NPA DISMANTLING. The 8th Infantry Division and several of its battalions and brigades were recognized by the Visayas Command for its relentless campaign to quell the insurgency problem in Eastern Visayas.(PHOTO COURTESY)
NPA DISMANTLING. The 8th Infantry Division and several of its battalions and brigades were recognized by the Visayas Command for its relentless campaign to quell the insurgency problem in Eastern Visayas.(PHOTO COURTESY)
TACLOBAN CITY – The Visayas Command (VisCom) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has awarded the prestigious AFP Campaign Streamer Awards to two infantry brigades, three battalions, and a former operational control (OPCON) unit of the 8th Infantry Division for their successful campaign against members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Eastern Visayas.
The awards were presented during the command conference held at VisCom headquarters at Camp Lapu-Lapu, Cebu City, on January 22, 2025.
Lieutenant General Fernando Reyeg, VisCom commander, together with Major General Adonis Ariel Orio, commander of the 8th ID and Commodore Oscar Canlas Jr., deputy commander of VisCom, led the awarding ceremony.
The awardees include the 801st Infantry Brigade and 42nd Infantry Battalion (former OPCON unit of 8ID), recognized for dismantling the ELCON Platoon, Sub-Regional Committee (SRC), Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC); 802nd IB, commended for dismantling the sub-regional guerilla unit (SRGU) Bugsok, SRC SESAME of the EVRPC, the Apoy Platoon, and Platoon 2, Island Committee (IC) 47 LEVOX, EVRPC.
Also recognized were the 63rd IB, for its dismantling of the SRGU Bugsok, SRC SESAME, EVRPC; 78th IB, awarded for dismantling the Apoy Platoon, SRC SESAME, EVRPC; and the 93rd IB, honored for dismantling Platoon 2, IC 47 LEVOX.
Major General Orio praised the dedication and accomplishments of the awardee units, emphasizing their vital role in advancing peace and stability in Eastern Visayas.
“These awards are a testament to your dedication and exemplary service. Your accomplishments in dismantling these communist terrorist groups have been crucial in our goal of achieving a peaceful and progressive community for the people of Eastern Visayas,” he said.
Orio encouraged the troops to remain steadfast and sustain their efforts against the remaining insurgents.
“We are almost there. Let us continue our efforts and sustain the gains against these Communist Terrorist Groups. The people rely on us,” he added.
ORMOC CITY– A 19-year-old student was arrested by local authorities following the issuance of a warrant of arrest for the crimes of rape and violation of Republic Act 7610, the law protecting women and children against abuse, exploitation, and discrimination.
The arrest occurred at around 11:00 am on January 20, 2025, in Barangay San Miguel, Tanauan town.
Police identified the accused as alias “Sony,” single, and a resident of Brgy. Bangon of said town.
The arrest was made based on a warrant of arrest dated January 16, 2025, issued by Judge Avelino Decoroso Basco, presiding judge of the Regional Trial Court, Branch 34, Tacloban City.
The court recommended a bail of P10, 000 for the violation of RA 7610; however, no bail was set for the rape charge. (ROBERT DEJON)
GRATITUDE. The provincial board of Leyte recently approved a resolution expressing its gratitude to President Marcos, Jr. for the continuation construction of housing projects in Leyte intended for survivors of ‘Yolanda’ that pummeled the province 11 years ago. The President personally led a turnover of these housing projects in a ceremony in Burauen town on Jan. 17. Among those who joined him were House Speaker Martin Romualdez and Leyte Gov. Carlos Jericho ‘Icot’ Petilla.(PCO)
GRATITUDE. The provincial board of Leyte recently approved a resolution expressing its gratitude to President Marcos, Jr. for the continuation construction of housing projects in Leyte intended for survivors of ‘Yolanda’ that pummeled the province 11 years ago. The President personally led a turnover of these housing projects in a ceremony in Burauen town on Jan. 17. Among those who joined him were House Speaker Martin Romualdez and Leyte Gov. Carlos Jericho ‘Icot’ Petilla.(PCO)
TACLOBAN CITY – The Leyte provincial board has passed a resolution expressing gratitude to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for turning over government-funded housing projects to families displaced by Super Typhoon ‘Yolanda’ during his visit to Burauen, Leyte, last week.
The resolution, introduced by Leyte 5th District Board Member Carlo Loreto and unanimously seconded by all members of the provincial board led by Vice Governor Leonardo “Sandy” Javier, conveys the heartfelt thanks of the people of Leyte to the president for his support.
A total of 3,517 housing units, valued at more than P 935.549 million and funded by the National Housing Authority (NHA), were distributed to beneficiaries across eight towns in Leyte, Samar, and Biliran.
The majority of these housing units are in Leyte province: Tabontabon: 745 units; Pastrana: 656 units; Burauen: 600 units; Tanauan: 412 units; Dagami: 234 units; and Julita, 150 units.
