ORMOC CITY– A newly identified drug peddler was arrested during a buy-bust operation conducted by the Station Drug Enforcement Team (SDET) of Carigara Police on Saturday evening, April 19, 2025, in Barangay Sawang, Carigara, Leyte.
The suspect, identified as alias “Levis”, 42, a single and unemployed resident of Barangay Baybay, was apprehended at around 10:31 pm.
Recovered from his possession were four sachets containing a white crystalline substance suspected to be shabu. One sachet was sold to an operative for P500, while three more sachets were found during a body search, along with a P500 bill marked with a serial number, which was used as court-subscribed money for the operation.
The estimated total weight of the confiscated shabu was 0.40 grams, with an estimated value of P2,720, based on the Dangerous Drugs Board valuation.
The suspect was informed of his rights and arrested for violations of Sections 5 (selling illegal drugs) and 11 (possession of illegal drugs) of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 (RA 9165).
He is currently detained at the Carigara Municipal Police Station pending further proceedings.
CATARMAN,N. Samar– The Acereda Integrated School in Barangay Acereda, Bobon this province finally receives its one-storey, three-classroom school building.
The building was officially turned over on April 15, 2025, in a ceremony led by Reny A. Celespara, Municipal Mayor of Bobon Northern Samar and Engr. Vivian G. Biaco, Assistant District Engineer of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-Northern Samar 1st District Engineering Office.
The occasion was also graced by the presence of Engr. Corona Daryl G. Uy, Project Engineer, BLGU officials, Parent-Teachers Association, and other school personnel and staff.
School Principal III, Dr. Analynne M. Balero expressed her gratitude for the completion of said school building during her acceptance message.
“This facility stands not just as structure but a symbol of hope. It will serve as a nurturing space where young mates can grow, learn and dream. We pledge to take good care of this building. Yan ang maipapangako namin-iingatan namin ang building and use it for the purpose for which it is intended to provide a safe, conducive, and inspiring environment for education.”
Dr. Balero further expressed her appreciation for the inclusion of PWD ramp feature, noting that it will provide students with disabilities easier and more comfortable access to the facility.
Teacher Rhea likewise commended the elevated design of the classrooms.
“Ngan pinakana-appreciate ko siton nga classroom it is actually elevated because Acereda Integrated School is located in a low-lying area, so we are very prone to flooding, even just a short period of rain. If its heavy we are going to experience about knee-deep floods. So, iton nga building dako an bulig kay hataas siya deri makukurian an amon kabataan specially that it is actually intended for our kindergarten and grade 1 learners-our primary students.”
The said facility will cater a total of 143 learners. One of the three classrooms will be utilized as a computer room for Grades 4 to 6, one room for kindergarten and another room is intended for Grade 1 pupils.
The project, with a total cost of P9.91 million, was funded under the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Basic Educational Facilities Fund (BEFF) FY 2024.
TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-Tacloban City District Engineering Office (TCDEO) completes preventive maintenance along the San Jose-Manlurip-Mac Arthur Park Road on March 18, 2025.
Spanning 0.664 lane-kilometers, the tertiary road section underwent an asphalt overlay and new road markings to bolster pavement life and enhance safety
Funded under the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA), the P7.34-million project involved enhancing road quality and applying a cost-effective asphalt overlay to improve skid resistance and extend pavement life. In addition, broken white lines were painted along straight sections to guide lane changes safely, while double yellow lines were added to designate no-passing zones where sight distances are limited—such as on curves and near intersections.
“With the upgraded road surface and clear road markings, residents and travelers can expect smoother trips and better visibility, especially during adverse weather. We remain dedicated to improving connectivity across our district,” said District Engineer Rebecca G. Yuse. (PUBLIC INFORMATION UNIT)
RADIO UNITS. At least 150 radio units were distributed to various provincial offices, including those in Ormoc and Tacloban, on Monday, April 28. The distribution of two-way radio equipment is part of efforts to strengthen the communication capabilities of police units, particularly in areas with weak or limited cellular signal, as the country prepares for the May 12 elections. (PRO-8)
RADIO UNITS. At least 150 radio units were distributed to various provincial offices, including those in Ormoc and Tacloban, on Monday, April 28. The distribution of two-way radio equipment is part of efforts to strengthen the communication capabilities of police units, particularly in areas with weak or limited cellular signal, as the country prepares for the May 12 elections. (PRO-8)
TACLOBAN CITY — The Philippine National Police (PNP) Eastern Visayas turned over 150 units of push-to-talk over cellular (PoC) radios to its line units across the region’s six provinces to enhance communication, especially with the May 12, 2025 midterm elections approaching.
PNP Eastern Visayas Regional Director PBGen Jay Cumigad led the turnover ceremony, joined by PLtCol Roderick Condag, OIC of the Regional Logistics and Research and Development Division; PLtCol Sam Andarino, OIC of the Regional Information and Communication Technology Management Division; and PMaj Rey Ibañez, Regional Pastoral Officer.
The distribution of two-way radio equipment aims to strengthen the communication capabilities of police units, particularly in areas with weak or limited cellular signal.
“Knowing that we are about to face greater challenges ahead, especially the election period where reliable communication is crucial for timely response and the delivery of public services, these radios are vital,” PBGen Cumigad said.
The turnover is part of the PNP’s broader efforts to modernize its communication systems to meet the evolving demands of police operations.
“The introduction of PoC radios is a crucial step in ensuring that our police units have access to cost-effective, digital, and real-time communication tools — especially at a time when we aim to deliver prompt, responsive, and reliable public service,” Cumigad added.
