ORMOC CITY-The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Leyte 4th District Engineering Office (DEO) completes the construction of a multi-purpose facility in Barangay Juaton, Ormoc City, featuring a pump track, designed for skateboarding, cycling and other wheeled sports.

With a contract cost of P34,649,124.85, and covering an area of 1,300 square meters, the facility is packed with features meant for both recreational enjoyment and competitive events.

Among its amenities are male and female comfort rooms with electricity and water, a shaded canopy for viewers, and a landscaped area that adds to the overall aesthetic of the venue.

The pump track is expected to become a hub for sports competitions, attracting athletes, enthusiasts and spectators alike. This development promises to boost Ormoc City’s tourism and local economy as it opens opportunities for events that will bring increased foot traffic and business to Ormoc City. (PR)

ORMOC CITY-Two newly identified drug personalities were apprehended by the Station Drug Enforcement Team (SDET) of the local police during a buy-bust operation on December 6, at about 9:43 pm in Sitio Swerte, Barangay Natubgan, Kananga, Leyte.

The suspects were identified as alias “Mike,” 28, single, jobless, and a resident of Zone Saturn, Brgy. Montebello, Kananga, and alias “Philip,” 45, married, jobless, and a resident of Brgy. Cagbuhangin, Ormoc City.

Alias “Mike” was the primary target of the operation. Police reported that he frequently visited the area to distribute illegal drugs. During the buy-bust, authorities recovered one sachet of suspected shabu purchased for P500 by an undercover operative. A subsequent body search, conducted in the presence of mandatory witnesses, yielded:

Five additional sachets of suspected shabu concealed in a cigarette box, one marked P500 bill; and a bundle of cash amounting to P832 in various denominations.

Meanwhile, a body search of alias “Philip” resulted in the recovery of three sachets of suspected shabu, and A bundle of cash amounting to P221 in various denominations.

Both suspects admitted ownership of the confiscated illegal drugs during the operation.

The two are now facing charges for violations of Sections 5 (selling illegal drugs) and 11 (possession of illegal drugs) under Article II of RA 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. The charges were filed at the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office in Ormoc City.

The suspects are currently detained at the Kananga Municipal Police Station lock-up facility. (ROBERT DEJON)

Manila-From December 2 to 6, the United States Peace Corps, in collaboration with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), hosted its second workshop on Marine Protected Area (MPA) management in Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro. The event brought together 23 Peace Corps Volunteers, 47 local government partners, and 12 fisherfolk leaders from 24 communities across the Philippines to learn new strategies on marine protection.

The Philippines’ rich marine biodiversity faces a number of critical threats. To address this challenge, the workshop provided a platform for participants to exchange best practices in MPA management, explore strategies for managing interconnected MPAs, and to learn about biodiversity monitoring and assessment.

Participants also learned practical approaches to managing fisheries, new tools for studying marine life, and strategies for promoting a sustainable marine resource economy—methods designed to balance marine conservation with economic growth in coastal communities.

“Through this workshop, we have brought local communities together to build relationships and promote knowledge exchange needed to protect their marine resources and promote sustainable growth. By working together, we can build a brighter future for our oceans,” said Matthew Tully, Peace Corps Director for Program and Training.

This workshop also highlighted local success stories on MPA management, including Oriental Mindoro’s “STAR MPA Awards,” which celebrate community efforts in marine conservation. Puerto Galera showcased its environmental initiatives, emphasizing how a well-managed marine ecosystem can support livelihoods and boost the local economy. Field visits to marine and mangrove conservation areas in Oriental Mindoro also provided participants with valuable hands-on learning experiences.

“The United States counts the Philippines among its closest friends, partners, and allies, and that cooperation is very apparent in this workshop. I wish the participants the best of luck and utmost success in pushing forward these marine protection efforts in their respective communities,” said Ryder Rogers, Director of USAID’s Environment Office.

