ORMOC CITY-A delivery rider was arrested by the local police through an entrapment operation after a woman asked police assistance after she was threatened with exposing her explicit pictures and videos at about 11:55 am on Friday (May 31) in Barangay Campesao, Borongan City.
Police identified the victim as alias “Joy”, 20, a student, and a resident of Brgy. Campesao while the suspect as alias “Kit” 38, and a resident of Brgy. 3, Taft, also in Eastern Samar.
The police said that they conducted an entrapment operation that resulted in the arrest of the suspect after threatening the victim that he would expose in social media her alleged explicit pictures and sex videos.
An initial investigation conducted by the responding police disclosed that the victim had sought police assistance after the suspect asked her to meet him so that he would not post her explicit pictures and sex videos in exchange for sex and money.
The arrested suspect is now in the custody of the Borongan city police for documentation as appropriate charges were filed against him in court. (ROBERT DEJON)
Waters of Sogod and Panaon Bays, both in Southern Leyte, are now in danger due to the presence of crown of thorns, locally known as ‘dap-ang,’ affecting the livelihood of the local fishermen and destruction of coral reefs. (Oceana)
In Southern Leyte
Waters of Sogod and Panaon Bays, both in Southern Leyte, are now in danger due to the presence of crown of thorns, locally known as ‘dap-ang,’ affecting the livelihood of the local fishermen and destruction of coral reefs. (Oceana)
TACLOBAN CITY – The persistent presence of crown of thorns (COTS), locally known as ‘dap-ag’, in the coastal waters of Sogod Bay poses a significant threat to the coral reefs in Panaon Bay.
This issue also impacts the local fishing community and the tourism sector.
The COTS infestation has been recorded in the territorial waters of Liloan, Libagon, San Francisco, Malitbog, and Padre Burgos, and has been a recurring problem since 2012.
COTS is one of the world’s largest starfish species, with venomous spikes covering its body, posing a danger to both humans and marine life.
Currently, local volunteers and conservation groups are implementing measures to address this problem, but they need more help and resources to prevent the spread of COTS to more coral areas in Panaon Island which is recognized as one of the priority reefs worldwide due to its resilience to climate change.
Leading the effort are members of the Dap-ag Boys, a group of volunteers headed by Ryan Tomol.
In their clean-up drive conducted last month, they collected 3,000 COTS within Liloan Bay.
However, according to Tomol, their efforts are insufficient due to a lack of resources and manpower. Currently, only 12 members actively participate in the clean-up drive, as other volunteers have found jobs outside the province and region.
The group receives support from Oceana, an international advocacy organization promoting ocean conservation and protection, in partnership with government agencies, local government units, and non-government organizations.
“Connecting with Oceana has allowed us to receive assistance, but we need more help,” Tomol said.
“Without healthy coral reefs, our fishery sector is greatly affected,” Tomol added, emphasizing that the need to protect corals transcends political beliefs, affiliations, personal differences, and territorial boundaries.
The House of Representatives has approved a bill authored by Christopherson Yap of Southern Leyte 2nd district declaring Panaon Island as a protected seascape under the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System (ENIPAS) Act or Republic Act 11038.
The bill is now in the Senate, awaiting approval in the third reading.
The proposed Panaon Island protected seascape encompasses 61,204 hectares, covering the municipalities of San Ricardo, Pintuyan, San Francisco, and Liloan.
Oceana stated that the anticipated passage of the bill by the Senate would help strengthen the conservation and protection of the island’s resources for future generations.
The passage of the Senate bill and the sustainable management practices under ENIPAS can contribute to the sustainability and longevity of the island’s ecosystems, according to a socio-economic survey conducted among Panaon Island residents by the University of the Philippines Tacloban and Oceana in 2020.
The bill’s passage will also strengthen the island’s protection, significantly aiding the local governments of Liloan, Pintuyan, San Ricardo, and Pintuyan in addressing the threats faced, while ensuring the thriving abundance of the island’s ecosystems.
Oceana and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources have been collaborating with local stakeholders to prepare them to participate effectively in the plan’s development.
“The management plan is crucial because it ensures the protection and proper management of the island’s resources by all stakeholders for the benefit of the people of Panaon,” said Atty. Rose-Liza Osorio, Oceana’s Senior Director for Campaigns, Legal, and Policy.
