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DFA to open full consular office in Catarman by 2026

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Reps. Ongchuan, Daza hail milestone

TACLOBAN CITY – Northern Samar is set to host its own Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Consular Office by 2026, following the formal approval of the project by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.—a move that is expected to dramatically improve access to essential government services for thousands of residents in the province.

The new office will rise in Catarman, the provincial capital, marking the first DFA facility in Northern Samar and only the second in Eastern Visayas, after Tacloban City. The project was originally proposed by former Congressman Paul Daza as a satellite office but was upgraded to a full-service consular office thanks to sustained efforts by 1st District Rep. Nico Raul Daza and 2nd District Rep. Edwin Ongchuan.

“This is a win for every Nortehanon,” said Rep. Nico Daza. “What started as a request has now turned into a full consular office that will bring government services closer to our people—no more long trips to Tacloban or other provinces.”

The Catarman DFA office will offer passport application and renewal, document authentication, visa-related services, and assistance to overseas Filipinos, many of whom come from Northern Samar. It is also expected to generate local jobs, with its staffing pattern already approved.

Rep. Ongchuan, who recently met with DFA Assistant Secretary Zaldy Patron, said the office is part of a broader effort to boost economic and social development in the province. Discussions also covered local tourism promotion and overseas employment programs for Nortehanons.

As a token of cultural pride, Ongchuan presented Patron with a copy of the Ibabao Festival Magazine, which features the vibrant traditions and community events in the province.
The lawmakers expressed gratitude to President Marcos, DFA Citizens’ Affairs Director Atty. Manuel Ayap, and the DFA leadership for supporting the initiative.

Currently, the nearest DFA office for Northern Samar residents is in Tacloban City, some 244 kilometers away. With the new consular office in Catarman, residents will soon enjoy faster and more affordable access to essential services that previously required extensive travel.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)

College student killed in motorcycle crash in Ormoc City

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ORMOC CITY – A 19-year-old college student died in a self-accident early Sunday morning, August 3, after losing control of his motorcycle along the national road in Barangay Dayhagan.

The victim was identified as Bonaxi Kurt Hugo, a resident of Deca Homes in Barangay Concepcion. He was reportedly driving a blue Yamaha Sniper 155 motorcycle at high speed when he lost control and crashed near the Acacia tree by the bridge around 6:30 a.m.
Responding personnel from the City Traffic Enforcement Unit (TEU) and the Ormoc Rescue Team found the victim lying on the road. Emergency responders immediately performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) before rushing him to Gatchalian Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Initial police investigation revealed that Hugo was traveling from Barangay Juaton toward the city proper when the accident occurred.

The motorcycle was taken to the TEU office for proper documentation. According to TEU Chief PCPT Jason Mateo, the victim’s family has already claimed the body, which has been transferred to a local funeral parlor.

(ROBERT DEJON)

LTO holds information drive at DPWH Northern Samar 1st DEO

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Catarman N. Samar-In its continuing effort to raise awareness on road safety and promote responsible driving, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) conducted an information drive at the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) – Northern Samar 1st District Engineering Office on July 30, 2025.

The activity focused on several key topics, including the different types of driver’s licenses and essential road safety regulations, most common traffic violations and its corresponding penalties such as driving without a license, reckless driving, and failure to wear seatbelts and helmets.

Employees were also reminded of the importance of observing traffic rules, complying with vehicle registration requirements, and regularly renewing licenses and other related documents.

According to the LTO, the initiative is part of its advocacy to promote safer roads by equipping government personnel and the public with proper knowledge and awareness of transportation laws.

LTO personnel enthusiastically addressed questions raised by DPWH employees, clarifying regulations and procedures. They also distributed motorcycle license plates to employees who submitted their official receipt (OR) and certificate of registration (CR) and encouraged others to submit the necessary documents for verification and release.

LTO Catarman OIC-Chief Guy Ellison Zosa emphasized that the agency’s mission is not to punish but to educate and assist the public. He encouraged employees not to fear LTO personnel, “Diri perwisyo am dara, kundi serbisyo,” he stated.

