ORMOC CITY-At least 27 sachets containing white crystalline substances suspected to be shabu were recovered by operatives of the Regional Drug Enforcement Unit 8 and the Station Drug Enforcement Team of the local police from the No. 1 high-value individual drug personality in the drug watchlist of the Philippine National Police (PNP- 8) during a buy-bust operation at about 4: 30 pm on June 20, in Barangay Capangihan, Tolosa, Leyte.
The police identified the suspects as alias “Ted” a resident of Capangihan, and alias “Joy”, a resident of Brgy. Verlin Heights, Palo, also in Leyte.
Recovered from the suspects were two sachets containing white crystalline substances procured by an operative in the amount of P500.
During the conduct of a body search done in the presence of witnesses mandated by law, the searching cops recovered 25 sachets containing the same white crystalline substances also suspected to be shabu placed inside a color-grey sling bag.
The suspects were informed of the nature of their arrest and were apprised of their constitutional rights in a dialect that they understood and spoke.
Charges of violations of sections 5 (selling illegal drugs) and 11 (possession of illegal drugs) of Article II of RA 9165, the Comprehensive Law against Illegal Drugs of 2002, were already filed at the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office against the two suspects who are languishing at the locked-up cell of Tolosa municipal police station. (ROBERT DEJON)
TACLOBAN CITY – Ten contingents from various locality in Leyte province will be vying for this year’s Pintados-Kasadyaan Festival of Festival 2024 grand champion.
The festival competition is going to be held at the grandstand this Thursday (June 27) at 2 pm, the organizers said.
Among the contingents that will showcase their prowess in the ritual dance competition are Eastern Visayas top festival contingents like the ‘Buraburon Festival’ of Burauen, ‘Buyugan Festival’ of Abuyog, ‘Lingganay Festival’ of Alangalang, and ‘Pasaka Festival’ of Tanauan.
These festivals had been ruling the Kasadyaan Festival of Festivals bagging championship title earning them a ticket to represent the province at the Aliwan Festival in Metro Manila and Sinulog Festival in Cebu.
New contingents are also expected to debut in this year’s Kasadyaan fest such as the ‘Himorasak Festival’ of Matag-ob, ‘Batong’ Festival of Babatngon, ‘Tabontabon Festival’ of Tabontabon, ‘Karayhakan Festival’’ of Javier, Magsanga Festival’ of Merida, and ‘Hiraite Festival’ of Leyte that was adjudge last June 9 as the Kaanyag Festival grand champion in Kananga town.
Four or five contingents are to compete at the Pintados grand showdown competition before the Kasadyaan Festival of Festivals but the organizers had not yet reveal the names of each contingents.
Just like last year, the biggest festival competition in the region will not hold a street dance competition this year due to the absence of parade permit after the city government of Tacloban failed to grant their request.
This is the second time that the festival will immediately hold ritual dance competition and forego with the street dance.
Prior to the competition, a mass is going to be held at the grandstand and after the announcement of winners and awarding this will be followed by a concert of the REO Brothers. (ROEL T. AMAZONA)
As the tropical heat remains high in the Philippines, so too does the fervor of political aspirants itching to secure their spots in the next election. The unmistakable signs of election season are already blooming along streets and highways, where once-empty billboards are now adorned with smiling faces, catchy slogans, and promises that sparkle as brightly as newly polished shoes.
To outshine their rivals, some contenders have taken to distributing goods like they’re the modern-day reincarnations of Santa Claus, sans the reindeer. One can’t stroll through a market without tripping over a free bag of something, or a freshly minted T-shirt bearing the name and face of an aspiring councilor. It’s a heartwarming sight, albeit a slightly cynical one, as these sudden outbursts of generosity coincide suspiciously with their candidacies. But who are we to complain when a freebie is involved?
Social media is becoming the battleground of choice for the ambitious hopefuls. Once dormant profiles now burst into life with carefully curated posts showcasing their tireless dedication to public service. Facebook feeds are flooded with photos of candidates holding babies, planting trees, and attending every conceivable barangay event. Even those who were previously more elusive than a rare bird sighting are now out in full force, eager to share their good deeds with the world. It’s almost enough to make you believe they’ve been doing this all along.
