TACLOBAN CITY– Soldiers under the 8th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army clashed with members of the New People’s Army(NPA) in Barangay Caraye, Javier, Leyte, early morning on October 15, 2025.

According to the Army, the encounter occurred as troops were conducting focused military operations against remnants of the dismantled Island Committee LEVOX of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC). The firefight lasted several minutes, resulting in the recovery of one Garand rifle, several rounds of ammunition, and personal belongings left behind by the fleeing rebels.

Major General Adonis Ariel Orio, commander of the 8th Infantry Division, reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to eradicating insurgency in the region.

“We stand firm in our mission to put an end to the remaining threats of the CTG. Our operations will continue hand in hand with local governments and the people of Eastern Visayas until peace, stability, and genuine progress are fully achieved,” said Maj. Gen. Orio in a statement.

Colonel Rico Amaro, acting commander of the 802nd Infantry Brigade, echoed the same commitment, emphasizing the Army’s determination to pursue the remaining insurgents.
“We will not stop our decisive operations until every remaining communist terrorist group member is captured or has surrendered. Our troops will continue to pursue them relentlessly to ensure that communities can live free from fear and violence,” he said in a separate statement.

Lieutenant Colonel Esmeraldo Sumalinog, commanding officer of the 14th Infantry Battalion, said the operation was launched to protect residents from potential CTG harassment and threats.

“We are thankful to the residents who continue to trust and cooperate with us. Peace is only possible when the community and the Army work hand in hand,” Lt. Col. Sumalinog stated.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

The European Higher Education Fair (EHEF), one of the biggest fairs in the country, returns this November to inspire Filipinos to aim higher, dream bigger, and make their mark on the global arena.

The EHEF 2025 will offer a hybrid experience, with onsite activities on 21 and 22 November at the Midtown Atrium in Robinsons Manila, and online thematic webinars on 24 November. The Fair serves as a gateway to world-class education in the EU, offering students, academicians, and researchers the opportunity to explore pathways that can shape their future.

“To study and pursue higher education in the European Union is a one-of-a-lifetime experience as the EU offers world-class education, new cultures, friendships, and boundless opportunities,” said H.E. Massimo Santoro, European Union Ambassador. “The annual European Higher Education Fair is the best avenue for Filipino students to explore programmes that fit their interests, skills, and talents. It is also a reflection of our commitment to empower the next generation of Filipino global leaders and change makers.”

Organised by the Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines and the Embassies and Cultural Institutes the following European Union Member States: Czech Republic, Germany, Ireland, Spain, France, Italy, Latvia, Hungary, The Netherlands, Austria, Romania, Slovakia, Finland, and Sweden, this year’s EHEF will bring together 95 higher education institutions both on-site and online.

The Fair has long served as a platform to connect Filipino students, professionals, academe, researchers, and university officials to engage with higher education institutions from the EU. This year’s theme, “Pathways to Excellence” reflects the EU’s commitment to empowering Filipino students with the knowledge, skills, and global competencies they need to thrive in the ever-evolving world.

Participants can also look forward to thematic sessions and seminars, country presentations highlighting the strengths of different education systems, and networking opportunities where guests can exchange ideas and build partnerships. The Fair also aims to showcase the diversity and world-class programmes available in the EU, while guiding aspiring students on scholarships, mobility schemes, and application processes.

EHEF 2025 is supported by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), together with the regional hubs University of Santo Tomas (Metro Manila), University of the Cordilleras (Luzon), Eastern Visayas State University (Visayas), and Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan (Mindanao). University partners include Ateneo de Davao University, Caraga State University, De La Salle University, Far Eastern University, Holy Cross of Davao College, Lyceum of the Philippines-Manila Campus, Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology, Pampanga State Agricultural University, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, University of San Agustin, University of the Philippines Manila, and Visayas State University.

Professional organization partners include: the National Academy of Science and Technology–Philippines, Philippine Architecture School Association, Philippine Computer Society, Philippine Economic Society, and the United Architects of the Philippines. Media partners such as Backend News, Baguio Herald Express, Daily Guardian, Daily Tribune, Manila Bulletin, Mindanao Gold Star Daily, SEA Wave Pop Culture Magazine, SEA Wave Pilipinas, Tempo, and When In Manila help bring the event closer to students nationwide. COMCO Southeast Asia-Pilipinas is the PR and communications partner.

For more information, visit ehefphilippines.com and check our social media accounts: Facebook, Instagram, and X (@EHEFPhilippines). (PR)

Eastern Communications, the Philippines’ pioneer telecommunications and ICT solutions provider, has officially launched its services in Calbayog City extending its network and digital services across Eastern Visayas.

The milestone was celebrated through the company’s signature “Via Eastern” event held on October 15, 2025, at Baypark Hotel, Calbayog, gathering local business leaders, government representatives, and community stakeholders to explore how Eastern is driving digital transformation and enabling inclusive growth in the region.

