ALBUERA, Leyte – A 59-year-old man who was previously charged in a drug case and placed under probation is back in jail after being caught in a buy-bust operation early morning of Thursday, May 1, in Barangay San Pedro, this town.

Albuera Municipal Police Station (MPS) chief Maj. Angelo Sibunga identified the suspect only as “Eboy,” single, jobless resident of the said barangay.

Police operatives recovered one sachet of suspected shabu, sold to an undercover agent for P500. During a body search, authorities found another sachet of the same substance and the marked P500 bill in the suspect’s left pocket. A search of the suspect’s belt bag also yielded a plastic container with five more sachets of suspected shabu.

In an interview, the suspect admitted he was under court probation for a previous drug offense filed last year. He claimed that despite repeated warnings from local police and barangay officials to stop selling drugs, he had no other means of livelihood.

The suspect was informed of his rights under the Miranda Doctrine in a language he understood.

He is now facing charges for violation of Sections 5 (sale) and 11 (possession) of Article II of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

The case has been filed before the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office in Baybay City. The suspect is temporarily detained at the Albuera MPS custodial facility.

(ROBERT DEJON)

TACLOBAN CITY– The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Leyte 1st District Engineering Office (L1stDEO) has announced the ongoing construction of a state-of-the-art 4-storey Youth Development Center in the Government Center of Palo, Leyte.

This transformative project, funded through the General Appropriations Act of 2023 with a budget of P96.44 million, is set to significantly impact the lives of local youth and the broader community.

Construction began on October 10, 2024, and is slated for completion by June 6, 2025. As of April 2025, the project is already 67.70% complete, reflecting the commitment and efficiency of the Leyte 1st DEO team.

“This Youth Development Center is more than just a building; it is a beacon of hope and opportunity for the young people of Leyte 1st District,” said Mark Anthony Alejo, district engineer of DPWH Leyte 1st DEO. “By investing in the development and empowerment of our youth, we are laying the foundation for a brighter, more prosperous future for our community.”

The new facility will feature a variety of amenities and programs aimed at addressing the diverse needs and interests of local youth.

These include educational and vocational training workshops, recreational facilities, and spaces for community events.

The Youth Development Center is envisioned as a dynamic hub for personal growth, skill development, and social engagement for young people in the region.

(LIZBETH ANN A.ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY – A total of 66 information officers from various government agencies in Eastern Visayas have partnered with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to intensify efforts in raising consumer awareness and promoting intellectual property (IP) rights in the region.

“DTI’s two-pronged mandate is enabling businesses and empowering consumers. While we support economic growth among enterprises, we also ensure that consumer rights are respected and upheld,” said DTI Regional Director Celerina Bato during the recent inter-agency orientation held in Tacloban City.

Reyan Arinto, regional head of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), praised DTI for spearheading the initiative and commended the participating agencies for their commitment to public service and collaborative learning.

“When citizens are well-informed, we empower them to make better decisions. When we support and protect local ideas, products, and talent, we help strengthen our economy and preserve our cultural identity,” he said.

The event was organized with support from the DTI’s Consumer Protection Division (CPD).
Key topics discussed during the orientation included Consumer Rights and Responsibilities, the Price Act of the Philippines, and the Internet Transactions Act, led by CPD chief Eleanor Etulle and DTI Legal Officer Atty. Justine Ynnes Oballo.

Meanwhile, Romeo Jason Padulla, an IP specialist, provided insights into the importance of intellectual property rights.

According to Anthea Aivi Iancheta, DTI regional information officer, collaborating with government communicators through the Association of Government Information Officers in Region 8 (AGIO-8) plays a vital role in amplifying public awareness of consumer-related laws and protections.

“This partnership is essential in promoting well-informed, empowered consumers and in building a culture of respect for intellectual property,” she said.

(RONALD O. REYES)

TACLOBAN CITY – A minor road mishap caused a brief traffic slowdown along Real Street in front of the Tacloban City Convention Center (Astrodome) late Wednesday morning, May 1.

At around 11:15 am, a white pickup truck accidentally backed into a public utility van bound for the downtown area. The van, which originated from Abuyog, had several passengers onboard at the time of the incident.

The driver of the pickup, 65-year-old Carlito Corbe, admitted he didn’t notice the van behind him. “The engine was loud and I got distracted,” he said. “Next thing I knew, I had already bumped the van.”

Fortunately, no injuries were reported, although the van sustained minor damage to its front bumper and headlight.

The two vehicles remained on the roadside while awaiting assistance from traffic authorities, leading to a temporary traffic buildup in the busy area.

Another van later arrived to continue transporting the stranded passengers downtown, while both drivers worked on settling the incident.

(JHARRLYN O. NAPOLES, LNU STUDENT INTERN)

TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev), formerly known as the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), has signed a memorandum of agreement with key stakeholders to roll out the Farmers Assistance for Recovery and Modernization (FARM) program in Eastern Visayas.

The agreement was signed in partnership with the Office of the House Speaker, Tingog Party-list secretary general Luningning Lariosa, Visayas State University, various regional line agencies, local government units (LGUs), and leaders of irrigators’ associations.

The FARM program seeks to strengthen food supply security by boosting rice production, lowering rice prices, and supporting the social and economic transformation of rice-farming communities.

Under the agreement, the government will provide farmers with standardized support packages, organize barangay-based farm worker groups, implement capacity-building activities, improve market linkages, streamline distribution channels, and establish a responsive monitoring and evaluation system.

These initiatives aim to make rice more affordable and ensure farmers have better access to production support.

Pilot implementation of the FARM program will begin in the top rice-producing municipalities of Leyte’s first district: Palo, Sta. Fe, Alangalang, and San Miguel.

If successful, the program will be expanded to other areas in the region to benefit more farming communities.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY – A minor road mishap caused a brief traffic slowdown along Real Street in front of the Tacloban City Convention Center (Astrodome) late Wednesday morning, May 1.

At around 11:15 am, a white pickup truck accidentally backed into a public utility van bound for the downtown area. The van, which originated from Abuyog, had several passengers onboard at the time of the incident.

The driver of the pickup, 65-year-old Carlito Corbe, admitted he didn’t notice the van behind him. “The engine was loud and I got distracted,” he said. “Next thing I knew, I had already bumped the van.”

Fortunately, no injuries were reported, although the van sustained minor damage to its front bumper and headlight.

The two vehicles remained on the roadside while awaiting assistance from traffic authorities, leading to a temporary traffic buildup in the busy area.

Another van later arrived to continue transporting the stranded passengers downtown, while both drivers worked on settling the incident.

(JHARRLYN O. NAPOLES, LNU STUDENT INTERN)