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All called to holiness and apostolate

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FR. ROY CIMAGALA
FR. ROY CIMAGALA

WE have to be most aware of this basic truth about ourselves. We are all called by God, our Creator and Father, to be holy and to do apostolate for the simple reason that we have been created by God in his image and likeness. And even if we fall into sin, we are also given the means through Christ, our Redeemer, of how to handle that condition so that in the end we can manage to be what God wants us to be.

We have to overcome the thinking that this duty to seek holiness and to do apostolate is only for priests, religious and other so-called special people. It is for everyone. And so, we just have to sharpen our awareness of this truth about ourselves and to spread this truth as widely as possible, since we all know that many still are ignorant of it, let alone, making their life consistent to that truth.

Ever wondered why Christ chose his apostles practically randomly? He, for example, would just pass by Matthew in his tax collector’s table and say, “Come, follow me,” without as much checking on Matthew’s background.

Same with brothers Peter and Andrew, and James and John. Christ would just call them, and without asking any question they simply left their nets, for they were fishermen, and followed Christ.

In the end, he would also call Judas Iscariot who would later betray him. Christ, being God, would have known that Judas would turn him in. But that did not deter him. He called Judas to be one of the original 12 apostles just the same.

The only reason I can find for this behavior of Christ is that he has the right to call anyone and everyone to follow him. And that’s simply because, as God, he has that right since all of us come from him and belong to him. As redeemer, he calls everyone to follow him.
And just as there is the universal call to holiness, there is also the universal call to the apostolate. This is what is to be an authentic Christian. No one can be a true Christian if he fails to pursue this dual goal of holiness and apostolate. In a way, we can say that a Christian is both a saint and an apostle.

This universal call to the apostolate stems from the basic human need of ours to be concerned always with everybody else. As persons, we are not meant to be by ourselves. We are meant to be always in relation with the others. And that relation should be one that is good and helpful to the others.

And from the human need to be good and helpful to everyone, we are asked to elevate that concern to the supernatural level where we can be with God. That means that our relation with others should not just remain in the human and natural level, but should be developed in view of our common supernatural goal to be with God, to be holy and to truly love one another as Christ himself as loved us. (cfr. Jn 13,34)

We need to train ourselves to be apostolic all the time. We have to realize that if we simply are aware of this universal call to the apostolate, everything in our life can and should be an occasion to do apostolate. Even when we are isolated, we can still do apostolate by simply praying and offering sacrifices for the others, etc.

TCDEO successfully completes 2024 Internal Quality Audit

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TACLOBAN CITY-The Tacloban City District Engineering Office (TCDEO) has successfully completed its three-day Internal Quality Audit (IQA), which took place from August 13 to 15, 2024.

The audit was conducted by auditors from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region VIII, including Ms. Mary Ann H. Aniceto from the Regional Office and Engr. Emelyn M. Say from the Samar 2nd District Engineering Office. Ms. Mary Ann H. Aniceto holds the position of Administrative Officer V while Engr. Say serves as the Officer-in-Charge of their Administrative Section.

On the first and second day, the process included a thorough review of documents, followed by room-to-room inspections. An exit conference on the third and last day highlighted the initial findings of the audit, concluding that TCDEO successfully passed the Internal Quality Audit for 2024.

TCDEO employees worked collaboratively and put in effort to prepare for the 2024 Internal Quality Audit (IQA). Their teamwork and meticulous preparation were instrumental in achieving a successful outcome. By aligning their efforts with the required standards and ensuring thorough documentation and compliance, the team demonstrated their commitment to excellence and contributed to the favorable results of the audit.

The IQA process is essential for ensuring that office operations adhere to prescribed standards and procedures. It provides valuable feedback on whether these standards are met and followed according to relevant issuances and department orders.

District Engineer Rebecca G. Yuse expressed her gratitude for the successful audit, stating, “I am immensely grateful that we were able to pass this IQA with positive results. May we continue to serve the public by adhering to the standards set for our office and striving to exceed them to ensure we provide the best service to our community.” (PR)

Families of drug war victims place their hopes in ICC

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Drug-related deaths believe to reach over 20,000

TACLOBAN CITY-Families of victims from the drug war during Rodrigo Duterte’s administration are finding renewed hope as the International Criminal Court (ICC) advances its investigation.

