ORMOC CITY – A man known only by the alias “Bert” was found dead with multiple gunshot wounds in Sitio Tipay, Barangay Sta. Cruz, Baybay City around 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 1, 2025.
According to Baybay City Police, the victim, a resident of Barangay Gabas, was discovered shortly after authorities received a report of a body along a barangay road. A gray Toyota Innova was reportedly seen parked near the scene prior to the discovery and was later observed speeding toward the city proper.
Police have yet to identify the suspect or suspects. A dragnet operation is underway in coordination with nearby towns, while the Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) team has processed the area.
MANILA-The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines, in partnership with IMPL-Project Philippines, trained over 180 fisherfolk from Zambales, Cagayan, and Sulu in a year-long program designed to expand their knowledge on sustainable fishing practices and to strengthen their ability in asserting their maritime rights in the South China Sea.
From June 2024 to May 2025, participating fisherfolk joined a series of workshops under the U.S. Embassy-sponsored “Empowering Coastal Communities in the Philippines” program, with trainers from the Philippine Coast Guard, the Philippine National Police Maritime Group, and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. They learned about maritime law enforcement, the Philippines’ sovereign maritime rights, strategies to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU fishing), and strengthening community information campaigns.
The program also enabled fisherfolk to explore alternative livelihood opportunities amid rising maritime tensions that have affected their access to traditional fishing grounds.
“It serves a vital role in mobilizing grassroots action and developing an informed citizenry to better address maritime challenges,” U.S. Embassy Deputy Director of Public Engagement Chad Kinnear said at the program’s closing event held in Masinloc, Zambales, on June 20.
A key outcome of the program was the establishment of three fisherfolk cooperatives: the Boundless Unity Steadfast and Inclusive Livelihood Agriculture Cooperative (BUSILAC) in Aparri, Cagayan; the Unified Livelihood Agriculture Cooperative (ULAC) in Zambales; and the Bangsa’Sug Fishermen Cooperative (BaSFC) in Sulu.
These cooperatives will provide thousands of fisherfolk with access to formal support and income-generating opportunities, while reinforcing their legal recognition as key stakeholders in coastal governance.
“Through the program, I learned the proper procedures for boat licensing and how to ensure our safety when fishing,” said Roland Fuentes, a fisherman from Zambales and ULAC vice chairman.
Participants also regarded the project as a meaningful step toward restoring fish stocks, building local resilience, and asserting the Philippines’ sovereign maritime rights in its exclusive economic zone.
“We continue working toward long-term solutions to the maritime challenges our coastal communities face,” IMPL Philippines Executive Director Julius Suarez said.
By expanding support for local fisherfolk, the United States remains committed to strengthening coastal resilience, advancing economic opportunities, and encouraging community-led solutions to maritime challenges in the region. (PR)
TACLOBAN CITY – A newly completed farm-to-market road connecting Barangays Kalinawan and Licod in Jaro, Leyte is now helping ease travel and improve trade for local farmers, particularly those transporting copra and other produce.
The 1.54-kilometer road, built by the Leyte 2nd District Engineering Office of the Department of Public Works and Highways or DPWH, features a 200mm-thick, 5-meter-wide Portland Cement Concrete Pavement, reinforced box culverts, stone masonry for erosion control, and thermoplastic road markings for added safety.
Funded with P21.58 million under the 2025 General Appropriations Act, the project was completed on May 20, 2025.
“This road is a big help to us. Before, it was muddy and hard to pass, but now it’s smooth and travel is easier, especially for transporting our copra,” said Kalinawan farmer Rodolfo Santiso.
The improved access is expected to boost the livelihoods of farmers in the village, known for copra, bananas, and root crops.
TACLOBAN CITY – In a bid to make government services more accessible to residents in remote parts of Northern Samar, the Office of the Ombudsman has inaugurated its newest Ombudsman Assistance Center (OAC) at the provincial capitol in Catarman.
Formally opened on Tuesday, July 1, the facility is designed to simplify the filing of complaints, Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALNs), and applications for Ombudsman clearances — services crucial for public officials and ordinary citizens alike.
