TACLOBAN CITY — Police arrested a man listed as the region’s top most wanted person in Palompon, Leyte, on Wednesday afternoon in an intelligence-driven operation over five counts of qualified rape of a minor.

The suspect, identified only as alias “Fidel,” 50, married, a construction worker and resident of Sto. Niño, Samar, was arrested along Evangelista Street in Palompon by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued in connection with the five rape charges.
The warrant carried no recommended bail.

The operation involved personnel from the Calbayog City Police Station, Palompon Municipal Police Station, Samar Provincial Intelligence Unit, 1st Samar Provincial Mobile Force Company, Regional Intelligence Division-Regional Special Operations Unit 8, Samar Provincial Intelligence and Detective Management Unit, and Police Intelligence Team-Samar.

After his arrest, “Fidel” was placed under the custody of the Calbayog City Police Station for documentation and proper disposition.

Police Regional Office 8 director B/Gen Jason Capoy commended the participating units for their coordination and intelligence efforts that led to the arrest.

“This accomplishment demonstrates what focused police intelligence and strong inter-unit coordination can achieve. We will remain relentless in our pursuit of wanted persons, especially those facing serious charges, and ensure that they are brought before the proper authorities to face the consequences of their actions,” Capoy said.

The suspect will face the appropriate legal proceedings for the charges filed against him.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA/ELVIE ROA)

TACLOBAN CITY — Abaca farmers in Leyte are set to benefit from improved fiber processing after the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) regional office distributed three spindle stripping machines to farmer associations in the province.
Two of the machines were turned over to farmer associations in La Paz, while the third was given to farmers in Barangay San Antonio, Hilongos, as part of the agency’s continuing effort to introduce mechanization and improve the productivity of abaca-growing communities.

The turnover was led by PhilFIDA Regional Director Joseph Salas through the agency’s Technical Assistance Unit headed by Engr. Jonathan Reambonanza.

In La Paz, the activity was attended by Mayor Joel Cinco and Municipal Agriculturist Atty. Dandy Lou Moquia. Representatives of the beneficiary associations, Nelson Luya and Narciss Lor, expressed their commitment to maximizing the equipment for the benefit of their members and the local abaca industry.

The turnover in Hilongos was supported by Mayor Manuel Villahermosa and Municipal Agriculturist Analie Maike and was held in Barangay San Antonio. Barangay officials led by Punong Barangay Francisco Perido also took part in the activity.

PhilFIDA personnel conducted hands-on demonstrations on the proper operation and maintenance of the machines to help ensure that the beneficiaries can use the equipment safely and effectively.

Salas said PhilFIDA remains committed to bringing appropriate technology and technical assistance closer to abaca-producing communities, particularly farmers in remote and mountainous areas who may have limited access to modern processing equipment.
The spindle stripping machines are expected to make fiber extraction faster and more efficient while reducing the time and labor needed for processing. The equipment is also expected to help increase the productivity of farmers and processors and improve the overall quality and efficiency of abaca production.

Abaca, one of the Philippines’ important fiber crops, is widely used in products such as ropes, specialty papers, handicrafts and other industrial materials. Improving processing efficiency at the farm level can help strengthen the competitiveness of producers while supporting the country’s fiber industry.

The equipment distribution forms part of the continuing efforts of the Department of Agriculture and PhilFIDA to promote mechanization, technology adoption and improved processing capabilities in the country’s fiber-producing communities.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. intensified the government’s response to flooding and heavy rains from August 17–21, 2026, while advancing programs on social assistance, health, food security, infrastructure and public safety.

On August 17, Marcos visited Negros Oriental and reaffirmed government support through the “Bawat Bayan Makikinabang” program, funded by the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF). The Palace also warned against fake news during the enhanced Southwest Monsoon or Habagat.

As rains and flooding worsened, Marcos directed agencies to strengthen coordination on flood control. The Philippine Coast Guard continued rescue operations, while the Department of Transportation provided free bus rides to affected commuters.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development assured adequate food supplies and monitored aid distribution, with the government providing P717.4 million in assistance to affected families. Heavy rains also replenished dams and supported irrigation needs.
Meanwhile, the Department of Budget and Management released P1.855 billion in additional funding for the Philippine General Hospital, including the Zero Balance Billing program.

The government said efforts remain focused on protecting communities, delivering assistance and developing long-term solutions to recurring flooding and weather-related challenges.(PCO)

TACLOBAN CITY — Motorists using the Cabadiangan Bridge in Mayorga, Leyte, are now restricted to vehicles weighing no more than five metric tons following a temporary load limit imposed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) due to the bridge’s deteriorated condition.

The restriction covers the Cabadiangan Bridge along the Mayorga-La Paz Road in Barangay Mabini, Mayorga, Leyte.

In a travel advisory issued by the DPWH Leyte 2nd District Engineering Office as of 5 p.m. on Aug. 22, the agency said only vehicles with a maximum gross vehicle weight (GVW) of five metric tons or less are allowed to cross the bridge.

Trucks, buses, trailers, heavy vehicles and overloaded vehicles exceeding the prescribed limit are prohibited from using the bridge while the restriction remains in effect.
The DPWH said the temporary load restriction was imposed to protect motorists and the general public amid the bridge’s deteriorated condition.

The restriction will remain in effect until further notice.

The DPWH Leyte 2nd District Engineering Office urged motorists to strictly observe the load limit and other traffic and safety regulations while using the road.
Motorists traveling along the Mayorga-La Paz Road were also advised to plan their trips accordingly and expect possible delays because of the restriction.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)