CAMP VICENTE LUKBAN, Catbalogan City-Troops of the 46th Infantry Battalion of the 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, facilitated the burial of the killed New People’s Army(NPA) leader in Catbalogan City, Samar on December 16, 2024.

The killed rebel leader, identified as Artemio Solayao alias ‘Budil’, leader of Squad 2, Yakal Platoon, Sub-Regional Committee Browser, Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee. He was abandoned by his comrades at the encounter site on December 13, 2024.

Through the collaborative efforts of the government troops and the Samar Provincial Task Force – Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict or PTF-ELCAC, alias Budil was given a decent burial in Catbalogan City.

Alonso Solayao, the brother of alias Budil, expressed gratitude to the PTF-ELCAC and the government troops for the humane treatment, despite being the enemy of the state.
“Nagpapasalamat ako sa Philippine Army dahil kahit na siya’y kalaban, binigyan niyo pa rin siya ng desenteng libing. Mula sa Cawayan dinala pa nila dito, kanilang pinagsilbihan, ginastosan, pinamisahan para maging maayos ang kanyang kalagayan, kahit sa kabila ng pagiging kalaban siya ng gobyerno, trinato pa rin siya ng tama ng kasundalohan,” Solayao said.

Solayao also encouraged the remaining comrades of his brother to end their armed struggle.

“Hinihikayat ko kayo na magsurrender kasi wala talagang kayong magandang kinabukasan. Tingnan niyo ang nangyari sa kapatid ko, sa halos apatnapung taon niya [sa bundok] wala siyang nagawa. Hindi niya nakamit ang tinatawag na tagumpay. Kung nand’yan pa kayo sa taas, sana sumurrender na kayo para maging maayos na rin ang inyong pamumuhay, maging ng inyong mga pamilya,” Solayao stated.

Mayor Dexter Uy, the chairman of the City Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict of Catbalogan City, strongly condemned the continued atrocities perpetrated by the CTGs in Samar province.

“I know, we have a common goal, and that is to have a progressive community. Yes, we have societal problems that need to be solved, and we can only solve it through peaceful resolution. So, let us be united. Let us not add to the burden of our people by sowing terror in our community. Abandon the armed struggle and let us all together achieve peace and progress,” Mayor Uy expressed.

Lieutenant Colonel Rommel De Mesa, the commanding officer of the 46th Infantry Battalion, reiterated the government troops’ commitment to uphold basic human rights, even to the state’s adversaries.

“Though we considered them as enemies, we, in the AFP, we adhere to respecting the basic human rights and the rules of armed engagement. The government helps killed CTG member by giving decent burial, how much more to those who will choose to surrender and be back to the folds of the law,” Lt.Col. De Mesa stated.

Meanwhile, Major General Adonis Ariel Orio, renewed his call to the remaining CTGs to surrender and take advantage of the National Amnesty Program of the government.
“Take the opportunity of living a peaceful life – no more hiding and a life far from worries of being killed in an armed encounter. It is not yet too late, be with your family and become one of the government’s peace partners towards peace and development,” Maj.Gen.Orio emphasized.

He encouraged the remaining active CTGs to coordinate with their relatives or local chief executives to arrange their safe surrender and formalize their application for amnesty. (PR)

ORMOC CITY-A drinking session between friends turned violent when a heated argument led to a stabbing incident early morning on December 11, in Barangay Zone I, Sogod, Southern Leyte.

Police identified the suspect as alias “Marky,” 21, single, a college student, and a resident of Barangay Guinsangaan, Bontoc, Southern Leyte. The victim, known as “Rad,” 23, single, hails from Barangay San Isidro in Sogod.

According to the initial investigation, the two were drinking with classmates at a convenience store in the area when a disagreement over a road signage escalated into a heated argument. Tensions boiled over, and the suspect allegedly stabbed the victim twice in the left side of his stomach using a three-inch can opener knife.

The victim was immediately rushed to the Sogod District Hospital for medical attention, while the suspect fled the scene. Police apprehended the suspect during a hot-pursuit operation shortly after the incident.

The weapon used in the stabbing, along with the suspect, was brought to the Sogod Municipal Police Station for further investigation and proper disposition.

Authorities are preparing charges against the suspect. Meanwhile, the victim remains under medical care.
(ROBERT DEJON)

MANILA– On the evening of December 5th, ANTA PH gathered 20 current and former standout players from one of the Philippines’ most prestigious college basketball programs at Common Folk Cafe, Quezon City to celebrate the university’s homecoming weekend.
Each attendee was surprised with a pair of the ANTA KAI 1 in its newest “Blue Dynasty” colorway—a nod to their school’s colors and equally storied team history, the country’s very own blue dynasty.

The ANTA KAI 1 “Blue Dynasty” is inspired by Kyrie Irving’s days as a Blue Devil. Irving’s one-and-done stint in Durham, North Carolina for the 2010-2011 season showcased his raw mastery of scoring and ball handling. As one of the runner-ups for Freshman of the Year, Irving led his alma mater far into their campaign together; stirring up discussions of what could’ve been a blue dynasty if Irving had stayed rather than forgo his eligibility to go pro.