The center will serve as a satellite office for walk-in clients, significantly reducing the need to travel to the main regional office in Tacloban City or to Metro Manila.
During the launch, Vice Governor Clarence Dato lauded the initiative and paid tribute to Ombudsman Samuel Martires, a native of Palapag, Northern Samar, who is set to retire on July 27 after completing his seven-year term.
Calling Martires “our own Cinderella Man,” Dato praised his rise from humble beginnings to becoming the country’s top anti-graft official, saying his life story is a source of pride and inspiration for the people of Ibabao, the northern part of Samar.
“His advocacy now finds fruition in this humble office — a testament of his love for public service that soars the lofty Ibabao skies,” Dato said.
Also present at the ceremony were Governor Harris Christopher Ongchuan and Representative Edwin Marino Ongchuan, who both expressed full support for the establishment of the center and its role in promoting transparency and good governance.
The Catarman center is the second of its kind in Samar Island, following the opening of a similar facility in Calbayog City last March 28.
The main regional Ombudsman Office remains located in Tacloban City.
TACLOBAN CITY — Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan underscored the importance of unity and values in sustaining peace as she graced the 39th founding anniversary of the 801st Brigade, 8th Infantry Division, on July 2 at Camp Daza in Hinabangan, Samar.
As guest speaker, Tan highlighted her administration’s efforts to promote peace and order, including the One Values Program (OVP)—a campaign focused on instilling core values such as family, inclusivity, youth development, women and children’s welfare, environmental care, and spirituality.
“Nurturing values will help our people become productive citizens with pride in their place and love for country,” she said.
During the celebration, three soldiers were conferred the Gawad sa Kaunlaran medal for their development contributions, while four others received the Military Merit Medal for combat achievements.
The event reaffirmed the strong partnership between the provincial government and the military in building a safer and more resilient Samar.
TACLOBAN CITY – The newly-installed commanding officer of the 93rd Infantry Battalion (IB) based in Kananga, Leyte, has vowed to sustain the gains of the government in its fight against insurgency and bring an end to the armed struggle in the province.
Lieutenant Colonel Celeste Frank Sayson, in his acceptance message, assured the leadership of the 8th Infantry Division (8th ID) that he will focus on neutralizing the remaining members of the New People’s Army (NPA) operating in Leyte.
“This assignment is not a challenge for me but an opportunity because I am blessed to be one among the few to finish our ISO (internal security operation) problem as we transition towards external defense,” LtCol Sayson said during the turnover held on Wednesday, July 2.
Prior to LtCol Sayson’s assumption, his predecessor LtCol Charlie Saclot led operations that resulted in the neutralization of a high-ranking NPA official in Carigara town.
On June 18, NPA executive committee member Juanito Sellesa Jr., alias Tibor, along with Eugene Paclita alias Dimple and Lito Laurente alias Dodong—leader and member respectively of Squad 2, Platoon 1, Island Committee LEVOX under the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee—were killed in an encounter in Barangay Cogon, Carigara.
Sellesa, alias Tibor, was facing a murder charge for the killing of Jesus Sarcilla on December 7, 2021, in the upland village of Binibihan, also in Carigara.
Following the encounter, only seven members reportedly remain under the said NPA squad.
“To the remaining seven members, we are giving you an ultimatum: all or nothing, now or never. Surrender now because your remaining safe space is spending it with your family,” LtCol Sayson warned.
“Surrender now because we are facing a bigger challenge—a problem where our enemies are foreigners,” he added, referring to the military’s broader shift in focus toward external defense.
Maj. Gen. Adonis Ariel Orio, commander of the 8th ID, who presided over the turnover of command ceremony, expressed confidence in LtCol Sayson’s capability to lead the battalion with courage and dedication.
“We entrust this battalion to another capable, committed, and proven leader,” MGen Orio said.
“Lead this battalion with the same courage, compassion, and clarity that defines this command,” he added.
MGen Orio also commended outgoing commander LtCol Saclot for his significant contributions to the ongoing campaign to end local communist armed conflict in Eastern Visayas.
