TACLOBAN CITY — Tingog party-list Representative Jude Acidre has expressed deep concern over the conviction of 13 Filipino women in Cambodia, who were sentenced to prison for their involvement in an illegal surrogacy operation.
Tingog party-list Representative Jude Acidre
Acidre called for a thorough investigation into whether these women could be victims of human trafficking, particularly under the United Nations’ definition, which includes exploitation through deception or coercion.
“This matter is being closely studied, as there is a possibility that our countrymen were targeted by a deliberate scheme,” Acidre said, emphasizing the importance of understanding the situation fully and its broader implications.
The representative also assured the public that Philippine authorities, including the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), are working with Cambodian officials to ensure due process and protect the rights of the affected Filipinas.
TACLOBAN CITY – Former New People’s Army (NPA) rebels from various towns in Samar province have received livelihood assistance from national government agencies as part of efforts to support their reintegration into society.
In San Jose de Buan and Calbiga towns, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) distributed sari-sari store packages under its Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa (PPG) Program. This initiative aims to empower former rebels to transition to self-sufficiency and productivity, offering not just economic tools but also symbols of hope and progress.
In Calbiga, 146 former rebels were provided with sari-sari store packages and livelihood assistance for rice trading, food processing, bolo-making, barber shops, and agrivet supplies. The distribution was a collaborative effort between the municipal government of Calbiga and the 46th Infantry Battalion.
Similarly, 17 former rebels in San Jose de Buan received sari-sari store packages during a turnover ceremony at the 87th Infantry Battalion camp in Poblacion 2. Soldiers from the 87th Infantry Battalion who were wounded in action (WIA) also benefited from the DTI’s livelihood program.
Meanwhile, in Motiong town, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) conducted interviews with 12 former rebels to assess their eligibility for livelihood grants.
These grants are part of the government’s broader reintegration program, which seeks to provide former insurgents with the necessary resources to rebuild their lives, contribute to their communities, and promote lasting peace in the region.
The support provided reflects the government’s commitment to helping former rebels reintegrate successfully and positively impact their communities.
SLOPE PROTECTION. A P95.77 million worth slope protection was built by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Leyte 2nd District Engineering Office along a portion of the Daguitan River in Barangay Poblacion District IX, Burauen town to prevent soil erosion.(L2DEO)
SLOPE PROTECTION. A P95.77 million worth slope protection was built by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Leyte 2nd District Engineering Office along a portion of the Daguitan River in Barangay Poblacion District IX, Burauen town to prevent soil erosion.(L2DEO)
TACLOBAN CITY — To mitigate the impact of heavy rains that cause significant damage to lives and properties, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Leyte 2nd District Engineering Office has completed a slope protection structure along a portion of the Daguitan River in Barangay Poblacion District IX, Burauen town.
District Engineer Leo Edward Oppura reported that the project spans 631.60 linear meters with a height of 5.80 meters and was completed with a budget of P95.77 million.
“This project will prevent erosion and slope failure, which can damage infrastructure and endanger people. The district office recognizes the importance of continually building slope protection structures in the area,” he said.
Flood control structures along river basins safeguard riverbanks from further soil erosion. During heavy rains, rising water levels and strong currents can erode the riverbanks, posing risks to nearby communities and infrastructure.
The Daguitan River, one of the largest streams in Burauen, traverses the southern part of the town, including the town area.
The project is funded under the DPWH-CY 2024 General Appropriations Act through the flood management program—construction/rehabilitation of flood mitigation facilities within major river basins and principal rivers. It was undertaken by Fairchild Builders and Developers, Inc., with work commencing on February 26, 2024, and completion expected by December 2024.
RECOGNITION. The provincial government of Northern Samar was awarded the Gawad Parangal by the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) for its campaign to help eliminate its insurgency problem, notably putting up the Kauswagan Village for former rebels. B/Gen. Efren Morados received the award, held on Dec. 6, 803rd commanding officer, representing Gov. Edwin Ongchuan. Present during the event were Undersecretary Ernesto Torres, NTF-ELCAC executive director; National Security Adviser Eduardo Año; and Special Assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo, representing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (PHOTO COURTESY)
RECOGNITION. The provincial government of Northern Samar was awarded the Gawad Parangal by the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) for its campaign to help eliminate its insurgency problem, notably putting up the Kauswagan Village for former rebels. B/Gen. Efren Morados received the award, held on Dec. 6, 803rd commanding officer, representing Gov. Edwin Ongchuan. Present during the event were Undersecretary Ernesto Torres, NTF-ELCAC executive director; National Security Adviser Eduardo Año; and Special Assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo, representing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (PHOTO COURTESY)
TACLOBAN CITY – The provincial government of Northern Samar has been recognized with the 2024 Gawad Parangal Award by the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).