The shoe’s colorway is draped in his university’s away colors of black and blue with silver accents throughout; most notably on the iconic midsole placement of ANTA’s logo shining from the sneaker’s primarily analogous colors.

Similar to the blue hues of a certain university in the Philippines, the ANTA KAI 1 “Blue Dynasty” echoes the university’s rich basketball history and extensive roster of alumni, many of whom made significant waves on the local basketball scene as national and professional players.

Players from different eras of the program’s blue dynasties attended the exclusive semi-reunion and gathering. Current assistant coaches Sandy Arespacochanga and Gene Afable, and former coaching staff members Gabby Severino and Jean Alabanza all played for the squad in the 90s and were there to commemorate the launch.

Representing the late 90s to early 2000s era were former national team sensation and finals MVP Larry Fonacier, past season MVPs Rich Alvarez and Enrico Villanueva, and members Bajjie Del Rosario and Johan Uichico—who has since carved out a successful off-court career as a renowned radiologist.

Fonacier, known by many as the “Baby-faced Assassin” for the integral role he played as the national team sharpshooter, reminisced on the dynasty of his day and the unique bonds formed by athletes under the program.

“My favorite memory [as a player] is today, another memory we’ve created. We all know what happened before when we were on the court but, these new moments are so special. The simple gatherings, the coffees, the sharing stories, it’s amazing how a basketball game can make lifelong friends out of us from years before,” Fonacier happily shared.

Former national team representatives Poy Erram and Nico Salva, a two-time Finals MVP and current Team B head coach, were in attendance alongside Yuri Escueta, Justin Chua, Jai Reyes, Bacon Austria, Kirk Long, and Carlo Balmaceda. They all played significant roles in the university’s illustrious five-peat run from 2008 to 2012.

Ex-PBA pro turned league commissioner Jai Reyes joked that his most memorable moment as a member of the blue dynasty was when 2010 Finals MVP Ryan Buenafe drove the team bus to Subic, Zambales without the coaches’ knowledge.

He quickly shifted it and said: “In all seriousness, the teammates, the games, and the memories we made off-court are the most memorable moments.”

Anton Asistio and Raffy Verano, now PBA players and two members of the most recent three-peat dynasty from Season 80 to 82, rounded out the alumni guest list.

The ANTA KAI 1 “Blue Dynasty” was released in the Philippines on December 7th for a retail price of P7,995 and is available at select ANTA retail stores nationwide. (PR)

TACLOBAN CITY – Personnel of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Leyte 2nd District Engineering Office, including permanent staff, job order workers, and roadside maintenance crews, received a sack of well-milled rice each as a Christmas gift from Vice Governor Leonardo “Sandy” Javier and Rep. Lolita “Karen” Javier.

District Engineer Leo Edward Oppura expressed gratitude on behalf of the 432 beneficiaries, stating, “We are thankful for the generosity and thoughtfulness of Vice Governor Sandy and Congresswoman Karen Javier, who have consistently shared their blessings with us for six consecutive years.”

Maintenance worker Niño Igot highlighted the impact of the gift, saying, “This sack of rice is a big help to our family. We deeply thank Congresswoman Karen Javier and Vice Governor Sandy Javier for their unwavering support to us here at the DPWH Leyte 2nd District Engineering Office (L2DEO).”

He also expressed the employees’ commitment to public service: “We appreciate your dedicated service to the Second District of Leyte. We pledge to continue serving our constituents with the same integrity and dedication you exemplify.”

The distribution of rice, timed for the Christmas holidays, was facilitated by District Engineer Oppura, Assistant District Engineer Francisco Robin Jr., and the chiefs of sections at the district office.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY – 4Ps party-list Rep. Marcelino Libanan expressed joy over the groundbreaking of two significant infrastructure projects under the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (Pamana) program in Eastern Samar.

The projects, which include the 2.4-kilometer Maslog-Jipapad Road and the 22-meter Panic-an Bridge, aim to connect remote barangays to economic opportunities and essential public services.

These initiatives are expected to promote peace, resilience, and sustainable development in the region, Libanan, who is the minority floor leader of the House of Representatives, said.
The groundbreaking ceremony took place in Brgy. Poblacion, Maslog, Eastern Samar, with Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., presidential adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity, highlighting the importance of the projects.

“These initiatives symbolize hope, unity, and the government’s commitment to inclusive growth in Eastern Samar,” he said during his speech at the groundbreaking ceremony on Monday, Dec.16.

Rep.Libanan, instrumental in securing funding for the projects, received praise from the people of Eastern Samar, particularly Maslog residents who stand to benefit directly.
The projects promise for a better accessibility by linking remote communities to economic centers; increased opportunities through improved access to livelihood, healthcare, and education; and peacebuilding by fostering sustainable peace and progress.

The event was graced by military and local officials, including Lt. Gen. Fernando Reyeg (commander of the Visayas Command), M/Gen.Adonis Ariel Orio (commander of the 8th Infantry Division), B/Gen. Lenart Lelina (commander of the 801st Brigade), PCol. Ernesto Macasil (director of the Eastern Samar Provincial Police Office), Lt.Col. Dexter Alacan, deputy director for operations of the Philippine National Police-8, and Maslog Mayor Heraclio Santiago, and Vice Mayor Septemio Santiago.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)