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Acidre slams national inaction on San Juanico Bridge crisis

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TINGOG Party-list Representative Jude Acidre delivers a privilege speech at the House of Representatives on June 2, calling for urgent and coordinated government action in response to the worsening San Juanico Bridge crisis. Photos courtesy of TINGOG Party-list.
TINGOG Party-list Representative Jude Acidre delivers a privilege speech at the House of Representatives on June 2, calling for urgent and coordinated government action in response to the worsening San Juanico Bridge crisis.
Photos courtesy of TINGOG Party-list.

TACLOBAN CITY – Tingog party-list Rep. Jude Acidre has criticized the national government’s slow and fragmented response to the worsening transport and economic fallout from the San Juanico Bridge restrictions.

In a privilege speech delivered on Tuesday, June 3, Acidre urged national agencies to go beyond statements and take immediate, coordinated action.

“We need to work together—not in silos, not in press releases, but in action,” he said.
Acidre called for interim transport solutions, faster permits, support for stranded motorists, and protection for medical and food supply chains. He warned that rising freight costs, delayed shipments, and investor uncertainty could lead to a broader economic and logistics crisis if left unaddressed.

“This demands an urgent, no-excuses economic mitigation plan—something we should treat with the same urgency as a natural disaster,” he stressed.

Acidre commended local stakeholders, especially the Samar provincial government under Gov. Sharee Ann Tan, and regional business groups for stepping in while national agencies lagged behind.

He expressed frustration at what he described as a lack of foresight.

“Eastern Visayas is not angry about the bridge repair—we welcome it. What we can’t accept is the lack of planning and concern from those responsible,” he said.

He concluded by calling for a time-bound mitigation plan, the release of emergency funds, and clear accountability from implementing agencies.

“This is no longer just a regional concern,” Acidre said. “If this continues, it could be a preview of how poor planning leads to a national crisis.”

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

4 rebels killed, 2 others surrendered in an encounter in N. Samar

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TACLOBAN CITY – Four alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed, while two others surrendered following an armed encounter with government troops in Catubig, Northern Samar, on Tuesday, June 3.

The clash occurred around 10 am in Barangay Nagoocan, after residents reported the presence of approximately 30 armed rebels believed to be members of the Regional Guerrilla Unit and Sub-Regional Committee Arctic under the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC), according to a report from the 8th Infantry Division based in Catbalogan City, Samar.

The armed group was allegedly extorting from villagers in the area when they were engaged by elements of the 20th Infantry Battalion, based in Las Navas, Northern Samar.
A 30-minute firefight ensued, resulting in the deaths of four rebels and the surrender of two others. No casualties were reported on the government side.

Troops recovered three firearms at the clash site, a mountainous village located 14 kilometers from Catubig’s town center.

As of press time, the bodies of the slain rebels remain at the encounter site, while the two who surrendered are now in the custody of the 20th IB.

The 8th ID, which is headed by Major Gen. Adonis Ariel Orio, also reported that a day earlier, on June 2, the same battalion discovered a cache of firearms and explosives in Barangay Roxas, also in Catubig.

The discovery was made following information provided by two former rebels—alias “In-In,” vice squad leader of Squad 1, Sub-Regional Guerrilla Unit, and alias “Bug-ot” of the Regional Guerrilla Unit—who have recently surrendered and are now enrolled in the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

Recovered from the cache, believed to have been hidden after a prior clash in Barangay Sulitan on November 5, 2024, were two M14 rifles; one M16 rifle; one M653 rifle; three improvised hand grenades; and several ammunition magazines.

Maj. Gen. Orio lauded the collaboration between security forces and local communities in countering insurgency in the region.

“When those who once fought against us now stand beside us, it redefines our mission,” Orio said in a statement. “Through E-CLIP, we provide not only reintegration and livelihood but also a renewed sense of purpose.”

He reaffirmed the military’s unwavering commitment to peace and encouraged remaining NPA members to avail of the National Amnesty Program by coordinating with their families or local government units to facilitate their safe and formal surrender.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA/RONALD O. REYES)

DPWH begins road concreting project in Carigara to boost local access, trade

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TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Public Works and Highways-Leyte 2nd District Engineering Office has launched a road concreting project in Barangay Canlampay, Carigara, Leyte to enhance mobility and economic activity in the area.

The project covers 2.2 kilometers of 200mm-thick Portland Cement Concrete Pavement (PCCP) with a 5-meter width. It also includes pipe culverts and stone masonry headwalls to improve drainage and road durability.

“This will boost connectivity and commerce, especially for farmers and small businesses relying on reliable road access,” said District Engineer Leo Edward Oppura.

Now 13% complete, the project is expected to reduce travel time, improve safety, and ease access to essential services for residents.

The Leyte 2nd DEO is closely monitoring the work to ensure timely completion in line with its mission to improve public infrastructure and support sustainable development in the district.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

Fueling Samar: Navigating petroleum supply amid bridge restrictions

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TACLOBAN CITY-Samar Island faces another critical challenge – ensuring a steady petroleum supply amid stringent restrictions on the San Juanico Bridge. The 3-ton weight limit has effectively barred heavy vehicles, including fuel tankers, from crossing.
Running into the third week of the restrictions, Samar is already feeling the impact of dwindling fuel supply according to Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan.

Current estimates show that most gasoline stations in Samar maintain a maximun storage capacity of up to two weeks, necessitating regular replenishment every 7 to 14 days.
Tan said that the province continues to navigate these challenges through collaboration with government agencies and communities as these are crucial in ensuring the continuous delivery of essential services, fuel products included.

