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Critically endangered Philippine Eagle rescued in Leyte shoreline village

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RESCUED. A critically endangered Philippine eagle receives initial treatment after being rescued by residents in Sitio Core, Barangay Tinocdugan, Leyte town on May 27. The injured raptor, found weak with an infected wound on its wing, was later turned over to environment authorities for further care and assessment. (Photo: Infinite Radio Villaba)
RESCUED. A critically endangered Philippine eagle receives initial treatment after being rescued by residents in Sitio Core, Barangay Tinocdugan, Leyte town on May 27. The injured raptor, found weak with an infected wound on its wing, was later turned over to environment authorities for further care and assessment.    (Photo: Infinite Radio Villaba)

TACLOBAN CITY— A critically endangered Philippine eagle was rescued by residents in a coastal village of Leyte town on Wednesday, May 27, after being found weak and injured along the shoreline, prompting concern from wildlife authorities over the condition of one of the country’s rarest birds.

The injured raptor was discovered around 10 a.m. in Sitio Core, Barangay Tinocdugan, about 10 kilometers from the town proper, according to Jobert Dublin, operations chief of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) of Leyte.
Dublin said residents immediately alerted authorities after spotting the large bird in distress.

“The eagle had a circular wound on the left wing and there were already maggots on it when it was discovered,” Dublin said in a phone interview. “We still do not know what caused the injury.”

He added that the bird was already severely weakened when it was rescued.
“It took a while before it could drink water and eat,” he said.

The eagle, estimated to weigh around five kilograms with a wingspan of about one meter, was given initial care by MDRRMO personnel before being turned over to the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Ormoc City for further treatment and assessment.

Authorities have yet to confirm whether the rescued eagle is among those released in Leyte’s forests under the Philippine Eagle reintroduction program spearheaded by the Philippine Eagle Foundation.

“We have no confirmation yet if it is one of the released birds, but we are thankful to the residents of Sitio Core for immediately reporting the incident,” Dublin said.

The Philippine Eagle Foundation began reintroducing Philippine eagles in the mountain forests of Burauen, Leyte in 2024 as part of efforts to rebuild the species’ population in Eastern Visayas. Four eagles have since been released in the area, which is considered part of the bird’s historic habitat.

One of the released eagles, named Uswag, died in July 2024 after being swept toward the sea during bad weather and later recovered in the waters off Baybay City.

The Philippine eagle, the country’s national bird, is classified as critically endangered, with fewer than 400 breeding pairs believed to remain in the wild due to habitat loss, hunting, and other human-induced threats.

(JOEY A. GABIETA)

Stronger together: Our Stories, Our Communities

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In its 62nd year, the Philippine Press Institute – the national association of newspapers and online publications – celebrates its milestone of trailblazing initiatives that benefit not just its members but the very communities they serve.

As digital innovations present both challenges and opportunities in terms of how news is produced and consumed, PPI tackles this transformative shift with twin goals – maintaining credibility amid a wave of disinformation and misinformation, and achieving sustainability through expanded revenue streams.

From June 4 to 6 at the Lucky Chinatown Hotel in Manila, PPI will hold its General Membership Meeting, Community Press Awards, National Press Forum, and PPI Media-Citizen Councils Roundtable Discussion.

The Community Press Awards, supported by PPI’s long-time institutional partner Nickel Asia Corporation (NAC), will be graced by Manila Mayor Francisco ‘Isko’ Moreno Domagoso. It will be followed by a fellowship dinner hosted by Megaworld Corporation, led by Mr. Harold Geronimo, First Vice President of Corporate Communications and Media Affairs.

The Community Press Awards will recognize journalism excellence of community media for the following categories: Best News Website, Best in Photojournalism, Best in Environmental Reporting, Best in Business and Economic Reporting, Best Editorial Page, and Best Edited Community Newspaper.

Finalists for Weekly Category include Baguio Chronicle, Herald Express, MetroPost, Mindanao Cross, Mindanao Observer, and Pahayagang Balikas; while the Daily Category finalists include Daily Guardian, Panay News, Sunstar Daily Cebu, Sunstar Daily Davao, and Sunstar Daily Pampanga.

Finalists for the Best News Website category are Baguio Chronicle, Herald Express and Palawan News for Luzon; Sunstar Cebu, The Freeman and The Visayan Daily Star for Visayas; and Mindanews and Sunstar Davao for Mindanao.

The National Press Forum will focus on the new challenges and opportunities in the ever-evolving media landscape.

Mr. Jose Bayani D. Baylon, NAC Senior Vice President – Sustainability, Risk Management and Corporate Affairs; Chief Sustainability Officer; and Chief Risk Officer will deliver the keynote address.

Media advisor Jaemark Tordecilla, who has worked with dozens of newsrooms around the world on AI systems and newsroom innovation, will lead the lecture and hands-on workshop on AI use for community newsrooms.

The PPI Media-Citizen Councils Roundtable Discussion will gather heads from the 14 MCCs across the country to discuss pressing issues within their respective communities.

