CAMP DOWNES,Ormoc City — To honor the more than 38 years of faithful and dedicated military service of BGen. Noel A. Vestuir PA, commander, 802nd Infantry (Peerless) Brigade, Philippine Army, the Ormoc Tandaya Eagle’s Club, led by its president, Mel Dimzon, hosted a medical, dental, and agri-mission to the residents of Brgy. Quezon Jr., Ormoc City, on September 20, 2025.

Among the services offered during the activity were medical check-up, dental extraction, dental cleaning, ultrasound, minor surgery, eye check-up, blood typing, haircut, and feeding, wherein a total of 967 residents benefited from it.

The Ormoc Tandaya Eagle’s Club partnered with the 802nd Infantry Brigade, wherein they provided security and haircut services during the activity.

Participating units during the event include the 93rd Infantry Battalion, 14th Infantry Battalion, and 8th Regional Community Defense Group, Reserve Command, Philippine Army along with the personnel from the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary 1105th Squadron, Coast Guard District Eastern Visayas, Ormoc City Police Office, and Brgy. Quezon Jr. Local officials.

Lieutenant Colonel Charlie L. Saclot, the Brigade’s Executive Officer, represented BGen Vestuir during the activity, wherein he delivered the message of the commander to the organizers and the participating agencies for their commitment to serve the community through collaboration.

“Sa ngalan po ng 802nd Infantry (Peerless) Brigade, Philippine Army lubos akong nagagalak na makasalamuha kayo ngayon sa isang makabuluhan at makataong gawain—ang ating Medical, Dental Mission at Agri-Mission na pinangunahan ng Ormoc Tandaya Eagles Club. Ang aktibidad na ito ay isang patunay na ang ating Hukbong Katihan ng Pilipinas ay hindi lamang nakatuon sa pagtatanggol ng bansa laban sa anumang banta sa kapayapaan at seguridad, kundi higit sa lahat ay katuwang ng sambayanan sa pagsusulong ng kalusugan, kapakanan, at kaunlaran ng bawat Pilipino katuwang ang mga pribadong sector o organisasyon,” Lt. Col. Saclot said. (PR)

TACLOBAN CITY – A policewoman from the Leyte Police Provincial Office (LPPO) has been recognized for her outstanding dedication to protecting women and children during the 59th Founding Anniversary celebration of the National Police Commission Regional Office 8 (Napolcom-8) on Monday, September 22.

PEMS Jo Ann Lapuz, assigned at the Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD), received the commendation for her professionalism, compassion, and unwavering commitment to safeguarding the rights and welfare of women and children.

The award was presented by PB/Gen. Jason Capoy, Regional Director of Police Regional Office 8, and Atty. Risty Sibay, acting regional director of Napolcom-8, who both underscored the vital role of police officers in community protection and praised the contributions of dedicated personnel across Eastern Visayas.

“This recognition is not just for me but for every officer who tirelessly serves to protect the vulnerable,” Lapuz said, dedicating her award to her fellow police personnel.

LPPO, under the leadership of PCOL Dionisio DC Apas Jr., said Lapuz’s recognition reflects the office’s continuing effort to develop service-oriented and empowered police officers who embody integrity, compassion, and excellence in public service.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY – The Leyte Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) has directed Cleanaway Philippines Inc. to submit updated Resolutions of No Objection (RINO) from the barangay and local government unit (LGU) where it operates before acting on the company’s permit renewal with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB).

The order was issued during the SP’s regular session on September 23, 2025, after company representatives appeared before the provincial board. Cleanaway Philippines operates a waste treatment facility inside the Leyte Industrial Development Estate (LIDE) in Isabel, Leyte.

Under Leyte’s Environmental Code, companies with potential environmental impacts must secure a RINO from the concerned barangay, municipality or city, and the provincial board before they are allowed to operate.

Board Member Carlo Loreto, chair of the committee on disaster risk reduction, said the resolutions Cleanaway submitted were dated 2022.

“That’s why, on the motion of Hon. Ronnan Reposar, they were required to submit more recent resolutions before we can act on their request,” Loreto said.

He added that the requirement ensures “social acceptability” of company operations.
“Is it safe, is it good, is it advantageous for the people of Leyte whom we represent?” Loreto said.

Cleanaway’s appearance this week followed a tri-committee meeting led by Loreto bringing together the committees on environment, health, and disaster risk reduction. Officials from EMB-8 were also present.

The meeting was convened in response to a July 2025 incident where over 300 drums of hospital waste from Mandaue City were transported by Cleanaway to its LIDE facility — a move provincial board members said violated the environmental code.

During the meeting, EMB and company representatives admitted they were not aware of the ordinance but assured the provincial board of their willingness to comply with its requirements.

The provincial board will deliberate on whether to issue its own RINO for Cleanaway Philippines once the updated barangay and municipal resolutions are submitted.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)