TACLOBAN CITY – The Joint Regional Task Force 8 to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (JRTF8-ELCAC) outlined its counter-insurgency measures in Eastern Visayas during the ‘Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas’ media conference on Tuesday, March 18.

The discussion highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to curb communist movements and promote sustainable development in conflict-affected areas.

During the media conference, concerns were raised about the remaining capabilities of the members of the New People’s Army (NPA), particularly their potential to mobilize support during the upcoming elections.

Lt. Col. Joemar Buban, assistant chief of staff for Civil-Military Operations of the 8th Infantry Division based in Catbalogan City, detailed measures aimed at preventing these groups from using mass media and other platforms to spread their ideology and gain followers.

“Our Mobile Community Support Sustainment Program continues, with our armed and security forces constantly moving around to ensure that these groups have no access to the masses,” he stated.

Mobile community support teams have been deployed to address security concerns in vulnerable areas, ensuring that communities feel protected and supported in their transition to peace.

Additionally, JRTF8-ELCAC, in collaboration with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) and the National Amnesty Commission (NAC), reaffirmed its commitment to transforming conflict-affected areas into thriving communities.

With significant budget allocations, infrastructure projects, and livelihood programs are being implemented to provide long-term solutions and diminish the appeal of insurgency.
The government also emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of insurgency, such as poverty and lack of economic opportunities, to achieve lasting peace and development.
(LANCE ARCHIE TORING, LNU STUDENT INTERN)

TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in the region assures the public that its maintenance crew and field personnel are closely monitoring national roads and bridges affected by the shearline.

The DPWH said that based on the report submitted by various engineering district offices among the roads that were rendered not passable due to the bad weather were the Calubian Jct-San Isidro-Tabango-Villaba-Palompon Road at Brgy. Payao, Villaba, Leyte; and the Wright-Taft-Borongan Road in Eastern Samar.

In Leyte, Bagahupi-Babatngon-Sta. Cruz-Barugo-Carigara Road at Brgy. Pinarigusan, Babatngon; Daang Maharlika at Brgy. Liberty, Mayorga; and the Libungao-Matag-ob-Palompon Road at Brgy. Monte Alegre, Kananga, Leyte.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY-Beneficiaries of the Department of Labor and Employment’s livelihood assistance in Samar expressed gratitude to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for bringing government programs and services to Samar through the “Trabaho at Serbisyong Pangkalusugan sa Bagong Pilipinas” held at the Old Manunca Elementary School in Sta. Rita on March 14.

Nonita Mabulac, a farmer-beneficiary from Barangay Igot, Villareal, Samar, expressed heartfelt thanks to Marcos and the national government, saying it was the first time she received livelihood assistance from the government.

“I have been farming since 1978 and our production is not good because we lack farming equipment. But now that I have a carabao, I know it would no longer be the same as 40 years ago, so I am confident that it will greatly help my farming,” she said.

Mabulac, who arrived early at the venue, said that aside from the government assistance, she was also excited to see the president in person.

Mabulac was delighted to see the president and grateful for his visit to Samar. “I’m getting older so I wanted to see the president. I was really happy that I saw him,” she said with a smile.

Mabulac was one of 97 beneficiaries from Villareal, Samar, for DOLE’s livelihood grant amounting to P2,905,150 under its Integrated Livelihood Program for the implementation of diversified projects of marginalized farmers and fisherfolk, such as cattle raising, mussel farming, chicken poultry and provision of fishing equipment.

The distribution of DOLE’s livelihood assistance was one of the highlights of the government’s “Trabaho at Serbisyong Pangkalusugan sa Bagong Pilipinas” Program.

The event also offered services from other government agencies, such as a job fair, a one-stop shop for government services, Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers Program payout, medical and dental services including distribution of assistive devices, and Kadiwa ng Pangulo offering basic goods at affordable prices.
(CBA/PIA Eastern Visayas)