However, not all that glitter is gold. The darker side of election fever often rears its ugly head, where mudslinging becomes the sport of choice. Rather than simply promoting their platforms, some candidates resort to tarnishing their competitors’ reputations with all the finesse of a pig in a mud bath. It’s a dirty game and one that leaves a bad taste in the mouths of voters who yearn for a cleaner, more dignified contest. After all, nothing says “trust me” like a smear campaign against the other guy.
As the election draws nearer, the buzz only intensifies. It’s a colorful spectacle, a mix of genuine efforts to win hearts and underhanded tactics that would make Machiavelli proud. While self-promotion is part and parcel of the democratic process, it’s the recourse to threats and violence that threatens to stain the very fabric of Philippine democracy. Here’s to hoping that the upcoming election can rise above the murk and deliver a contest that’s as vibrant and honest as the aspirations of the people it aims to serve.
Slowly but surely, Tabsik hin Kagamhanan, the first original novel written in the Waray language, is becoming a monumental achievement in Waray literature. Published in 2014, this novel has transcended mere storytelling to become a vessel of cultural preservation and a commentary on various themes relevant to human existence. It offers readers multiple narratives that interweave a strong bond of love between a married couple with historical fiction, featuring real historical personages and events. This blending of genres not only entertains but also educates, shedding light on the history and heritage of the Waray people.
The novel’s horror elements, involving the feared mythical creatures of the underworld, provide an exhilarating dimension that taps into the collective psyche and folklore of the Waray culture. These supernatural aspects are not merely for shock value but serve to deepen the reader’s understanding of Waray’s spiritual beliefs and the cultural significance of these myths. The portrayal of these mythical creatures intertwines with a biblical narrative, presenting a cosmic battle between God and the devil. This adds a layer of spiritual depth and invites readers to ponder the eternal struggle between good and evil.
An adventurous journey into the unknown or the spiritual dimension is another compelling aspect of Tabsik hin Kagamhanan. This theme of adventure keeps readers on the edge of their seats, while also providing a metaphorical exploration of inner journeys and spiritual quests. The novel does depict the vivid customs, traditions, and superstitions of the Waray people, making it a treasure trove for those interested in ethnographic details and cultural studies. This cultural richness adds authenticity and immerses the reader in the world of the Waray, making their experiences and worldview come alive.
The suspense in Tabsik hin Kagamhanan is crafted with intricate twists and symbolisms, keeping readers engaged and reflective. The novel’s ability to maintain suspense while weaving in deeper themes showcases its richness in storytelling and thematic exploration.
One of the most significant aspects of the novel is its gospel presentation, which asserts that true deliverance from demonic powers is through the victorious death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This theological perspective is a core element that defines the novel’s spiritual stance and offers a message of hope and redemption.
Critics have accused the novel of being an advocacy work that promotes certain beliefs. However, it is essential to recognize that all works of fiction inherently reflect the author’s convictions and worldview. Art, by its very nature, is an expression of the artist’s inner thoughts, beliefs, and experiences. Tabsik hin Kagamhanan is no different, as it encapsulates what the author deems necessary for people to understand and reflect upon. This perspective invites readers to engage with the novel not just as a story, but as a dialogue with the author’s mind and spirit.
The reception of Tabsik hin Kagamhanan has been overwhelmingly positive, with many readers acknowledging its contribution to Waray literature and culture. It is becoming a classic, celebrated for its depth, vivid characterization, narrative style, and cultural significance. Its recognition by a leading university in Region 8 further cements its status as a vital literary work that resonates with both the local community and the broader literary world.
Tabsik hin Kagamhanan is more than just a novel; it is a cultural artifact, a spiritual exploration, and a local icon of the enduring power of storytelling. It captures the essence of the Waray people, their history, beliefs, and aspirations, making it a significant contribution to Philippine literature. As it continues to gain recognition and readership, it stands as a beacon of Waray language and culture, inspiring future generations of writers and readers alike.
