TACLOBAN CITY — The Philippine National Police (PNP) Eastern Visayas turned over 150 units of push-to-talk over cellular (PoC) radios to its line units across the region’s six provinces to enhance communication, especially with the May 12, 2025 midterm elections approaching.

PNP Eastern Visayas Regional Director PBGen Jay Cumigad led the turnover ceremony, joined by PLtCol Roderick Condag, OIC of the Regional Logistics and Research and Development Division; PLtCol Sam Andarino, OIC of the Regional Information and Communication Technology Management Division; and PMaj Rey Ibañez, Regional Pastoral Officer.

The distribution of two-way radio equipment aims to strengthen the communication capabilities of police units, particularly in areas with weak or limited cellular signal.
“Knowing that we are about to face greater challenges ahead, especially the election period where reliable communication is crucial for timely response and the delivery of public services, these radios are vital,” PBGen Cumigad said.

The turnover is part of the PNP’s broader efforts to modernize its communication systems to meet the evolving demands of police operations.

“The introduction of PoC radios is a crucial step in ensuring that our police units have access to cost-effective, digital, and real-time communication tools — especially at a time when we aim to deliver prompt, responsive, and reliable public service,” Cumigad added.
The 150 PoC radios were distributed as follows: 42 units to the Leyte Police Provincial Office (PPO); 26 units to the Samar PPO; 25 units to the Northern Samar PPO; 24 units to the Eastern Samar PPO; 19 units to the Southern Leyte PPO; 9 units to the Biliran PPO; 1 unit each to the Tacloban City and Ormoc City Police Offices; and 3 units to the Regional Communications and Electronic Unit 8.

“While these tools may not be flawless, they are more than capable of bridging communication gaps and serving as a vital link between our headquarters and our dedicated first responders,” Cumigad emphasized.

The PNP sees the PoC radios as essential in ensuring coordinated, efficient police operations, especially during the critical election season.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY – In a poignant statement, Tingog party-list Representative Jude Acidre paid tribute to Pope Francis, describing his passing as a moment of “deep, quiet sadness.”
Acidre fondly recalled the Pope’s historic visit to Tacloban in 2015, just over a year after Super Typhoon ‘Yolanda’ devastated Eastern Visayas. He noted how the pontiff’s presence brought comfort and hope to a grieving people.

“That day, he was not just the Pope. He was a father who came to comfort his children. A shepherd who did not hesitate to walk through the storm. A man of God who stood in solidarity with a people trying to find hope again,” Acidre, in a statement, said.
The congressman praised Pope Francis for his humility, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the marginalized, saying the pontiff transformed the leadership of the Catholic Church through service and simplicity.

Acidre expressed profound gratitude for the Pope’s life and ministry, saying the people of Leyte will always cherish his brief but powerful visit.

“Thank you, Pope Francis—for your life, your love, your service. For reminding us that faith must be lived with open hands and open hearts… Rest now, Holy Father. You have done well, good and faithful servant of God,” he said.

Francis died on April 21, Eastern Sunday, almost a month following his treatment in hospital for double pneumonia. The Vatican said Francis died after having a stroke.
He is scheduled to be buried this Saturday. April 26, in a simple underground tomb at St. Mary Major Basilica, home to his favorite icon of the Virgin Mary, to whom he was particularly devoted.

Among the world leaders who will attend the burial of the late pope is Pres. Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos, Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY — Two former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) voluntarily surrendered to police authorities in separate operations on April 22, 2025, marking another significant milestone in the government’s campaign to end local insurgency in Eastern Visayas.

At around 12 noon, a former rebel member identified as alias “Mateo,” 63, and a farmer from Salcedo, Eastern Samar, surrendered in Brgy. Buenavista, Quinapondan, Eastern Samar.

A former member of Squad 2, Tirso Platoon, he joined the rebel group at the age of 19 and spent more than 40 years in the underground movement. He turned over one hand grenade and is currently under the custody of the 2nd Eastern Samar Provincial Mobile Force Company (2nd ESPMFC) for proper documentation and disposition.

Later that day, at around 4 pm, another rebel member identified as alias “Ka Bert,” 64, and a resident of Carigara, Leyte, surrendered at the headquarters of the 2nd Leyte PMFC in Brgy. Cristina, Calubian, Leyte.

He was a member of the Buhawi Platoon under the Mt. Amandewin Command of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC), which operates in the municipalities of Jaro, Tunga, Barugo, Carigara, Capoocan, Kananga, Albuera, and Ormoc City.

His surrender was facilitated by elements of the 2nd LPMFC, along with the Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU) Intel Trackers; Regional Intelligence Unit 8 (RIU-8); Provincial Intelligence Team (PIT) – Leyte; 805th Maneuver Company, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 8; 34th Special Action Company (SAC), 3rd Special Action Battalion (SAB), PNP Special Action Force (SAF); and the Carigara Municipal Police Station. He surrendered one (1) unmarked caliber .38 revolver and two (2) rounds of live ammunition. He is now under the custody of the 2nd LPMFC.

Police Regional Office 8 Director B/Gen Jay Cumigad lauded the operating units and partner stakeholders for their strong collaboration in facilitating the surrenders.

“These surrenders reflect the success of our whole-of-nation approach against insurgency. With sustained community engagement and intensified police efforts, we continue to help former rebels choose peace and reintegration,” he said in a statement.

PRO 8 reaffirms its support for the government’s efforts under the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), urging remaining rebel members to lay down their arms and become partners in peace and progress.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)