The award was presented during the task force’s 6th founding anniversary celebration at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on December 6, 2024.
The recognition highlights Northern Samar’s exceptional efforts in fostering peace and development within its communities.
Governor Edwin Ongchuan, in a statement, attributed the award to the collective dedication of the province’s government and its stakeholders.
“This award affirms our unwavering commitment to creating lasting peace and prosperity for our people. Through programs like the Kauswagan Village, we are not just building homes but also rebuilding lives and futures,” he said.
One of the key initiatives that earned the province this recognition is the construction of the Kauswagan (Prosperity) Village in Mondragon.
This permanent settlement, built in 2023, provides rehabilitated New People’s Army (NPA) members with housing and a fresh start. Over 30 families of former rebels now reside in the village, benefiting from various livelihood programs designed to support their reintegration into society.
The village is home to programs such as an ube plantation and poultry farming, supported by the Department of Agriculture’s Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) program, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU), and the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA).
These initiatives aim to empower residents with sustainable means of livelihood, aligning with the provincial government’s vision for inclusive development.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) also commended the province’s collaborative efforts, emphasizing that the success of such initiatives lies in collective action.
“The Gawad Parangal Award underscores the importance of addressing the root causes of armed conflict through holistic and sustainable approaches,” the DILG stated.
The awards were presented by Undersecretary Ernesto Torres, Executive Director of the NTF-ELCAC National Secretariat; National Security Adviser Eduardo Año; and Special Assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo, representing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Brigadier General Efren Morados of the 803rd Brigade, based in Catarman, accepted the award on behalf of Governor Ongchuan, reflecting the united commitment of Northern Samar’s government and military to peacebuilding.
TACLOBAN CITY — Three former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) under the care of the 78th Infantry Battalion received a total of P95,000 in financial assistance through the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
The beneficiaries were identified as alias Emboy, a former regular member of Squad 2, Bugsok Platoon, sub regional committee (SRC) Sesame, Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC); alias Nonoy; and alias Eday, both former yunit militia members.
Nonoy is the father of Emboy and Eday. All three are residents of Brgy. Layo, Pinabacdao, Samar, and surrendered to the 78th Infantry Battalion on December 15, 2022.
Emboy received P65,000 for being a former regular rebel member while Nonoy and Eday each received P15,000 as former yunit militia members.
The beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the government agencies for the assistance, which they plan to use for small business ventures and as additional livelihood funds.
E-CLIP is a comprehensive, community-based national program implemented locally to address the legal status, security, and economic, social, and psychological rehabilitation needs of former rebels.
ORMOC CITY-A construction worker was killed, another was injured and treated at a local hospital, and two others sustained minor injuries after a building they were repairing collapsed accidentally at around 9 am on Sunday, December 8, in JD Avelino St., Barangay Aguit-itan, Calbayog City.
The victims were identified as alias “Nino,” 47, with a common-law wife; alias “Tilo,” 47, married; both construction workers and residents of Purok 4, Barangay Bagacay; alias “Pak,” 53, married, a backhoe operator from Purok 2, Barangay Begaho; and alias “Arvin,” a newly hired construction worker.
Initial investigations by responding police officers revealed that alias “Nino,” “Tilo,” and “Arvin” were fixing the cable rope of a demolished building when the backhoe operator, alias “Pak,” moved the machine closer to the structure.
Police said the backhoe accidentally struck one of the building’s beams, causing it to shake and eventually collapse.
The victims, who were underneath the structure, were hit by falling debris. Alias “Nino” was killed instantly, while alias “Pak” was injured and brought to Calbayog District Hospital for treatment.
The other two victims, who sustained minor injuries, were treated on-site by the responding personnel from the Calbayog City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO).
