ORMOC CITY — A parked Toyota Deluxe Van was damaged by fire in Barangay 90, Payapay, San Jose in Tacloban City on Tuesday morning, January 6, with investigators pointing to an overheated power bank as the possible cause.

The fire broke out at around 9:46 a.m. and involved a white Toyota Deluxe Van registered to alias “Neta” and driven by alias “Naldo,” a resident of Barangay 110, Utap, Tacloban City.
Personnel from Police Station 2 of the Tacloban City Police Office immediately responded to the incident. By the time authorities arrived, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) had already brought the fire under control, which was declared out at around 9:50 a.m.

Based on the driver’s account, the van had been parked along the roadside near a coconut (“buko”) stall while he was taking a short rest. Moments later, the vehicle suddenly caught fire, prompting him to seek help from nearby residents to prevent the flames from spreading.

The driver sustained minor injuries during the incident and was given first aid by medics from the Tacloban City Rescue Unit (TACRU).

Further investigation by BFP fire investigators revealed that the blaze may have been caused by a power bank left unattended inside the vehicle, which reportedly overheated.
Authorities estimated the damage to the van at around P100,000.

Police reminded motorists to avoid leaving electronic devices inside vehicles, especially during daytime, as extreme heat can trigger fires.

(ROBERT DEJON)

In Eastern Samar

TACLOBAN CITY — Eastern Samar Governor Ralph Vincent “RV” Evardone has ordered the Philippine National Police (PNP) in the province to strengthen and heighten security measures in the town of Oras following the killing of a village official earlier this week.
Gov. Evardone said he directed authorities to increase police presence in Oras and to establish regular checkpoints to prevent similar incidents and ensure public safety.

He also instructed barangay officials to activate their barangay tanod units to assist law enforcers in maintaining peace and order in their respective communities.

The governor appealed for public understanding, saying the tighter security measures are being implemented for the safety of residents and the overall peace and security of the province.

“Hopefully, you will understand why we tightened the security. This is for your safety and for the peace and security of the province,” Evardone said in a video message posted on his Facebook account.

The security alert followed the killing of Barangay Tiguib chairman Arnel Montallana, 56, who was stabbed to death on January 6, 2026. Police identified the suspect as Erick Lorot, 45, a resident of Barangay Butnga in the same town.

Montallana sustained multiple stab wounds and was declared dead on arrival at Oras Doctors Hospital. The suspect was immediately arrested by police in a hot pursuit operation.

Authorities said an investigation is ongoing to determine the motive behind the killing.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

ORMOC CITY– A sitting barangay chairman was killed in a stabbing attack in Barangay Tiguib here on Tuesday morning, January 6, in an incident that has shocked the local community and prompted a swift police response.

The victim, Arnel Montallana, 56, married, and the incumbent barangay chairman Tiguib, was declared dead on arrival at Oras Doctor’s Hospital after sustaining multiple stab wounds. Police identified the suspect as Erick Lorot, 45, unemployed and single, a resident of the same barangay.

According to a report from the Oras Municipal Police Station (MPS) to the Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8), the stabbing occurred at around 7:50 a.m. A concerned resident alerted police, prompting responding officers to rush to the area.

Upon arrival, police found the barangay chairman lying bloodied on the side of the road with visible stab wounds. He was immediately rushed by an Emergency Response Team to the hospital but was pronounced dead by the attending physician.

Initial police investigation revealed that the victim had just brought his wife to their store in Barangay Tiguib and was on his way home aboard his motorcycle. While passing through an intersection about 40 meters from his residence, he was suddenly attacked by the suspect, who allegedly used a short-bladed weapon locally known as a “dipang,” stabbing the victim in various parts of his body.

Police said the victim managed to dismount his motorcycle and attempt to seek help, but the suspect chased him and stabbed him again, inflicting a fatal wound to the chest.
The suspect fled on foot toward the mountainous area of Barangay Camanga, but a hot pursuit operation conducted by the police led to his arrest at an isolated house owned by his younger brother in the same area.

Authorities said the suspect was informed of the nature of his arrest and apprised of his constitutional rights in a language he understood. He was brought, along with the weapon used in the incident, to the Oras MPS for proper disposition as police continue their investigation to determine the motive behind the attack.

(ROBERT DEJON)