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)

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)

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)