TACLOBAN CITY — Eastern Visayas’ commitment to disaster preparedness and response was spotlighted during the 2025 Gawad Kalasag Awards, where the region was praised for its strong collaboration among local governments, national agencies, and partner organizations.

Civil Defense Administrator and Undersecretary Harold Cabreros, keynote guest at the January 20 event held at the Radiant Hotel and Events Place, commended the region’s sustained efforts in disaster risk reduction, mitigation, and resilience-building.

“Eastern Visayas has become a living example of transformation, and we must continue moving forward with the same dedication,” Cabreros said, emphasizing that past disasters in the region have reshaped the nation’s approach to disaster preparedness.

The awards recognized outstanding local government units, agencies, and institutions for exemplary DRRM, humanitarian assistance, and climate adaptation initiatives.

Top awardees included Southern Leyte and Samar (provincial category); Ormoc City (independent city); Borongan City, Maasin City, and Catbalogan City (component city); and municipalities such as Catarman, Sogod, Laoang, Silago, Can-avid, and San Roque across various income classes.

Additionally, 38 city and municipal DRRM Councils and Offices received Gold Awards, while 69 councils were named Silver Awardees. Special recognitions went to Biliran Provincial Hospital, Police Regional Office 8, Catarman Emergency Response Unit, and Southern Leyte State University.

Organized by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), the Gawad Kalasag Awards—also known as Sakuna Labanan, Sariling Galing ang Kaligtasan—honor exemplary implementation of disaster preparedness and climate resilience programs nationwide.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY — Authorities intercepted a shipment of suspected smuggled cigarettes and apprehended two individuals during a joint land interdiction operation in Brgy. San Joaquin, Palo, Leyte, on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.

The operation was carried out by a composite team from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency 8 (PDEA-8), Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8), Palo Municipal Police Station–Special Drug Enforcement Unit, and the Leyte Police Provincial Office–Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit, in line with directives to intensify enforcement against smuggling and illicit trade.

The suspects, identified as alias “Tino,” 54, and alias “Vita,” 43, both residents of Brgy. Tubod, Iligan City, were flagged down while traveling in a Toyota Hi-Ace van.

Inspection revealed several boxes of San Marino King Size cigarettes hidden beneath other goods. Each box contained 50 reams, with an estimated value of P400–P500 per ream. Although K9 units initially signaled a possible narcotics presence, field tests by a PDEA chemist confirmed the cigarettes were not laced with illegal drugs.

Authorities noted potential violations of customs and revenue laws and coordinated with the Bureau of Customs (BOC) for proper evaluation. The confiscated cigarettes and suspects were subsequently turned over to the BOC for disposition.

PRO-8 Regional Director B/Gen. Jason Capoy stressed the PNP’s commitment to combat illegal trade: “No individual should profit from illegal activities at the expense of those who conduct business fairly and lawfully.”

The operation highlights ongoing inter-agency collaboration and intelligence-driven enforcement efforts to curb smuggling and maintain law and order in Eastern Visayas.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)