TACLOBAN CITY — A newborn baby left inside a parked multicab in Barangay 107, Sta. Elena on Tuesday night was rescued after residents alerted police authorities, the Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8) said.

According to an initial police report, a concerned resident sought assistance after discovering the infant inside a paper bag placed in the parked vehicle at around 10:32 p.m. on May 12.

Responding personnel from the City Mobile Force Company and Police Station 3 of the Tacloban City Police Office immediately proceeded to the area and secured the child before emergency responders arrived.

Authorities later coordinated with the Women and Children Protection Desk, the City Social Welfare and Development Office, and the Tacloban Rescue Unit to provide the infant with medical attention and temporary care.

Investigators said the baby still had an uncut umbilical cord and traces of dried blood on the hair, indicating that the child had only recently been delivered before being abandoned.
B/Gen. Jason Capoy, regional director of PRO-8, said the successful rescue underscored the importance of cooperation between residents and law enforcement authorities in responding to emergencies involving vulnerable individuals.

Police are continuing their investigation to identify the person responsible for abandoning the newborn.

(BLUE REUGINE RUTHIELLE LIM NICOLAS, LNU STUDENT INTERN)

TACLOBAN CITY — Extreme heat continues to grip Eastern Samar after Borongan City registered a heat index of 48 degrees Celsius on May 11, the highest recorded in the country so far this 2026 dry season, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

Pagasa classified the reading under the “danger” level, warning that prolonged exposure to such extreme heat conditions may lead to heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and even heat stroke.

Based on Pagasa’s monitoring, Borongan topped all other weather stations nationwide in terms of computed heat index, highlighting the intensity of the ongoing warm and dry season affecting Eastern Visayas.

The heat index reflects the temperature felt by the human body, combining actual air temperature and humidity levels. High humidity reduces the body’s ability to cool down through perspiration, making conditions feel significantly hotter than the actual air temperature.

With the continued threat of extreme heat, PAGASA advised the public to limit outdoor activities during peak hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., stay hydrated, and wear light, breathable clothing to reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses.

Local authorities also urged residents—particularly senior citizens, children, outdoor workers, and individuals with existing health conditions—to take extra precautions as the region continues to experience intense heat conditions.

Despite occasional rain showers brought by the easterlies, PAGASA said hot and humid weather will likely persist in Eastern Visayas in the coming days.

(ROCHELLE MORILLA, LNU Student Intern)

ORMOC CITY — Authorities arrested two individuals listed as most wanted persons in separate law enforcement operations in Southern Leyte and Leyte on May 13 and 14, 2026, police reports said.

In Southern Leyte, personnel of the Liloan Municipal Police Station (MPS), supported by the 2nd Southern Leyte Police Mobile Force Company, arrested the municipality’s Rank No. 1 Most Wanted Person at around 10:30 a.m. on May 14 in Barangay Malangsa, Liloan.

The suspect was identified as Dionesio Sajol, 50, a laborer and resident of the said village.
Police said the arrest was carried out by virtue of a warrant for four counts of rape under Article 266-A (1)(D) of the Revised Penal Code, as amended by Republic Act 11648.
The cases were docketed under Criminal Case Nos. R-2500, R-2501, R-2502, and R-2503, issued on May 12, 2026, by Judge Fabio T. Albao Jr. of the Regional Trial Court Branch 39 in Sogod, Southern Leyte. No bail was recommended.

The accused is now under the custody of Liloan MPS for proper legal disposition.
Meanwhile, in Leyte, police arrested the province’s No. 4 Most Wanted Person at around 8:00 p.m. on May 13 in Poblacion District 1, MacArthur town.

The suspect was identified as Elson Estorpe, 26, also a laborer and resident of MacArthur, Leyte.

Authorities served a warrant dated July 21, 2025, for statutory rape issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 10 in Abuyog, Leyte, also with no bail recommended.

He is currently under the custody of the MacArthur Municipal Police Station for documentation and proper disposition.

(ELVIE ROMAN ROA)