ORMOC CITY-The local authorities in Borongan City are currently conducting their thorough investigation following the discovery of a minor girl’s body in a shallow grave in the mountainous area of Barangay Balacdas on the afternoon of Tuesday (April 2).

Identified as Hazel Bao, 14, the victim was described as having a boyish appearance and was a student residing in the said village.

According to police reports, at approximately 2:15 pm on that day, the victim’s grandmother, accompanied by the barangay chairman of Balacdas, personally visited the local police station to report the discovery of a deceased individual in the mountainous region of their barangay.

Responding promptly, the local police, along with personnel from the Eastern Samar Provincial Forensic Unit, proceeded to the site to conduct investigations and process the scene.

Upon arrival, forensic personnel excavated a shallow grave, revealing a portion of a lifeless body protruding.

The victim was identified by her grandmother based on her clothing and a cellular phone found in her left pocket. Reportedly missing since March 15, the victim’s disappearance had caused concern among the community.
(ROBERT DEJON)

ORMOC CITY– In a successful operation on Tuesday (April 2), the joint forces of the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit of Southern Leyte Provincial Police Office and the City Drug Enforcement Team of Maasin city police apprehended one of the top targets in Eastern Visayas.

The suspect, identified as Luke Marjoe Eco Desvarro, 32, and a resident of Barangay Bato II, Maasin City was arrested during a buy-bust operation in Brgy. Dongon, also in the same city.

Lt. Col. Jason Balbarona, city police chief, confirmed Desvarro’s status as a high-value individual, ranking sixth on the PNP’s Top 10 regional priority target list.

Recovered from him were five sachets containing white crystalline substances suspected to be shabu, with a street value of P10,000.

Desvarro was duly informed of the nature of his arrest and his constitutional rights under the Miranda Doctrine, ensuring comprehension in a language he understood.

Charges of violation of section 5 (Selling illegal drugs) of Article II of RA 9165, the Comprehensive Law against Illegal Drugs of 2002, have been filed against the suspect who is currently held in temporary detention at the locked-up cell of the Maasin city police office.(ROBERT DEJON)

ORMOC CITY-The local authorities are currently conducting a comprehensive investigation into the untimely demise of a laborer discovered lifeless inside his residence around 4:10 pm on Tuesday(April 2) at Sitio Queromar, Barangay Libtong, San Miguel, Leyte.

San Miguel chief of police Major Ronald Espina identified the victim as Eduardo Martija, 52, and resident of the said village.

According to Police Major Espina, at approximately 4:20 pm on that day, village chairman Norman Neil Martija contacted local law enforcement via phone to report the discovery of a deceased individual in his barangay.

Promptly responding to the call, the local police, led by PMajor Espina, along with rescuers of the municipal disaster risk reduction management office, immediately proceeded to the reported location to verify the information. Upon arrival, they found the victim lying lifeless in his bed, he added.

PMajor Espina elaborated that initial investigations indicated that around 3 pm on the same day, the victim’s mother visited his residence.

Upon finding the door closed, she sought the assistance of a neighbor to forcibly open a bedroom window, gaining entry to the house. To her shock, she discovered her son was already dead.

The victim’s remains were transferred to Carigara District Hospital for a post-mortem examination. (ROBERT DEJON)

TACLOBAN CITY – The health office of this city reported that it has not monitored any pertussis cases though it has taken some preventive steps to prevent any possible spread of the virus.

This was disclosed by Dr. Gloria Fabrigas, assistant health officer of the City Health Office (CHO) who said that they have initiated meetings with healthcare workers regarding triaging protocols in the event that cases arise.

But the regional office of the Department of Health has reported onFriday(April 5) of six cases of pertussis in the city.

The CHO has also released an advisory in response to the rising pertussis and measles cases in the country outlining precautionary measures against these diseases.

Dr. Fabrigas acknowledged this concern and urged residents to have their children vaccinated once supplies become accessible, which is anticipated to be in June.

Despite the absence of reported cases, the public is still advised to adhere to precautionary measures such as the voluntary use of face masks, good hand hygiene, and staying home when sick.

“As of now, there’s no reason for panic. However, we cannot be complacent,” Dr. Fabrigas added, referring to how we can keep the situation under control.

Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, poses a significant threat to vulnerable communities.

The infection spreads rapidly through person-to-person respiratory droplets, and can also be transmitted through contact with contaminated surfaces.

Its symptoms include a persistent cough that may last two or more weeks, a mild fever, and a runny nose.

The CHO urges parents and caregivers to seek immediate medical attention for suspected patients, as early treatment is most effective.
(WILBEN SEBASTIAN ONG, STEFTI STUDENT INTERN)