TACLOBAN CITY – The Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8), under the leadership of B/Gen.Jay Cumigad, successfully implemented the “Ligtas Paskuhan 2024” campaign, ensuring a safe and peaceful holiday season across Eastern Visayas from December 16, 2024, to early January 2025.

Despite challenges such as firecracker-related injuries, illegal firearms, and heavy rainfall, the overall security situation in the region remained stable, Cumigad said in a statement as he expressed satisfaction with the public’s cooperation and the coordinated efforts of various government agencies.

As of January 3, 2025, PRO-8 recorded no incidents of stray bullets or fire-related incidents caused by firecrackers.

The intensified campaign against prohibited firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices led to a series of inspections and operations throughout the region.

These efforts resulted in the confiscation of 1,130 illegal firecrackers worth approximately P46,400 and the arrest of 18 individuals for illegal possession, use, or sale of firecrackers. All suspects are now facing charges.

There were 12 firecracker-related incidents reported, leaving 16 people injured. Fortunately, all victims received medical treatment and were released without fatalities, the PRO-8 reported.

An isolated case of illegal discharge of a firearm was reported in Borongan City involving a civilian who was arrested, and the firearm used in the incident was confiscated.

The suspect now faces charges under Republic Act 10591, also known as the “Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.”

Meanwhile, an encounter between government forces and New People’s Army (NPA) in Jaro, Leyte, resulted in one soldier being wounded in action. Government troops recovered a .45-caliber pistol, three improvised explosive devices, ammunition, and other war materiel during the operation.

Throughout the Yuletide season, PRO-8 maintained a heightened alert status. Over 2,000 personnel from PRO-8 were deployed alongside 569 augmentation units and 706 members of advocacy groups to secure key areas, including transportation hubs, commercial centers, and places of worship.

“I am proud of the cooperation we have received from the public, local government units, and our partners. Despite some challenges, we can confidently say that the region’s holiday season was mostly safe and peaceful,” said Cumigad.

He assured the public that PRO-8 will continue its efforts to ensure the safety and security of the region as the holiday season concludes.

The success of the “Ligtas Paskuhan 2024” campaign highlights the commitment of PRO-8 to safeguarding the well-being of residents and visitors during the festive season, ensuring a happy and peaceful celebration for all.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY – Barge operations for transporting heavy vehicles between Leyte and Biliran provinces commenced on Saturday, January 4, 2025, following new weight restrictions imposed on the Biliran Bridge.

The provincial government of Biliran, in partnership with the Biliran Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), sought assistance from LCT ASC Susan operators to facilitate the movement of heavy vehicles into the province.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) implemented weight restrictions on the bridge after an assessment revealed structural issues that could compromise its integrity and safety.

Currently, only light vehicles weighing five tons or less are allowed to cross the bridge. Heavier vehicles, including buses, cargo trucks, and fuel tankers, must now use the barge service.

“The provincial government of Biliran will shoulder the monthly barge rental expenses through the calamity fund, while fuel charges will be covered by daily operations through transport fees to ensure long-term sustainability,” Governor Gerard Roger Espina said in a statement Saturday, Jan. 4.

Espina has also directed Task Force Biliran Bridge to establish an incident command system to ensure that all protocols related to the bridge’s operations are followed.

The BCCI, as part of the task force, is overseeing the smooth operation of the barge service.

In a social media update, the BCCI informed motorists that while an initial tariff rate for the barge operation has been approved, the rates will be reassessed after one week of operations.

“Reassessment of imposed fees will be made after a week of operation once the average daily volume of vehicles utilizing the LCT is determined vis-à-vis the operational costs,” the BCCI stated.

From January 5 to January 12, the barge will operate from 8 am to 5 pm on a first-come, first-served basis. Trucks carrying highly flammable and hazardous cargoes are prohibited from being transported alongside other moving cargoes in compliance with Maritime Industry Authority and Coast Guard regulations.

The initial tariff rates for the barge service are as follows: six-wheeler vehicles at P1,500 per trip, 10- and 12-wheeler cargo trucks at P2,000, heavy equipment/dump trucks at P4,000, other heavy equipment with trailers at P5,000, and passenger buses at P2,000. Trucks carrying fuel and hazardous cargo will be charged P20,000 per trip.

The BCCI clarified that vehicles carrying hazardous cargo will have special trips, and the P20,000 fare will be divided among the fuel trucks on those trips.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)