TACLOBAN CITY – Eastern Samar Governor Ben Evardone has officiated the blessing of the newly constructed Oras District Hospital (ODH) building.

The P20-million facility was realized through the assistance of Senator Jinggoy Estrada, following a request from Evardone.

In his speech during the occasion on Dec.19, Gov. Evardone reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing quality healthcare to Eastern Samareños, emphasizing his banner slogan, “Aton Probinsya, Tawo Iton Una” (Our Province, Our People First).

The new facility features essential hospital services, including an emergency room, out-patient consultation area, ODH pharmacy and HealthPlus, Malasakit Center, laboratory, dental clinic, and X-ray room.

With the expanded hospital, ODH is set to serve approximately 37,000 residents from Oras and nearby municipalities.

“With this expansion, we will be able to deliver even better quality healthcare services to our clients,” said Dr. Tasha Anne Bianes, Chief of Hospital at ODH.

The hospital administration expects the new building to be fully operational by 2025.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

PALOMPON, Leyte – Four individuals were apprehended by the Station Drug Enforcement Team of the local police during a buy-bust operation at around 12:04 am on Monday, December 16, in Brgy. Ipil 1 in this municipality.

The suspects were identified as alias “Bajan,” 34; alias “Nero,” 53; alias “Butete,” 32; and alias “Bogart,” 37. All are married, unemployed, and residents of Brgy. Ipil.

The target of the operation was alias “Bajan,” and recovered from his possession was one sachet containing white crystalline substances suspected to be shabu, which was sold to an operative for P500. During a subsequent body search, in the presence of law-mandated witnesses, authorities recovered a candy container that held two additional sachets of the same suspected substance, as well as a P500 bill which had been pre-marked for the operation.

During the body searches of the other three suspects, authorities recovered four more sachets of the same suspected substance.

Charges for violations of Sections 5 (selling illegal drugs) and 11 (possession of illegal drugs) of Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, have been filed against the suspects. They are currently detained at the Palompon Municipal Police Station’s lock-up cell.

(ROBERT DEJON)

ORMOC CITY– A river sand hauler became the latest drug suspect apprehended by the Station Drug Enforcement Team (SDET) of the Ormoc City Police Station during a buy-bust operation at around 1:00 am on December 17, in District 26, Brgy. North of this city.
Captain Flora Mae Molina, chief of police of the Ormoc City Police Station 1, said that the suspect was identified as alias “Jonas,” 27, a river sand hauler, resident of District 26, Brgy. West, and living with a partner.

Recovered from his possession was one sachet containing a white crystalline substance suspected to be shabu, which was sold to an operative for P500.

During a body search, conducted in the presence of law-mandated witnesses, authorities found a matchbox labeled “Fuego” in his right pocket.

Upon opening the matchbox, five more sachets containing the same suspected substance were discovered. A further search revealed a P500 bill which was pre-marked as court-subscribed money for the operation.

The suspect admitted to becoming involved in illegal drugs after his children were hospitalized for pneumonia.

He claimed that his income from hauling sand at Anilao River was insufficient, especially since extracting sand from the river is illegal. He said a friend had enticed him into selling shabu, and he felt compelled to join.

(ROBERT DEJON)

TACLOBAN CITY – Two former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) from Borongan City and Pinabacdao, Samar, have received financial assistance under the Local Social Integration Program (LSIP), marking a significant step in their reintegration into society.

The former rebels, identified as alias “Eta,” secretary and political instructor of the Apoy Platoon under the Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Sesame of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC), and alias “Ina,” squad leader of Squad 2, Apoy Platoon, were each granted P50,000 by the city government of Borongan. Additionally, the local government unit (LGU) of Pinabacdao provided them with P10,000 each.

The LSIP is a key government initiative aimed at assisting former rebels in their transition back to civilian life. It provides livelihood support, basic provisions, and financial aid to address their urgent needs. The program also fosters trust and cooperation with NPA families, encouraging others to lay down arms and rejoin society peacefully.

During the awarding ceremony, the two beneficiaries expressed heartfelt gratitude to the 78th Infantry Battalion and the LGUs of Borongan and Pinabacdao for their unwavering support.

They acknowledged the financial assistance as vital to rebuilding their lives and credited the LGUs and military for guiding them in reintegrating into mainstream society.

“Your encouragement and support have shown us that change is possible and that we all have a role to play in building a brighter future for our families and communities,” the former rebels said.

Lt.Col. Joseph Bugaoan, acting commanding officer of the 78th Infantry Battalion, commended the LGUs for their continuous support in ending local armed conflicts and assisting former rebels.

“This assistance not only symbolizes the government’s sincere intention to help those who want to change their lives for the better but also reinforces our collective pursuit of peace and development in Eastern Samar and Samar,” he said.

The initiative demonstrates the government’s commitment to fostering peace and stability in conflict-affected areas while providing hope for former insurgents seeking a new beginning.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)