“It will also help us achieve this goal by providing a framework for sustainable management practices,” she added.
Panaon Island, with its rich biodiversity, including threatened and endangered wildlife such as whale sharks, sea turtles, rays, the endemic Philippine Duck, vibrant corals, and hundreds of fish species, is aptly called the hidden gem at the tip of Southern Leyte.
Its resilient coral reefs have earned it the distinction of being cited as one of the top 50 in the world that will likely withstand the impacts of climate change. (ROEL T. AMAZONA)
TACLOBAN CITY-Rep. Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan of the 4Ps party-list group has called on the national government to lead the establishment of a secure patient information-sharing system, emphasizing such a system would significantly improve health outcomes and patient safety.
“There’s no question that a patient information sharing system among healthcare providers can lead to faster diagnosis and treatment, especially in emergency cases, and lessen the hazard of life-threatening medical errors,” Libanan, who is also the minority floor leader of the Lower House, said.
Libanan urged the Department of Health to begin implementing this system, ensuring it includes robust privacy safeguards.
“We are now living in a world of greater people mobility. Individuals can have a sudden medical emergency anywhere, and yet their digital or physical medical records are somewhere else,” he pointed out.
“Anyone can have a heart attack or be involved in a road crash at any time and be rushed to the nearest hospital. Medical practitioners at that hospital should be able to quickly access the individual’s health history through a system,” the lawmaker added.
Addressing concerns about data privacy violations, Libanan cited Chapter 3, Section 13(e) of the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (Republic Act No. 10173) which allows for the processing of sensitive personal information when necessary for medical treatment and when carried out by a medical practitioner or a medical treatment institution.
“The law merely underscores the need for privileged information to be effectively protected at all times against unwanted privacy intrusions,” Libanan said.
Libanan asserted that a patient information-sharing mechanism would lead to a highly efficient and responsive healthcare system for all. (LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
The campaign of the military in the region get a boost with the arrival of the Army artillery regiment on May 31. The troop was Cadiz City, was welcome by Col. Cesar Molina, the chief of staff of the 8th Infantry Division.
(Photo Courtesy)
The campaign of the military in the region get a boost with the arrival of the Army artillery regiment on May 31. The troop was Cadiz City, was welcome by Col. Cesar Molina, the chief of staff of the 8th Infantry Division. (Photo Courtesy)
TACLOBAN CITY-In a bid to end the communist insurgency problem in Eastern Visayas, members of the artillery regiment of the Philippine Army arrived in Northern Samar on May 31.
The deployment of the members of the 2nd Howitzer Platoon, Bravo Company, 3rd Field Artillery Battery (3FAB), Armor Artillery Regiment, is expected to boost their campaign to finally end the insurgency in Northern Samar, considered the last bastion of communist insurgency in the region.
The artillery regiment, which came from Capiz, Negros Occidental, was welcomed to the region by Col. Cesar Molina, the chief of staff of the 8th Infantry Division, information relayed by the 8th Infantry Division which is based in Catbalogan City,Samar.
Molina said that the artillery regiment will serve as support troops to the soldiers assigned in Northern Samar which is under the 803rd Infantry Brigade which is based in the provincial capital of Northern Samar.
“Your role is crucial in gaining an advantage to end the insurgency and safeguarding the safety and security of the Eastern Visayas. We trust in your abilities to carry out your duties with the utmost professionalism and expertise,” Molina said during the welcome ceremony.
Army officials in the region have targeted to end the insurgency problem in Eastern Visayas within the term of Pres. Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.
The problem on insurgency is one of the reasons often cited why investors are hesitant to put up their investment in Eastern Visayas.(JOEY A. GABIETA)
TACLOBAN CITY-National Artist for Literature Resil Mojares, along with other experts, will serve as keynote speakers during the “Pagsubay han Aton Kabilin: A Leyte-Samar History and Heritage Forum” organized by the Leyte-Samar Heritage Society, Inc. (LSHSI) on June 6-7, 2024, at the historic Hotel Alejandro, this city.
The event aims to reignite interest in the rich history and heritage of Eastern Visayas through a comprehensive program of panel discussions, cultural presentations, and expert talks.
