CATARMAN,Northern Samar-The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Northern Samar First District Engineering Office (NSFDEO) is currently undertaking the construction of a vital road in Brgy. Macagtas, Catarman, Northern Samar.
The project amounting to P19.78 million, involves the construction of a 360-meter-length concrete road, which includes embankment and slope protection structure reinforced box culvert and concrete median.
The newly constructed road will serve as an alternate route for Catarman Diversion Road II, which is struggling to accommodate the increasing volume of vehicles in the area.
District Engineer Alvin A. Ignacio expressed optimism about the project’s impact.
“When this road project is complete, motorists will have easy access from Barangay Molave to Barangay Narra where the Catarman Public Market is located. This development aims to ease traffic congestion and provide a more efficient transport route for motorists.”
DPWH-NSFDEO anticipates Phase 2 of the project, the road will be expanded to four lanes to further enhance its capacity. Additionally, plans are underway to build a mini park along the road section, offering a recreational space for the community and adding aesthetic value to the area.
Once completed, the road will provide easier access and improve mobility between two Barangays, benefiting both locals and motorists.(PR)
SANTA CLAUS HAS COME TO TOWN. The Christmas spirit has arrived in Northern Samar with the opening of the Pasko Village at the provincial capitol compound on November 9. A major attraction is none other than Santa Claus himself, featured in his sleigh.
(THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF NORTHERN SAMAR)
SANTA CLAUS HAS COME TO TOWN. The Christmas spirit has arrived in Northern Samar with the opening of the Pasko Village at the provincial capitol compound on November 9. A major attraction is none other than Santa Claus himself, featured in his sleigh. (THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF NORTHERN SAMAR)
In her 1st court appearance
TACLOBAN CITY-After more than four years in detention, Frenchie Mae Cumpio appeared in court for the first time on Monday, November 11, denying allegations that she and her co-accused possessed firearms and used a hideout.
Cumpio, 25, gave more than an hour of testimony before Judge Georgina Perez of Regional Trial Court-Branch 45 in Tacloban City, asserting her role as a practicing community journalist.
She is one of the “Tacloban 5,” charged with illegal possession of firearms and explosives by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG). Cumpio also faces a separate charge of terrorism financing, all of which are non-bailable offenses.
Cumpio and her co-accused—Mariel Domequil, who was also around; Marissa Cabaljao, Mira Legion, and Alexander Philip Abinguna—were arrested on February 7, 2020, by members of the CIDG, Philippine National Police, and 802nd Infantry Brigade in Barangay 96, Calanipawan, Tacloban City.
The arrest warrant was issued by Judge Eligio Petilla of RTC-44 on February 3, 2020.
The group contends that the raid occurred at their headquarters, which authorities referred to as their “hideout.” Several firearms and ammunition were reportedly seized during the operation.
Cumpio, Domequil, and Abinguna remain detained at Tacloban City Jail, while Cabaljao and Legion were permitted to post bail for charges of illegal possession of firearms.
During her testimony, Cumpio, wearing a yellow T-shirt and vest, recounted how the raiding officers dragged them from their bedroom and made them lie on the kitchen floor.
“All we saw were boots,” she stated when asked by her lawyer if she could observe the actions of the raiding officers inside their room. The alleged contraband was reportedly found in the room shared by Cumpio and Domequil.
Cumpio refuted military claims, emphasizing that she is a legitimate media worker affiliated with Eastern Vista, which runs a radio program on a local station.
Through her lawyers, she presented her media ID and receipts for payment to the radio station airing their program “Lingganay.”
Len Olea, secretary-general of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), commended Cumpio’s testimony, stating, “She was able to debunk the allegations against her and her co-accused. We are confident that her testimony is crucial for the dismissal of the charges.”
“We hope the judge will see the truth and dispense justice in her favor,” Olea added, who was present during the hearing.
The incident took place during the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte who was accused of red tagging various human rights groups in the country.
Multiple human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have called for the dismissal of charges against Cumpio and her co-accused, describing them as fabricated and meant to silence human rights defenders.
