, reinforcing that these steps contribute to women’s empowerment. (TBC, PIA Northern Samar)
The Department of Public Works and Highways – Northern Samar Second District Engineering Office (DPWH-NSSDEO) has announced significant progress in the rehabilitation of the Bantayan Flood Control Structure in the Bantayan River Basin. As of today, the project is 78.38% complete, with a contract amount of P48,982,964.54 under the General Appropriations Act (GAA).
The ongoing rehabilitation aims to enhance both flood control and road infrastructure in the area, which is crucial for the safety and development of local communities. The project includes the construction of 220.00 linear meters of structural concrete revetment, which will be supported by a steel sheet pile foundation. This vital feature is designed to reinforce the riverbanks, mitigating the risks of flooding and erosion that previously affected the area during heavy rains.
In addition to flood control, the project is focused on improving accessibility and road safety. The 220.00-meter roadway is concreted and widened, with a thickness of 280mm and a width of 3.35 meters. Adjacent to the roadway, 220.00 meters of road shoulder will also be concreted, providing additional space and ensuring safer travel for motorists and pedestrians alike.
One of the key features of this project is the installation of 14 solar-powered LED roadway lights. Standing at a height of 8 meters with 100W capacity, these solar lights will enhance visibility and safety during the night, benefiting residents, commuters, and visitors to the area.
The rehabilitation of the Bantayan Flood Control Structure and the accompanying infrastructure upgrades are set to have a lasting positive impact on the local community. For residents of San Roque, this project offers greater protection from flooding, especially during the rainy season. The improvements to the roadway will make travel smoother and safer for daily commuters and travelers passing through the area.
Passersby can expect a more reliable route with clearer visibility, due to the new solar-powered lights. The project is also expected to stimulate local commerce and attract more visitors, ultimately contributing to the region’s growth and development. With the project nearing its completion, the residents of San Roque can look forward to a more secure and accessible future. (PR)