The PPI’s 62nd anniversary is also being supported by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, SM Prime, SM Investments, Ayala Corporation, Metro Pacific Investment Corporation, Shell Pilipinas Corporation, Japan Tobacco International, Meralco, Veterans Bank, Mondelez International Inc., and Neitiviti Studios.

A special supplement marking this milestone event to be published in Manila Standard is also supported City of Parañaque, City of Manila, Presidential Communications Office, PCSO, Prime Infra, Toyota Motor Philippines, Cebu Pacific, Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines, Shell Pilipinas Corporation, Apex Mining, Camella Homes, Pag-IBIG, Maynilad and Metrobank. (PR)

PRO-8 posts steep drop in crime incidents in Eastern Visayas

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GOLD FOR EASTERN VISAYAS. Chrisia Mae Tajarros mobbed by the media after winning gold at the 2026 Palarong Pambansa. Eastern Visayas opened its medal haul at the 2026 Palarong Pambansa after dominating the athletics girls’ secondary 3,000-meter event and securing its first gold medal in the regular sports category. Tajarros continued her dominance in the event after also becoming the first gold medalist during the 2025 Palarong Pambansa in Ilocos Norte. Meanwhile, Angel Lumacang of Eastern Visayas claimed the silver medal, while Charlen Cos of Davao brought home the bronze. (DEPED PHILIPPINES FACEBOOK)
GOLD FOR EASTERN VISAYAS. Chrisia Mae Tajarros mobbed by the media after winning gold at the 2026 Palarong Pambansa. Eastern Visayas opened its medal haul at the 2026 Palarong Pambansa after dominating the athletics girls’ secondary 3,000-meter event and securing its first gold medal in the regular sports category. Tajarros continued her dominance in the event after also becoming the first gold medalist during the 2025 Palarong Pambansa in Ilocos Norte. Meanwhile, Angel Lumacang of Eastern Visayas claimed the silver medal, while Charlen Cos of Davao brought home the bronze.                  (DEPED PHILIPPINES FACEBOOK)

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Safer Cities Initiative gains ground

TACLOBAN CITY– A sustained decline in major crime incidents has been recorded in Eastern Visayas following the full rollout of the Philippine National Police’s Safer Cities Initiative (SCI), with the Police Regional Office (PRO)-8 reporting a 57.52% drop in the region’s monitored focus crimes over recent weeks.

The SCI, launched nationwide under the guidance of the Philippine National Police (Philippine National Police (PNP)) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)), began full implementation in the region on April 6, 2026.

The program focuses on increasing police visibility, strengthening patrol deployment, and enhancing coordination with local government units to deter criminal activity.

PRO-8 Regional Director B/Gen. Jason Capoy said the decline reflects the effectiveness of sustained police operations, increased visibility patrols, and strengthened coordination with local stakeholders under the SCI framework.

“This significant reduction in focus crimes demonstrates our collective commitment to intensifying law enforcement efforts, enhancing visibility, and implementing proactive measures to ensure the safety and security of the communities throughout the region,” Capoy said.

To better understand the figures, the PNP categorizes its “focus crimes” (also known as index crimes) as the eight most serious and closely monitored offenses that serve as key indicators of peace and order conditions. These include murder, homicide, physical injury, rape, robbery, theft, and carnapping of motor vehicles and motorcycles.

Regional monitoring data showed a steady downward trend across reporting periods.
From February 3 to March 6, 2026, PRO-8 recorded 126 focus crime incidents. This decreased to 116 cases from March 7 to April 5, representing a reduction of 10 incidents or 7.94%.

After the SCI rollout, further improvements were recorded. From April 6 to May 6, 2026, incidents slightly declined to 113 cases, a decrease of 3 or 2.59%. A more significant drop was observed from May 7 to May 20, 2026, when only 48 cases were recorded—down by 65 incidents or 57.52% compared to the previous period.

Breakdown of the eight focus crimes showed broad improvements across categories. Rape cases posted the steepest decline, falling from 49 to 19.

Theft dropped from 92 to 57, while robbery decreased from 25 to 20. Murder cases went down from 25 to 21, homicide decreased by one case, and physical injuries slightly declined from 31 to 30.

Carnapping of motorcycles also dropped from 10 cases to four, while only one carnapping of motor vehicle case was recorded during the period.

JOEY A. GABIETA

Tacloban receives ARTA seal for digitalized business services

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ARTA Secretary Ernesto Perez awards the Seal of eBOSS Compliance to Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez during a ceremony at Tacloban City Hall on May 20, recognizing the city government’s successful implementation of a digitalized business processing system. (ALFRED ROMUALDEZ FACEBOOK)
ARTA Secretary Ernesto Perez awards the Seal of eBOSS Compliance to Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez during a ceremony at Tacloban City Hall on May 20, recognizing the city government’s successful implementation of a digitalized business processing system. (ALFRED ROMUALDEZ FACEBOOK)

TACLOBAN CITY — The Tacloban City government has been recognized by the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) for successfully implementing a fully digitalized business processing system aimed at improving the delivery of services to entrepreneurs and investors.