Local officials and partner organizations, including Calbayog City Mayor Raymund Uy, Vice Mayor Rex Daguman, and ICT Council President Nancy Lanuza, joined the Via Eastern Calbayog celebration, recognizing Eastern’s contribution to advancing the city’s development agenda and promoting technology-driven progress across Samar.

“It is with great pride and excitement [that I join] today’s launch of Eastern Communications, a new [telco] player in our city. We know that connection should not only be faster, but it needs to be stable with the modern digital era at this time. Congratulations to Eastern Communications and thank you for helping move our city forward,” said Mayor Uy.

The expansion underscores Eastern Communications’ commitment to bridging digital gaps and empowering emerging business cities nationwide. As part of its strategy to strengthen regional presence, Eastern Communications identified Calbayog as a key business city in its joint Philippine Domestic Submarine Cable Network (PDSCN) project, the largest submarine cable infrastructure project in the country.

The PDSCN Express Route is made up of 80% undersea cables, allowing it to deliver resilient and reliable connectivity and bring world-class telecommunications services to more Filipinos.

As Calbayog positions itself to become a premier economic, ecological, and tourism center in Samar, Eastern Communications’ entry will play a vital role in building the city’s ICT backbone. The telco will provide advanced business connectivity services, including Eastern Fiber 1 shared internet and Internet Direct Service (IDS) dedicated connectivity. These solutions are designed to empower local MSMEs, agribusinesses, retail enterprises, and hospitality establishments to thrive in the digital economy.

Beyond connectivity, Eastern Communications will also offer a complete suite of ICT solutions such as Network Solutions, Cybersecurity, Cloud and Data Center Services, and Business Applications. These tools enable enterprises to enhance productivity, efficiency, and customer engagement.

“Our expansion to Calbayog aligns with Eastern Communications’ vision to strengthen our presence across the Visayas region,” said Edsel Paglinawan, Eastern Communications Chief Revenue and Innovation Officer. “By making Calbayog our entry point to reach more areas in Samar, we aim to empower local communities and businesses with resilient and reliable internet services. Through our strong connectivity and comprehensive ICT solutions, we’re committed to helping the region thrive and support the country’s digital growth.” (PR)

ORMOC CITY — A 7-year-old elementary school pupil was injured after being accidentally hit by a motorcycle while on her way to school around 12:10 p.m. on October 13, in Barangay Bunga, Cabucgayan, Biliran.

Police identified the victim as “Maeflor,” a resident of Barangay Bunga. The motorcycle driver was identified as “Charlou,” 31, a lending collector, and a resident of Kananga, Leyte. He was driving a blue and black Honda 125 motorcycle.

According to the Cabucgayan Municipal Police Station (MPS), the incident occurred when the pupil, who was walking along the roadside, suddenly crossed without noticing the oncoming motorcycle. The vehicle accidentally hit her, causing her to fall and sustain injuries.

The driver immediately stopped and brought the victim to the Cabucgayan Rural Health Unit (RHU), where she received initial treatment before being referred to the Biliran Provincial Hospital for further medical attention.

Police said the driver and the motorcycle involved were taken to the Cabucgayan MPS for proper investigation and disposition.

Authorities reminded motorists and pedestrians alike to exercise extra caution, especially near school zones, to prevent similar incidents.

(ROBERT DEJON)

TACLOBAN CITY — Authorities arrested 12 Chinese nationals in a coordinated immigration enforcement operation on October 15, 2025, at Ocean Wave in Barangay 95-A, Caibaan, this city.

The operation, conducted around noon, was carried out by the Bureau of Immigration Region 8 in coordination with the Tacloban City Police Office (TCPO), the Regional Intelligence Division (RID), the Regional Special Operations Group (RSOG), the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA-8), the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP), and the Military Intelligence Battalion (MIB).

The arrested individuals were identified through their aliases as “Yan” (47, male), “Xia” (36, female), “Yuan” (43, male), “Zi” (36, male), “Min” (29, female), “Zhu” (36, female), “Mia” (38, female), “Liang” (35, male), “Zheng” (33, male), “Wong” (45, male), “Liao” (54, female), and “Pen” (51, male)—all Chinese nationals temporarily residing in the said barangay.

The arrested individuals were identified as officials and employees of Ocean Wave Communications (Philippines) Corp., also known as Hailang Communications (Philippines) Company, an internet service provider operating in Tacloban City and nearby areas, including Palo, Leyte.

The suspects were apprehended for violating Section 9(a) of Commonwealth Act No. 613, or the Philippine Immigration Act, which prohibits foreigners from engaging in employment without a valid visa or work permit.

Investigators found that several of the Chinese nationals had entered the country using tourist visas and later obtained Alien Employment Permits (AEPs) through the use of invalid Tax Identification Numbers (TINs) to secure working visas.

Others were found to have acquired AEPs from different petitioning companies while actually working for Ocean Wave Communications.

Further inquiry also uncovered violations of labor, corporate, and tax laws, including acts of misrepresentation, discrepancies in the company’s articles of incorporation, and the use of incorrect TINs in company records.

The arrested individuals were brought to the BID office and are to face appropriate charges.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)