The Department of Energy’s (DOE) call to prioritize oil tankers in the roll-on/ roll-off (RoRo) vessel loading queues was recently approved by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

One of the available routes at the moment is the Ormoc Port in Ormoc City to Maguinoo Port in Calbayog City, Samar. The routes are longer taking at least 12 hours sea travel. However, the port has been experiencing long queues of trucks, buses and heavy vehicles since diverting crossing options to alternative ports.

DOE is in close coordination with the Petroleum Institute of the Philippines (PIP), has targeted fuel tankers to be transported to Samar through the Ormoc Port starting May 29, 2025.

“The DOE remains committed to safeguarding the energy security of Samar and its people. By working hand-in-hand with government agencies and oil industry partners, we are confident in our shared ability to rise above these challenges with unity, urgency and purpose,” Energy Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla said in a press statement.

As all petroleum deliveries to Samar have traditionally relied on land transport, the new weight restriction effectively bars standard fuel takers, which typically weigh between 19 to 20 metric tons for a 10,000-liter load, from crossing the bridge.

Meanwhile, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon in a recent visit has assured the DOE that the Amandayehan Port in Basey, Samar, the closest link between the two islands with only 30 minutes travel, will be made ready to accommodate fuel shipments, further supporting a critical logistical shift.

Continuous fuel supply is essential to sustain transportation, economic activities, and most critically, emergency and disaster response operations.

(ACR/PIA Leyte)

Palio supports new policy to make investing easier in PH

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TACLOBAN CITY – The country’s network of local investment promotion officers has expressed strong support for a new policy that aims to make it easier for businesses to invest in the Philippines by cutting red tape and speeding up approval processes.

The policy, outlined in a joint memorandum circular (JMC), was signed on Monday, June 2, at the Makati Diamond Residences in Makati City. It brings together 36 national government agencies under the Investment Facilitation Network (INFA-Net), as well as lawmakers and private sector leaders.

The JMC puts into action parts of Executive Order No. 18, issued in 2023, which aims to make business-related transactions—like getting permits and licenses—faster and more efficient.

“This important collaboration among government agencies sets a new standard for investment facilitation in the Philippines,” said Jhon Allen Berbon, national president of the Philippine Association of Local Investment Offices (Palio) and head of the Provincial Economic Development and Investment Promotion Office (Pedipo) in Northern Samar, said on Monday, June 2.

“By making processes simpler and more coordinated, we are helping create more jobs and improving the lives of Filipinos,” he added.

Palio is a nationwide organization of local investment officers from different cities, provinces, and municipalities. These officers help local governments attract investors through their Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion Offices (LEDIPOs). Palio’s support shows that local governments are ready to work with national agencies on improving investment services.

The JMC also directs local government units (LGUs) to follow the new standards to ensure uniformity across the country.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) will oversee and monitor how LGUs implement the new rules.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian and Representative Joey Salceda, who head the Senate and House ways and means committees, attended the signing ceremony. They both said the new policy could help reduce delays in investments and strengthen the Philippines’ reputation as a business-friendly country in Asia.

(JOEY A. GABIETA)

Baybay city gov’t releases protocol aim to prevent Mpox spread

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Mayor Jose Carlos L. Cari
Mayor Jose Carlos L. Cari

TACLOBAN CITY – The city government of Baybay in Leyte has issued an executive order outlining public health protocols and preventive measures aimed at curbing the spread of monkeypox (Mpox), in response to global alerts from the World Health Organization and national directives.

Baybay City Mayor Jose Carlos L. Cari signed Executive Order No. 05 on Monday, June 2, mandating the strict observance of minimum health standards in all government offices, facilities, and public transportation within the city.

The directive comes amid growing global concern over monkeypox, a viral disease characterized by fever, skin rashes, and lesions. The regional office of the Department of Health (DOH) earlier confirmed that eight suspected cases in Eastern Visayas tested negative for Mpox. The result of one pending sample from Maasin City, Southern Leyte, is still awaiting release.

Under the executive order, wearing of face masks remains voluntary but is mandatory for individuals showing symptoms such as fever, rashes, or lesions. Face masks are also required for passengers inside enclosed and air-conditioned public utility vehicles throughout their travel.

All government facilities and establishments are required to provide hand sanitizers with at least 70% alcohol content or functional handwashing stations. Public gatherings—including trainings, seminars, and conventions—are permitted, provided that organizers ensure participants are properly informed of safety protocols.

Travelers entering or exiting the port of Baybay City will undergo thermal scanning. Those exhibiting symptoms will be asked to provide information for health assessment and contact tracing.

The order also mandates routine disinfection of public offices and vehicles, following standards set by the City Health Office (CHO).

Government offices are instructed to closely monitor and report any employees displaying signs of monkeypox. Barangay Health Emergency Response Teams (BHERTs) are urged to intensify surveillance efforts and coordinate with the CHO to detect potential cases at the community level.

Senior citizens and individuals with underlying health conditions are advised to avoid crowded or enclosed spaces to minimize infection risk.

To prevent supply shortages, the city’s Price Monitoring Committee has been tasked with ensuring the availability and price stability of face masks, sanitizers, and other essential commodities.

Private businesses and educational institutions are also directed to implement their own health protocols aligned with the provisions of the executive order.

Mayor Cari called on the community to cooperate fully, stressing that proactive action and unity are key to keeping Baybay City safe and prepared against emerging health threats.

JOEY A. GABIETA

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