TACLOBAN CITY – Fifty-two newly trained soldiers, including one female, joined the Army force in Eastern Visayas, which continue to grapple with insurgency problem.

The new soldiers completed a rigorous 45-day Infantry Orientation Training (INFOT) at Camp Eugenio Daza, Barangay Fatima, Hinabangan, Samar. The training, which began on January 6 and concluded on February 19, prepared them for deployment to various battalions under the 8ID to enhance the unit’s operational readiness.

INFOT is designed to equip newly enlisted soldiers with the skills, knowledge, and discipline required to become effective members of an Infantry Squad and Fire Team.

The progressive course prepares them for various Army operations, including combat and peacekeeping missions.

In his message, Colonel Luzelito Betinol, Assistant Chief of Staff for Education and Training, underscored the significance of the training, emphasizing that the new privates were not only prepared for combat but also for a mission vital to ensuring lasting peace and sustainable development in the region.

“We are in a crucial phase of our campaign to end insurgency. Every action you take will help secure a better future for the people here, a future they truly deserve. The work ahead will not be easy, but the impact you make will resonate for generations,” said Betinol, who represented 8ID Commander Major General Adonis Ariel Orio.

He also challenged the new soldiers to uphold the values instilled in them during their training.

“You are fulfilling a responsibility much greater than yourselves, and we expect nothing less than your best. The people depend on you, and we, your fellow Stormtroopers, will stand with you in accomplishing this mission,” he added.

The newly graduated privates will be deployed to the 13 battalions under the 8ID, reinforcing its efforts to maintain security and stability in Eastern Visayas.

The Philippine Army in the region has vowed to eradicate insurgency in Eastern Visayas, particularly on Samar Island, before the end of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s term.

(ROBERT DEJON, LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) announced the implementation of its enhanced benefits for Extracapsular Cataract Extraction with Insertion of Intraocular Lens (IOL) covering both adult and pediatric surgeries, effective January 30, 2025.

This initiative is aligned with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to continually improve and sustain healthcare benefits being provided by the state health insurer, ensuring adequate financial support to patients seeking medical treatment.

Based on PhilHealth Circular 2025-0001 published on January 15, 2025, benefits for adult cataract surgery have significantly increased by more than fourfold, with financial support starting at P20,200. Coverage varies depending on the type of lens used, with procedures involving a monofocal IOL or standard lens at P28,300 per eye. Premium lenses such as monofocal toric IOL that provides clear vision at one specific distance while correcting astigmatism are covered for P43,800 per eye, a multifocal IOL that helps see both near and far objects at P66,900 per eye, and multifocal toric IOL that corrects astigmatism and multiple viewing distances at P80,900 for the right eye.

Meanwhile, pediatric cataract surgery coverage has seen an unprecedented increase of tenfold, with benefits reaching up to P135,000 per eye and P139,050 for both eyes. If an intraocular lens (IOL) is included, coverage is at P179,000 per eye and P187,100 for both eyes.

Previously, PhilHealth pays for cataract extraction at P16,000 per eye with no differentiation between adult and pediatric cases.

To ensure timely and uninterrupted healthcare services, the state health insurer reminds all accredited healthcare facilities to maintain minimum stock levels of intraocular lenses, essential eye medications, life-saving drugs, IV fluids, and necessary supplies to avoid unwarranted out-of-pocket from outside purchases and services.

This notable increase in coverage for cataract extraction is expected to help reduce preventable blindness and improve the quality of life of Filipinos suffering from this type of eye condition.

In 2024, PhilHealth has disbursed a total of P3.58 billion for 224,209 cataract removal procedures. (PR)

No poll-related cases reported so far

TACLOBAN CITY– The Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8), under the leadership of PB/Gen. Jay Cumigad, has successfully maintained peace and order across Eastern Visayas, reporting zero election-related incidents (ERIs) during the ongoing enforcement of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) gun ban.

Based on the latest Regional Election Monitoring Action Center (REMAC) Accumulated Report, covering the period from January 12 to February 18, 2025, authorities conducted various operations, including checkpoints, police responses, buy-bust operations, and other law enforcement activities, leading to the confiscation of firearms and ammunition.

A total of 23 small arms, one light weapon (Magpul 5.56mm rifle), two additional deadly weapons (an improvised “sumpak” and marble gun), and 349 rounds of ammunition were seized, along with five explosive devices and other ordnance.

Meanwhile, 27 individuals were apprehended, including 25 civilians, a member of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and a security guard.

To reinforce security, PRO 8 set up more than 12,700 Comelec checkpoints across Eastern Visayas, covering strategic areas, border control points, mobile and spot checkpoints, and joint PNP-AFP checkpoints.

These efforts have contributed to the effective enforcement of the gun ban, with additional measures such as 125 firearms surrendered and 103 deposited for safekeeping.

Highlighting the success of these efforts, Cumigad emphasized the importance of maintaining order throughout the ongoing election process, stating, “Despite the multiple operations and arrests, no election-related incidents have been recorded. PRO 8 remains committed to ensuring a safe electoral process by preventing illegal firearm possession and election-related violence.”

He further emphasized the importance of public cooperation, “With continued law enforcement presence and the support of the community, we remain vigilant in safeguarding the integrity of the elections. We urge citizens to report any suspicious activities to help maintain peace and security throughout the election period,” he added.
All arrested individuals are currently under police custody while charges were filed against them in relation to their violations of the Comelec gun ban and other relevant laws.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA, ROBERT DEJON)