TACLOBAN CITY – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has declared the coastal waters of Daram Island, Samar, free from toxic red tide, allowing the resumption of shellfish harvesting in the area.

In its latest advisory issued on Thursday, February 6, BFAR confirmed that all types of shellfish and Acetes sp., locally known as “alamang” or “hipon,” from Daram Island are now safe for human consumption.

However, the agency cautioned that several areas in Eastern Visayas remain positive for paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) due to red tide toxins exceeding regulatory limits. As a result, the shellfish ban remains in effect in the following areas: the coastal waters of Leyte, Leyte, and Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar.

BFAR has strictly prohibited the harvesting, selling, and consumption of all shellfish and “alamang” from these areas, warning that violators of the shellfish ban will face penalties.
Additionally, filtered seawater samples collected from the coastal waters of Calbayog City, Samar, tested positive for Pyrodinium bahamense, a dinoflagellate that produces the red tide toxin saxitoxin.

BFAR urged the public to refrain from gathering, selling, and consuming shellfish and “alamang” from the affected waters to prevent the risk of PSP. Meanwhile, fish, squid, shrimp, and crabs from these areas remain safe to eat, provided they are fresh and properly cleaned by removing internal organs such as intestines and gills before cooking.
BFAR continues to monitor water quality and advises the public to stay updated through official advisories.

(JOEY A. GABIETA)

TACLOBAN CITY – The Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8) made significant progress in its anti-drug campaign, seizing a total of 1,091.61 grams of illegal drugs worth more than P7.42 million in a series of operations conducted from January 27 to February 2, 2025.

PRO-8 Regional Director B/Gen. Jay Cumigad reported that 18 operations were carried out, resulting in the arrest of 18 individuals and the filing of 31 cases against drug offenders.
The largest seizure was recorded by the Tacloban City Police Office (TCPO), which confiscated 1,086.19 grams of shabu during a buy-bust operation on January 29 in Brgy. 25, Magsaysay Boulevard.

The operation, led by the TCPO City Drug Enforcement Unit, led to the arrest of alias “Budoy,” a 37-year-old high-value individual (HVI) from Palompon, Leyte. Authorities also recovered a 9mm pistol with four live rounds of ammunition and buy-bust money.

The suspect is facing charges for violating Sections 5 and 11 of RA 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) and Comelec Resolution No. 11067 (Election Gun Ban) and is currently detained at the TCPO custodial facility.

Meanwhile, the Leyte Police Provincial Office (LPPO) seized 5.22 grams of shabu in 12 operations, the Samar Police Provincial Office (SPPO) recovered 0.17 grams in two operations, and the Ormoc City Police Office (OCPO) confiscated 0.04 grams in one operation.

In a separate major operation, the SPPO, in collaboration with the Western Samar Provincial Highway Patrol Team (WSPHPT), arrested three suspects and seized 2,940.69 grams of shabu worth P19.99 million on January 27 in Catbalogan City.

Acting on intelligence, authorities intercepted a vehicle along the Maharlika Highway and arrested alias “Don-don,” “Kokoy,” and “Mer” from Libona, Bukidnon. Criminal complaints under RA 9165 were filed on January 30, with additional charges pending.

Cumigad commended the involved police units for their dedication to keeping Eastern Visayas safe.

“This significant seizure underscores our commitment to dismantling criminal networks and mitigating the devastating impact of illegal drugs. I urge the public to remain vigilant and support our efforts by reporting any suspicious drug-related activities,” the police regional director said.

PRO-8 remains steadfast in its anti-drug campaign, leveraging intelligence-driven operations and strengthened community partnerships to combat the illegal drug trade.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA/LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

FORT BONIFACIO, Taguig City—The Philippine Army (PA) and the Megaworld Corporation formalized the “PA-Megaworld “Pag-Alab” Program Partnership aimed at igniting Filipino nationalism and patriotism, volunteerism, and social responsibility towards a united, resilient, and developed nation, in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing at the Alliance Tower, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, on January 22, 2025.

“The Philippine Army believes that peace and development are two sides of the same coin. We believe that for our nation to thrive, both must go hand in hand. As part of this commitment, we engage with the private sectors such as Megaworld to promote nationalism, unity, and patriotism. We believe your media platforms can significantly contribute to shaping the nation in attaining national resiliency which is good for business and investments,” the Commanding General, Philippine Army (CGPA) Lt. Gen. Roy M. Galido said during the MOU signing.