“Yes, I am hopeful that with the ICC’s involvement, the victims of the drug war, especially our relatives, will finally receive justice,” said ‘Belinda’ (not her real name), whose uncle was killed during a 2019 drug raid in Leyte.

Belinda, who requested anonymity for safety reasons, explained that her family did not pursue legal action against the government’s anti-drug operatives due to financial constraints.

“This is the fate of poor people—they are killed without cause and without recourse,” she told Leyte Samar Daily Express.

Belinda expressed relief upon learning that the ICC has sought the Philippine government’s assistance in interviewing individuals connected to Duterte’s “drug war” campaign.

On July 30, 2024, former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV revealed that an incumbent Philippine senator and four top police officials were placed on the “Blue Notice” list of the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) at the request of the ICC’s Office of the Prosecutor.

“It seems the Blue Notice is just one step in the ICC’s process. While it’s too early to say if this will result in justice for the thousands of ‘drug war’ victims, it certainly sends a message to abusive law enforcers: there will be a time of reckoning,” said Carlos Conde, senior researcher at New York-based Human Rights Watch.

“The ICC appears serious in pursuing its investigation. The Ferdinand Marcos Jr. administration should fully cooperate with the court’s inquiry,” Conde added in a report by the Catholic news site UCA News.

According to Interpol, a “Blue Notice” is issued “to collect additional information about a person’s identity, location, or activities in relation to a criminal investigation.”

Justice Secretary Jesus Remulla reportedly stated that the Philippine government cannot prevent Interpol from serving warrants of arrest on individuals implicated in the ICC’s probe.

Various human rights organizations estimate that over 20,000 suspected drug personalities were killed during Duterte’s anti-drug campaign.
(RONALD O. REYES)

Rep. Libanan to run as Eastern Samar congressman without leaving the 4Ps party-list group

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CONGRESSIONAL RUN. 4Ps party-list Rep. Marcelino ‘Nonoy’ Libanan has confirmed of his interest to run as congressman of the lone congressional district of Eastern Samar in the 2025 elections.(FILE PHOTO)

2025 elections

CONGRESSIONAL RUN. 4Ps party-list Rep. Marcelino ‘Nonoy’ Libanan has confirmed of his interest to run as congressman of the lone congressional district of Eastern Samar in the 2025 elections.(FILE PHOTO)

TACLOBAN CITY – Minority Floor Leader Marcelino Libanan announced in a press briefing on Sunday, August 18, that he will finish his term as representative of the 4Ps party-list group even if he files for a position as district congressman representing Eastern Samar’s lone congressional district.

Libanan explained that filing his certificate of candidacy is akin to entering a contract for the year 2025 onwards.

“My current term runs from 2022 until 2025,” he said. “Unless the party-list decides to remove me from the party at any point, which they can do through a resolution, I will complete my term as the 4Ps Representative,” Libanan said.

Recently, Libanan announced his plans to run as the district representative of the lone district of the province.

He also revealed that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., along with Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, encouraged him to team up with the incumbent Governor of Samar, Ben Evardone, in their respective bids for governor and congressman to help bring Eastern Samar to ‘greater heights’.

Libanan clarified that he can choose a political party and file for a regular district congressman position without affecting his status as the 4Ps representative.
The only impact, he noted, would be that if he wins, it would count as his second term as a congressman.

He further stated that winning the district representative position would allow him to focus more on his district, as opposed to his current role as a party-list representative, which requires him to travel across the country.

Additionally, Libanan shared that, despite receiving numerous offers to join various political parties, he is leaning towards running as an independent candidate.
This would enable him to remain as the minority leader of the House of Representatives.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

Families of drug war victims place their hopes in ICC

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Drug-related deaths believe to reach over 20,000

TACLOBAN CITY-Families of victims from the drug war during Rodrigo Duterte’s administration are finding renewed hope as the International Criminal Court (ICC) advances its investigation.

“Yes, I am hopeful that with the ICC’s involvement, the victims of the drug war, especially our relatives, will finally receive justice,” said ‘Belinda’ (not her real name), whose uncle was killed during a 2019 drug raid in Leyte.

Belinda, who requested anonymity for safety reasons, explained that her family did not pursue legal action against the government’s anti-drug operatives due to financial constraints.

“This is the fate of poor people—they are killed without cause and without recourse,” she told Leyte Samar Daily Express.