Prior to the information drive, LTO Catarman formally turned over red license plates to District Engineer Alvin Ignacio for use of the government vehicles owned by the district.
In conclusion, Engr. Ignacio expressed his appreciation to the LTO personnel for the informative session and for taking the time to share essential information with DPWH employees. He also expressed hope that the partnership between the LTO and DPWH would continue, especially since many employees are road users themselves and work on infrastructure projects that directly impact road safety.

(ANALIZA A. PABIA/PR)

JMPRO-VIII strengthens personnel and PDL programs under RD Sonon’s vision

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PALO, Leyte – Under the visionary leadership of Regional Director J/SSupt. Rill F. Sonon, DSC, JD, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Regional Office VIII is setting new benchmarks in jail management and personnel development through its flagship programs: the R.I.L.L. Na Pagmamalasakit sa Loob ng Piitan Program and “WASTONG B.I.H.I.S.” Program.

In a unique and deeply compassionate approach to jail management, RD SONON launched the “R.I.L.L. Na Pagmamalasakit sa Loob ng Piitan” Program, a play on his name and a powerful acronym for Reintegration, Informed Journey, Learning, and Livelihood. The program is designed to strengthen and unify all PDL-centered welfare and development initiatives within #BJMPOtso, ensuring that every effort made inside the jail facilities for persons deprived of liberty (PDL) contributes to changing lives and building a safer nation.
The WASTONG B.I.H.I.S. Program — which stands for Wastong Baro, Insigna, Hibla, ID, at Sombrero at Sapatos — is more than just a dress code. It is a culture-building campaign that promotes discipline among BJMP personnel through properly wearing prescribed uniforms. This initiative underscores the belief that the professional appearance of Jail Officers reflects professional Jail service.

Since assuming office as Regional Director, JSSUPT RILL F SONON has introduced a leadership style marked by compassion, discipline, and innovation. His programs resonate with the Jail Bureau’s commitment to fostering a professional culture among personnel while promoting dignity, empathy, and transformation within the walls of every jail facility.
Under his stewardship, BJMPRO-VIII continues to champion a system where humane treatment, meaningful engagement, and progressive jail service define the true spirit of public service. (PR)

8 NPA members killed; firearms recovered

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In Northern Samar clashes

TACLOBAN CITY– At least eight alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed in separate armed encounters with government forces in Barangay San Isidro, Las Navas town, Northern Samar on Thursday, July 31.

According to a report from the 8th Infantry Division (ID) based in Catbalogan City, Samar, eight rebel members were killed, and eight high-powered firearms were recovered during the encounters.

The offensive was launched after residents reported the presence of armed men in San Isidro, a remote village which could only be reached via sea travel from the town proper, allegedly extorting and threatening farmers in the area.

The first encounter occurred around 2:30 a.m., when government troops stormed a heavily fortified NPA encampment, which was reportedly surrounded by anti-personnel mines (APMs) — weapons banned under international humanitarian law.

A firefight ensued, prompting the soldiers to call for fire support. The engagement resulted in the death of seven NPA members and the seizure of five M16 rifles, one R4 rifle, and an M203 grenade launcher.

A second clash erupted at 10:00 a.m. as pursuing elements from the 803rd Infantry Brigade, which is headquartered in Catarman, Northern Samar, encountered the fleeing rebels.

After a 30-minute firefight, one more NPA member was killed, and another R4 rifle was recovered.

Major General Adonis Ariel Orio, 8th ID commander, credited the victory to the timely tip-off from concerned civilians and the growing cooperation from communities once affected by conflict.

“This group continues to cling to their twisted ideology that has taken countless lives,” Orio said in a statement on Friday, August 1.

“We renew our call to the remaining communist terrorists to lay down their arms, return to their families, and rejoin society. We will not stop until Eastern Visayas is free from your violence,” he added.

Orio emphasized that the operation marks a step closer to ending the insurgency in the region.

Meantime, Las Navas Mayor Philbert Tan also appealed to the remaining NPA members to surrender.

