TACLOBAN CITY — Dozens of elderly residents of Borongan City received cash assistance from the national government as the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) distributed benefits to qualified octogenarians, nonagenarians, and centenarians during an activity at the People’s Center in Barangay Songco.

Each qualified senior citizen received P10,000 in cash under the NCSC program. The beneficiaries included Borongan residents who turned 80 and 85 years old, as well as those who reached the ages of 90 and 95, from March to December 2024 and from June to September 2025.

The distribution was facilitated by the NCSC Regional Office, led by Gilda Rodeles, in coordination with the Borongan City Social Welfare and Development Office and the Office for Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA), headed by Virginia Buna. Barangay senior citizen presidents also assisted during the activity to help beneficiaries from their respective communities.

Senior citizens who were unable to personally claim their cash gifts were allowed to authorize a family member or representative to receive the assistance on their behalf, subject to proper documentation.

In addition to the P10,000 cash assistance, one centenarian received P100,000 from the national government pursuant to Republic Act No. 10868, or the “Centenarians Act of 2016,” which grants incentives and recognition to Filipinos who reach the age of 100.

The Borongan City local government unit also extended a separate cash incentive of P50,000 to the city’s centenarian in accordance with Ordinance No. 129, Series of 2017, which provides additional benefits to Boronganon residents who reach the century mark.
A second batch of the cash assistance distribution was held on Friday, December 19, to accommodate senior citizens who were unable to receive their benefits during the initial schedule.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY — The growing number of business establishments operating in Tacloban City is a strong indication that the city’s economy remains on an upward trajectory, local officials said.

Gemafiel Gaspay, officer-in-charge of the Business Permit and Licensing Division, said the city ended the year with 12,093 registered and operating businesses—significantly higher than the 9,239 recorded in 2024.

“This increase shows that Tacloban’s economy is growing, and we are optimistic that the coming year will be even better for the city,” Gaspay said in a media interview. “We should always remain positive.”

She expressed hope that more investors would choose Tacloban as their business location, noting that new investments not only boost the city government’s revenues but also generate additional employment opportunities for local residents.

Official data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) support the city’s positive outlook. Tacloban City, the only highly urbanized city in Eastern Visayas, continues to serve as the region’s leading economic driver.

The PSA reported that Tacloban’s economy grew by 8.2 percent in 2024, outperforming the regional economic growth rate of 6.2 percent.

According to the PSA, the city’s economy remains largely service-oriented, with the services sector accounting for 77.1 percent of total economic output. Within this sector, professional and business services recorded the fastest growth at 15.1 percent, highlighting Tacloban’s expanding role as Eastern Visayas’ center for commerce, education, and government services.

Gaspay also addressed concerns over the closure of some business establishments in the city’s commercial district, saying these should not be taken as a sign of economic decline.
“The closure of some businesses in the downtown area does not mean that our economy is doing poorly,” she said. “If you look around, the area remains crowded and consumer spending is still high.”

She added that business turnover is a normal part of a growing urban economy and that the overall business environment in Tacloban remains stable and competitive.”

(JOEY A. GABIETA)

TACLOBAN CITY — Thirteen former members of the communist armed movement in Northern Samar have taken a step toward reintegration after receiving their safe conduct passes (SCPs) under the government’s Amnesty Program, authorities said.

The SCPs were issued by the National Amnesty Commission (NAC) through the Local Amnesty Board (LAB)–Catbalogan during a ceremony held at the headquarters of the 20th Infantry Battalion in Barangay San Jorge, Las Navas, Northern Samar.

Officials said the SCP provides former rebels with legal protection and assurance of safety while they complete the documentary requirements of the amnesty process and participate in government programs aimed at helping them rebuild their lives and return to their communities.

The activity was led by LAB–Catbalogan officials headed by Peace Program Officer III Jazmine Odyssa Lutao and Legal Officer Atty. Gelyn Diaz-Omanito, with support from the Public Attorney’s Office–Laoang, the Philippine National Police, and the 803rd Infantry Brigade.

Lt. Col. Tim Clavel, commander of the 20th Infantry Battalion, said the amnesty initiative plays a crucial role in restoring peace and healing families and communities affected by decades of armed conflict. He encouraged remaining members of the communist movement to consider availing themselves of the program and choose the path of reconciliation.

Col. Ericson Rosana, deputy commander of the 803rd Infantry Brigade, said the issuance of SCPs demonstrates the government’s commitment to providing former rebels with legal guidance, protection, and opportunities to lead peaceful and productive lives.
Authorities added that the continued release of passes underscores the state’s resolve to build community trust and promote lasting peace and development in Northern Samar.

ROEL T. AMAZONA)

ORMOC CITY— A laborer is recovering in a private hospital in Ormoc City after he was hacked by a fellow laborer who allegedly mistook him for another person during a violent incident in Barangay Masarayao, Kananga, Leyte early Saturday, December 21.

Police identified the victim as alias “Jay,” 24, single, a laborer, and a resident of the area. The suspect was identified as alias “RR,” of legal age, also a laborer, with a live-in partner and a resident of the same barangay.

In a report submitted to the Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8), Kananga police said they received a report of the hacking incident at around 2:30 p.m. when a certain alias “Jose” went to the local police station to report that the victim had already been brought to Gatchalian Hospital in Ormoc City for medical treatment.

Police immediately proceeded to the hospital to verify the report and conduct an investigation. Initial findings revealed that on the evening of Friday, December 20, the victim and his cousin were drinking in the barangay when the suspect approached another individual, identified as alias “Renz,” resulting in a heated altercation.

Authorities said the victim chose to leave the area to avoid further trouble. However, the suspect allegedly went home and returned minutes later armed with a long-bladed weapon locally known as a sundang.

Mistaking the victim for “Renz,” the suspect reportedly hacked him, inflicting a wound on the left side of the abdomen.

The victim was immediately rushed to Gatchalian Hospital aboard a Bajaj tricycle. His condition was not immediately disclosed.

The suspect fled the scene and remains at large as of this writing. Police said a manhunt operation is underway, and appropriate charges are being prepared against the suspect.

ROBERT DEJON)

ORMOC CITY— A laborer listed as a street-level individual in the local police’s drug watchlist was arrested during a buy-bust operation conducted by the Station Drug Enforcement Team at around 6:35 p.m. on Thursday, December 18, in Barangay San Roque, Tolosa, Leyte.

Police identified the suspect as alias “Loloy,” 27, who has a live-in partner and is a resident of Barangay San Roque.

Recovered from the suspect during the operation was one sachet containing a white crystalline substance suspected to be shabu, which was allegedly sold to an undercover operative for P500.

A subsequent body search, conducted in the presence of law-mandated witnesses, yielded a black-and-gray coin purse containing two more sachets of suspected shabu and one genuine P500 bill used as marked money for the operation.

The total weight of the confiscated suspected shabu has yet to be determined by the Regional Forensic Unit 8.

Police said the suspect was informed of the nature of his arrest and apprised of his constitutional rights in a language he fully understood.

Charges for violations of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, have been filed before the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office. The suspect is currently detained at the lock-up cell of the Tolosa Municipal Police Station.

(ROBERT DEJON)