Ormoc City — A 72-year-old resident was killed after being trapped in his burning home on Sunday afternoon in Barangay Punta, this city.

The victim, identified as Alejandro Fernandez, reportedly tried to extinguish the flames himself but was unable to escape, according to fire investigator SFO1 Samuel Matugas Jr.
Firefighters noted that the cluttered interior may have hindered his exit.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Ormoc Fire Station received the alarm shortly after 2:00 p.m., and the fire was declared under control by 2:25 p.m., fully extinguished at 2:34 p.m.

Authorities estimated the property damage at around P1 million.

Investigations are ongoing by the BFP to determine the cause of the blaze, with Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) also examining the site for further evidence.

(ELVIE ROMAN ROA)

TACLOBAN CITY– A young person with a disability was shot dead Saturday evening, March 7, while trying to protect friends from harassment in Barangay 95, Caibaan.

The victim, identified as alias “Eson,” 18, a person with a speech and language impairment from Barangay 96, was declared dead on arrival at Tacloban City Hospital after sustaining a gunshot wound to the chest.

Police said the suspect, alias “Mamar,” 19, an out-of-school youth from Barangay 95, allegedly shot Eson during a confrontation over the harassment incident.

According to Police Station 1 of the Tacloban City Police Office (TCPO), witnesses said Eson stepped in to help his friends when the suspect suddenly drew an improvised firearm and fired. Despite running to seek help from bystanders, Eson succumbed to his injury.

A follow-up police operation led to the arrest of Mamar in Barangay 95-A, Caibaan. The firearm used in the attack has not yet been recovered. Formal charges are being prepared, and the suspect remains in police custody pending proper disposition.

Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting and are coordinating with witnesses to gather further evidence.

(ROBERT DEJON)

TACLOBAN CITY — The city government of Calbayog has launched an online registry aimed at strengthening communication with its residents working abroad, particularly those in areas affected by conflict or crisis.

At least 170 Calbayognons currently living or working in the Middle East have already registered in the I-Konek Calbayog Registry Portal, a digital platform designed to build a database of the city’s overseas residents.

City officials said the initiative was developed by the local government through its Local Planning and Development Office to ensure that Calbayognons abroad can be easily contacted during emergencies.

According to the city government, the registry will allow authorities to send timely advisories, updates, and assistance programs to overseas residents, especially those in regions experiencing political unrest or humanitarian emergencies.

The program is being implemented with the support of Mayor Raymund Uy and Vice Mayor Rex Daguman as part of efforts to strengthen the protection and welfare of migrant workers from the city.

Officials said the portal also aims to keep overseas Calbayognons connected with the city’s programs and development initiatives while allowing them to remain involved in the cultural, social, and economic life of their hometown.

The local government is encouraging more Calbayognons abroad—particularly those in the Middle East—to register in the portal to help expand the city’s support and communication network for migrant residents.

Authorities said maintaining an updated database of overseas residents will help the city government respond more effectively and provide assistance should emergencies or crises arise in the countries where they are working.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY — Individuals aspiring to join the country’s firefighting and jail management services may now apply for the Fire Officer Examination (FOE) and Penology Officer Examination (POE) set on June 7, 2026, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) announced.

In a public advisory released Friday, March 6, the CSC said the application period will run from March 9 to April 8, 2026, with applicants required to file their applications at offices of the Civil Service Commission National Capital Region and its field offices nationwide.
The FOE and POE are eligibility examinations required for individuals seeking entry-level positions in the government’s uniformed services, particularly in the Bureau of Fire Protection and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.

According to the commission, applicants must first secure an appointment through the CSC’s eServe system, an online platform used to manage and schedule transactions with the agency during the filing period.

Interested applicants are advised to create an account through the eServe portal at services.csc.gov.ph in order to book their appointment before proceeding to CSC offices for the submission of their requirements.

The CSC said only applicants with confirmed eServe appointments will be accommodated, as part of efforts to streamline the application process and regulate the number of clients visiting CSC offices.

Limited appointment slots through the eServe system started to become available as early as March 7, ahead of the official opening of the filing period.

The commission encouraged aspiring applicants to secure their online appointment slots as early as possible to avoid delays in filing their applications.

(JENIL V. PERNITES, LNU STUDENT INTERN)