TACLOBAN CITY – About 30 local government units (LGUs) from the region were recognized for their exceptional efforts in combating illegal drugs during the 2024 Anti-Drug Abuse Council (ADAC) Performance Awards held on December 11, 2024, at The Manila Hotel in Ermita, Manila.

The annual award acknowledges LGUs with outstanding performance in implementing anti-drug initiatives and promoting safe, drug-free communities.

Among the awardees were the provincial government of Southern Leyte and its municipalities, namely, Bontoc, Hinunangan, Liloan, Limasawa, Pintuyan, Saint Bernard, San Juan, Silago, Sogod, Tomas Oppus, and Libagon.

The provincial government of Biliran and its towns of Almeria, Caibiran, Culaba, and Naval were also honored.

From Eastern Samar, the recognized LGUs included Balangiga, Can-avid, General MacArthur, and Jipapad. In Leyte, awardees were Alang-alang, Barugo, Hindang, and Baybay City.

Additionally, Jiabong and Paranas in Samar province, as well as the island municipalities of Biri and San Antonio in Northern Samar, received the same accolades.

In the independent city category, Ormoc City was also recognized for its exemplary anti-drug programs.

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 8 Director Arnel Agabe emphasized the critical role of effective and functional Anti-Drug Abuse Councils (ADACs) in the fight against illegal drugs.

“The prevalence of illegal drugs poses a serious threat to the flourishing of our communities, which is why the DILG Region 8 has been unwavering in its efforts to foster highly functioning Anti-Drug Abuse Councils. This year’s awardees represent the most effective ADACs that Eastern Visayas has to offer, serving on the frontlines of our fight against illegal drugs and ensuring that our communities remain safe, healthy, and drug-free,” Agabe said.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY – Government forces from the 46th Infantry Battalion successfully killed a top-ranking leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) during a clash in Barangay Cawayan, Catbalogan City, Samar, on December 13, 2024.

The 9 am encounter, which lasted for 15 minutes, forced the NPA rebels to retreat northwest, leaving behind their slain comrade and key items, including a .45 caliber pistol and subversive documents, the 8th Infantry Division (ID), based in Catbalogan City, said in a report on Sunday, Dec. 15.

The killed rebel was identified as Artemio Solayao, alias “Budil,” the leader of Squad 2, Yakal Platoon, under the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC), the 8th ID said.

Solayao had multiple warrants of arrest for various crimes, including the 2014 ambush of the 14th IB in Brgy. Maypadandan, also in Catbalogan City.

It was learned that a relative of the alleged NPA leader claimed his remains hours after the incident.

Major General Adonis Ariel G. Orio, commander of the 8th ID, hailed the operation as a major victory in the campaign against insurgency in Eastern Visayas.

“This incident could have been avoided if the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) had surrendered and embraced the government’s call for peace,” he said in a statement.

Orio emphasized the Philippine Army’s commitment to ending the insurgency in Samar provinces, adding, “We will remain steadfast in protecting our people and eliminating threats to peace.”

Orio also encouraged active NPA members to take advantage of the government’s National Amnesty Program, coordinating through their relatives or local officials to ensure a safe and formal surrender process.
(ROBERT DEJON)

TACLOBAN CITY –The Philippine National Police in the region has launched its comprehensive security campaign, dubbed as ‘Ligtas Paskuhan 2024’, to ensure public safety and peace from December 16, 2024, to January 6, 2025.

The regional PNP has been placed on heightened alert status, mobilizing over 4,000 personnel, supported by 569 augmentation units and 706 members of advocacy groups, to secure key areas.

These include places of worship; transportation terminals; major thoroughfares; commercial centers; community fireworks display areas (CFDs); and firecracker zones (FZAs).

The presence of police personnel in these areas are meant to ensure that the celebrations will be safe and well-monitored.

Police Regional Director, B/Gen. Jay Cumigad emphasized that Ligtas Paskuhan 2024 is a collaborative effort, involving close coordination with local government units (LGUs), government agencies, and various stakeholders.

The operation will focus on anti-criminality measures, traffic management, and public safety services to create a secure environment for all holiday activities, he said.

“We are dedicated to ensuring a peaceful and safe holiday season for everyone,” Cumigad stated. “Through Ligtas Paskuhan 2024, we will intensify our efforts to secure key areas, prevent criminal activities, and respond swiftly to any security threat. I urge the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities to help us make this season joyful and safe for everyone.”

Cumigad also assured the public that active participation from law enforcement agencies, local government units, and citizens is vital to the program’s success.

The public is encouraged to report any suspicious activities and comply with safety regulations, particularly in designated firecracker and fireworks areas, to minimize risks and ensure a harmonious celebration.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)