ALLEN, Northern Samar— An electrician narrowly escaped death after accidentally touching a live wire while working on an electric post in Barangay Sabang Zone II, Allen, on November 18.
The victim, identified as “Jarold,” 38, married, and a lineman for the Northern Samar Electric Cooperative (Norsamelco), is a resident of Barangay San Roque, San Isidro, also in Northern Samar.
According to the Allen Municipal Police Station, a concerned citizen reported the incident, prompting authorities to respond immediately.
Initial investigations revealed that the victim was replacing old equipment and repairing electrical cables when he accidentally came into contact with a live wire. The sudden electrocution caused him to lose consciousness.
Jarold was promptly rushed to Allen District Hospital, where he received medical treatment.
According to Dr. Janina Faye Orbase, the attending physician, the victim is now in stable condition and recovering from the incident.
Despite the serious nature of the accident, Jarold survived what could have been a fatal electrocution.
Authorities have reminded utility workers to strictly observe safety precautions when working with high-voltage lines to prevent similar incidents. (ROBERT DEJON)
Rep. Marcelino ‘Nonoy’ Libanan of the 4Ps party-list group and Minority Floor Leader of Congress appealed to Vice Pres. Sara Duterte to get out of politics amid escalating row with Pres. Marcos and Speaker Martin Romualdez.(FILE PHOTO)
Rep. Marcelino ‘Nonoy’ Libanan of the 4Ps party-list group and Minority Floor Leader of Congress appealed to Vice Pres. Sara Duterte to get out of politics amid escalating row with Pres. Marcos and Speaker Martin Romualdez.(FILE PHOTO)
TACLOBAN CITY-Vice President Sara Duterte should heed the advice of her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, to step away from politics while she still can, House Minority Leader Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan said on Sunday, Nov. 24.
“We urge the Vice President to listen to her father’s counsel and exit politics before it’s too late,” Libanan, a 4Ps party-list representative, said in a statement.
Libanan criticized Duterte’s leadership style, claiming she lacks the decisiveness and poise needed for a national leader. He described her decision-making as reckless and poorly considered.
His remarks followed the Vice President’s controversial statement on Saturday, where she claimed to have instructed an assassin to target President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and Speaker Martin Romualdez if she were ever killed. Malacañang has since vowed to take appropriate action.
Earlier this month, former President Duterte advised his daughter to leave politics, citing their family’s rare achievement of producing both a President and Vice President.
“She should be grateful for what we’ve achieved and move on to a peaceful life outside politics,” the former President said, suggesting she focus on business or other endeavors instead.
The Vice President has faced scrutiny over her office’s use of confidential funds, with the Commission on Audit flagging questionable disbursements. Duterte has denied any misuse, calling the inquiries politically motivated.
FORT BONIFACIO, Taguig City – The Chiefs of Army and Sergeants Major from the ten ASEAN countries gathered for the ASEAN Chiefs of Army Multilateral Meeting (ACAMM) and the ASEAN Sergeants Major Annual Meeting (ASMAM) on November 21, 2024 at the Hilton Hotel in Clark Pampanga to forge bonds and renew their commitment towards a united ASEAN Region.
The Philippine National Security Adviser Secretary Eduardo M. Año graced the ceremony as the guest of honor and speaker and emphasized the importance of multilateral coordination in achieving lasting stability in the region.
During the ceremony, Philippine Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Roy M. Galido acknowledged the ASEAN Armies’ role in maintaining and reinforcing stability in the region.
This collaboration strengthens not only our respective militaries, but also the region as a whole, ensuring that ASEAN is not just a strategic geographical area but a powerful force for stability,” he said.
ACAMM aims to maintain ASEAN nations’ multilateral cooperation in addressing traditional and non-traditional security risks. It also underscores the ASEAN leadership’s collective resolve to bolster regional peace and stability with a shared vision of fostering enhanced military cooperation and mutual understanding among member states. On the other hand, ASMAM continues to be a cornerstone of ASEAN military cooperation by bringing together the NCO leadership from across the region to foster a stronger, more cohesive Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) network.
The multilateral meetings, which form part of the key component of the ASEAN Armies Annual Meet (AAAM), served as a platform to display genuine commitment among the ASEAN Chief of Armies and Non-Commissioned Officers to work together in the face of evolving challenges. Participating countries include Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. (PR)
TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Leyte 2nd District Engineering Office, has successfully completed a flood control project in Barangay I, Jaro, Leyte, aimed at mitigating soil erosion and protecting the community from landslides and flooding.
District Engineer Leo Edward Oppura said the P4.86-million slope protection system, covering 424.99 cubic meters, provides a crucial safeguard against heavy rains that often cause soil disintegration and property damage.
Residents have expressed relief and gratitude for the completed project. Efegenia Hore, a resident of Barangay II, Jaro, shared her experience:
“Our situation before was frightening. During typhoons, we experienced flooding, landslides, and drifting debris. Now, with the concrete barrier in place, we feel safe. Thank you, DPWH.”
