The devotion and commitment of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) to the nation have been deeply ingrained in its culture, traditions, and values.

Its primary mandate is to defend the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, but it also contributes to various areas of development, including disaster response, peace and security, and community development.

The continuing national growth strengthened thru various aspects of service and its role in the country’s development of the PAF.

PAF is critical in ensuring the country’s security and sovereignty. Its primary mission is to protect the Philippine airspace and provide air support to ground forces during war and other security threats.

The PAF’s presence and capabilities serve as a deterrent to potential aggressors, helping to maintain peace and stability in the country.

Being in a disaster-prone country with frequent typhoons, earthquakes, and other natural calamities, the PAF is often among the first responders during these disasters.

The PAF provides aerial reconnaissance, search and rescue operations, and support the delivery of relief goods and medical supplies.

The PAF’s rapid response and ability to access remote and inaccessible areas have been critical in saving lives and mitigating the impact of disasters.

The PAF’s air assets and expertise have also been utilized in conducting aerial surveys, mapping, and geological studies, contributing to developing the country’s natural resources.

Moreover, the PAF’s devotion to the nation extends beyond its primary national defense mission. The PAF conducts outreach programs, medical missions, and other initiatives to promote the well-being and welfare of the people.

The PAF’s capabilities and expertise are crucial in addressing the country’s challenges and promoting its overall progress and development.

The devotion and commitment of the Philippine Air Force to the nation are deeply rooted in its quick response, professionalism, and dedication.

The PAF’s primary national defense mission is coupled with a strong sense of responsibility and duty towards the country and its people.

The PAF’s unwavering dedication and commitment to service have helped safeguard the country’s security, promote its development, and uphold its honor and dignity as a sovereign nation. (PR)

NAVAL, Biliran– The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has activated 124 free Wi-Fi sites that will cover various locations throughout the province of Biliran.

The ceremonial turnover of this technology and ICT equipment is one of the highlights of the 32nd Provincehood Anniversary of Biliran on May 11 held at the Provincial Capitol Grounds in Naval.

According to Hazel D. Martinez, provincial officer of DICT Biliran, the DICT free Wi-Fi program is specifically designed to provide internet access to the public, particularly in underserved areas.

“This free Wi-Fi program provides internet connectivity in public places such as in schools, hospitals, government offices, and transport terminals, enabling people to connect to the internet for free,” Martinez said.

Martinez said the province is one step closer to building a digitally empowered and connected community with the help of the ICT equipment.

“This initiative aims to bridge the digital divide by providing Filipinos with access to online resources, communication tools, and information services, empowering communities and fostering digital inclusion,” she emphasized.

Martinez further said the DICT looks forward to the positive impacts that the project will bring to the province, emphasizing that the agency is “committed to the goal of providing accessible and reliable ICT services to all Filipinos.”

The DICT, which has been designated to lead the emergency telecommunication cluster of the National Disaster Risk and Reduction Management Council, also distributed emergency telecommunication equipment (ETE) for disaster risk reduction and management during the
The equipment were distributed to the towns of Almeria, Cabucgsayan, Maripipi, Kawayan, and the provincial government of Biliran, which includes one (1) unit very small aperture terminal (VSAT) and its network components, one (1) unit satellite phone, and one (1) unit solar panel.

The launching of the 124 free Wi-Fi sites and the distribution of ETE in Biliran province was led by no less than DICT 8 Regional Director Felix S. Tabanao Jr.; OIC-TOD Chief Marian Go-Soco, free Wi-Fi project focal; Engr. Gualberto Gualberto Jr.; and the free Wi-Fi project team.
(RSV, PIA Biliran)

ORMOC CITY-A newly identified drug peddler was apprehended by the local police during a buy-bust operation conducted by the Station Drug Enforcement Team (SDET) of the local police of Inopacan, Leyte.

Inopacan chief of police, Major Ian Po identified the suspect as Ondo Decatoria, 51, and a resident of Barangay Guadalupe.

Recovered from the possession of the suspect during the sting operation on May 24 at around 6:30 pm was one sachet containing a white crystalline substance suspected to be shabu procured by an operative in the amount of P500.

During the conduct of a body search done in the presence of an elected official and a representative from the local media, the searching cop recovered one more sachet containing the same white crystalline substance still suspected to be shabu with an estimated weight of .05 gram with an estimated street value of P2,000.

Charges of violations of sections 5 (selling illegal drugs) & 11 (possession of illegal drugs) of Article II of RA 9165 the Comprehensive Law against Illegal Drugs of 2002 were filed by the arresting police against the suspect who is temporarily detained at the locked-up cell of Inopacan municipal police station.
(ROBERT DEJON)

TACLOBAN CITY-At two high-value individuals (HVIs) and seven other suspected drug personalities were arrested in separate anti-narcotics operations across the region from May 20-22, 2024.

“Our dedicated police force is committed to fulfilling its duty by thoroughly investigating the source of these illicit drugs,” said Police Regional Office-Eastern Visayas (PRO-8) director Brigadier General Reynaldo Pawid.

In a statement to the local media, Pawid lauded the different Philippine National Police (PNP) units in the region and the collaboration with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-Eastern Visayas for the arrest of the suspects.

“Our relentless pursuit of justice for our community will persist until those responsible are apprehended and brought to face the full extent of the law, ensuring that these criminals are held accountable for their actions,” he added.

The HVIs were identified as alias Dod, a 44-year-old jail guard residing in Hilongos, Leyte; and alias Cris, 40, a resident of Allen, Northern Samar.

Dod was arrested by the combined elements of PDEA-Southern Leyte and the Matalom Municipal Police Station.

Recovered from the suspect were five small heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets of suspected shabu and one caliber .45 pistol during the buy-bust operation in Barangay Punong, Matalom, Leyte on May 21.

Cris yielded four sachets of suspected shabu in a buy-bust operation led by the Allen Municipal Police Station operatives at Barangay Sabang, Zone II, in Allen town on May 20.
The police regional command identified the seven other drug suspects as street-level individuals.

The onsite marking and inventory of the recovered evidence were conducted in the presence of invited witnesses and the suspects, according to the police regional command.
The actual weight and value of the confiscated drug items are yet to be determined by the Regional Forensics Unit-8, it added.

The arrested suspects will face charges for violation of Republic Act 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
(RONALD O. REYES)