Other recipients included Marabut, Samar with 670 units; and Culaba, Biliran, 50 units.
One of the recipients, Joseph Castro from Burauen, shared how Yolanda devastated his family’s home on November 8, 2013.
For more than a year, they lived in a temporary shelter with a roof made of tarpaulin. Later, they built a house on a relative’s lot where they stayed temporarily.
Last year, Castro’s family was selected as beneficiaries of the housing program.
“Okay ngadi kay marisyu, hirani ha proper ngan madagmit pagpakabuhi kay tanan tikanhi man ha Burauen,” shared Castro, who works as a motorcab driver.
Local officials present at the turnover ceremony also expressed their appreciation to President Marcos.
“Nagpapasalamat kami kay PBBM na nabigyan ng pabahay ang Tanauan kasi na-hit talaga kami ng Yolanda. Hopefully, mayroon pang ibibigay sa amin,” said Tanauan Mayor Gina Merilo.
Tanauan was among the hardest-hit areas in Leyte, with over 5,000 families displaced in the aftermath of the super typhoon.
In Marabut, Samar, Mayor Percival Ortillo Jr. expressed gratitude for the housing units but raised concerns about the lack of water supply for the beneficiaries.
“No problem sa electricity, but ang problema namin ay tubig. Dapat kasi may kasamang tubig pag binigay na sa mga beneficiary, mahirap pag wala kang tubig. Kulang na kulang,” Mayor Ortillo said. (ROEL T. AMAZONA)
EARTHQUAKE. Southern Leyte was struck by a 5.8-magnitude earthquake on Thursday, January 23, causing damage to infrastructures and houses. The photo shows a local official conducting a rapid assessment of the damages, with San Francisco town identified as the epicenter. (PHOTO COURTESY)
Damages on roads and houses
EARTHQUAKE. Southern Leyte was struck by a 5.8-magnitude earthquake on Thursday, January 23, causing damage to infrastructures and houses. The photo shows a local official conducting a rapid assessment of the damages, with San Francisco town identified as the epicenter. (PHOTO COURTESY)
TACLOBAN CITY – A 5.8-magnitude earthquake struck Southern Leyte on Thursday morning, January 23, causing significant damage to houses, roads, and a major bridge.
The tremor, which occurred at 7:39 a.m., prompted local government units, including San Francisco—the epicenter of the quake—to suspend classes.
The provincial government of Southern Leyte reported that roads in Barangays Amaga and Himay-angan in Liloan town were rendered impassable due to fallen debris and large cracks caused by the earthquake.
“Residents and travelers are advised to avoid these areas for their safety. Clearing operations and assessments are underway, and updates will be provided as soon as possible,” the provincial government announced on social media hours after the tremor.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) reported that Liloan Bridge in Liloan town was damaged, with one side now passable due to a space gap in the steel expansion joint caused by the quake. Vehicles weighing over 10 tons are prohibited from crossing the bridge.
In San Francisco, Mayor Benedicta Tiazon ordered the suspension of classes in all levels until Friday, January 24, as the town assessed the damage.
“We are still conducting our assessments but we have sustained some damages due to the 5.8-magnitude quake,” Mayor Tiazon said in a radio interview.
Barangay Malico appeared to have suffered the most damage, with five houses reported to be completely destroyed.
“We evacuated affected families to a gym in Barangay Marayag and have provided them with food and other assistance,” the mayor added.
Two residents, a seven-year-old child and a man, were injured after being hit by falling hollow blocks.
Mayor Tiazon described the quake as the strongest she had experienced and appealed for assistance to help her town recover.
While power supply in the area remained unaffected, internet connectivity in San Francisco slowed down. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) recorded the quake at Intensity IV in the town.
In Barangay Marayag, located seven kilometers from the town proper of San Francisco, resident Arnel Mantilla said several houses were damaged.
“Our house suffered a collapsed wall, but thankfully, no one was hurt. The quake was strong,” Mantilla shared in an online interview.
A dike in Barangay Gabi was also damaged, while a landslide occurred in Barangay Sudmon. Both are in San Francisco.
San Francisco Municipal Council Secretary Servando Teo said the quake lasted about 10 seconds and was followed by series of aftershocks.
“We’ve received reports of damaged houses in Barangays Punta and Santa Paz Norte, and some stores were unable to open because their merchandise fell off shelves during the tremor,” Teo added in a phone interview.
He also reported that transmission lines for the town’s water source in Barangay Bugawisan were damaged, cutting off water supply. The village is known to be prone to landslides.
In Saint Bernard, a landslide occurred at Barangay Guinsaugon, the site of the 2006 tragedy that claimed thousands of lives. No injuries were reported in the latest incident.