The slope protection system benefits both upper and lower village residents by stabilizing the soil and preventing mudflow, ensuring not just safety but also the protection of property and livelihoods from extreme weather.
Construction of the project began on March 15, 2024, and was completed on September 14, 2024. It was funded under the DPWH-CY 2024 General Appropriations Act and implemented by IVS Builders. (LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
SPAGHETTI WIRES. The tangled mess of power lines and cables, often referred to as “spaghetti wires,” is a familiar sight in downtown Tacloban City. These chaotic networks, while crucial for daily living, underscore the ongoing challenges in urban planning and infrastructure development. In contrast, several major cities across the country have successfully moved their power lines underground, reducing visual clutter and enhancing safety. (I LOVE TACLOBAN)
To address garbage woes
SPAGHETTI WIRES. The tangled mess of power lines and cables, often referred to as “spaghetti wires,” is a familiar sight in downtown Tacloban City. These chaotic networks, while crucial for daily living, underscore the ongoing challenges in urban planning and infrastructure development. In contrast, several major cities across the country have successfully moved their power lines underground, reducing visual clutter and enhancing safety. (I LOVE TACLOBAN)
TACLOBAN CITY – With the growing volume of both household and commercial waste, the city government is considering a new approach to waste management.
Jonathan Hijada, chief of the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), revealed that the city’s current sanitary landfill is projected to reach full capacity by next year.
Built in 2019 at a cost of more than P86 million, the existing facility was initially expected to last for at least 10 years.
Currently, the city collects between 100 and 147 tons of waste daily.
To address this issue, Hijada said they are planning to present the use of plasma technology to City Mayor Alfred Romualdez, while still operating the sanitary landfill located in Barangay San Roque, which is about 13 kms away from the city proper.
“Our current landfill is expected to be full by mid-December next year, so we would need to establish another landfill, at least half a hectare in size, to manage the increasing waste volume,” Hijada said in a media interview on Monday, November 18.
However, given the rising daily waste collection, Hijada emphasized the city’s interest in adopting plasma technology alongside the existing landfill.
Plasma technology is an advanced method of waste management that uses extremely high temperatures to break down waste materials, significantly reducing waste volume into ash. Unlike incinerators, this method is more environmentally friendly, the CENRO officer said, as it would not use any fire to burn the waste materials.
Though plasma technology offers significant environmental benefits, Hijada acknowledged that it is costly, with an estimated price tag of up to P150 million.
“That’s why we’re seeking approval from Mayor Romualdez,” he explained. “However, in the long run, it will be more cost-effective for the city.”
One of the major advantages of plasma technology is its long lifespan of at least 30 years, which would eliminate the need for the city to purchase additional land for a new sanitary landfill.
“All we would need is a machine that occupies just 1,000 square meters, and it would serve us for 20 to 30 years,” Hijada added.
Moreover, plasma technology can reduce waste by 97%, leaving only about 3% of the materials to be disposed of in the landfill.
Hijada also appealed to the public to practice proper waste segregation to help ease the burden on waste management efforts.
TACLOBAN CITY– The Roman Catholic Diocese of Borongan in Eastern Samar has launched an appeal for financial assistance to restore parts of the Seminario de Jesus Nazareno, a minor seminary that suffered significant damage in a fire last July.
The fire, which broke out on July 28, 2024, caused an estimated P35 million to P40 million in damages.
The blaze, reportedly caused by an unattended lit incense, destroyed critical parts of the seminary, including its chapel, classrooms, social hall, and lobby. Fortunately, no casualties were reported.
The seminary, which has been a cornerstone of priestly formation in the diocese since its establishment in 1965, currently houses 108 junior high school seminarians.
Fr. Juderick Paul Calumpiano, the seminary’s rector, stressed the urgency of restoring the damaged areas to ensure the continuation of both the academic and spiritual programs of the institution.
“The chapel is the heart of the seminary. It is a sacred space where seminarians nurture their relationship with God through prayer and reflection. Its immediate restoration is our priority,” Fr. Calumpiano said in a statement issued on November 20, 2024.
He also highlighted the need to rebuild classrooms and other facilities critical to fostering community life and education.
Demolition of the building’s irreparable sections has already begun, but the lack of sufficient funds has slowed progress. The diocese has urged the faithful and potential benefactors to contribute to the restoration efforts to expedite the rebuilding process.
Over the years, the Seminario de Jesus Nazareno has produced numerous priests for the diocese, cementing its importance as a hub for spiritual and educational formation.
Restoring the seminary, the diocese said, is not only about rebuilding physical structures but also preserving its legacy of faith and service.
Donations to support the seminary’s restoration can be made through official diocesan channels. For inquiries and updates, the diocese encourages the public to contact its office directly.
The Diocese of Borongan hopes that the generosity of donors will help bring the seminary back to its full function, ensuring that it continues to inspire and nurture future priests, Fr. Calumpiano said.
