ORMOC CITY– A 52-year-old farmer was arrested by local authorities on Friday, February 28, following the issuance of a warrant of arrest against him for violating the Chainsaw Act of 2002 in Barangay San Isidro, Biliran, Biliran.

Police identified the suspect as alias “Floro,” a married farmer and resident of the said barangay.

The arrest was carried out under a warrant dated February 26, 2025, issued by Judge Ateneones Bacale of the 8th Judicial Region, 2nd Municipal Circuit Trial Court (Biliran-Cabucgayan), Biliran, Biliran.

The suspect is facing charges for violating Republic Act 9175, or the Chainsaw Act of 2002, specifically for selling, purchasing, reselling, transferring, distributing, or possessing a chainsaw without a proper permit, under Criminal Case No. 3453.

The court has set bail at P10,000 for his temporary liberty.

He was then transported to the Biliran police station for documentation and proper disposition before being turned over to the court that issued the warrant.

(ROBERT DEJON)

TACLOBAN CITY-A total of 48 former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) received government assistance during an E-CLIP (Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program) caravan held in Borongan City, Eastern Samar.

The initiative was organized by the 802nd Infantry Brigade, in partnership with the provincial government of Eastern Samar, to help former rebels reintegrate into society.
Among the beneficiaries, 31 were assisted by the 52nd Infantry Battalion (IB), 15 by the 78th IB, and two by the 63rd IB.

E-CLIP is a government program designed to assist former rebels in their transition to civilian life by providing cash assistance; education and skills training;livelihood opportunities; housing and employment assistance; and loan support for business capital
During the caravan, various government agencies provided essential services, including psycho-social counseling, profiling, and interviews – facilitated by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO); birth certificate and National ID registration – handled by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA); PhilHealth ID registration – for healthcare benefits; free medical and dental check-ups, and medicines – provided by the Provincial Health Office; and turn-in slips and cost valuation certificates – issued by the Eastern Samar Police Provincial Office (ESPPO).

Representatives from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and the Philippine National Police (PNP) also conducted orientation sessions to inform former rebels about available government programs.

Col. Rico Amaro, deputy brigade commander of the 802nd IB, commended the agencies involved for their support and reaffirmed the military’s commitment to helping former rebels access government programs.

“I hope this marks the beginning of our continuous cooperation. We will help address any challenges in the process so you can fully receive the benefits intended for you. In return, we hope you will also help us in our mission for a peaceful and prosperous Eastern Samar,” he said.

Meanwhile, Brigadier General Noel Vestuir, commander of the 802nd IB, emphasized the importance of a whole-of-nation approach in addressing insurgency.

“Through partnerships and collaboration with government and non-government organizations, we send a strong message that unity and support create a stable foundation for former rebels as they reintegrate into society,” he said.

Vestuir also assured the public that the military remains committed to protecting former rebels and urged active NPA members to surrender so they, too, could live a normal and peaceful life.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

ORMOC CITY-A heated argument between a farmer and a village visitor escalated into a violent hacking incident on February 27, in Barangay Caanibongan, Cabucgayan, Biliran.
Police identified the suspect as alias “Rico,” 31, a farmer and resident of the barangay, while the victim was alias “Joey,” 32, from Brgy. Julita.

Authorities responded to the scene after receiving a call from a concerned citizen. According to the initial investigation, the suspect and the victim were arguing over a personal matter when the suspect, in a fit of rage, grabbed a long-bladed weapon, locally known as a “sundang,” and attacked the victim, striking him on the right leg.

Despite his injury, the victim managed to escape and seek safety, while neighbors restrained the suspect until the police arrived.

The suspect was informed of his arrest and constitutional rights under the Miranda Doctrine in a language he understood. Meanwhile, the victim was taken to Biliran Provincial Hospital for medical treatment.

The suspect, along with the seized weapon, was brought to Cabucgayan Municipal Police Station for proper documentation and legal proceedings.

(ROBERT DEJON)

TACLOBAN CITY-The implementation of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) in Philippine schools has sparked ongoing debates among parents, church leaders, advocacy groups, and government agencies. While the Department of Education (DepEd) maintains that the program aims to teach students about responsible sexual behavior, gender identity, and protection from sexual violence, critics argue that discussions on sexuality should primarily be handled within the family.

