TACLOBAN CITY– A senior military official in Eastern Visayas disclosed that 31 members of the New People’s Army (NPA) and armed supporters have voluntarily surrendered under the initiatives of the local government units (LGUs).

Brigadier General Noel Vestuir, the brigade commander of the 802nd Infantry Brigade based in Ormoc City, said that the ‘localized peace engagements’ being enforced by the LGUs are a big help to them as they aim to end the region’s insurgency problem.

Earlier, Major Gen. Camilo Ligayo, the commanding general of the 8th Infantry Division, said that they are on ‘track’ of quelling the remaining ‘remnants’ of the armed group of the Communist Party of the Philippines in the region by the year-end.

The localized peace initiatives of the local governments are being made under their Friends Rescued Engagement through their Families (FReE) programs of the LGUs.
The said program was first implemented in Eastern Samar last September and subsequently introduced in Leyte and Samar provinces in February of this year.

“I congratulate the families and relatives of active NPAs in our area of operations in Samar and Leyte Islands for working together with the local government units in convincing their loved ones and relatives that are still active NPA members to abandon the CPP-NPA. Its deceptive ideology is family-disastrous and youth-exploiting,” he said.

Vestuir said that aside from ending the decades-long armed struggle being waged by the communist rebels, their decision to surrender will also help them transform into useful citizens.

Vestuir said that just last February and April, four former NPA members surrendered in Samar and two from Leyte last March and May, respectively.

Of the 36 who surrendered, 24 of them were regular NPA members while seven of them were armed civilian members of the outlawed group.

In all, 26 firearms, of which 14 were considered as high-powered firearms, were surrendered by them.

Based on their interviews, Vestuir said that aside from the relentless campaign by the military against them, these former rebels decided to give up the armed struggles due to hardships living in the mountains like lack of foods. (JOEY A. GABIETA)

The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has cautioned the public amidst the scorching heat in many parts of the country after the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) continues to record high temperatures exceeding 41 degrees Celsius. Based from PAGASA’s heat index, temperatures ranging from 33 to 41 degrees Celsius are classified as “extreme caution,” while 42 to 51 degrees Celsius are classified as “danger”.

With such temperatures, the prevalence of heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion is high during the hot and dry season, placing certain populations such as outdoor workers, athletes, the elderly, young children, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic medical conditions at high risk of heat cramps or heat stroke.

PhilHealth Chief Emmanuel R. Ledesma, Jr. reminded members that heat stroke is a medical emergency. “If members or their dependents need to be admitted to any PhilHealth-accredited health facilities due to heat stroke or heat exhaustion, PhilHealth provides a benefit package amounting to P8,450,” Ledesma said.

To avoid the health hazards brought about by exposure to extreme heat, Ledesma encouraged the public to take precautionary measures by paying attention and prioritizing safety at all times. “Let us stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water; avoid prolonged exposure to high temperatures; wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and use hats or umbrellas; and take regular breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas,” he further stressed.

The state health insurance Chief also encouraged the public to avail themselves of consultations and check-ups for free under the Konsulta or Konsultasyong Sulit at Tama package of PhilHealth.

“At the first instance when one shows signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion such as fatigue, dizziness, headache, vomiting, and light-headedness, it is best to seek medical attention. Dito makakatulong ang ating Konsulta Providers para ma-checkup and pasyente at kung kailangan maospital ay mai-refer kaagad sa malapit at akmang health facility,” explained Ledesma, adding that members should be able to register with a Konsulta Provider of their choice to avail of primary care services which include any of 12 laboratories and 21 drugs and medicines for various health conditions.(PR)

TACLOBAN CITY – The Leyte 2nd District Engineering Office (L2DEO) of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has completed the construction of a P5.97 million, one-story, two-classroom school building at Montejo Mendiola Memorial Elementary School (MMMES) in Jaro, Leyte.

Each classroom, measuring 7 meters by 9 meters, is fully furnished with amenities including comfort rooms, blackboards, electric fans, lighting fixtures, and a wash hand area. Also, provisions for ramps with handrails have been included to accommodate individuals with disabilities (PWDs).

District Engineer Leo Edward Oppura emphasized that the project signifies a significant stride towards enhancing the quality of education and establishing an optimal learning environment for both educators and students.

“The new school building will offer improved facilities and ambiance, fostering an atmosphere conducive to active participation among teachers and pupils,” Oppura noted.

Meanwhile, a teacher from MMMES highlighted that the new structure will accommodate Kindergarten 1 and Grade 1 pupils, with a total enrollment of 58 students from K1 to Grade 6 for the ongoing school year.

Moreover, the initiative is a collaborative effort with the Department of Education through its Basic Education Facilities Fund (BEEF) for 2023, aimed at addressing classroom shortages in priority schools nationwide.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)