Beh Lih Yi, Asia Program Coordinator of the Committee to Protect Journalists, also urged the dismissal of charges, saying, “Journalists should not be persecuted for doing their job. They must not languish in jail for uncovering human rights abuses or reporting on climate-driven disasters. Ms. Cumpio’s prolonged imprisonment is emblematic of the criminalization of journalism in the Philippines, which has no place in a democratic society.”
The military has claimed that Cumpio and her group are linked to militant organizations alleged to be fronts of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army.
They identified Cumpio as secretary of the Regional White Area Committee (RWAC-EVRPC), Domequil as a member of RWAC-EVRPC and finance officer of the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines-Eastern Visayas, Abinguna as a member of Katungod-Sinirangan Bisayas, Legion as a member of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, and Cabaljao as part of People Surge.
TACLOBAN CITY-Northern Samar has taken a significant step towards expanding its renewable energy capacity with the groundbreaking of a new 3.18-megawatt hydroelectric power plant in Barangay Happy Valley, San Isidro on Nov. 9.
The ceremony, led by Governor Edwin Ongchuan, signals the start of a project that aims to benefit local communities and enhance the province’s renewable energy portfolio.
The hydroelectric plant is a collaborative effort between Energy & Building Applications Technologies Corporation (EBATECH) and the Northern Samar Electric Cooperative (Norsamelco). It forms a crucial part of Northern Samar’s ambition to establish itself as the green energy capital of the Philippines.
This initiative also reflects the success of the Provincial Government’s investment strategies, which have drawn several major projects to the region.
Among these is the newly introduced Green Lane, which streamlines the business permits and licensing process, making Northern Samar an attractive destination for investors.
During the ceremony, Governor Ongchuan emphasized the pivotal role of renewable energy in the province’s sustainable development goals. He highlighted the hydroelectric plant and other ongoing green energy projects as examples of Northern Samar’s commitment to fostering clean energy investments.
EBATECH, a leading player in energy and building technologies with 17 years of experience, has already contributed to 375 MW of renewable energy projects and 535 MVA in substation projects nationwide.
The San Isidro hydroelectric plant is the latest addition to its expanding portfolio, utilizing advanced hydropower technology to tap into the region’s natural water resources.
Upon completion, the plant will integrate directly into Norsamelco’s distribution system, bypassing transmission costs and reducing power rates for local consumers by P0.4482 per kilowatt-hour.
Half of the revenue generated by the project will be allocated to lowering distribution fees, while the remaining portion will be used to enhance NORSAMELCO’s service delivery. (ROEL T. AMAZONA)
CAMPAIGN AGAINST NPA. The newly-minted commanding general of the 8th Infantry Division, Major Gen. Adonis Ariel Orio, has pledged to eradicate the region’s insurgency problem.
(PHOTO COURTESY)
CAMPAIGN AGAINST NPA. The newly-minted commanding general of the 8th Infantry Division, Major Gen. Adonis Ariel Orio, has pledged to eradicate the region’s insurgency problem. (PHOTO COURTESY)
TACLOBAN CITY-Major General Adonis Ariel Orio, the newly appointed commander of the 8th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, has vowed to bring a decisive end to the insurgency problem in Eastern Visayas.
Orio made this commitment during the change-of-command ceremony on November 7, 2024, at the 8ID headquarters in Catbalogan City, Samar, where he succeeded Brigadier General Perfecto Peñaredondo, who was holding the post in an acting capacity.
Peñaredondo returned to his post as the division’s assistant commanding general and is set to retire March 12, 2025.
In his address, Maj. Gen. Orio underscored his resolve to achieve a decisive victory against insurgency through adherence to the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ strategies.
He stressed that while military operations are crucial, collaboration with civil society, local government leaders, peace partners, and the community is equally important.
“I strongly believe that we cannot solve our longstanding insurgency problem through military solutions alone. A proactive and effective whole-of-nation approach is essential to achieving our goal,” Major Gen. Orio said.
He also urged his troops to carry out their duties with dedication and integrity, noting that public trust is a critical factor in fostering peace and community development.
