ALLEN, Northern Samar — An intelligence-driven Army operation aimed at stopping reported extortion activities in upland communities of Silvino Lobos resulted in the death of a suspected New People’s Army (NPA) member early morning of December 10.
The 8th Infantry Division said troops from the 19th Infantry Battalion were validating residents’ reports that NPA members had been demanding a share of farmers’ harvests in Barangay Gusaran when they were fired upon near a suspected rebel encampment.
Soldiers retaliated, triggering a 15-minute firefight. After the gunfire ceased, troops found one armed individual believed to belong to the NPA’s Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Emporium under the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC).
An M16 rifle and other war materiel were recovered at the site, while the remaining rebels fled. Pursuit operations and area clearing continue to prevent the insurgents from returning to the community.
The 8ID stressed that the operation was part of ongoing efforts to protect civilians from threats, coercion, and criminal activities linked to armed groups.
Regional military officials reaffirmed their commitment to dismantling NPA remnants in Northern Samar and sustaining peace and development programs in conflict-affected areas.
Residents were urged to stay vigilant and report suspicious activities to authorities.
ORMOC CITY– A 78-year-old woman who lived alone was found lifeless inside her home on December 7, in Brgy. Cabacungan in Dulag, Leyte with investigators finding no signs of foul play.
Police identified the victim as alias “Tersing,” single, jobless, and a resident of the said barangay.
According to a report submitted to Police Regional Office- 8, local police responded to a call from alias “Jude,” 49, a barangay councilor, who reported the discovery of the body at around 3:50 p.m.
Initial investigation revealed that the victim’s relatives had grown worried after repeatedly calling out to her from outside the house without receiving any response. Concerned for her safety, especially since she lived alone, they entered through the unlocked door. Upon checking her room, they found her inside the comfort room, lying face down, with the faucet still running.
Relatives further told police that the victim had a history of high blood pressure, had previously slipped on the wet floor of her comfort room, and had difficulty walking. They also shared that she had recently stopped taking her maintenance medication.
Municipal Health Officer Dr. Allan Alvarez arrived at the scene and declared the victim dead. The family declined an autopsy, citing the absence of any indication of foul play.
TACLOBAN CITY —The Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8), led by PB/Gen. Jason Capoy, has rolled out enhanced security measures for “Ligtas Paskuhan” 2025, aiming to safeguard the public amid expected heavy travel and holiday festivities across Eastern Visayas.
With the Christmas season approaching, the region anticipates a surge in travelers, including returning Overseas Filipino Workers and commuters from Metro Manila, Central Visayas, and the Davao Region. This increased mobility has prompted PRO-8 to bolster its presence on roads, public areas, and traditional holiday gathering spots.
A total of 5,575 personnel will be deployed, including 4,325 PNP officers and 712 augmentation forces from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Customs Police, Airport Police, and other uniformed services.
Complementing these forces, 538 personnel from advocacy groups and volunteer organizations—including Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams (BPATs), LGU traffic enforcers, security guards, NGOs, the Red Cross, Rotary Club, fraternity and sorority groups, and radio communication teams—will assist in crowd management, traffic control, and public safety campaigns.
For December 24, 2025, a total of 414 PNP personnel will be specifically assigned to monitor Community Fireworks Displays (CFDs) and Firecracker Zone Areas (FZAs), supported by 98 augmentation units and 113 advocacy group members, ensuring safe and orderly celebrations.
Capoy emphasized that the safety and security of the community remain PRO-8’s top priority. “With the deployment of our personnel and the support of partner agencies and advocacy groups, we aim to ensure a peaceful and incident-free holiday season. We urge the public to cooperate with law enforcement and follow safety rules so everyone can celebrate the season safely with their families,” he said.
He further assured that the combined efforts of the PNP, local government units, and partner agencies are geared toward providing a secure, safe, and peaceful Christmas season for all Eastern Visayas residents and visitors.
Photos during National ID registration for female PDL’s in Tacloban City Jail on December 8, 2025
Photos during National ID registration for female PDL’s in Tacloban City Jail on December 8, 2025
Tacloban City – In support of efforts to make the National Identification System widely accessible, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Leyte in coordination with the Tacloban City Jail Female Dormitory, successfully conducted National Registration Services for Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) on December 8, 2025 in Brgy. 25, Tacloban City.
The activity was held following the request of the Female Dormitory Warden SJO4 Judith B. Balanay to provide easier access to government services and ensure that all PDL’s are properly documented under the national identification system.
During the activity, a total of 11 PDLs completed their National ID registration and issued NID in paper form, while 4 individuals updated their demographic information. In addition, 37 National ID in paper form were issued to female PDLs, ensuring they now possess an official proof of identity that can be used for legal, social, and welfare-related transactions.
Jail officials expressed gratitude to PSA National ID personnel for extending its services to persons deprived of liberty, recognizing the importance of providing them with legal identification as part of their rights and rehabilitation. NID personnel likewise emphasized that the program aims to make the National ID system inclusive and accessible to all sectors of society, including those in custodial settings.
