PAGSANGHAN, Samar – The Department of Agriculture took part in the DSWD zero hunger orientation and coordination meeting on February 12, 2024, held at the Pagsanghan Municipal Hall Lobby in Samar, represented by the Special Area for Agricultural Development – Provincial Project Management Support Office (SAAD-PPMSO).

The central focus of the session was to let participants discuss various aspects covering the Zero Hunger Program.

This included summarizing the initiative, identifying target areas or barangays, selecting beneficiaries, establishing project timelines, and formalizing partnerships.

The project operates under the Sustainable Livelihood Program of DSWD, with a specific goal of offering sustainable income-generating opportunities to 272 farmers in Samar.
Attended the meeting were representatives from key government agencies, such as the Department of Agriculture (DA), Philippine Crop Insurance (PCIC), Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO), and the Office of the Municipal Mayor.

Within this collaborative framework, the SAAD-PPMSO plays a vital role in conducting feasibility assessments for proposed livelihood initiatives, ensuring their alignment with community needs. DA-SAAD will assist in endorsing eligible beneficiaries for the program.
During the event, Mayor Sed Hendrix C. Tan of Pagsanghan emphasized the importance of prioritizing the most marginalized members of the community, particularly those classified as the “poorest of the poor.”

He underscored the urgent need for projects within the municipality’s communities and stressed that the LGU will actively involve and cooperate in implementing livelihood projects.”

Beneficiaries will be selected thoroughly based on their involvement in agriculture and aquaculture livelihood activities.

Working towards addressing food hunger and promoting sustainable livelihoods in the locality, the meeting served as a pivotal platform for fostering collaboration and synergy among various stakeholders and partners involved in executing the project. (PR)

TACLOBAN CITY– Five alleged members of the communist group, the New People’s Army (NPA) voluntarily surrendered to the police within a span of two days.

The surrendered individuals, formerly associated with the armed group of Communist Party of the Philippines were identified as follows: “Mariz” (alias “Mariz”), a member of Bugsok Platoon; “Raul” and “Jaymark” (alias “Jaymark”), both associated with the Militia Units of Sandro Platoon; “Ka Jack” (alias), another member of a Militia Unit; and “Lando” (alias), affiliated with Buhawi Platoon.

Negotiations facilitated the successful surrender of these rebels, with the collaborative efforts of various law enforcement units, including the 802nd Maneuver Company and 805th Maneuver Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 8, the Area Police Command-Visayas, Calbiga Municipal Police Station, 1st and 2nd Samar Provincial Mobile Force Company of Samar Police Provincial Office, Regional Intelligence Unit 8, 1st Leyte Provincial Mobile Force Company, Provincial Intelligence Unit of the Leyte Police Provincial Office, and Baybay City Police Station.

The surrendered individuals will undergo processing and documentation in custody of different camps or stations, for them to avail benefits under the government’s Enchanted Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

E-CLIP serves as a pathway for former members of the Communist Terrorist Group to reintegrate into society, fostering peace within their families and communities.

This initiative aims to facilitate positive life transformations for those seeking a fresh start.
The law enforcement authorities in Eastern Visayas encourage individuals to embrace the opportunity for a better future, urging them not to hesitate to seek assistance from relevant authorities or stations.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

ORMOC CITY – Two individuals are currently detained in the locked-up cell of the local police in Tabango, Leyte, following their arrest for possession of unlicensed firearms.
The detainees have been identified as Nandy Diaz, 40, and Bonifacio Bulante, 25, both residents of Brgy. Manlawaan, Tabango. They were apprehended in Sitio Shamrock, Barangay Poblacion of the aforementioned town around 10:59 am on Wednesday (Feb. 28).
According to the report from the local police, PCMS Gregg Ramirez, while on duty at the established Police Assistance Center (PAC), noticed the suspects riding a single motorcycle and behaving suspiciously. Upon sensing the presence of law enforcement, the suspects diverted their route towards the Shan establishment in Brgy. Poblacion.

Ramirez promptly alerted their chief of police, PCPT Carmelo Gacho, about the situation, and they pursued the motorcycle. Upon reaching the location, they approached the suspects.

During the approach, the responding officers observed the hammer of a firearm protruding from an open belt bag carried by the suspects. The officers then questioned the suspects regarding their authorization to carry firearms, to which they failed to provide any documentation, leading to their arrest.

Confiscated from Diaz’s possession were one .45 caliber pistol with a defaced serial number (Paltik), along with a magazine loaded with seven live ammunitions, an additional magazine loaded with six live ammunitions, and one belt bag. Bulante was found with one unit of .45 Caliber pistol, and a magazine loaded with four live ammunition.

Diaz, one of the suspects, is currently facing charges for the killing of the former chairman of Brgy Manlawaan, Salvador Troyo, last year.

Tabango, situated in the 3rd congressional district of Leyte, has been plagued by ongoing shooting incidents, often involving barangay officials. Just last week, unidentified perpetrators killed five elected barangay officials and a tanod member.

The suspects were informed of the nature of their arrest and their constitutional rights in a language they understood.

The police have filed charges of violations of RA 10591, the Comprehensive Law against Illegal Possession of Firearm, ammunition, and explosives against the two suspects, who are temporarily detained at the Tabango municipal police station. (ROBERT DEJON)