In Biliran

ORMOC CITY— A 41-year-old fisherman was arrested Tuesday morning in Brgy. Madao, Kawayan, Biliran following a local court-issued warrant for alleged crimes against chastity.
The suspect, identified as alias “Ricky,” a married resident of Brgy. Madao and ranked No. 2 on the municipal most-wanted list, was taken into custody around 7:50 a.m. by Kawayan police.

The arrest stemmed from a warrant of arrest dated February 10, 2026, issued by Judge Thea Gicela Casas Nueve-Zamora of RTC Eighth Judicial Region Branch 16 in Naval, Biliran.
Ricky faces charges of acts of lasciviousness under Article 336 of the Revised Penal Code, in relation to Section 5(B) of RA 7610, including three counts of lascivious conduct, with recommended bail ranging from P10,000 to P30,000.

Authorities said the suspect was informed of the nature of his arrest and his constitutional rights in a language he understood before being brought to the Kawayan Municipal Police Station for booking and proper disposition prior to presentation before the issuing court.

(ROBERT DEJON)

Globe Telecom opened the year with a bold message at its flagship quarterly media event. The Blueprint by Globe where connectivity is no longer about speed, but about consistent, reliable service, affordability, and easy access.

Held at The Globe Tower, the event showcased how Globe is strengthening the way Filipinos live, work, and connect by treating internet service as a non‑negotiable lifeline. With the theme “Every Filipino Connected,” Globe unveiled innovations and milestones across its portfolio, underscoring its mission to ensure that every Filipino partakes in the benefits of the digital economy.

Among the highlights was Globe’s pioneering partnership with Starlink’s Direct‑to‑Cell satellite technology. Following the live pilot trial, Globe and Starlink are preparing to expand testing across additional locations and operational scenarios.

Globe also celebrated its recognition by Ookla® as the country’s most reliable mobile and broadband network, with consistency scores that set new benchmarks for the industry. This achievement reinforces Globe’s commitment to deliver “Connectivity You Can Count On”, “Connectivity for Every Filipino”, and “Experience Globe Connectivity”, reflecting Globe’s three pillars for 2026.

“This recognition affirms that Globe’s investments are delivering real benefits for our customers, reliable connectivity they can count on every day for work, learning, and commerce. Consistency is more than a benchmark; it is the backbone of a digital economy where MSMEs thrive, families stay connected, and communities build resilience. By delivering quality of experience at scale, Globe empowers lives and contributes to nation‑building, making connectivity a driver of inclusive growth for the Philippines,” says Roche Vandenberghe, Chief Marketing Officer at Globe.

Beyond groundbreaking network innovations, The Blue Print by Globe also highlighted a suite of customer-centric, business-focused, and community-based initiatives designed to enrich everyday experiences and empower progress.

Globe Business is empowering enterprises of all sizes with the country’s first fully managed, enterprise‑grade data streaming platform in partnership with Confluent, alongside the Globe Omnichannel Cloud Contact Center (GOCCC) with Call Center Studio, innovations that democratize real‑time intelligence and AI‑powered customer engagement by removing CAPEX barriers and delivering Google‑cloud hosted infrastructure.

Globe At Home is transforming fiber connectivity into an intelligent utility, as essential as water and electricity. Through its Built‑in Broadband initiative, fiber ports are integrated directly into new property developments, complemented by AI‑driven innovation and a 24‑hour Care Squad guaranteed to deliver “Digital Peace of Mind” for Filipino homes. (PR)

TACLOBAN CITY — Veterinary and agriculture officials in Eastern Samar have stepped up coordination efforts to protect the province’s livestock industry and ensure food safety amid continuing threats from animal diseases.

The Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) recently convened a consultative meeting with municipal agriculturists and meat inspectors from across the province to strengthen disease control measures and improve regulatory coordination.

Led by Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Melanie Osita, the meeting focused on the current status of African Swine Fever (ASF) and the continued enforcement of veterinary border checkpoints to prevent the entry of live hogs from ASF-positive areas.

The provincial ASF Task Force remains on alert to safeguard the local hog population and ensure safe pork products for consumers.

Officials also tackled issues surrounding livestock transport certificates, noting inconsistencies in how documents are recognized among municipalities. The PVO urged local government units to harmonize ordinances to promote fair trade, protect backyard raisers, and prevent pricing disparities.

Aside from ASF, updates were presented on the anti-rabies vaccination drive, Avian Influenza Control and Protection Program, and other agriculture and fisheries initiatives aimed at sustaining food supply and public health in the province.

Authorities said stronger coordination among LGUs is key to keeping Eastern Samar’s livestock sector disease-free and resilient.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY — Lawmakers are pushing to institutionalize a pension and insurance program for elderly, disabled and indigent farmers who are not covered by existing retirement systems, citing the growing vulnerability of aging agricultural workers.

Tingog party-list Rep. Jude Acidre, chair of the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education and principal author of House Bill No. 7663, said the measure aims to provide regular government support to farmers who are not members of the Social Security System (SSS) or the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).

Filed by Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, the bill proposes a P3,000 monthly pension for qualified beneficiaries, along with a P50,000 life insurance coverage and accident or disability assistance of up to P25,000 per claim.

Under the proposal, beneficiaries must be at least 60 years old, not receiving any pension from SSS, GSIS or private retirement systems, and classified as elderly, disabled or indigent farmers.

Acidre said the measure seeks to address the long-standing gap in social protection for farmers, many of whom continue working past retirement age due to unstable incomes and lack of savings.

“This is about building a stable social protection system for those who have spent their lives ensuring the country’s food security,” he said.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)