“It’s high time that the stories of Leyte and Samar are brought to the forefront,” said Professor Joycie Dorado-Alegre, LSHSI president.
“Our history is rich, vibrant, and deeply intertwined with the nation’s past, yet it remains underrepresented in mainstream education,” added Dorado-Alegre, who is an associate professor of the Humanities Division at the University of the Philippines Tacloban College.
In a statement, LSHSI emphasized that the forum will address a critical gap in the current Philippine historical narrative, which often overlooks the significant events and cultural contributions of regions outside Metro Manila.
Aside from the arrival of Magellan in Homonhon on March 16, 1521, the First Mass in Limasawa on March 30, 1521, and Gen. Douglas MacArthur’s Leyte Landing on October 20, 1944, no other historical events in Eastern Visayas are featured in basic and secondary education materials, the group said.
Even the 1901 victorious Battle of Balangiga, they added, fought by Samar freedom fighters, and the brutalities committed by the U.S. army against the people of Eastern Visayas are excluded from the mainstream historical narrative.
“Even more alarming is the absence of a discourse on culture and heritage in schools. Culture and arts activities are relegated to ‘intermission numbers’ and isolated to Buwan ng Wika programs. In effect, generations of formally educated Filipinos are unaware of our local history, heroes, and heritage,” Dorado-Alegre stated.
The forum seeks to correct these omissions by providing a platform for local historians and scholars to present their research and perspectives, ensuring that future generations understand and appreciate Eastern Visayas’ local history and heritage, she added.
Among the presenters at the forum are Rolando O. Borrinaga, Ph.D., retired professor, University of the Philippines-School of Health Sciences, Palo Main Campus; Emilio B. Justimbaste, Jr., editor, The Weekly Vanguard; Bernard Leo M. Karganilla, associate professor, University of the Philippines, Manila; Ma. Zenia C. Dulce, assistant professor, University of the Philippines Tacloban College; Eulogio “Gio” Plameran, Jr., dancer, choreographer, and technical director, Leyte Kalipayan Dancers; Jose “Joey” N. Lianza, founding director, Sirang Dance Ensemble, Leyte Normal University; and Maria Luz C. Vilches, Ph.D., associate professor and vice president for higher education, Ateneo de Manila University.(RONALD O.REYES)
Recent reports of high-powered firearms being smuggled into the Philippines alongside the influx of Chinese nationals from mainland China are raising much alarm. These allegations that weapons are being stockpiled for enigmatic purposes require an immediate and thorough investigation by Philippine authorities. The Bureau of Customs (BOC) and other relevant agencies must intensify their efforts to uncover the truth behind these claims to ensure national security.
The BOC, responsible for monitoring and regulating the importation of goods, has a crucial role in preventing the illegal entry of firearms into the country. If true, there are suspicions that massive bribery is facilitating these weapons smuggling. Such corruption not only stains the agency’s integrity but also poses a severe threat to national security. The BOC should strengthen its oversight mechanisms and hold accountable those who engage in corrupt practices. There must be transparent investigations and implementation of stricter controls in addressing this issue.
The alleged presence of these high-powered firearms raises alarming questions about their intended use. The stockpiling of such weapons could indicate preparations for organized criminal activities or even insurgent operations. The authorities must consider all possible scenarios, including the potential for these weapons to be used in destabilizing actions against the government. Knowing the purpose behind these armaments is necessary to develop appropriate countermeasures and ensure the safety of the Filipino people.
Speculation about China’s possible involvement in these activities cannot be ignored. While there is no concrete evidence to suggest an imminent invasion plan, the geopolitical tensions in the region make it necessary for the Philippines to remain vigilant.
Strengthening intelligence capabilities and international cooperation with allied nations can help preempt any potential threats. The government should also engage in diplomatic dialogues with China to address these concerns and seek assurances regarding their intentions.
Philippine authorities must prioritize a comprehensive investigation into these allegations of firearm smuggling and stockpiling. The BOC must enhance its anti-corruption measures and improve its operational effectiveness to prevent further illicit activities. The intended use of these alleged weapons must be determined for national security, and speculation about foreign involvement must be carefully examined. The government must address these concerns and safeguard our sovereignty.