Classes were suspended quake-hit towns like in San Francisco, Pintuyan, San Juan, and Silago. In Maasin City, Mayor Nacional Mercado also ordered the suspension of classes at all levels to allow inspections of schools and other facilities.
Michael Sabejon, spokesperson for the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), confirmed that the earthquake did not disrupt the power supply in Southern Leyte.
“There is no power interruption in Southern Leyte due to the earthquake,” Sabejon said in a Viber message.
Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) assured affected towns that food and non-food assistance are ready for deployment.
The agency reported having 118,576 family food packs and 34,502 non-food items available for distribution to earthquake victims.
The earthquake, initially recorded as 5.9 magnitude but later downgraded to 5.8, had a depth of 14 kilometers. It was felt across Southern Leyte’s 18 towns and Maasin City, as well as other parts of Visayas and Mindanao.
Phivolcs recorded the following intensities:
Intensity V: Anahawan, Hinunangan, Hinundayan, Libagon, Liloan, Padre Burgos, Pintuyan, San Juan, and San Ricardo.
Intensity IV: Bontoc, Limasawa, Macrohon, Malitbog, Saint Bernard, Silago, Sogod, Tomas Oppus, and Maasin City.
Intensity III: Cebu City; several areas in Leyte, including Alangalang, Albuera, and Palo; and Surigao City in Surigao del Norte.
Intensity II: Babatngon, Isabel, and Palompon in Leyte; Cagayan de Oro City.
Intensity I: San Francisco, Cebu; Can-Avid, Eastern Samar; and Mambajao, Camiguin.
Phivolcs warned residents in affected areas to brace for possible aftershocks following the quake.
TACLOBAN CITY — Northern Samar Governor Edwin Ongchuan and a district engineer in Leyte have become the latest victims of online scams.
According to the Provincial Information Office (PIO), fraudsters have been exploiting Governor Ongchuan’s name, photograph, and contact details to deceive individuals into transferring money or divulging personal information.
Governor Ongchuan has issued a public warning, urging vigilance when dealing with unsolicited communication. He emphasized the importance of verifying the legitimacy of requests and being cautious with personal information.
Meanwhile, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Leyte 5th District Engineering Office (DEO) revealed that several contractors and suppliers have received phone calls from individuals impersonating District Engineer Eusebio Culas. These scammers solicited money and contributions, allegedly for various charities or institutions.
District Engineer Culas firmly denied authorizing any solicitation activities in any form or for any purpose.
In a statement released on Monday, January 20, the DPWH Leyte 5th DEO urged the public to ignore such solicitations and report similar incidents to the DPWH Regional Office VIII or the Leyte 5th DEO. Reports can be made through their official Facebook page, “Region 8 – DPWH,” or via email at dpwh5thled@gmail.com.
Both Governor Ongchuan and Engineer Culas stressed the importance of public awareness in combating scammers who prey on the trust and goodwill of their victims. They reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding the community from fraudulent activities.
The public is encouraged to remain vigilant, stay informed, and cooperate with authorities by reporting suspicious activities promptly. (JOEY A. GABIETA)
TACLOBAN CITY– Biliran Governor Gerard Roger Espina is set to submit his proposal for the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to pass an ordinance mandating all local radio stations operating within the province to dedicate at least one hour daily to playing Biliranon music.
This landmark initiative, known as the “Biliranon Music Promotion Ordinance,” aims to preserve and promote the province’s rich cultural heritage while supporting local artists, the young governor said in his post on his social media account Monday, Jan.20.
“This is a step forward in ensuring that our local talents receive the recognition and support they deserve,” said the governor.
Espina has organized a music writing festival in the province.
Under his proposal, all AM and FM radio stations in the province are required to allocate a one-hour time slot each day exclusively for Biliranon music, defined as songs composed, written, or performed by Biliranon artists or those highlighting the identity of Biliran.
At present, there are two existing FM stations operating across the province and all based at the provincial capital of Naval, Radyo Natin Naval and Love Ko Naval Nice Radio.
This one-hour slot must be scheduled between 6 am and 10 pm, with radio stations required to announce the time slot at least once per hour during their broadcasts.
Radio stations are also directed to submit monthly compliance reports to the Provincial Tourism Office, detailing the songs aired and the time slots allocated.
To assist radio stations in curating their playlists, the provincial government, through the Provincial Tourism Office, will maintain a database of Biliranon artists and their works.
The ordinance outlines penalties for radio stations failing to comply. First offense, a written warning from the provincial government; second offense, a fine of P5,000; and third and subsequent offenses, a fine of P10,000 and potential suspension of the station’s business permit for up to six months.
The Provincial Tourism Office is tasked with monitoring the ordinance’s implementation. Citizens and organizations are encouraged to report any non-compliance to the office. (JOEY A. GABIETA)