“We look forward to working with Megaworld to inform, educate, and inspire our citizens—working hand in hand to build a better, stronger future for the Philippines,” he added.
Megaworld Corporation President, Ms. Lourdes Gutierrez-Alfonso who signed the agreement on behalf of the company, thanked the Philippine Army for supporting the company’s environmental and sustainability initiatives. The Megaworld President also lauded the Army’s commitment to assisting their nation-building programs which align with the Army’s dedication not only to national security but also to environmental stewardship and community development.

“We will ensure that the messages and information products of the Philippine Army about love for country and patriotism will become prominent in all of Megaworld’s townships, lifestyle cinemas, LED Walls, and other available platforms,” the Megaworld President, said.
It can be noted that Megaworld currently has 20 lifestyle malls in key urban centers across the country. It also develops large-scale, mixed-use, planned communities incorporating residential, commercial, educational, and leisure components and is the biggest township developer in the country.

Lt. Gen. Galido expressed his gratitude to Megaworld for the opportunity to enter into a collaborative partnership with the Army. Beyond the public affairs program partnership, several partnership opportunities were also tackled such as Army base and estate development, and employment for retiring Army personnel.(PR)

PALO, Leyte– More than 500 partners and volunteers from various Tingog Centers nationwide gathered for Tingog Summit 2025 on Thursday, Feb. 6 at the Leyte Academic Center in Campetic, Palo, Leyte.

Since its establishment in 2012 as Tingog Leytehon, the party has evolved from a regional movement in Eastern Visayas into a national force advocating for underserved and underrepresented communities.

Its success in the 2019 elections paved the way for further expansion, allowing Tingog party-list to amplify its advocacy and deliver essential services nationwide.

A key pillar of this expansion is the Tingog Centers, with 210 centers currently operating across the country. These centers serve as crucial bridges between the government and the people, providing services such as healthcare assistance, legal aid, educational support, and livelihood programs.

“The establishment of Tingog Centers is part of our commitment to bringing essential services closer to the people, especially in underserved areas,” said Rep. Jude Acidre.
“Each center stands as a testament to our dedication to ensuring that no Filipino is left behind in accessing the support they need.”

This initiative underscores Tingog’s vision of inclusive governance, ensuring that government services reach even the most remote communities.

Beyond policymaking, Tingog Partylist has played a vital role in disaster response, mobilizing aid for communities affected by typhoons, fires, and other calamities.

The party has worked closely with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to deliver immediate relief and financial assistance to affected families.

“Tingog Partylist will always be dedicated to serving the Filipino people,” said Rep. Yedda Romualdez.

“We will continue to listen, act, and serve with integrity and compassion, because we believe in the power of true service to our nation,” she added.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY – The Commission on Higher Education (ChEd) has ordered the closure of Our Lady of Mercy College (OLMC) in Borongan City due to non-compliance with the commission’s Policies, Standards, and Guidelines (PSGs).

In a statement released on Wednesday, Feb.5, CHEd Chairman Prospero de Vera III confirmed the outright closure and revocation of the government recognition of OLMC’s programs, effective Academic Year (AY) 2025-2026.

“Following the non-compliance of Our Lady of Mercy College (OLMC) Borongan City with the Policies, Standards, and Guidelines (PSGs) of the Commission on Higher Education (ChEd), it has ordered the outright closure and revocation of the Government Recognition of its programs, effective AY 2025-2026,” the statement read.

The closure order follows a series of regulatory actions against OLMC due to its failure to meet CHED’s academic and operational standards.

In 2023, CHEd ordered the immediate closure and revocation of Government Recognition (GRs) for OLMC’s Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEEd) and 2-year Midwifery programs due to PSG violations.

The college was also issued a show cause order for non-compliance with PSGs in offering BS Criminology and BS Nursing programs.

ChEd Regional Office VIII’s evaluation confirmed continued non-compliance with PSGs in Criminology and Nursing, prompting the full closure decision.

“The Commission has done what we can to help OLMC, but the College remains non-compliant with our PSGs. The closure is issued to ensure student access to quality education,” said CHEd Chairman de Vera.

Aside from academic deficiencies, ChEd revealed that several students had filed complaints regarding difficulties in obtaining their school records and credentials. These grievances were raised through media outlets and directly reported to ChEd Regional Office VIII.
To minimize disruptions to students’ education, ChEd has issued the following transition measures:

Fourth-year students will be allowed to complete their studies and graduate by the end of AY 2024-2025.

First-year, second-year, and third-year students will receive assistance from CHEDRO VIII to transfer to recognized Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) offering similar programs.
ChEd assured the affected students and their families that the commission would coordinate with reputable HEIs to facilitate a smooth transfer process.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)