TACLOBAN CITY — As part of the government’s continuing peace and reconciliation efforts, the Philippine Army’s 93rd Infantry Battalion, in coordination with the 802nd Infantry Brigade, supported an amnesty orientation and application program in Villaba, Leyte, aimed at helping former rebels return to civilian life.

The activity was held at the Villaba Municipal Function Hall and gathered 30 former rebels from Barangay Cagnocot in Villaba town and Poblacion 1 in Tabango. The orientation was facilitated by Peace Program Officer II Bhea Janine Gozo, who explained the amnesty process and guided participants through the requirements for formal application.
To ensure clarity on legal matters, Atty. Jared Anthony Bandalan provided a briefing on the scope of offenses covered by the amnesty proclamation, the documentary requirements, and the intake interview procedures to be conducted by the Local Amnesty Board Secretariat.

The event coincided with the anniversary of the Amnesty Proclamations and marked the official launch of the 100-day countdown to the application deadline, underscoring the urgency of encouraging qualified former combatants to avail themselves of the program.
The 93rd Infantry Battalion, led by Lt. Col. Celeste Frank Sayson, said it remains committed to working closely with the 802nd Infantry Brigade and the National Amnesty Commission to streamline the application process and ensure the safety and welfare of applicants in Northern Leyte.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

ORMOC CITY— Two riders died on the spot after their motorcycle collided with a parked truck in Barangay Balugo, Albuera, Leyte early Wednesday morning, January 14.

The victims, identified as 19-year-old Jaime, the motorcycle driver, and 40-year-old Mickey, both residents of Brgy. Balugo, were reportedly returning home from a fiesta in Brgy. Damulaan at around 4:30 a.m. Police said the Honda Click motorcycle they were riding may have been traveling at high speed, and the riders were suspected of being intoxicated.
The motorcycle struck the rear bumper of a parked white Isuzu Elf drop-side truck, displacing the vehicle several meters and causing fatal injuries to both riders. Local residents quickly alerted the Albuera Rescue Group and police. Responding personnel confirmed that both victims had no signs of life.

The bodies were transported to the Albuera Rural Health Unit for post-mortem examination, while the two vehicles were impounded by the Albuera Municipal Police Station for investigation.

Authorities are reminding motorists to exercise caution, particularly during early morning hours and after attending public festivities.

(ROBERT DEJON)

TACLOBAN CITY — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has rolled out more than P5.4 million worth of relief assistance to municipalities in Eastern Samar affected by flooding triggered by continuous heavy rains brought about by a recent shear line.

In a letter dated January 14, 2026, DSWD Field Office VIII informed Eastern Samar Lone District Representative and Assistant Minority Leader Christopher Sheen Gonzales that family food packs and bottled water had been distributed to flood-affected families in the towns of Arteche, Dolores, Jipapad, Maslog, and Oras.

A total of 9,799 family food packs, each valued at P549.50, were released to the five municipalities. In addition, 400 bottles of water worth P75 each were provided to residents of Jipapad. The overall assistance amounted to P5,414,550.50.

Arteche received 1,349 food packs worth P741,275.50; Dolores, 2,500 packs worth P1,373,750; Jipapad, 2,836 packs plus bottled water worth P1,588,382; Maslog, 114 packs worth P62,643; and Oras, 3,000 packs totaling P1,648,500.

The DSWD said it continues to closely coordinate with local government units in affected areas for possible augmentation of relief assistance, depending on the evolving situation on the ground.

Gonzales said his office immediately coordinated with the DSWD to ensure the timely delivery of aid to Eastern Samareños affected by the flooding. He thanked the agency for its swift response and assured constituents that efforts are ongoing to secure additional assistance as needed.

He added that his office is also working closely with the Office of the House Minority Leader and 4Ps party-list Representative Marcelino Libanan to help safeguard the welfare of Eastern Samar residents during calamities.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)