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Erasing history (Last of two parts)

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Aside from Primitivo “Tibo” Medrana Mijares, there are over ten thousand victims who were lost in the dark era of the dictatorship. Notably, the family of Tibo Mijares lost the youngest son Boyet who was found dead with signs of torture. There too was the youthful Archimedes “Archie” Francisco Trajano, an engineering student who raised a question during a gathering of youth leaders why Imee Romualdez Marcos was national president of the Kabataang Barangay. He was seen being accosted by militia men after that event. His dead body was later found dead from torture. His death is linked to Imee Romualdez Marcos who reportedly told a US court that it is true that Archimedes “Archie” Francisco Trajano was killed but it is none of the court’s business.

In August 1983, Ferdinand Edralin Marcos underwent kidney transplant at the National Kidney Transplant Institute (NKTI). It was reportedly the young Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos who was reportedly the kidney donor for his father. The operation was conducted by Dr. Enrique Tangonan Ona, Jr., the Philippine National Kidney Center (PNKC) Transplantation Director and Dr. Potenciano Baccay, NKTI Assistant Director during that time. Another operation was performed on the president by the said doctors sometime in November 1984 at the National Kidney Foundation in Manila as reported by the Pittsburgh Press and Newsweek magazine.

The kidney ailment of president Marcos was a well-kept secret from the public. He claimed that US doctors are treating his kidney ailment. When Dr. Baccay disclosed to the media that they were treating the president, he was reported abducted by unidentified men. Dr. Baccay was found dead bound with nylon cord inside his car. Varied reports were released on the death of Dr. Baccay, one alleging that the doctor was seen being taken by clean-cut men, another reported that the rebels were the suspects of the killing.

A total of eleven thousand two hundred twenty-nine (11,229) are listed in the Bantayug ng mga Bayani and recognized by Republic Act Numbered 10368. Some were considered desaparecidos, many were tortured and a few survived to tell the ordeal they suffered from the hands of the military that used torture just to extract admissions that they are communists. These victims painstakingly went through electrocution of the genitals, being made to sit on a block of ice and being subjected to what is known as Russian roulette where a revolver is poke with one live bullet is poked on the head of the victim. The excruciating physical and mental torture were too hard to bear and now too painful to recall.

These are facts and true stories that no amount of power can ever successfully erase in our history.
comments to alellema@yahoo.com

Most wanted murder suspect arrested in Biliran

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ORMOC CITY– Authorities successfully arrested the top-ranked most wanted person in Biliran province and ranked eighth regionally, in a joint intelligence-driven operation conducted on March 3 in Barangay Haguikhikan, Naval, Biliran.

The operation was led by PMaj. Sherwin Amando Machete, officer-in-charge of the Naval Municipal Police Station (MPS), in coordination with the Biliran Provincial Intelligence Unit (BPIU), Provincial Investigative Detective Management Unit (PIDMU), and the Regional Intelligence Unit (RIU).

The suspect, identified as alias “Jie,” is an 18-year-old female resident of Brgy. Haguikhikan. She was apprehended by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by Judge Jocelyn Perez Gamboa-De los Santos, presiding judge of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 62, 3rd Judicial Region, Angeles City, Pampanga, dated February 4, 2025.

She faces charges for violation of article 248 (murder) of the Revised Penal Code, with no bail recommended.

During the arrest, law enforcement officers ensured that the suspect was properly informed of the charges against her and was read her constitutional rights under the Miranda Doctrine in a language she fully understood.

She was then transported to the Naval MPS for documentation and proper disposition before being turned over to the court in Angeles City, Pampanga, where the warrant was issued.

(ROBERT DEJON)

Road with drainage project in Brgy. 83, Tacloban nears completion

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TACLOBAN CITY – A road with drainage project of Tacloban City District Engineering Office (TCDEO) in Barangay 83-B, Cogon, San Jose, Tacloban City, is nearing completion at a 90% rate, promising enhanced accessibility and flood protection for the community.

Funded under the 2024 General Appropriations Act with a total contract amount of P19.5-million, the project features the concreting of a 0.51 lane-kilometer road and the construction of a 715 lane-meter drainage system. The development is set to provide motorists and residents in Brgy. 83 with a more convenient route while significantly reducing flood risks in the area.

District Engineer Rebecca G. Yuse stated, “We’re excited about the positive changes this project will bring to Barangay 83. Not only will the new road make daily travel much easier, but the enhanced drainage system will also play a key role in protecting this community from floods.”