The 150 PoC radios were distributed as follows: 42 units to the Leyte Police Provincial Office (PPO); 26 units to the Samar PPO; 25 units to the Northern Samar PPO; 24 units to the Eastern Samar PPO; 19 units to the Southern Leyte PPO; 9 units to the Biliran PPO; 1 unit each to the Tacloban City and Ormoc City Police Offices; and 3 units to the Regional Communications and Electronic Unit 8.
“While these tools may not be flawless, they are more than capable of bridging communication gaps and serving as a vital link between our headquarters and our dedicated first responders,” Cumigad emphasized.
The PNP sees the PoC radios as essential in ensuring coordinated, efficient police operations, especially during the critical election season.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, will preside over the rite of the sealing of Pope Francis’ coffin in St. Peter’s Basilica on Friday, April 25, at 8 PM, according to the Holy See Press Office.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church, will preside over the rite of the sealing of Pope Francis’ coffin in St. Peter’s Basilica on Friday, April 25, at 8 PM, according to the Holy See Press Office.
TACLOBAN CITY – Masses for the eternal repose of Pope Francis are scheduled to be held on Saturday, April 26, at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Palo and at the Tacloban Daniel Z. Romualdez(DZR) Airport, following the Vatican’s announcement of the pope’s death on April 21.
Archbishop John Du of the Archdiocese of Palo will lead the requiem mass at 12 noon at the Palo Cathedral, according to the archdiocese’s announcement.
The mass will be attended by priests, the laity, and the faithful.
The Palo Cathedral was a significant site during the pope’s 2015 visit, which took place on January 17, more than a year after Typhoon Yolanda devastated the region.
Pope Francis’ visit brought hope and encouragement to the survivors, reaffirming the resilience of the community in the face of adversity.
In Tacloban, a mass will also be held at the new DZR airport tarmac, where Pope Francis celebrated a mass attended by thousands of pilgrims, despite the heavy rain brought on by Typhoon ‘Amang’.
His presence in the region during one of its most challenging times ignited a sense of renewal, inspiring locals not only to rebuild their homes but also their dignity and spirit.
Since the announcement of Pope Francis’ passing, churches under the Archdiocese of Palo and its suffragan dioceses have been offering mass intentions for the late pontiff. These special prayers will continue for at least nine days.
Fr. Chris Militante, communication officer for the Palo Archdiocese, noted that the intention for the pope’s soul is being observed in parishes across the region.
In solidarity with the national mourning, Philippine flags in government offices have been flown at half-mast, following Proclamation No. 871 issued by Malacañang, which declared a period of mourning until the pope’s burial on April 26. Pope Francis will be laid to rest at the Basilica of St. Mary Major, the largest Marian church in Rome.
Pope Francis, who led the Roman Catholic Church for nearly a decade, passed away at the age of 87, leaving a profound legacy of compassion, advocacy for the poor, and a commitment to peace and justice.
STOPGAP MEASURE?While the P20 per kilogram of rice proposal of Pres. Marcos Jr., beginning in the Visayas, was widely welcome by consumers, it has somehow drew some concern. Among those who raised this is former senator Francis ‘Kiko’ Pangilinan who questioned its sustainability.
Pangilinan calls it as ‘stopgap’ measure
STOPGAP MEASURE?While the P20 per kilogram of rice proposal of Pres. Marcos Jr., beginning in the Visayas, was widely welcome by consumers, it has somehow drew some concern. Among those who raised this is former senator Francis ‘Kiko’ Pangilinan who questioned its sustainability.
TACLOBAN CITY – While President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s plan to sell rice at P20 per kilogram has drawn praise from consumers, it has sparked concern among rice farmers in Eastern Visayas, who fear the move could severely impact their livelihoods.
In a phone interview on Thursday, April 24, Rodrigo Alumbro, president of a local irrigation association covering the rice-producing villages of Camansihay, Odiongan, Pagsang-an, Sulpa, Balucawehay, and Tinalian in Abuyog, Leyte, said that while the initiative is well-intentioned from a consumer standpoint it is problematic for farmers.
“It’s good for the rice-consuming public, but not for us farmers. That would mean our income will decline since we will have to sell our produce at a lower price,” Alumbro said.
“If the government buys our palay, it will likely be at a lower rate.”
Alumbro noted that farmers in their area currently sell freshly harvested palay (unhusked rice) to private traders at around P35 per kilogram.
If the government is to implement a P20/kilo rice program sustainably, he emphasized the need for comprehensive support, including free seeds, fertilizers, and cash subsidies.
Echoing these concerns, former Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, a long-time advocate for agriculture and food security, called the P20 rice initiative a “stopgap measure” unless it is backed by a viable support system for farmers.
“For me, for this to be sustainable, the government must provide direct support—such as buying palay directly from farmers,” Pangilinan told local media during a visit to Leyte on Thursday.
“Otherwise, this will remain just a stopgap solution.”
Pangilinan, who previously served as the Presidential Assistant for Food Security and Agricultural Modernization, has long pushed for farm-to-market reforms and improved agricultural subsidies. He reiterated that ensuring food affordability must go hand-in-hand with protecting the welfare of producers.
As the government pushes forward with its P20 rice program, farmers like those in Abuyog are calling for a more balanced approach—one that benefits both the consuming public and the people who grow the nation’s staple food.
Last Wednesday, April 23, Pres. Marcos through Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr. announced for the rollout of the P20 per kilo of rice to start in the Visayas.
Laurel said that the Department of Agriculture will provide up to 40 kilograms of rice per household every month.
The program will last until December of this year and is to end on 2028, coinciding the end of the Marcos government.
