TACLOBAN CITY — The 8th Infantry Division honored the 74th Infantry Battalion during a send-off ceremony on December 23, 2025, recognizing the unit’s contributions to peace and security operations in Eastern Visayas.

Deployed in the division’s area of responsibility since February 17, 2023, the battalion operated under the 803rd Infantry Brigade in parts of Northern Samar, including Mapanas, Palapag, Gamay, and Lapinig. Its area of operations was later expanded on November 8, 2025, to include Leyte and Southern Leyte under the 802nd Infantry Brigade.

The 8th ID said the unit conducted combat, intelligence, and civil-military operations that led to the neutralization of 164 members of the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People’s Army, the seizure of 69 firearms, the recovery of 37 improvised explosive devices, and the dismantling of 37 rebel hideouts.

Division officials said the battalion’s efforts helped improve security conditions in several areas of the region.

After completing its mission, the 74th Infantry Battalion will return to its parent unit under the 2nd Infantry Division for reassignment. The division also expressed gratitude to the battalion’s personnel and their families for their service.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY — As part of the government’s peace-building and reintegration efforts, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) provided livelihood assistance to 30 former rebels and 29 wounded-in-action (WIA) soldiers from the 63rd Infantry Battalion.

The beneficiaries received sari-sari store livelihood toolkits under the Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa (PPG) Program, aimed at helping them establish small businesses as they return to civilian life or continue their recovery.

DTI officials said the program seeks to promote economic self-reliance, support recovery, and create sustainable sources of income, particularly for individuals affected by armed conflict. The initiative forms part of the government’s whole-of-nation approach to peace, security, and inclusive development.

Officials from the 63rd Infantry Battalion said they remain committed to working with national government agencies to implement programs that improve the welfare of former rebels and soldiers wounded in the line of duty.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA, LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

ORMOC CITY– A two-storey house was completely destroyed by fire on the morning of December 22, 2025, in Barangay South, Ormoc City, authorities reported.

The residence, owned by Leonarda Perez, was engulfed in flames around 9:36 a.m., prompting a first alarm response from the Ormoc City Fire Station.

Firefighters arrived at 9:38 a.m. and observed that the fire originated on the ground floor of the two-storey building, which served as a single- or two-family dwelling.

Fire suppression operations brought the blaze under control by 9:55 a.m., but the fire completely consumed an estimated 80 square meters of the structure. Authorities reported no injuries or fatalities, though the property damage was estimated at P900,000. Two nearby houses were affected, but no commercial establishments were involved.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

(ROBERT DEJON)

TACLOBAN CITY — The Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office(DOLE)- VIII has released P130.8 million in emergency wages to more than 27,000 workers affected by Typhoons Opong and Tino in Eastern Visayas, providing immediate income support as communities recover from storm damage.

DOLE-RO8 said 16,947 beneficiaries affected by Typhoon Opong came from Leyte, Southern Leyte, Biliran, Samar, Eastern Samar, and Northern Samar, while 10,593 workers impacted by Typhoon Tino were from Leyte, Southern Leyte, and Eastern Samar.

The assistance was distributed through the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program, which offers short-term employment to workers displaced or affected by disasters.

Under the program, beneficiaries were engaged in community-based work such as clearing debris, repairing public facilities, and supporting relief and rehabilitation operations in their respective localities.

DOLE said these activities also helped restore damaged roads, schools, and barangay facilities, contributing to the resumption of basic services.

The labor department added that the implementation of the program was carried out in coordination with local government units, Public Employment Service Offices (PESOs), barangays, and partner agencies to ensure assistance reached the hardest-hit communities.

Typhoon Opong battered Eastern Visayas in late September with heavy rains, strong winds, and flooding, while Typhoon Tino struck the region in early November 2025, causing further damage to homes and infrastructure.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)