The Peace Corps is the U.S. government’s premier volunteer organization and has supported Filipino communities across the country for more than 60 years. Since 1961, over 9,300 Peace Corps Volunteers have worked alongside Filipino communities to support sustainable development and create lasting impacts nationwide.(PR)

CAMP VICENTE LUKBAN, Catbalogan City-Troops of the 46th Infantry Battalion of the 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, facilitated the burial of the killed New People’s Army(NPA) leader in Catbalogan City, Samar on December 16, 2024.

The killed rebel leader, identified as Artemio Solayao alias ‘Budil’, leader of Squad 2, Yakal Platoon, Sub-Regional Committee Browser, Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee. He was abandoned by his comrades at the encounter site on December 13, 2024.

Through the collaborative efforts of the government troops and the Samar Provincial Task Force – Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict or PTF-ELCAC, alias Budil was given a decent burial in Catbalogan City.

Alonso Solayao, the brother of alias Budil, expressed gratitude to the PTF-ELCAC and the government troops for the humane treatment, despite being the enemy of the state.
“Nagpapasalamat ako sa Philippine Army dahil kahit na siya’y kalaban, binigyan niyo pa rin siya ng desenteng libing. Mula sa Cawayan dinala pa nila dito, kanilang pinagsilbihan, ginastosan, pinamisahan para maging maayos ang kanyang kalagayan, kahit sa kabila ng pagiging kalaban siya ng gobyerno, trinato pa rin siya ng tama ng kasundalohan,” Solayao said.

Solayao also encouraged the remaining comrades of his brother to end their armed struggle.

“Hinihikayat ko kayo na magsurrender kasi wala talagang kayong magandang kinabukasan. Tingnan niyo ang nangyari sa kapatid ko, sa halos apatnapung taon niya [sa bundok] wala siyang nagawa. Hindi niya nakamit ang tinatawag na tagumpay. Kung nand’yan pa kayo sa taas, sana sumurrender na kayo para maging maayos na rin ang inyong pamumuhay, maging ng inyong mga pamilya,” Solayao stated.

Mayor Dexter Uy, the chairman of the City Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict of Catbalogan City, strongly condemned the continued atrocities perpetrated by the CTGs in Samar province.

“I know, we have a common goal, and that is to have a progressive community. Yes, we have societal problems that need to be solved, and we can only solve it through peaceful resolution. So, let us be united. Let us not add to the burden of our people by sowing terror in our community. Abandon the armed struggle and let us all together achieve peace and progress,” Mayor Uy expressed.

Lieutenant Colonel Rommel De Mesa, the commanding officer of the 46th Infantry Battalion, reiterated the government troops’ commitment to uphold basic human rights, even to the state’s adversaries.

“Though we considered them as enemies, we, in the AFP, we adhere to respecting the basic human rights and the rules of armed engagement. The government helps killed CTG member by giving decent burial, how much more to those who will choose to surrender and be back to the folds of the law,” Lt.Col. De Mesa stated.

Meanwhile, Major General Adonis Ariel Orio, renewed his call to the remaining CTGs to surrender and take advantage of the National Amnesty Program of the government.
“Take the opportunity of living a peaceful life – no more hiding and a life far from worries of being killed in an armed encounter. It is not yet too late, be with your family and become one of the government’s peace partners towards peace and development,” Maj.Gen.Orio emphasized.

He encouraged the remaining active CTGs to coordinate with their relatives or local chief executives to arrange their safe surrender and formalize their application for amnesty. (PR)

ORMOC CITY-A drinking session between friends turned violent when a heated argument led to a stabbing incident early morning on December 11, in Barangay Zone I, Sogod, Southern Leyte.

Police identified the suspect as alias “Marky,” 21, single, a college student, and a resident of Barangay Guinsangaan, Bontoc, Southern Leyte. The victim, known as “Rad,” 23, single, hails from Barangay San Isidro in Sogod.

