ORMOC CITY– A 39-year-old ‘habal-habal’ driver, alias “Rolan,” was arrested in a buy-bust operation by the Station Drug Enforcement Team (SDET) in Sitio Upper Dapdap, Barangay Agpangi, at 6:42 am on February 21.
Authorities seized three sachets of suspected shabu and a marked P500 bill used in the operation.
The suspect was informed of his rights and is now facing charges for selling and possession of illegal drugs under RA 9165.
He remains in custody at the Naval Municipal Police Station. (ROBERT DEJON)
ANTI-FLOOD PROJECT. The Department of Public Works and Highways’ Leyte 2nd District Engineering Office reported the completion of the P48.19 million flood mitigation structure in Barugo, Leyte. (L2DEO)
ANTI-FLOOD PROJECT. The Department of Public Works and Highways’ Leyte 2nd District Engineering Office reported the completion of the P48.19 million flood mitigation structure in Barugo, Leyte. (L2DEO)
TACLOBAN CITY – A flood mitigation structure in Barangay Minuhang, Barugo, Leyte, is nearing completion, with 91.73% of the project already accomplished, according to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
The P48.19-million project, implemented by the Leyte 2nd District Engineering Office (L2DEO), involves a 701-meter grouted riprap stone masonry, standing two meters tall.
District Engineer Leo Edward Oppura emphasized the importance of such structures in protecting low-lying areas from flooding caused by heavy rainfall and high tides.
Construction began on May 6, 2024, and is expected to be completed by March 2025. The project is funded through the DPWH’s CY-2023 General Appropriations Act.
ORMOC CITY– Two individuals were apprehended by local police after attempting to evade a checkpoint while transporting undocumented coconut lumber on February 26, in Barangay Anquiana, San Jorge, Samar.
San Jorge OIC-Chief of Police, PCpt. Petronio Piangco, identified the suspects as alias “Jessreil,” 30, a driver with a live-in partner, and alias “Harold,” 46, married, both residents of Sitio Anisyao, Barangay Makiwalo, Mondragon, Northern Samar.
According to Piangco, the suspects were on board a green Isuzu Wing Van with plate number RME510 when they passed through a spot checkpoint in Poblacion I. Upon being flagged down by authorities, the vehicle suddenly sped away, prompting a police chase.
The officers caught up with them in Barangay Anquiana, where they were finally stopped.
Upon inspection, the police discovered the vehicle was loaded with coconut lumber, which was visible through a hole in the van’s door. When asked to present the necessary transport documents, the suspects failed to provide any permits for their cargo.
Authorities confiscated, aside from their vehicle, 226 pieces of coconut lumber totaling 2,266 board feet, with an estimated market value of P47,988.00; 84 pieces (2x6x12); 125 pieces (2x6x10); and 34 pieces (3x6x8.)
The arrested individuals and seized materials were taken to the San Jorge Municipal Police Station for documentation and proper disposition. Charges are being prepared against the suspects for violating Republic Act No. 10593, also known as “An Act Providing for the Regulation of the Cutting of Coconut Trees, Its Replenishment, and Providing Penalties Therefor.”
Authorities remind the public that transporting coconut lumber without proper permits is a violation of the law and may result in legal consequences.
MARRIAGE REFORM. Rep. Jude Acidre of Tingog party-list group calls for marriage law reform.
(FILE PHOTO)
MARRIAGE REFORM. Rep. Jude Acidre of Tingog party-list group calls for marriage law reform. (FILE PHOTO)
TACLOBAN CITY — Tingog party-list Representative Jude Acidre emphasized the urgent need for marriage law reforms during the 31st National Convention of the Canon Law Society of the Philippines (CLSP), held from February 24 to 27, 2025.
Addressing an audience of canon lawyers, legal scholars, and church leaders, Acidre discussed House Bill No. 10970, a proposed measure that seeks to expand the grounds for marriage nullity and legal separation, streamline judicial proceedings, and recognize church declarations of nullity in civil courts.
“Many Filipinos remain trapped in invalid marriages because current laws are too restrictive,” he stated. “House Bill No. 10970 expands the grounds for nullity, making justice accessible while protecting the sanctity of marriage.”
