TACLOBAN CITY – In response to the Northern Samar provincial government’s order restricting the movement of pigs and pork meat products, several local government units (LGUs) have also issued executive orders limiting the transport of these products in their respective areas.

The move comes after reports of increased swine mortalities in the towns of Las Navas, Laoang, and Catubig following last month’s consecutive flooding.

A confirmed case of African Swine Fever (ASF) in Las Navas prompted the Provincial Veterinary Office to recommend that Governor Edwin Ongchuan issue an order to curb the movement of pigs and pork meat products.

Following Executive Order No. 25-02-01, signed on February 10, 2025, which mandates the establishment of quarantine checkpoints in affected municipalities and the activation of ‘Bantay ASF sa Barangay’, the local governments of Laoang and Palapag issued their own executive orders restricting the entry of pigs and pork meat products.

In Laoang, Mayor Hector Ong ordered the establishment of ASF checkpoints at all entry and exit points, including Barangays Oleras, Buraud, Calomotan, Aguadahan, and Doña Luisa. These checkpoints are manned by personnel from the municipal agriculture office, Laoang Municipal Police Station, and barangay officials.

Live pigs or hogs may only be transported into Laoang if accompanied by the following documents: barangay certification confirming ownership and place of origin; veterinary health certificate from an LGU-licensed veterinarian; livestock inspection certificate; local shipping permit; handler’s license; and transport carrier registration certificate.

For pork meat products, transporters must present a meat inspection certificate issued by the LGU and an official receipt from a meat stall or meat shop.

In Palapag, Mayor Florence Batula Jr. ordered all barangay officials to activate their respective Barangay ASF Task Force and Barangay Biosecurity Officers to ensure that the municipality remains ASF-free.

Palapag, which borders Laoang, has two main entry points: Pangpang-Calomotan, accessible by boat, and Simora-Palapag Road.

To further strengthen ASF prevention, the Palapag Sangguniang Bayan passed an ordinance prescribing guidelines and precautionary measures to prevent the possible spread of the disease in their municipality.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY – The House of Representatives has approved on third and final reading a bill establishing a state-owned college of medicine under the Eastern Samar State University (ESSU) in Borongan City.

House Bill No. 11342, authored by Minority Leader and 4Ps party-list Rep. Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan, aims to make medical education more accessible, especially to students from low-income families.

“Once the new state-subsidized college of medicine is established, we expect it to provide opportunities for aspiring doctors, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds,” Libanan said in a statement.

He also emphasized that the medical school would help address the shortage of doctors, particularly in rural and underserved areas like Eastern Samar.

Although a lawyer by profession, Libanan holds a degree in medical technology.
A native of Eastern Samar, he previously represented the province’s lone congressional district for nine years before joining the 4Ps party-list.

Libanan had previously urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to certify as urgent at least nine House bills seeking to establish additional medical schools in state universities.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

ORMOC CITY– A notorious criminal gang member was killed in an alleged shootout with authorities while his live-in partner was arrested for illegal drug possession during a search warrant operation at dawn on Thursday, February 20, in Barangay Balud, Calbayog City.
The suspect, identified as Annex Sabar, alias “Nex,” 31, a construction worker and former detainee, was a known member of the Magbutay Criminal Gang and a high-value individual (HVI) in law enforcement’s drug watchlist.

His partner, identified as alias “Alyssa” or “Lalay,” 27, was also present during the raid.
At around 5 am, joint police operatives arrived at the suspect’s residence to serve a search warrant for violation of Section 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act).

The warrant was issued by Judge Maricar Lucero, Executive Judge of RTC-8, Calbayog City.
Upon arrival, police knocked on the door, identified themselves, and read the warrant. However, instead of complying, Sabar allegedly grabbed his 12-gauge shotgun, loaded it, and opened fire on the officers. In response, police forced entry and engaged the suspect, fatally shooting him in the exchange of gunfire.

Sabar was immediately rushed by Calbayog City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) personnel to Calbayog District Hospital, but he was pronounced dead on arrival at 5:20 am by his attending physician.

During the operation, alias “Alyssa” was searched in the presence of some witnesses. Although no weapons were found in her possession, authorities seized a plastic sachet containing a white crystalline substance suspected to be shabu.

She was immediately arrested, informed of her offense, and apprised of her constitutional rights under the Miranda Doctrine in a language she understood.

The Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) processed the area and recovered one 12 shotgun with three live rounds and one spent shell; .45 caliber pistol loaded with six live rounds and one spent shell; one replica short firearm pistol; two sachets of suspected shabu; one 12-gauge empty shell; three .45 caliber fired cartridge cases; and two 9mm fired cartridge cases

At the hospital, SOCO also conducted a bodily search on Sabar’s cadaver, leading to the recovery of two more sachets of suspected shabu; and P2,908 in cash in different denominations.

Charges for illegal drug possession (Section 11, RA 9165) were filed against alias “Alyssa,” who is now detained at the Calbayog City Police Station lock-up facility.

(ROBERT DEJON)