For Cynthia Agner, a 46-year-old mother and public school teacher, the sensitive nature of the subject makes it a family responsibility rather than a school matter.

“I am not in favor of this sensitive issue being discussed first by people outside the family. There should be a collaborative effort between the family, health sector, and the government,” Agner told Leyte Samar Daily Express.

Similarly, Jing Rey Henderson, a mother and church worker, believes that parents should be the first educators when it comes to sexuality.

“Basic education on gender identity and sex should be handled first by parents. Even if it is for academic purposes, teachers should not take on this responsibility,” she argued.
Henderson also criticized the current implementation of CSE in schools, claiming that some teachers rely too much on modules, allowing students to interpret topics like virginity and safe sex on their own.

“This should not be. You don’t discuss sex in public unless we are adults,” she added.
The Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP), representing over 1,525 Catholic schools nationwide, has also expressed concerns, advocating for a more flexible approach to sexuality education.

“A one-size-fits-all curriculum may not address the diversity of the nation’s schools in terms of institutional, religious, and cultural contexts,” CEAP stated.

While the organization acknowledges the goal of preventing teenage pregnancies, it warned of potential overlaps with existing laws, such as Republic Act 10354 (Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act); Republic Act 9710 (Magna Carta of Women).

“Any reproductive health education program should allow flexibility, ensuring that schools can integrate faith-based perspectives while addressing students’ needs,” CEAP added.
As the debate intensifies, Education Secretary Sonny Angara has expressed openness to reviewing the CSE program and its alignment with Senate Bill 1979 (Anti-Adolescent Pregnancy Bill).

“We acknowledge the concerns regarding the current implementation of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) and a version of SBN 1979 (Teenage Pregnancy Bill). We are actively collaborating with various stakeholders, including health service providers and community organizations, to ensure that our programs are effective and culturally sensitive,” Angara stated in January 2025.

The introduction of sex education modules in Philippine schools was also driven by the alarming rise in HIV/AIDS infections among young people, particularly those aged 10 to 24.
With parents, religious groups, and policymakers still divided on how best to implement sexuality education, the future of CSE in Philippine schools remains uncertain.

RONALD O. REYES

TACLOBAN CITY – The Joint Task Force 8 – End Local Communist Armed Conflict (JTF8-ELCAC) has approved a resolution endorsing the proposed “unity road” project to the Regional Development Council (RDC) 8, aiming to boost connectivity and economic growth in Samar Island.

The meeting, presided over by Department of Education Secretary Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, JTF8-ELCAC chairperson, and Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security (CORDS) 8, was attended by key government officials, including Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan; Rep. Stephen James Tan of 1st district; 8th Infantry Division Commander MGen Adonis Ariel Orio; Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Assistant Regional Director Atty. Darwin Bibar; National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Assistant Regional Director Atty. Jam Colas, city and municipal mayors in Samar, and representatives from the Philippine National Police (PNP) 8, Philippine Coast Guard, and other member agencies.

The unity road is a flagship project proposed by the three governors of Samar Island to interconnect the provinces of Samar, Eastern Samar, and Northern Samar. It aims to open economic opportunities in interior communities; provide better and faster accessibility for motorists and farm products; improve emergency and disaster response; and address insurgency issues in the region

Five of the proposed road projects are in Samar province, including Matuguinao-Silvino Lobos Road; Matuguinao-Las Navas Road; Calbayog-Bobon Road; San Jose de Buan-Maslog Road; San Jose de Buan-Las Navas Road; and Calbiga-Borongan Road.

These roads have a total length of 181.17 kilometers and require an estimated budget of P11.19 billion.

Secretary Angara pledged his support in lobbying for the project’s funding at the national level, recognizing its importance in fostering economic growth and security.

Meanwhile, the RDC 8 also committed to helping the three Samar provinces by endorsing the project to relevant agencies to secure funding.

The Unity Road project is expected to transform Samar Island by improving connectivity, security, and development, paving the way for long-term progress in Eastern Visayas.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)