The collaboration highlights the continuous efforts of government agencies to reach vulnerable and marginalized groups and ensure that every Filipino, regardless of circumstance, can benefit from national identification services.
The Tacloban City Jail Female Dormitory affirmed its commitment to supporting programs that promote identity verification, social protection, and reintegration of PDLs into society.
Furthermore, PSA Leyte encourages all unregistered individuals to visit the nearest registration center and take part in this important national initiative.
For more information on the National ID registration and schedules, individuals may visit the nearest PSA office in Leyte. Moreover, stay updated by following official PSA Leyte’s FB Page: facebook.com/psaleyte2/ or reach us through our email address: leyte@psa.gov.ph (PR)
ORMOC CITY– A high-value drug personality ranked No. 10 on the Regional Priority Target List (RPTL) was arrested after authorities serving a search warrant on December 7, seized firearms, ammunition, explosives, and suspected shabu in Brgy. Asum, Palapag, Northern Samar.
Police identified the suspect as alias “Jay,” 48, single, unemployed, and a resident of the same barangay.
The operation was carried out by virtue of search Warrant dated December 6, 2025, for violations of RA 9165 involving possession of illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia.
Recovered from the suspect’s possession were a brown leather belt bag, a silver metal lighter, four live 9mm rounds, a snub-nosed revolver with defaced markings, and an old, rusted hand grenade wrapped in cloth. Authorities also seized a green plastic container; a white coin purse containing P29,451 in mixed denominations and coins; and various personal items.
Further search led to the discovery of 15 medium-sized sachets containing suspected shabu, a weighing scale, assorted aluminum foil strips, two improvised plastic tooters, one glass tooter, two lighters, an additional 9mm live round, a roll of aluminum foil, and two P500 bills—all found in the suspect’s dining area.
Police said the suspect was informed of the nature of his arrest and apprised of his constitutional rights in a language he understood.
Charges for violations of RA 10591 (Illegal Possession of Firearms, Ammunition, and Explosives) and RA 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) have been filed before the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office.
The suspect is currently detained at the Palapag Municipal Police Station.
DRIED FISH FOR FOREIGN TOURISTS. Guests who were on board of the Coral Geographer, an international cruise ship, that dropped anchor in Biri, Northern Samar got a taste of local delicacies like the dried fish, locally known as ‘dangit.” (ROEL T. AMAZONA)
DRIED FISH FOR FOREIGN TOURISTS. Guests who were on board of the Coral Geographer, an international cruise ship, that dropped anchor in Biri, Northern Samar got a taste of local delicacies like the dried fish, locally known as ‘dangit.” (ROEL T. AMAZONA)
ALLEN, Northern Samar — Biri Island started its Thursday(Dec.11) morning with a festive buzz as the Coral Geographer cruise ship returned for the third time, bringing with it 80 excited tourists eager to experience the charm, flavors, and natural wonders of Northern Samar.
The ship’s repeated arrival highlights its growing connection with Eastern Visayas, where pristine landscapes and warm community hospitality continue to leave lasting impressions on foreign travelers.
The visitors’ adventure began in Barangay Kauswagan, home of the famed danggit (sun-dried rabbitfish). Locals demonstrated the traditional drying process, with several tourists happily sampling the savory delicacy—many surprised at how flavorful a simple dried fish could be.
A generous spread of local snacks awaited them at the Beach Front: nilupak, suman, turon, taho, and fresh scallops. For many first-time visitors, it was an instant crash course in Samar’s culinary comfort food.
Among the guests was John, a retired U.S. serviceman now living in San Diego, who once called Baguio and other parts of the Philippines home. Filled with nostalgia, he praised Biri’s dramatic rock formations—now officially recognized as a National Geological Monument.
“They are very beautiful, unique geological formations. I like the way they tilted and the waves coming in,” he said, mixing English and Filipino as he spoke. He was also delighted to rediscover familiar Filipino dishes. “I’m looking forward to adobo, pancit, lumpia… but this—masarap!” he added, pointing to the local delicacies.
Tourists also got a kick out of the variety of local vehicles shuttling them from one stop to another. They commended their uniformed guides and drivers, and said they appreciated the relaxed pace that allowed them to savor each experience.
From Biri, the travelers continued to La Laguna Mangrove Eco Park in Lavezares, a 300-hectare protected sanctuary known for its rich mangrove forests and wildlife. Locals welcomed them with Binisaya songs and traditional dances performed by children—an unexpected highlight for many guests.
The group trekked up 236 steps to the Kaluy-ahan Deck, where a sweeping view of the entire eco-park rewarded their effort.
Provincial Tourism Officer Ma. Rosette Doctor said the positive feedback from visitors bodes well for future cruise arrivals. She noted that Biri and La Laguna are slowly gaining recognition among foreign travelers, though she emphasized the need to manage visitor numbers carefully.
“There is a steady arrival of guests in these destinations. We want more tourists to come, but in a controlled way because we have a carrying capacity,” she said.
After a full day of food, culture, and stunning landscapes, the Coral Geographer and its guests sailed off to their next destination—Higatangan Island in Naval, Biliran.
