MACARTHUR, Leyte– Government regulators, local officials, and community groups convened in a multi-sectoral dialogue led by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) to tackle growing concerns over black sand mining operations in this town on April 29 as calls intensify for stricter oversight and environmental protection.

The meeting, organized by MGB Regional Office 8, brought together representatives from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), local government units of MacArthur and nearby Javier, mining firm Strongbuilt Mining Development Corporation, residents, and civil society organizations.

Discussions centered on key issues raised by affected communities, including potential environmental damage, disruptions to livelihoods, and the reported use of a suction dredger in mining activities.

Residents and advocacy groups voiced opposition to the dredging equipment, citing risks such as coastal erosion, harm to marine ecosystems, and possible long-term impacts on fisheries.

Some participants also questioned whether the equipment’s use complies with existing permits and environmental regulations, calling for clearer documentation and stricter monitoring.

Local officials acknowledged the economic benefits of mining, particularly in terms of local revenues, but stressed the need to ensure that such activities do not compromise environmental sustainability or community safety.

The MGB assured stakeholders that all concerns raised would undergo thorough evaluation, reiterating its mandate to regulate mining operations and enforce compliance with environmental standards.

The dialogue comes amid heightened scrutiny of black sand mining activities across Eastern Visayas, especially in coastal towns like MacArthur, where communities have increasingly raised concerns over environmental risks.

Critics, including Jesus Cabias, chairperson of the group Unahin Natin ang Diyos (UNLAD), have long warned about the potential consequences of black sand extraction. These include shoreline degradation, saltwater intrusion, and the displacement of coastal residents.

Cabias and other advocates have also called for greater transparency in mining agreements and more inclusive decision-making processes involving local communities, reflecting broader concerns about governance and accountability in the sector.

The April 29 dialogue marks an initial step toward addressing these issues, though stakeholders emphasized the need for continued consultations and concrete measures to resolve ongoing concerns.

Authorities have yet to announce specific agreements or policy changes following the meeting, with further discussions expected in the coming weeks.

(LIZBETH ANN A.ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY — A robbery suspect in Tacloban City was swiftly arrested in a hot pursuit operation, while another man was apprehended in Eastern Samar for illegal discharge of a firearm, in separate police operations on April 26.

Police identified the robbery suspect as alias “Nel,” 28, a driver and resident of Tacloban. He was arrested by personnel of the Tacloban City Police Office–Police Station 2 shortly after allegedly robbing a fruit vendor.

The victim, alias “Jact,” 38, reported that he was walking while using his cellphone when the suspect suddenly approached him, brandished a firearm, and forcibly took his device.
A passing police patrol unit chanced upon the victim immediately after the incident, prompting officers to launch a hot pursuit operation that led to the suspect’s arrest. Authorities recovered the stolen cellphone and seized an unmarked .38 caliber revolver loaded with four live rounds of ammunition.

In a separate incident, police in Can-avid, Eastern Samar arrested a man following a report of illegal discharge of a firearm.

Personnel of the Can-avid Municipal Police Station responded to information from a concerned citizen and apprehended the suspect at the scene. Initial investigation showed the suspect was allegedly intoxicated when the incident occurred.

Police said the suspect reportedly became agitated after being confronted by his wife over his drinking, went outside their residence, and fired his gun. Recovered from his possession were a .357 Magnum revolver, live ammunition, and empty shells.

The two suspects, along with the confiscated firearms, are now under police custody for proper disposition.

Police Regional Office 8 Director PBGen Jason L. Capoy said the prompt response of police units underscores their continued efforts to curb criminality and maintain public safety across Eastern Visayas.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY — The municipality of Silago in Southern Leyte has taken a pioneering step in boosting early-grade literacy after becoming the first local government unit (LGU) in Eastern Visayas to replicate the government’s “Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program” through a formal technology transfer agreement.

The milestone was sealed with the signing of a tripartite memorandum of agreement led by Mayor Lemuel Honor, signaling the town’s commitment to addressing learning gaps and strengthening foundational reading skills among young learners.

“Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program,” a flagship literacy initiative of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), was originally launched to help improve reading proficiency among children, particularly those affected by learning disruptions in recent years.

Its replication at the local level highlights growing efforts among LGUs to take a more active role in education support.

The Silago initiative brings together key institutions, including the Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office VIII, and Southern Leyte State University (SLSU), forming a collaborative framework aimed at enhancing literacy outcomes across communities.

As part of the program rollout, a capability-building training for tutors and youth development workers is set to begin on May 5, 2026, at the SLSU Hinunangan Campus. The training will prepare participants with the necessary tools and strategies to effectively deliver reading interventions.

The actual 20-day tutoring sessions will run from May 11 to June 5, 2026, targeting young learners in Silago and focusing on improving reading comprehension and foundational skills.

Local officials expressed hope that Silago’s initiative will serve as a model for other LGUs in Eastern Visayas, encouraging wider adoption of community-based literacy programs to address educational challenges at the grassroots level.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

In Southern Leyte

TACLOBAN CITY — The municipality of Sogod in Southern Leyte has been formally declared under a Stable Internal Peace and Security Condition (SIPSC), marking its transition to an insurgency-free status and signaling a new phase of peace-driven development.

The declaration was affirmed through Resolution No. 282-2026, unanimously approved by Vice Mayor Jose Ramil G. Golo and members of the Sangguniang Bayan, following a two-day recognition activity that culminated on April 22.

A ceremonial signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) at the Sogod Municipal Gymnasium highlighted the milestone, which local officials described as the result of sustained peace and order efforts involving both government forces and the community.
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Southern Leyte Provincial Director Danilo Laguitan said the improved security environment is expected to enhance investor confidence and spur economic growth in the town.

“A peaceful environment builds investor confidence. However, while this milestone marks the end of one phase, sustaining peace requires continuous effort. Integrating peace and development initiatives into local plans, budgets, and programs is essential. Good governance remains the strongest antidote to insurgency,” Laguitan said.

Vice Mayor Golo said the SIPSC declaration strengthens Sogod’s development prospects, including its long-term goal of becoming a city.

“This development positions us to attract more investors and strengthens our bid toward becoming a city. As a first-class municipality, this milestone serves as a stepping stone toward that goal,” he said.

Officials credited the achievement to the coordinated efforts of the local government, national agencies, and security forces, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.

Lt. Col. Celeste Frank Sayson, commander of the 93rd Infantry Battalion, emphasized that while the declaration is a significant accomplishment, maintaining peace will require sustained vigilance and collaboration among stakeholders.

The event was attended by local officials, members of the Sangguniang Bayan, and 45 village chiefs, who reaffirmed their commitment to preserving peace and security in the municipality.

Authorities said the SIPSC declaration reflects not only institutional success but also the collective effort of Sogod’s residents in fostering a culture of peace and resilience.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)