Tacloban received the Seal of eBOSS Compliance during a ceremony held at City Hall on Wednesday, May 20, where ARTA Secretary Ernesto Perez formally handed the recognition to Mayor Alfred Romualdez.

Also present during the awarding ceremony were Department of the Interior and Local Government Regional Director Arnel Agabe and personnel from the city government’s licensing office.

The Seal of eBOSS Compliance is awarded to local government units that effectively implement the electronic Business One-Stop Shop (eBOSS) system, a platform designed to streamline business registration, permit renewals, and other government transactions through digital processing.

Under the eBOSS system, business owners can apply for permits and process transactions electronically, reducing processing time, minimizing face-to-face interactions, and improving ease of doing business.

ARTA said the certification is granted only to local government units that meet the “Golden Standard” for a fully functional and integrated electronic business processing system. The standards were jointly developed by the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Information and Communications Technology, and Department of Trade and Industry.

Mayor Romualdez said the recognition reflects the city government’s continuing efforts to promote transparent, efficient, and investor-friendly governance.

“This is a leap forward in bringing trust and confidence to the people, especially the business sector,” Romualdez said.

The Anti-Red Tape Authority was created under Republic Act No. 11032, or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018, to reduce bureaucratic delays and improve government efficiency nationwide.

As of December 31, 2025, only 127 out of 1,642 local government units in the country had been granted the Seal of eBOSS Compliance, placing Tacloban among a select group of LGUs recognized for advancing digital governance reforms.

(JOEY A. GABIETA)

DILG trains Tacloban barangay officials on mediation, digital governance

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TACLOBAN CITY — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Tacloban City Office has strengthened its campaign for effective grassroots governance by training barangay officials on alternative dispute resolution and digital governance systems.
The training course on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms under the Katarungang Pambarangay Law was organized by the Office for Alternative Dispute Resolution (OADR) and attended by all punong barangays of Tacloban City, members of the Lupong Tagapamayapa, and barangay secretaries.

The activity aimed to enhance the capability of barangay officials in handling community disputes through mediation, conciliation, and arbitration while promoting peaceful conflict resolution at the local level.

Officer-in-Charge City Director Jean Redi Briones reaffirmed the DILG’s commitment to strengthening barangay justice systems and improving public service delivery in communities.

Briones emphasized the importance of the Katarungang Pambarangay system as a vital mechanism in resolving disputes before they escalate into more serious conflicts.

He noted that barangay officials regularly address issues involving road concerns, permits, domestic disputes, and other community-related conflicts that require sound judgment and effective mediation skills.

According to Briones, equipping local officials with ADR competencies will not only improve conflict resolution but also help foster stronger and more harmonious relationships within communities.

“The Barangay Justice System works and continues to serve as an instrument for maintaining peaceful and harmonious communities,” Briones said.

He also highlighted the growing administrative responsibilities of barangay officials, particularly barangay secretaries, who handle reports and documentation for various government programs and services.

To improve efficiency in barangay operations, Briones encouraged local officials to invest in digital tools and reliable internet connectivity to streamline records management and report preparation.

He likewise promoted the responsible use of digitalization and artificial intelligence in governance to improve efficiency and strengthen records management systems at the barangay level.

Briones assured barangay officials that the DILG Tacloban City Office would continue extending technical assistance and support to help improve governance systems and public service delivery across barangays.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

Samar pushes proposed bridge linking island towns of Talalora and Daram

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Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan meets with officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways and the Municipal Government of Daram to discuss the proposed Talalora–Daram Island Bridge project aimed at improving connectivity, transportation, and economic development in Samar Province. (GOVERNOR ANN TAN FACEBOOK)
Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan meets with officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways and the Municipal Government of Daram to discuss the proposed Talalora–Daram Island Bridge project aimed at improving connectivity, transportation, and economic development in Samar Province. (GOVERNOR ANN TAN FACEBOOK)

TACLOBAN CITY — Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan has met with officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the municipal government of Daram to discuss the proposed Talalora–Daram Island Bridge project aimed at improving transportation connectivity and boosting economic activity in the province.

Provincial officials said the proposed bridge would provide a faster and more accessible link between the municipalities of Talalora and Daram, benefiting residents, businesses, and tourists through improved mobility and transport of goods.

The project is also expected to create opportunities for trade, tourism, and investments, particularly in island communities that have long relied on sea travel for access to markets and government services.

Governor Tan underscored the importance of infrastructure development in advancing Samar’s long-term growth agenda under the “Spark Samar” campaign, which promotes connectivity, tourism, and inclusive development across the province.

The discussion forms part of broader efforts by Samar leaders to pursue major infrastructure projects that would strengthen interconnectivity across the island.
Earlier this year, provincial officials also pushed for the proposed P11.9-billion “Unity Roads” initiative aimed at linking remote communities in Samar, Northern Samar, and Eastern Samar.

Officials said the proposed Talalora–Daram Island Bridge could further boost tourism in Daram, known for its scenic islands, coastal resources, and natural attractions.
The project remains under study as coordination continues among the provincial government, DPWH, and local officials to assess its feasibility and potential impact on Samar’s economic and tourism development.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

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