Final construction works are underway, expecting the project to be fully operational immediately after completion.

(PUBLIC INFORMATION UNIT)

Leyte aims for EVRAA championship glory

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TACLOBAN CITY – Leyte Division Superintendent Mariza Magan has rallied the ‘Roaring Lions’ athletic team to reclaim the 2025 Eastern Visayas Regional Athletic Association (EVRAA) Meet championship title as the competition enters its final stretch in Tacloban City on March 5.

“As you embark on this final leg, remember that you are not just representing your division but also your families, schools, and communities. Let the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie guide you,” Magan urged the athletes.

“Give it your all, leave everything on the field, and make us proud! Go for gold and reclaim the championship title. May you return home victorious,” she added.

Magan personally visited the Roaring Lions delegation at their billeting area in Kapangian Central School to oversee preparations and ensure their safety and convenience.

She was joined by Assistant Schools Division Superintendents Atty. Calick D. Arrieta and Teodorico C. Peliño Jr., along with School Governance and Operations Division (SGOD) Chief Gil R. Esplanada and other top division officials.

Magan also expressed gratitude for the support of Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho ‘Icot’ Petilla and other local officials, emphasizing their role in fostering the athletes’ success.
As of March 4, Leyte has secured a total of 41 medals, including 14 gold, 13 silver, and 14 bronze.

With the final events underway, the Roaring Lions remain determined to reclaim the EVRAA championship and bring pride to Leyte.

(RONALD O. REYES)

DPWH Leyte 4TH DEO completes new materials testing laboratory

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ORMOC CITY– The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Leyte 4th District Engineering Office (DEO) builds a multi-purpose building within its compound in Ormoc City, which will serve as the new Materials Testing Laboratory for the Quality Assurance Section (QAS).

Spanning a total area of 594 square meters across three floors, the completed project has a contract amount of P19,358,711.61 funded under the General Appropriations Act (GAA) 2024.

Chief of QAS, Engr. Elmer A. Napoles, noted the huge difference between their previous building and the new one. “The facility is more spacious, allowing us to store more laboratory equipment,” Napoles said. “The old building was very cramped, prone to flood when it rained, and was already deteriorating. Now, personnel can move around freely and we have designated rooms to perform soil, cement, and asphalt testing.”

The building is expected to improve the efficiency of materials testing processes, ensuring the continued adherence to quality standards in projects undertaken by the DEO.

Additionally, this development supports the office’s dedication to maintaining the 2-star rating for its materials testing laboratory, a standard it has upheld since 2019.(PR)

11 barangays in Palapag town declared as insurgency-free

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The town has 32 villages

TACLOBAN CITY – Eleven of the 32 barangays in Palapag, Northern Samar have been declared under stable internal peace and security condition (SIPSC), marking a significant step toward sustained peace in the area.

The declaration, made by the local government unit (LGU) of Palapag in collaboration with the 74th Infantry Battalion(IB), signifies that these villages are now free from insurgency and have achieved a stable security environment.

The SIPSC-declared barangays include Laniwan, Tinampo, Mapno, Paysud, Talolora, Sinilaran, Binay, Pangpang, Monbon, Natawo, and Campedico.

Local officials and security forces lauded this milestone, recognizing it as a key achievement in the government’s continuing efforts to establish lasting peace and stability in Northern Samar and the Eastern Visayas region.

The declaration ceremony was attended by municipal officials, including Mayor Florence Batula, Vice Mayor Melvic Chy, and Councilor Ricardo Batula who chair of the town council’s committee on public order and safety.

Also present were Rosalinda Jarito, municipal local government operations officer (MLGOO); PCapt Liborio Luces Jr., town police chief; Capt. Jamm de Francia, 122nd Special Action Company (SAC)/Special Action Force (SAF) Commanding Officer; and key personnel from the 74th Infantry Battalion.

A former New People’s Army (NPA) member, alias “Apoy”, also shared his experiences as an insurgent, highlighting the importance of government initiatives like SIPSC in transforming communities and ensuring security.

He urged community members to support peacebuilding efforts, emphasizing the critical role of collaboration in promoting sustainable development and long-term stability.
The 74th IB and LGU Palapag reaffirmed their commitment to working closely with community leaders and stakeholders to ensure the continued success of SIPSC initiatives.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

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