Amazing to the people is the inaction by this administration to protect our territory against clear Chinese aggression. The incidents being done by the Chinese had been escalating, from driving away our fishermen to ramming fishing boats, then blocking the delivery of food provision and supplies to our navy and coast guard assigned in the area. The latest incident was a clear aggression where Chinese forces attached a philippine vessel causing damage and injuries to our personnel manning the area.
The statement of the officials in command of our forces lamented how the Chinese are provoking them to retaliate that could result in a clash that may trigger war between the opposing forces. The actions had caught the attention of the internationally community and the common observation is against the Chinese bullying of our forces despite the arbitral ruling in our favor.
Apart from the aggression that was caught on video, there had been many incidents in the past where Chinese forces had purposely damaged fishing boats of Filipino fishermen. They had been prevented from engaging in their livelihood within philippine territory. These fishermen had been driven away and our government had not taken enough action to protect the rights of our fishermen. All that had been done is file protests which had all been refuted if not totally denied by the Chinese government.
In another arena, our territory had been intruded by Chinese nationals led by a town mayor who had been placed under investigation on alleged connections with Chinese operators of offshore gambling and other criminal activities. The senate probe had discovered many illegal activities where the mayor is connected either on her official capacity or as investor for being member of corporations doing business in her jurisdiction. The investigation had uncovered connections with high ranking officials that appear as allies or protectors of the mayor who may have taken a different ploy of aggression. comments to alellema@yahoo.com
WITH Christ telling his disciples not to give what is holy to dogs, or throw one’s pearls before swine, (cfr. Mt 7,6) we are somehow reminded that in our worldly affairs, no matter how technical they are or physically straining and dirty, we should never forget that God is always there, and that they are meant to be done or attended to with God and for God always.
In other words, we should avoid being swallowed up by the mundanity of these affairs as if God has nothing to do with them. We should avoid being so absorbed by them that we would not have God in our mind and heart.
This definitely would require of us a certain discipline that would put God at the center and peak of our human activities. For this, we have to learn how to be recollected amid the hustle and bustle of our daily activities.
Yes, we have to learn this skill. It’s actually a fundamental and indispensable skill. Without it, there’s no other way but for us to get confused and lost in our worldly and temporal affairs. And instead of reaching our final and proper destination, we end up somewhere else.
We have to learn to gather all our powers and faculties together so they can be engaged with their proper and ultimate objects which, ultimately, are God and others. We have to see to it that everything we do and get involved in, somehow get into the lifelong dynamic of loving God and others.
What we have to avoid is our tendency to fall into self-indulgence, pursuing only or getting entangled simply with our own interests and goals which usually are of the practical, worldly and temporal ones, and nothing beyond.
What we also have to avoid is to have our powers and faculties scattered and often in conflict with one another, entangled with objects that, though having some validity, are not the proper and ultimate objects we should try to pursue.
This need for recollection simply indicates that our life consists of different aspects and levels that we have to orchestrate to be able to reach our final end. We just cannot go about reacting spontaneously to things, depending solely on instincts and feelings. We are meant for something much, much more than these.
Our tendency, given our fallen nature and the effects of our personal sins, is to get dispersed in our attention and to plunge into activism. In the process, we lose our interior serenity and eventually our true way.
The loss of serenity can lead us to bad consequences—loss of self-control and dominion over things, proneness to temptations, vices and sins, disorder in our sense of priority, etc.
For Christian believers, the source and end of their consciousness should be God. This is simply because the Christian faith teaches that God is the creator of the whole universe, including us, and continues to govern us intimately in our hearts. There should therefore be a living relationship between God and the believer.
We need to be focused always on him. Straying from him would be to stray from reality. It would lead us to make our own reality and our own world, with consequences that sooner or later will always be bad for us.
This human need for recollection will always bring us to the realization of the existence of God, with the corresponding rights and duties towards him. We should therefore see that everything in our life has God in it, or at least traces of God in it. We just have to learn how to discover God in these things.
