TACLOBAN CITY – The holiday spirit came early for 608 children of employees from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) regional office as they received Christmas gifts during a simple yet joyful celebration on Monday (Dec. 2) evening at the DPWH-8 covered court.

The event aligned with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call, through the Presidential Communications Office, to avoid extravagant holiday celebrations in solidarity with typhoon victims across the country.

DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan similarly urged simplicity and austerity in festivities.
DPWH Regional Director Edgar Tabacon highlighted the true meaning of Christmas in his message, emphasizing heartfelt giving over material value.

“The value of the gift doesn’t matter; what’s important is the sincerity behind it. That’s the true essence of Christmas],” Tabacon said.

Assistant Regional Director Ma. Margarita Junia assured attendees that, despite simpler celebrations this year, the spirit of Christmas remains alive through gift-giving.

“Even with a simple celebration, the spirit of Christmas and gift-giving for children must continue,” she said.

The evening featured the ceremonial lighting of a modest Christmas tree and decorations that illuminated the office grounds. Apart from the gift distribution, children enjoyed games, treats, food stalls, and mascots.

The employees dressed as popular characters to entertain the kids, while various performances added to the festive atmosphere.

The DPWH regional office also plans to extend its gift-giving activities to charity institutions across the region in the coming days.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY– The Philippine National Police (PNP) in Eastern Visayas reported more than P428 million worth of illegal drugs were seized during their operations for the month of November.

It said that last month, the police has conducted 79 operations that led to the arrest of 91 individuals, including nine identified as high-value targets. A total of 183 drug-related cases were filed in court during the month.

The operations yielded substantial seizures, including 62,961.92 grams of shabu, 2,292.41 grams of marijuana, and 6.37 grams of cocaine, with an estimated total value of P428.14 million, it added.

The Southern Leyte Police Provincial Office (SLPPO) reported the most significant haul, confiscating 60,420.55 grams of shabu worth P410.85 million. Meanwhile, the Leyte Police Provincial Office (LPPO) carried out 31 operations, recovering 168.43 grams of shabu valued at P1.14 million.

Other units, including the Tacloban City Police Office, Biliran PPO, and Samar PPO, also contributed to the campaign, showcasing a collective effort in the region’s fight against illegal drugs.

PB/ Gen. Jay Cumigad, police regional director, commended the accomplishments of the police force.

“These achievements underscore our unwavering commitment to eliminating illegal drugs and ensuring the safety of our communities. The significant seizures and arrests demonstrate our resolve to dismantle drug syndicates. We encourage the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to help us create a safer, drug-free environment.”
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

ORMOC CITY– A newly identified drug peddler was arrested during a buy-bust operation conducted by the local police in Isabel, Leyte at around 3:03 pm on Tuesday, December 3, along the national highway in Barangay Libertad of said town.

Recovered from the suspect, identified as alias “Cris,” was one sachet containing a white crystalline substance suspected to be shabu, purchased by an operative for P500.

During a body search conducted in the presence of law-mandated witnesses, authorities seized eight additional sachets of suspected shabu and a P500 bill used as marked money for the operation, town police chief, Major Luis Hatton.

The suspect was informed of the nature of his arrest and his constitutional rights were explained through the Miranda Doctrine in a language he understood.

Charges for violations of Section 5 (selling illegal drugs) and Section 11 (possession of illegal drugs) under Article II of RA 9165 or the anti-drug law have been filed at the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office in Ormoc City.

The suspect is currently detained at the Isabel Municipal Police Station lock-up facility.
(ROBERT DEJON)

2025 midterm elections

TACLOBAN CITY – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Eastern Visayas conducted a regionwide orientation on Monday, Dec. 2, to familiarize voters and election personnel with the use of automated counting machines (ACMs) for the 2025 midterm elections.
The simultaneous activity, organized by the Comelec regional office, was deemed successful, with only minor issues reported during the demonstrations.

Jenette Fariola-Ruedas, Comelec regional information officer, noted that a few errors in ballot reading occurred during the mock voting but were resolved promptly.

“The ACMs just needed cleaning to ensure accurate ballot reading,” she explained.

The event aimed to educate both election staff and voters on the proper use of ACMs.
“This is essentially an orientation on the ACMs, highlighting their features while giving voters hands-on experience in preparation for the 2025 elections,” Fariola-Ruedas said.
At the Comelec regional office, over 30 participants joined the mock elections, simulating the voting process with the new machines.

The orientation program will continue until next month, with Comelec personnel visiting barangays to extend the campaign.

Eastern Visayas will require 5,777 ACMs, including backup units, for the 2025 polls.
The machines boast several advanced features, including the use of thinner paper, optical mark recognition (OMR) technology for ballot reading, direct recording electronic (DRE) technology with touch-screen interfaces, and voter receipts equipped with QR codes that can be scanned by the machine’s built-in camera.

Comelec officials in the region are optimistic that the orientation campaign will enhance voter confidence and ensure a smoother election process, particularly in Eastern Visayas.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)