The proposed measure introduces broader legal grounds for nullity, addressing gaps in the current system, including lack of due discretion, entering marriage without full psychological maturity; simulation of consent, marrying for reasons other than genuine partnership; error in person, being deceived about a spouse’s identity or fundamental qualities; and fraud, force, or coercion – Cases where marriage was entered into under false pretenses or against free will.
Beyond expanding legal grounds, the bill seeks to make the annulment process more accessible by reducing financial and procedural burdens. Acidre noted that “seeking legal relief is costly and time-consuming.”
Key provisions of the bill include placing nullity cases under summary procedure, reducing delays and costs; expedited processing for uncontested cases, allowing clear cases to be resolved without lengthy hearings; and recognition of church nullity declarations, if a marriage is annulled by a church tribunal, it should carry legal weight in civil courts.
Acidre also addressed the inconsistency between civil and ecclesiastical law, pointing out that “the Catholic Church recognizes lack of due discretion as grounds for nullity—civil law does not. This discrepancy leaves many couples in legal limbo.”
He cited Pope Francis’ call for simplified annulment processes as a model for civil law reforms, asserting: “If a church has the authority to solemnize a marriage, it should also have the power to nullify it under clear legal parameters.”
ORMOC CITY – A 22-year-old college student was found lifeless in his room after allegedly hanging himself on February 24, in Barangay 1, Maydolong, Eastern Samar.
The victim, identified by police as alias “Chard,” was single and a resident of the said barangay. His mother discovered his body around 8 pm with a rope tied around his neck and the other end fastened to the trusses.
Local authorities received a call about the incident at approximately 11:41 pm and immediately responded. Upon arrival, they found that the victim’s body had already been moved to his bed, while a rope remained tied to the trusses.
According to the initial investigation, the victim had been drinking with neighbors and friends since Friday, February 21.
On February 24, he allegedly continued drinking from early morning until about 2 pm, prompting his girlfriend, alias “Rhea,” to ask him to stop as they had classes to attend. The victim briefly left the gathering but returned around 4 pm before leaving again a few hours later.
At around 8 pm, his mother entered his room and discovered his lifeless body. The family revealed that this was his second suicide attempt.
The Eastern Samar Provincial Forensic Unit found no signs of foul play, determining that the rope marks on the victim’s neck were consistent with self-inflicted hanging.
Believing the incident was due to personal struggles, the family declined a post-mortem examination.
Authorities remind the public to seek mental health support for individuals struggling with personal issues and emotional distress.
ELECTED PRESIDENT. Roel Amazona of this paper was elected overwhelmingly as the new president of the 8th ID press corps on Sunday, March 2 by his colleagues who are covering the division and the military in the region. (FACEBOOK PHOTO)
ELECTED PRESIDENT. Roel Amazona of this paper was elected overwhelmingly as the new president of the 8th ID press corps on Sunday, March 2 by his colleagues who are covering the division and the military in the region. (FACEBOOK PHOTO)
TACLOBAN CITY —Journalist Roel Amazona has been elected as the new president of the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division (8ID) Press Corps, based in Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City.
Amazona of Leyte Samar Daily Express who is also connected with the RMN Tacloban, garnered 18 votes for him to become the new president of the press corps.
In his speech, Amazona emphasized the importance of collaboration among media practitioners despite their diverse platforms and locations in the Eastern Visayas region.
“Truly, with cooperation and coordination, we can achieve more and do more,” he said during the oath-taking ceremony on Sunday, March 2, 2025.
He also expressed gratitude to the Division Public Affairs Office (DPAO) for supporting media personnel and promoting transparency and open communication between the military and the press.
8ID Commander Major General Adonis Ariel Orio, the commanding general of the 8th Infantry Division, and spokesperson Captain Jefferson Mariano commended the newly elected officers for their commitment to fostering a strong partnership between the press and the military.
The other newly elected officials of the 8th ID Press Corps were Rommel Rutor of DyMS-Catbalogan, vice president; Ricky Bautista of Samar Chronicle, secretary; Justine Traya of RMN-Tacloban, treasurer; Elvie Roa, West Leyte Weely Express, auditor; Dan Kerk Requiez,PRTV-12, PIO.
Also elected were provincial representatives: Rene Castino, RjFM for Samar; Bong Moscosa of GMA for Eastern Samar; Tonette Marticio, Manila Bulletin for Leyte; Danny Balading, DySM-Catarman, for Northern Samar; and Ramon Buyser of DyDM-Maasin for Southern Leyte.
