Part of their benchmarking

TACLOBAN CITY – Officials from the provincial government of Benguet visited the wind power project site in San Isidro, Northern Samar, on August 30 as part of their benchmarking activities, according to the Provincial Information Office.

The Benguet delegation, accompanied by John Allen Berbon, chief of the Northern Samar Provincial Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office (PEDIPO) and Provincial Information Office, toured the 176-hectare renewable energy project.

This site spans several coastal villages, including Salvacion, San Juan, Palanit, Mabuhay, Veriato, and Caglanipao in San Isidro.

Known for its commitment to sustainable development, the Benguet delegation was keen to observe the advancements and operational strategies of the San Isidro Wind Power Project.

Spearheaded by Lihangin Wind Energy Corp (LWEC), this major renewable energy initiative features 33 wind turbine generators with a total capacity of 206.25 megawatts.

Currently in the construction phase, which began in the second quarter of this year, the project is expected to be completed by mid-2025.

Once operational, it is projected to significantly contribute to the Philippines’ goal of achieving a 35% renewable energy share in the national energy mix by 2030.

“Integrating wind power infrastructure with thriving economic enterprises offers a compelling model for sustainable tourism development in Northern Samar,” Berbon said.

The Benguet officials, led by senior board member Marie Rose Fongwan-Kepes, expressed admiration for the project’s progress and its potential for both energy production and economic growth. They also discussed possible areas for collaboration and knowledge exchange to advance renewable energy initiatives in their province.

The Benguet delegation also visited some of the province’s popular tourist destinations like the Biri Rock Formation and the Lalaguna Mangrove Eco Park.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

ORMOC CITY- Six individuals, including a two-month-old infant and a four-year-old boy, were injured in a crash involving a three-wheeler vehicle, known as a “Mocab,” on Tuesday, September 3, 2024.

The accident occurred around 5:30 pm along a national highway in Barangay Sangalang, Biliran.

The vehicle involved was a yellow Ape City Ruscoe driven by a 40-year-old resident of Brgy. Salawad, Cabucgayan, Biliran, identified only as “Marmar.”

The victims included were alias “Yeye”, 40; “Rosa”, 39; “Bebe”, 2 months old, female; “Ali”, 4; “Ason”, 50; and “Jek”, of legal age.

All the victims are residents of Brgy. Salawad.

According to the initial investigation by responding police, led by PSSg Carlos Gelizon Jr., the incident occurred when the vehicle was traveling from the capital town of Naval, Biliran, to Salawad.

The left rear tire of the Mocab exploded suddenly, causing the driver to lose control and crash.

Emergency services were alerted by a concerned citizen’s call.

The injured passengers and driver were taken to the rural health unit in Biliran for initial treatment and then referred to Biliran Provincial Hospital in Naval for further medical care.
(ROBERT DEJON)

TACLOBAN CITY – 4Ps party-list Rep. and Minority Leader Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan has challenged Sen. Ronald “Bato” de la Rosa to acknowledge his role in the tragic loss of over 27,000 lives during the Duterte administration’s war on drugs.

A long-time advocate for justice rooted in moral and ethical principles, Libanan emphasized the importance of honesty and accountability in light of the grave accusations of extrajudicial killings.

“Senator de la Rosa, what we’re asking for is quite simple – be honest to the people and to God. The truth has a way of coming out, no matter how much we try to hide it. It is better to face it now with honesty,” Libanan urged.

“As a former PNP chief, Sen. dela Rosa should be an example of honesty and justice. But now, it’s more important that he serves as an example of admission and repentance. Let us accept the fact that no one can escape divine justice and the law,” Libanan added.

He underscored that being truthful is a fundamental value, not just for public servants, but for all individuals who aim to serve with integrity.

Libanan also expressed deep concern over the serious allegations against de la Rosa and the Philippine National Police (PNP) as he commended those who have chosen to speak up, like PNP Lt. Col. Jovie Espenido, despite the risks involved.

“Espenido’s bravery is an example of one’s love for the truth and country,” the solon said as he urged other witnesses to come forward to ensure that justice is served for the families who lost loved ones during the drug war.

Libanan further questioned de la Rosa’s conscience and the long-term implications of his actions.

He also encouraged Dela Rosa to seek forgiveness and come clean about his role in the extrajudicial killings.

“Senator, it’s not yet too late to admit and repent. The path to redemption is always open for those willing to walk it,” Libanan concluded.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY – An alleged member of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to government forces in Sogod, Southern Leyte, on Monday, September 2.

Joey Calinawan, also known by the aliases “Reden” and “Gerald,” was said to be a full-time member of Squad 1, Platoon 1, Island Committee-LEVOX (IC-LEVOX) under the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC), turned himself in to the 14th Infantry Battalion (14IB) of the Philippine Army, which operates under the 802nd Infantry Brigade (802IB).

Upon surrendering, Calinawan provided valuable intelligence on the activities of his former comrades, including the locations of their hideouts and arms caches.

This information led to the recovery of several firearms, including a Colt Elisco 5.56 M16 rifle, a 9mm pistol, magazines, ammunition, and subversive materials.

Lt. Col. Edgar Gabia, commander of the 14IB, attributed the success of Calinawan’s surrender to intensified military operations and ongoing efforts to engage with the families of active NPA members.

He also credited the cooperation of local government units, the community, and former NPA members who have abandoned the armed struggle.

Brig. Gen. Noel Vestuir, commander of the 802IB, emphasized the growing isolation of the NPA and the toll the continued struggle has taken on its members.

“The NPA leadership refuses to acknowledge that their members are exhausted, hungry, and separated from their families. They are no longer welcome in the communities, as the issues they exploited have been addressed by local government and community efforts,” Vestuir said in a statement.

The Army general renewed his appeal to remaining active rebels to surrender and return to the fold of the law.

“You have suffered too much under the deceptions of the communist terrorist group. Your families and the future of your children are at stake,” he said.

“The government offers programs like the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), the Local Social Integration Program, and the newly proclaimed amnesty program to help you transition to a peaceful life. Our efforts will continue until every last one of you has chosen peace,” Vestuir added.(JOEY A. GABIETA)