TACLOBAN CITY –Health officials in Eastern Visayas have raised concern over the continued rise in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections in the region, with 141 new cases reported in the first four months of 2025 alone—including three deaths recorded in April.

The Department of Health (DOH)–Eastern Visayas said the region has now documented a total of 2,652 confirmed HIV cases since records began in 1984, with 92 deaths and 11 mother-to-child transmissions reported during that period.

The growing number of infections is particularly alarming among young adults aged 25 to 34, a demographic the DOH identifies as highly vulnerable due to increased engagement in casual sex facilitated by dating apps and social media platforms.

“The accessibility of digital platforms has made it easier for individuals to meet, but it has also contributed to the rise in risky sexual behaviors,” Antonietta Diloy, program coordinator of the DOH’s HIV and AIDS Core Team (HACT), said in a recent interview.

Among the main factors driving the increase in cases are risky behaviors such as unprotected sex and multiple sexual partners; the fear of stigma and discrimination, which discourages individuals from getting tested or seeking treatment; and digital hookup culture, which is making anonymous and casual encounters more common.

To respond to the surge in cases, the DOH is intensifying its efforts through several strategies: free and confidential HIV testing, which is being rolled out in communities and health centers across the region; expanded health education and awareness campaigns, especially targeting high-risk populations such as men who have sex with men (MSM); increased availability of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) to help prevent new infections; and broader access to Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), a life-saving treatment for HIV patients. As of now, 1,506 individuals in the region are enrolled in ART.

The health department continues to call on the public to take a proactive role in HIV prevention by getting tested regularly, especially if sexually active; practicing safe sex using condoms; seeking medical care and treatment immediately if diagnosed; and breaking the stigma associated with HIV by fostering a more informed and compassionate community.

“Ending the stigma is as important as stopping the virus. HIV is preventable and treatable. Early detection saves lives,” the DOH emphasized.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY – Four individuals tagged as high-value drug personalities were arrested during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Governor E. Jaro, Babatngon, Leyte, on July 9, 2025, in what authorities described as a major blow to the illegal drug trade in the province.

The joint operation was conducted by the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit 8 (RPDEU-8), Regional Intelligence Division (RID-8), Babatngon Municipal Police Station, and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office 8 (PDEA-8).

Police Brigadier General Jay Cumigad, regional director of Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8), commended the coordination among the participating units and reiterated the agency’s commitment to sustain the anti-drug campaign across Eastern Visayas.

“PRO-8 will continue to intensify its campaign against the use and distribution of illegal drugs,” Cumigad said. “Our law enforcement efforts must be relentless to hold drug personalities accountable and keep our communities safe,” he said in a statement.

The arrested suspects were identified as alias “Ben,” 53, a farmer and the No. 1 target on the Regional Priority Target List (RPTL); “Marj,” 21, unemployed, resident of Babatngon; “Ken,” 28, unemployed, also from Babatngon; and “Leo,” 58, a carpenter from Barangay 98, Camansihay, Tacloban City.

During the operation, authorities recovered 11 sachets of suspected shabu—one of which was used in the actual sale—along with drug paraphernalia reportedly used in a pot session.

The suspects are facing multiple charges under Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

(RONALD O. REYES)

TACLOBAN CITY – The provincial government of Southern Leyte has extended immediate assistance to families affected by a landslide that struck Barangay San Ramon in San Ricardo town on the morning of July 13, 2025, following hours of continuous heavy rainfall.
According to data from the Philippine Red Cross-Southern Leyte Chapter, at least 105 families were affected by the landslide, with three families—comprising 11 individuals—sustaining significant property damage after their homes were hit by cascading debris.

In response, the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) led the distribution of relief goods, cash shelter assistance, and construction materials to the affected households. Local and provincial authorities continue to work hand in hand to ensure that displaced residents receive the support they need.

Clearing operations are currently underway to make the affected roads passable to all types of vehicles, as the landslide temporarily cut off access in the area.

Meanwhile, search and retrieval operations remain ongoing for Dador Moscosa, 54, a foreman from San Policarpo, Eastern Samar, who was reported missing after the landslide struck the construction site where he was working.

The coordinated search is being carried out by personnel from the Coast Guard Sub-Station (CGSS) San Ricardo, Office of Civil Defense Region 8 (OCD-8), Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Philippine Army, and local volunteers.

The landslide was triggered by prolonged heavy rain that began on the afternoon of July 12, saturating the soil and weakening slopes in the area.

Authorities are monitoring nearby zones for possible secondary movements or hazards, especially with the continuing threat of adverse weather.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)