The ceremony, presided over by Major General Leodevic Guinid, acting commanding general of the Philippine Army, highlighted the trust placed in Orio’s leadership.
“Your success in diminishing the influence of the CPP-NPA-NDF during your time at the 4th Infantry Division showcases your strategic expertise and dedication to ending the Communist Terrorist Group,” Maj. Gen. Guinid remarked.
Major Gen. Orio is a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Tanglaw-Diwa” Class of 1992. (LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
TACLOBAN CITY—Senatorial aspirant Ben Tulfo dismissed accusations that he and his siblings, including Erwin Tulfo and other family members, are establishing a political dynasty as they prepare to run in next year’s midterm elections.
“Dynasty refers to someone having a stronghold or bailiwick, which we don’t have,” Tulfo stated during an interview on Saturday, Nov.9.
He was in Tacloban City to attend the commemoration of the 11th anniversary of Super Typhoon ‘Yolanda’, upon the invitation of Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez.
“We can’t be considered a dynasty; we don’t have any bailiwicks. Our origin is media; we are journalists,” Tulfo said in Filipino.
Addressing criticism, Tulfo emphasized the different roles he and his siblings have taken in public service.
“For those who say ‘there are too many of you,’ we each have our own focus. I, Ben Tulfo, see a lot of gray areas in our laws. Raffy is more involved in public service and domestic violence issues. Erwin focuses on the Department of Social Welfare and Development. We are not a united front in one area,” he explained.
Aside from Ben, his brother Erwin is also running for a senatorial seat. Meanwhile, their brother, Raffy Tulfo, is already an incumbent senator.
Other members of the Tulfo family participating in the May 2025 elections include their sister, former tourism secretary Wanda Teo, who is the first nominee of the party-list group Ang Turismo, with her son, Robert, as the third nominee.
Additionally, Senator Raffy Tulfo’s wife, ACT-CIS Representative Jocelyn Tulfo, and their son, Quezon City Representative Ralph Tulfo, Jr., are both seeking reelection.
Ben Tulfo attributes their strong survey ratings to their longstanding reputations as hard-hitting journalists dedicated to assisting the oppressed and underprivileged.
According to the latest Pulse Survey conducted from September 6 to 13, Erwin Tulfo topped the senatorial preference list with a 60.8% rating, followed by Ben with 49.6%. Both are running as independent candidates.
“Maybe people haven’t forgotten our time in the media,” Tulfo remarked.
When asked about those opposing their candidacies, Ben quickly responded that their critics are simply envious of their popularity.
“Those who say such things are just envious. Is it wrong for the three of us to run, seeking to fill needs? If we are rejected, the people will be the judge,” he said. (JOEY A. GABIETA)
TACLOBAN CITY– The island municipality of Maripipi in Biliran province will soon have its own municipal fire station.
The construction of the P10 million fire station facility, located within the municipal government compound, began in September and is expected to be completed by June next year.
Mayor Joseph Caingcoy expressed that having a fire station has been one of his key priorities since he assumed office.
“Having a fire station is mandated by law. Even though our town is peaceful and has never experienced a fire incident, as a responsible local chief executive, it has always been my vision to establish a fire station to help prevent and respond to such incidents,” Mayor Caingcoy stated.
Maripipi, one of the eight municipalities in Biliran, is an island town located more than 30 minutes away by motorboat from the town of Kawayan. It has 13 villages connected by a 20-kilometer circumferential road.
Although Maripipi currently lacks a fire station, two fire personnel have been deployed and will be joined by an additional five to six personnel once construction is completed. These firefighters have been actively conducting fire safety awareness programs and drills with local volunteers.
“Each barangay is trained and informed about fire safety,” Mayor Caingcoy added.
One of the volunteers, Robert Vicente, a ‘habal-habal’ driver, expressed his gratitude for the new fire station, noting that fire personnel are not only crucial in fire incidents but also in disaster rescue operations.
“Having a fire station is very important to us. It will be a big help during fires and even when there are storms,” Vicente shared.
According to the Bureau of Fire Protection, Maripipi is one of the municipalities in Eastern Visayas without a fire station, along with other island towns. (ROEL T.AMAZONA)