According to the initial investigation, the two were drinking with classmates at a convenience store in the area when a disagreement over a road signage escalated into a heated argument. Tensions boiled over, and the suspect allegedly stabbed the victim twice in the left side of his stomach using a three-inch can opener knife.

The victim was immediately rushed to the Sogod District Hospital for medical attention, while the suspect fled the scene. Police apprehended the suspect during a hot-pursuit operation shortly after the incident.

The weapon used in the stabbing, along with the suspect, was brought to the Sogod Municipal Police Station for further investigation and proper disposition.

Authorities are preparing charges against the suspect. Meanwhile, the victim remains under medical care.
(ROBERT DEJON)

MANILA– On the evening of December 5th, ANTA PH gathered 20 current and former standout players from one of the Philippines’ most prestigious college basketball programs at Common Folk Cafe, Quezon City to celebrate the university’s homecoming weekend.
Each attendee was surprised with a pair of the ANTA KAI 1 in its newest “Blue Dynasty” colorway—a nod to their school’s colors and equally storied team history, the country’s very own blue dynasty.

The ANTA KAI 1 “Blue Dynasty” is inspired by Kyrie Irving’s days as a Blue Devil. Irving’s one-and-done stint in Durham, North Carolina for the 2010-2011 season showcased his raw mastery of scoring and ball handling. As one of the runner-ups for Freshman of the Year, Irving led his alma mater far into their campaign together; stirring up discussions of what could’ve been a blue dynasty if Irving had stayed rather than forgo his eligibility to go pro.

The shoe’s colorway is draped in his university’s away colors of black and blue with silver accents throughout; most notably on the iconic midsole placement of ANTA’s logo shining from the sneaker’s primarily analogous colors.

Similar to the blue hues of a certain university in the Philippines, the ANTA KAI 1 “Blue Dynasty” echoes the university’s rich basketball history and extensive roster of alumni, many of whom made significant waves on the local basketball scene as national and professional players.

Players from different eras of the program’s blue dynasties attended the exclusive semi-reunion and gathering. Current assistant coaches Sandy Arespacochanga and Gene Afable, and former coaching staff members Gabby Severino and Jean Alabanza all played for the squad in the 90s and were there to commemorate the launch.

Representing the late 90s to early 2000s era were former national team sensation and finals MVP Larry Fonacier, past season MVPs Rich Alvarez and Enrico Villanueva, and members Bajjie Del Rosario and Johan Uichico—who has since carved out a successful off-court career as a renowned radiologist.

Fonacier, known by many as the “Baby-faced Assassin” for the integral role he played as the national team sharpshooter, reminisced on the dynasty of his day and the unique bonds formed by athletes under the program.

“My favorite memory [as a player] is today, another memory we’ve created. We all know what happened before when we were on the court but, these new moments are so special. The simple gatherings, the coffees, the sharing stories, it’s amazing how a basketball game can make lifelong friends out of us from years before,” Fonacier happily shared.

Former national team representatives Poy Erram and Nico Salva, a two-time Finals MVP and current Team B head coach, were in attendance alongside Yuri Escueta, Justin Chua, Jai Reyes, Bacon Austria, Kirk Long, and Carlo Balmaceda. They all played significant roles in the university’s illustrious five-peat run from 2008 to 2012.

Ex-PBA pro turned league commissioner Jai Reyes joked that his most memorable moment as a member of the blue dynasty was when 2010 Finals MVP Ryan Buenafe drove the team bus to Subic, Zambales without the coaches’ knowledge.

He quickly shifted it and said: “In all seriousness, the teammates, the games, and the memories we made off-court are the most memorable moments.”

Anton Asistio and Raffy Verano, now PBA players and two members of the most recent three-peat dynasty from Season 80 to 82, rounded out the alumni guest list.

The ANTA KAI 1 “Blue Dynasty” was released in the Philippines on December 7th for a retail price of P7,995 and is available at select ANTA retail stores nationwide. (PR)