TACLOBAN CITY — Amid continued security operations in Samar, a former member of the New People’s Army (NPA) has voluntarily surrendered to government forces in Villareal town, the Samar Police Provincial Office (SPPO) reported.

The surrenderee was identified as alias “Junnie,” 47, and a resident of Villareal. He turned over a serviceable caliber .45 pistol loaded with four live rounds of ammunition.

Police said the former rebel had served as vice squad leader of the Lilio Platoon under the Jorge Bolito Command, SECCOM South Samar 2 (SS2).

Authorities attributed the surrender to the ongoing major combat operations being carried out by personnel of the 2nd Samar Provincial Mobile Force Company (SPMFC), with support from other provincial and regional police units.

According to police, alias Junnie decided to abandon the armed struggle and withdraw his support from the NPA, expressing his desire to live a normal life with his family.

He will be assisted under Executive Order No. 70, or the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), subject to validation and the clearance of any derogatory records.

The former rebel underwent custodial debriefing and is currently under the protective custody of the concerned police unit. He also received initial cash assistance in line with existing government programs.

Samar Police Provincial Director Police Colonel Arwin Tadeo said the surrender underscores the impact of sustained police operations coupled with dialogue and community engagement.

“This voluntary surrender reflects the growing trust of our communities in the government and the effectiveness of our sustained security operations,” Tadeo said, adding that the Philippine National Police, in coordination with partner agencies, remains committed to peace-building efforts and the reintegration of former members of communist terrorist groups into mainstream society.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY — In a bid to boost rice production during the current planting season, the provincial government of Eastern Samar has rolled out assistance to more than 1,000 rice farmers through the distribution of organic fertilizer and farm equipment in several towns.

The distribution was led by Governor Ralph Vincent “RV” Evardone, together with the Office of the Provincial Agricultural Services headed by Provincial Agriculturist Virlin Capon, and was carried out in the municipalities of Can-avid, Taft, Sulat, and Balangkayan from January 8 to 9.

The activity kicked off in Can-avid on January 8, 2026, at GPark, where farmers received five one-liter bottles of Eupagrow, an organic liquid foliar fertilizer produced through natural fermentation. The provincial government also turned over 17 knapsack sprayers to farmers’ organizations to assist in land preparation and crop maintenance.

On the same day, 208 farmers in Taft received Eupagrow fertilizer, along with 14 knapsack sprayers distributed to local farmers’ groups. Assistance continued on January 9 in Sulat, where 166 farmers benefited from the fertilizer distribution and 12 knapsack sprayers were provided as additional farm equipment.

In Balangkayan, 334 farmers received organic foliar fertilizer and 23 knapsack sprayers on January 9. Each farmer was given a total of five liters of Eupagrow—three liters from the provincial government and an additional two liters from the fertilizer provider.
Municipal Agriculture Offices emphasized that the timely distribution of fertilizer is vital as farmers prepare their fields for planting.

Governor Evardone reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to strengthening the agricultural sector, saying these initiatives aim to increase rice production, improve farmers’ livelihoods, and promote sustainable farming practices in Eastern Samar.
He added that the province is also looking to expand its support through farm mechanization programs, with the backing of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY — House Committee on Higher and Technical Education Chairperson and Tingog party-list Rep. Jude Acidre on Monday, Jan.12, stressed that any impeachment move against President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. must be based on the Constitution and supported by credible evidence.

Acidre warned against speculation, saying impeachment is an extraordinary process that should not be driven by political pressure or rumors.

“Any move to impeach a sitting President must be firmly grounded on the Constitution and supported by clear, credible, and compelling evidence,” he said, urging lawmakers to act with fairness and institutional integrity.

He also noted that, at present, no formal impeachment complaint has been filed or circulated in the House, and called on colleagues to rely only on verified documents and established procedures.

“Until there is an actual document to examine, it is more responsible to withhold comment rather than speculate on hearsay,” Acidre added, emphasizing that impeachment should remain a serious constitutional mechanism, not a political tool.

(LIZBETH ANN A.ABELLA)