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Shake the world, the Trump way

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The world was not tranquil, and it was never calm when President Donald Trump came to picture, again. It was a time when Russia and Ukraine were killing each other. It was a time when North Korea was joining the battles and the transgender women are in women’s sports and controversy in boxing Olympic due to gender was hot.

It was a time when Filipino Teachers are sought by the United States backlands of Alaska and other areas, it was a time when we were seeing migrants going to the United States some by feet and some by suicide boats. It was an era when China was harassing Filipinos, cutting fingers and water cannon was fair game. It was a time when Israel was pounding Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon and yet Bashir Assad was flying to Moscow. Lastly, the World was in turmoil to see it rather in a sanitized way.

Now with, Trump Version 2, the already messy world is even more chaotic. Let me count the ways in the most subtle, sanitized manner unlike the not-so-subtle President Donald Trump.

1. Trade Policies: Trump’s aggressive trade policies, including tariffs on Chinese goods, have led to ongoing trade tensions between the US and China. These policies have affected global supply chains and economic growth.

2. International Relations: Trump’s administration has influenced international relations, particularly in regions like the Middle East and Ukraine. His push for peace talks and ceasefire agreements has had mixed results.

3. Nationalism: Trump’s presidency has been associated with a rise in nationalism and protectionism. This has led to changes in global trade dynamics and has influenced other nationalist movements around the world.

4. USAID, WHO and Global Health: Trump’s decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO) and his plans to reform it have created uncertainty in global health governance. The USAID 10,000 employees will be reduced to 300 plus.

5. Economic Policies: Trump’s economic policies, including tax cuts and deregulation, have had lasting effects on the US economy and have influenced economic policies in other countries.

6. Immigration: can be best defined by one word deportation.

All these gel into a different organism that creates an approach that is totally different from the norm, away from the mold, and then it certainly rocks pour world in a chaotic uncertainty.

At this point when the uncertain realities are coming to the fore ordinary Filipinos are fearful and yes, concerned. The threat for deportation of hundreds of thousands of Filipinos due to the repealing of the Birthright Immigration and the obvious friction with the United States neighbors erstwhile strong allies in Canada and Mexico all point out to the fact that Trump is a sledgehammer that can wreck potential havoc at real time.
Trump is rocking our world, in an uncertain yet sustained kind of messy way, we better watch out.

Ex-convict found dead in Baybay City

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ORMOC CITY-Authorities are investigating the killing of an ex-convict who was found dead along the national highway in Barangay Hibunawan, Baybay City.

The victim, identified only as alias “Garry,” 41, whose dead body was found along a national highway of Sitio Ceinda, Barangay Gabas last Jan. 24.

Police said he was a known member of the Batang Samar-Leyte (BSL) gang and was suspected of being involved in illegal drug activities.

According to the Baybay City Police, they received a report from the Baybay Emergency Rescue Unit (BERU) about a possible vehicular accident in the area. Barangay officials initially believed the incident was a road crash, but upon BERU’s arrival, responders discovered the victim had sustained multiple gunshot wounds.

Police officers from Sub-Station 1 were immediately dispatched to verify the report and conduct an investigation. Upon arrival at the scene, authorities confirmed the presence of a lifeless body with visible gunshot wounds.

The victim was found wearing gray shorts, a black t-shirt, a helmet, and had a “BSL” tattoo.

A scene of the crime operatives (SOCO) team processed the area and recovered seven fired cartridge cases of an unknown caliber, which were taken for forensic examination.

The suspect and the motive for the killing remain unknown, and authorities are still pursuing leads in the case. The victim’s body is set to undergo an autopsy as part of the ongoing investigation.

Police are urging anyone with information regarding the incident to come forward and assist in identifying the perpetrator.
(ROBERT DEJON)

8ID creates task force to ensure peaceful and orderly polling in EV

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FOR PEACEFUL AND ORDERLY EV ELECTIONS. The soldiers in the region are to help the conduct of the May 12 elections with the 8th ID activating a task force dubbed as Task Force: HOPE-EV.(8th ID)
FOR PEACEFUL AND ORDERLY EV ELECTIONS. The soldiers in the region are to help the conduct of the May 12 elections with the 8th ID activating a task force dubbed as Task Force: HOPE-EV.(8th ID)

TACLOBAN CITY – With the 2025 national and local elections fast approaching, the 8th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army based in Catbalogan City has launched Task Force HOPE-Eastern Visayas (HOPE-EV) to ensure a peaceful, secure, and orderly electoral process across the region.

During the activation ceremony on Tuesday, Feb. 11, Colonel Arlino Sendaydiego, commander of Task Force HOPE-EV, emphasized the military’s crucial role in protecting the integrity of the elections.

“Our team is committed to supporting the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and other agencies in preventing any unlawful acts that could disrupt the democratic process. We will remain vigilant against emerging threats,” he Sendaydiego said.

Task Force HOPE-EV will prioritize security in communist insurgency-affected areas, particularly around polling stations.

It will also assist Comelec, the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in election-related security operations.
Additionally, the task force will work closely with local government units (LGUs) to ensure proper election preparations.

Also, it will help secure critical election infrastructure, promote voter education, enforce safety and health protocols, and coordinate with local and national stakeholders to guarantee a smooth electoral process.

Major General Adonis Ariel Orio, the commanding general of the 8ID, reminded Task Force HOPE-EV members to uphold the highest standards of integrity and impartiality.

