TACLOBAN CITY — Eastern Visayas farmers witnessed a record-breaking corn harvest as the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 8 (DA-RFO 8) held its Corn Derby Farmers’ Field Day and Harvest Festival in Barangay Cagbuhangin, Ormoc City.

The event, which capped four months of preparation in partnership with private seed and fertilizer companies and government agencies, highlighted the potential of improved farming practices and modern technologies to boost corn production in the region.

“This is the first time we’ve seen such high yields — 13 metric tons — proving that Region 8 can further increase its corn production,” DA Regional Executive Director Andrew Rodolfo Orais said. “Let us mark this day as the start of progress for our corn industry and our corn farmers.”

Some 185 members of the Ormoc City Corn Cluster Association (OCCCA) joined the activity, which also featured 27 seed and fertilizer companies showcasing their technologies with support from the Bureau of Soils and Water Management. Farmer Herminigildo R. Serafica contributed 24 hectares of his land to serve as the corn demonstration area.
OCCCA chairman Edgardo Apas said the corn derby has been a huge help to farmers, especially with access to new technologies and the opportunity to learn directly from seed and fertilizer companies.

The annual Corn Derby is designed to demonstrate proper crop management — from high-quality seeds and balanced fertilization to irrigation and crop protection — with DA projecting that yields could rise to at least five metric tons per hectare for yellow corn and three metric tons for white corn.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

ORMOC CITY — A Barangay Police Security Officer (BPSO) was shot dead by unidentified suspects early Wednesday morning, September 10, at the New Reclamation Area in Barangay Poblacion,Merida,Leyte.

Police identified the victim as “Alimar” of legal age, married, and a resident of Golden Shower, Barangay Poblacion. He was a barangay tanod on active duty at the time of the attack.

According to Police Major Ronald Espina, Merida police chief, the station received a call from a concerned citizen at about 5:35 a.m. reporting a body lying in front of a gas store at the New Reclamation Area. Responding officers found the victim lying face down beside an e-bike.

The Ormoc City Forensic Unit processed the crime scene and recovered a single slug, which is still undergoing examination. Investigators said the victim sustained four gunshot wounds — two to the head and two to the back.

Initial investigation revealed that two gunmen were involved in the attack. One suspect reportedly shot the victim three times, while the second fired additional rounds. Police are looking into a personal grudge as the possible motive and have already identified persons of interest.

Authorities continue to investigate to identify and arrest the suspect.

(ROBERT DEJON)

TACLOBAN CITY —A former member of the New People’s Army (NPA) has surrendered to authorities in Leyte, turning over a firearm and signaling his decision to return to civilian life.

The surrender took place on September 8 at the 1st Leyte Provincial Mobile Force Company (LPMFC) headquarters in Barangay Ga-as, Baybay City.

The 48-year-old, known only by his alias “Jake,” is a carpenter from Leyte town and a former member of the Buhawi Platoon under the Amandawin Command, which operated in Villaba, Calubian, and San Isidro.

“Jake” surrendered a .38 caliber revolver without a serial number and three live rounds of ammunition. His surrender was facilitated by a joint operation involving the 1st LPMFC, the 31st Special Action Company, the 3rd Special Action Battalion of the PNP Special Action Force, the Regional Intelligence Unit 8, and the Baybay City Police Station.

Police Regional Office 8 director PB/Gen Jason Capoy commended the coordinated efforts that led to the surrender and renewed his call for other insurgents to give up the armed struggle.

“We urge those still engaged in armed conflict to return to the folds of the law and take part in nation-building. The PNP remains committed to ending the local communist insurgency and promoting peace in the region,” Capoy said in a statement.

The returnee is now under the custody of the 1st LPMFC for documentation and possible enrollment in the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), which provides assistance for the reintegration of former rebels. The surrendered firearm will be turned over to the Leyte Police Provincial Office for proper disposition.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

ORMOC CITY— Residents of Barangay Canbantug,Merida in Leyte were jolted awake by gunfire early Wednesday morning, September 10, 2025, and later discovered a neighbor lying dead in a pool of blood.

Police Major Ronald Espina, Merida police chief, identified the victim as “Russel” of legal age, self-employed, and a resident of Barangay Canbantug of said town.

Espina said that at about 2:15 a.m., the station received a call from a concerned citizen reporting a body lying in front of his house, near a billiard table. He personally led the responding team to the remote village, which is about 15 kilometers from the town proper. Upon arrival at 2:48 a.m., they found the victim’s lifeless body lying face up with a pool of blood near his head.

Crime scene investigators from the Ormoc City Forensic Unit recovered six spent shells from a 9mm pistol and one from a .45 caliber pistol. The victim sustained seven gunshot wounds, mostly to the neck and chest.

The victim’s body was brought to the Rural Health Unit for post-mortem examination. Police have yet to determine the motive and identify the culprits behind the attack.

(ROBERT DEJON)