“Wala nang suporta ang masa sa NPA dahil sa kanilang pananakot at pangingikil,” he said in a statement released through the 8th ID.

“Hinihikayat ko kayong magbalik-loob. Ang lokal at pambansang pamahalaan ay handang tumulong sa inyong pagbabagong-buhay para sa inyong pamilya at kinabukasan.”

The 8ID also recalled that the same NPA regional unit was responsible for the October 7, 2022 ambush in Jipapad, Eastern Samar, where two soldiers were killed, a 10-year-old child was wounded, and civilian properties were damaged.

The military continues its focused operations as part of the government’s peace and development initiatives across Eastern Visayas.

JOEY A. GABIETA

Carabao for a dream: After 10-year struggle, graduate gets unlikely gift from grandfather

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CARABAO AS A GRADUATION GIFT. After a decade-long journey to complete his college education, Kobe Brian Garcia received a carabao from his grandfather as a symbolic graduation gift during the commencement exercises of Abuyog Community College on July 30 in Abuyog, Leyte. (Photo courtesy of Kobe Brian Garcia)
CARABAO AS A GRADUATION GIFT. After a decade-long journey to complete his college education, Kobe Brian Garcia received a carabao from his grandfather as a symbolic graduation gift during the commencement exercises of Abuyog Community College on July 30 in Abuyog, Leyte. (Photo courtesy of Kobe Brian Garcia)

TACLOBAN CITY – While most graduates walk away from the stage with medals, flowers, or money bouquets, 28-year-old Kobe Brian Garcia received something far more unexpected — a carabao.

The gift wasn’t random. It was a long-standing promise from his grandfather, Marcial Costin Jr., who vowed years ago that if Kobe ever finished college, he’d get a carabao — not just for fun, but as a symbol of hard work and commitment.

Kobe, the eldest of five children and son of two high school teachers, was one of the 845 graduates of Abuyog Community College (ACC) in Leyte this year. He completed his Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship after a decade-long, stop-and-start academic journey shaped by disaster, doubt, and ultimately, determination.

“Others have to struggle so much just to go to school. In my case, everything was provided by my family,” Kobe shared. “I didn’t want to waste that anymore. I owed it to them to finish.”

His journey began in 2013 as a Computer Engineering student at AMA Computer College in Palo, Leyte. But just months in, Super Typhoon Yolanda struck, derailing classes — and Kobe’s direction. Though he returned to school when classes resumed, he admitted he lacked interest in the course and eventually dropped out.

He shifted to Visayas State University in Tolosa, Leyte as a Fisheries student but again struggled to find motivation and left. It wasn’t until 2019, after enrolling in ACC’s BS Entrepreneurship program, that he began to feel he was on the right track. Then came the COVID-19 pandemic, forcing another pause in his studies.

Kobe thought of quitting entirely — until his mother fell ill and his aging parents reminded him how much they had sacrificed. “Even if I didn’t get to pursue my dream course, which was veterinary medicine, I realized I couldn’t let the years go to waste,” he said.

His grandfather’s earlier joke — “When this one finally graduates, I’ll give him a carabao!” — became a quiet motivation. And true to his word, just days before Kobe’s graduation on July 30, Marcial, a retired medical technologist from Chicago, bought the carabao as a surprise.

“It wasn’t a bouquet of cash or flowers,” said ACC president Clemelle Montallana. “It was a living, breathing symbol of resilience — standing at the entrance of the venue like it knew what Kobe had been through.”

The carabao wasn’t just a conversation piece — it was part of the graduation celebration. Kobe plans to butcher the animal for a family and class reunion feast on August 2, honoring both his achievement and the loved ones who helped him along the way.

To make the moment even sweeter, Kobe’s younger brother also graduated from VSU Tolosa days later.

For now, Kobe plans to find work in the Visayas and hopefully go abroad next year. “This is all for my family — for my parents who are getting older, and for my grandfather who never stopped believing in me,” he said.

From delays and detours to diplomas and a carabao, Kobe’s story is a reminder that the road to success isn’t always fast — but it’s worth the wait.

(JOEY A. GABIETA)

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