“We are here to protect and serve our fellow citizens as they exercise their right to vote. I urge you to carry out your duties with the utmost respect, dedication, and fairness. Our mission is to uphold the integrity of this democratic process,” he said.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA/ROBERT DEJON)

Construction of Burauen bypass road in Leyte continues

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GOVERNMENT CENTER, Baras, Palo, Leyte– A bypass road that will soon serve as an alternate route and will minimize traffic congestion along the poblacion of Burauen town, is being constructed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region VIII.
The Burauen Bypass Road project aims to decongest traffic along the town’s public market by diverting motorists to soon use a new thoroughfare that offers a more efficient travel experience.

Said road project will start at the Jaro-Dagami-Burauen-La Paz Road in Brgy. Maghubas, Burauen moving onwards to the Dulag-Julita-Burauen Road, and exiting towards the Jaro-Dagami-Burauen-La Paz Road near the Daguitan Bridge, in Burauen.

According to the DPWH RO8- Planning and Design Division, the Burauen Bypass Road has a total estimated project cost of P1.134-billion and is projected to be complete by year 2028.
This multi-year road project spans a total length of 4.135-kilometers, and encompasses a four-lane roadway with a width of 3.35 meters and thickness of 28 mm.

Major scope of works involves road concreting, construction of three bridges, road widening, as well as drainage and slope protection works.

Annual funding from the years 2021 to 2024 covered the construction of 2.41-kilometers of the bypass road.

An initial amount of P39 million was released in 2021 to the Leyte II District Engineering Office (DEO) to jumpstart the construction covering 0.74-kilometers of the bypass road.
From 2022-2024 a total of P304.983-million was released for the construction of the 1.67-kilometers of road.

The DPWH Regional Office VIII already completed the GAA 2022 funded bypass road project covering 0.83-kilometers, while the GAA 2023 and 2024 funded road projects which covers 0.34-kilometers and 0.50-kilometers, respectively, are set to be completed soon this year.

The remaining 1.72-kilometers of the project is expected to be funded and implemented this 2025 and beyond.

Completion of the project is seen to provide numerous benefits to local communities and motorists, such as ease of travel and other economic opportunities. (PR)

Samar gov’t distributes P3.4M in aid to ex-rebels, strengthens anti-insurgency efforts

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TACLOBAN CITY – The provincial government of Samar, through its Local Social Integration Program (LSIP), distributed P3.4 million in financial assistance to 74 former rebels on Wednesday, February 12, as part of its ongoing efforts to promote peace and development in the province.
The LSIP is a provincial initiative that provides cash assistance and reintegration services to former members of communist terrorist groups, helping them transition to a peaceful and productive life.
Under the program, beneficiaries receive the following assistance: former regular members: P25,000 in immediate aid, P50,000 in livelihood support, and P25,000 per firearm surrendered.
Former Militia ng Bayan members are to receive P10,000 in immediate aid and P25,000 per firearm surrendered.
While mass supporters receives P1,000 in financial assistance.
Governor Sharee Ann Tan, who led the cash distribution, commended the former rebels for choosing to return to the fold of the law.
“I would like to thank everyone for your decision to reintegrate into society and cooperate with the government,” she said.
She also emphasized the role of infrastructure projects in addressing the root causes of insurgency.
“Just the other day, the three provinces of Samar Island met to finalize plans for the triboundary road projects. These roads are a testament to our commitment to ensuring just and lasting peace,” Tan added.
The governor was referring to a meeting with Northern Samar Governor Edwin Ongchuan and Eastern Samar Governor Ben Evardone Tuesday, Feb.11, where they agreed to construct roads and bridges connecting the three Samar provinces.
By improving infrastructure, particularly in remote and conflict-affected areas, the government aims to weaken and ultimately eradicate the insurgency that has plagued Samar Island for decades.
Authorities continue to encourage active members of communist terrorist groups to surrender and avail themselves of the reintegration benefits, reinforcing efforts to establish long-term peace and development in the region.
(JOEY A. GABIETA/LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

New PNP station in Ormoc City strengthens law enforcement

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ORMOC CITY– The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Leyte 4th District Engineering Office (DEO) completes the construction of a new Philippine National Police (PNP) building in Brgy. Liberty, Ormoc City.

This multipurpose building, spanning an area of 288 square meters across two floors with an additional rooftop deck, was built with a total contract amount of Php 6,687,449.30 funded under the General Appropriations Act (GAA) 2023.

The new structure replaces the Ormoc City Mobile Force Company 3rd Platoon Liberty Base’s previous base which was overcrowded and insufficient for their needs.

According to Patrolman Lydon C. Dumpang, their former facility was too small and only rented, with limited amenities. “Malaki ang difference kasi dito sa bago na base, malaki na ang space, meron na kaming magandang nahihigaan, maraming comfort rooms at may tubig na kami dito,” he said. “Unlike before kahoy lang ang base, ngayon concrete building na talaga yung station namin.”

The construction of the fully-equipped PNP station significantly boosts security in Brgy. Liberty, which is a far-flung area that serves as a tri-boundary connecting Albuera, Burauen, and Ormoc City proper.

“Yung presence namin ay malaking tulong sa safety ng barangay kasi ‘pag merong pulis nag-hesitate mag commit ng crime ang mga criminal offenders. Yung mga tao, nakikipagtulungan din sila sa amin na ma-maintain ang peace and order ng barangay,” Pat. Dumpang added.

Enhancing the operational capabilities of the police force in Ormoc, the building also provides a space for the public to report incidents, file complaints, and seek assistance – leading to improved efficiency in delivering services to residents. (PR)

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