ORMOC CITY– A farmer was brutally hacked to death by the former partner of his live-in partner in Brgy. Tucdao, Kawayan, Biliran, on February 14.

The victim, identified by police as alias “Choro,” 45, was a farmer and a resident of Brgy. Villa. The suspect, alias “Toro,” 29, a jobless resident of Brgy. Ungale, attacked him without warning, allegedly driven by jealousy.

According to the police, they received a call at around 4:30 pm regarding a hacking incident in Brgy. Tucdao. Responding officers found the victim lying motionless on the ground, bleeding from multiple hack wounds across his body.

Initial investigations revealed that the victim had been sitting on his motorcycle when the suspect suddenly approached him and hacked him several times.

The force of the attack caused the victim to fall into a nearby ravine. The suspect fled the scene immediately after the crime.

The victim was rushed to Biliran Provincial Hospital but was declared dead on arrival by attending physicians.

Following a hot pursuit operation, police arrested the suspect at around 11:30 pm the same day in Brgy. Madao. Authorities confirmed that jealousy was the primary motive, as the victim’s live-in partner was previously in a relationship with the suspect.

The suspect was informed of his rights under the Miranda Doctrine in a language he understood. A criminal complaint for murder is being prepared for referral to the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office.
(ROBERT DEJON)

Amid the announcement of rising dengue cases by the Department of Health, PhilHealth is reminding the Filipino public that there is a benefit package for Dengue. From the previous Php 16,000 coverage rate, the cost of hospitalization for severe dengue is now covered up to Php 47,000. Meanwhile, coverage for mild dengue cases is now at Php 19,500 from the previous Php 10,000.

The new package rates for Dengue are among those enhanced and rationalized last year in accordance with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr.’s directive to continually improve and sustain better health insurance coverage for members seeking medical treatment.

While PhilHealth covers the benefits of hospitalization, PCEO Edwin M. Mercado advises everyone to practice preventive measures and seek early consultation, especially if experiencing dengue symptoms: high fever, severe headache, pains behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, nausea and vomiting, and skin rash.

“Kung nakararamdam ng sintomas ng dengue o anumang sakit, pumunta na po agad sa inyong napiling Konsulta Package Provider. Ang Konsulta Package ay agad na magagamit ng lahat ng miyembro at dependents nila. Wala po itong bayad.”

For more questions on benefit packages for dengue and other conditions, members can call the following 24/7 touch points:  (02) 866-225-88; mobile numbers 0998-857-2957, 0968-865-4670, 0917-1275987 or 0917-1109812. (PR)

ORMOC CITY– Two students, including a minor, were temporarily detained by local police after allegedly robbing a fellow student in the early hours of Saturday, February 15, along Vicentillo Street, Barangay P.I. Garcia, Naval, Biliran.

Authorities identified the victim as alias “Yan,” 23, a resident of Vicentillo Ex., P.I. Garcia. The suspects were identified as alias “Bensoy,” 18, and alias “Tommy,” 17, both students and residents of Sitio Mangga, Barangay Calumpang, also in Naval.

According to the police, the victim, accompanied by witnesses alias “Bin,” 22, and alias “Nel,” 26, reported the incident at around 3:20 pm on the same day.

They claimed that the suspects struck “Yan” on the head with a hard object and forcibly took his smartphone, valued at P7,500.

The witnesses saw the incident and attempted to chase the suspects, but they managed to escape. However, they were later identified by the witnesses.

A follow-up investigation led to the arrest of the suspects and the recovery of the stolen phone.

The suspects were informed of their rights under the Miranda Doctrine in a language they understood.

“Tommy,” the minor suspect, was turned over to the Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) for proper disposition, while “Bensoy” remains in police custody at the Naval Municipal Police Station.

(ROBERT DEJON)