Belinda expressed relief upon learning that the ICC has sought the Philippine government’s assistance in interviewing individuals connected to Duterte’s “drug war” campaign.

On July 30, 2024, former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV revealed that an incumbent Philippine senator and four top police officials were placed on the “Blue Notice” list of the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) at the request of the ICC’s Office of the Prosecutor.

“It seems the Blue Notice is just one step in the ICC’s process. While it’s too early to say if this will result in justice for the thousands of ‘drug war’ victims, it certainly sends a message to abusive law enforcers: there will be a time of reckoning,” said Carlos Conde, senior researcher at New York-based Human Rights Watch.

“The ICC appears serious in pursuing its investigation. The Ferdinand Marcos Jr. administration should fully cooperate with the court’s inquiry,” Conde added in a report by the Catholic news site UCA News.

According to Interpol, a “Blue Notice” is issued “to collect additional information about a person’s identity, location, or activities in relation to a criminal investigation.”

Justice Secretary Jesus Remulla reportedly stated that the Philippine government cannot prevent Interpol from serving warrants of arrest on individuals implicated in the ICC’s probe.

Various human rights organizations estimate that over 20,000 suspected drug personalities were killed during Duterte’s anti-drug campaign.
(RONALD O. REYES)

Quake rattles Northern Samar; damages reported as classes were suspended

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Phivolcs downgraded the quake from 6.0 to 5.7 magnitude

TACLOBAN CITY – Several classes in parts of Northern Samar were canceled due to a 6.0 magnitude earthquake that shook the province on Monday, August 19, causing damage to business establishments and offices.

Rei Josiah Echano, head of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, reported that damage was expected in some areas of the province, with the town of Pambujan identified as the epicenter.

“We are still consolidating our report, but there could be possible damages due to the impact of the 6.0 quake,” he stated.

Echano added that their office, in coordination with the Provincial Engineering Office, conducted a rapid assessment of potential damages following the tremor, which triggered public panic.

Francisco Aurelio Rosales III, mayor of Catarman, the provincial capital, issued a directive suspending afternoon classes across the town to ensure student safety, according to municipal information officer Rachel Arnaiz.

At Catarman National High School, cracks were observed in the ceilings and walls of several classrooms and other school facilities.

Despite this, Arnaiz noted that there was no suspension of work, including in the municipal government, though cracks were seen in the municipal building.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) initially reported that the 6.0 magnitude tremor could result in damage and aftershocks but later revised the magnitude to 5.7.

Echano also mentioned that several business establishments felt the quake.
At the Gaisano branch in Catarman, a portion of the ceiling collapsed, and glass windows shattered in some outlets.

The mall was temporarily closed to allow management to assess the impact of the tremor on the building. No one was injured relative to the tremor.

Echano assured the public that there was no tsunami alert issued following the quake.
“Northern Samar is safe from a tsunami after 30 minutes without rupture and physical movement of waters along the coastlines affected by the magnitude 6 earthquake,” Echano confirmed.

In Palapag town, cracks were observed in the floor tiles and ceilings of the municipal trial court building and the mayor’s office.

Students from San Jose Technical School in San Jose town immediately evacuated to the school’s open ground area.

In Tacloban City, students were sent home early due to the quake, and customers in some business establishments rushed outside for safety.

“It was quite a strong quake,” said resident Sophia Morante, describing the tremor.

The quake was felt at Intensity V in the towns of Bobon, Catarman, Laoang, Lavezares, Rosario, and San Roque, all in Northern Samar; Intensity IV in Pilar and Sorsogon City, Sorsogon; Can-avid, Eastern Samar; Abuyog, Leyte; and Gandara, Samar; Intensity III in the cities of Legazpi and Tabaco, Albay; Virac, Catanduanes; Masbate City, Masbate; Bulusan and Irosin, Sorsogon; Sulat, Eastern Samar; Alangalang, Carigara, Dulag, Burauen, and Javier, all in Leyte.

Intensity II was recorded in Calubian, Hilongos, Kananga, Palo, and Mahaplag in Leyte; Hinunangan and Sogod in Southern Leyte; Tinambacan, Camarines Sur; Aroroy, Batuan, Cataingan, Esperanza, and Milagros, Masbate. Intensity I was felt in Caramoan and Pasacao, Camarines Sur; Claveria, Masbate; Roxas City, Capiz; Cebu City; and Albuera, Leyte.

(JOEY A. GABIETA)

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