CAMP JORGE DOWNES, ORMOC CITY-The town Talalora in Samar is the latest area in the region to be declared in a state of stable internal peace and security condition (SIPSC).
The declaration, made on June 21, was graced by key local government officials led by Mayor Rosabelo Costelo, chairperson of the Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF-ELCAC) of Talalora.

The municipality of Talalora has already achieved a dormant or inactive level of insurgency status in 2019. Since then, there have been no reports of activities perpetrated by the New People’s Army (NPA).

Brigadier General Noel Vestuir, the brigade commander of the 802nd Infantry Brigade, and Lieutenant Colonel Eduardo Meclat Jr., the commanding officer of the 63rd Infantry Battalion led the Army’s presence, and Police Lieutenant Colonel Alex Dang-aoen, force commander, 2nd Samar Police Mobile Company representing the Samar Provincial Police Office.

The highlight of the event was the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) and pledge of commitment, followed by the release of white doves symbolizing peace and new beginnings.

Mayor Costelo expressed their gratitude to all stakeholders who were instrumental in achieving the state of SIPSC in Talalora.

She emphasized that this milestone would pave the way for further progress in their municipality and in the process, enhance the quality of life for its constituents.

The Philippine Army, Philippine National Police, and the DILG reaffirmed their strong support and commitment to maintaining stable peace and security in Talalora.

B/Gen. Vestuir commended the local government unit of Talalora and other stakeholders for their unwavering support and commitment to upholding a safe environment.

“The declaration of stable internal peace and security condition in Talalora represents a victory of freedom from the deceptive ideas of the New People’s Army and the Samareños’ dedication to peace and security, signifying a major advancement in their continued efforts to protect their communities,” he said.

Vestuir emphasized the cooperation and efforts of local government entities and their communities in achieving SIPSC.

“The SIPSC declaration is a testament to all stakeholders’ collective efforts and commitment to peace, unity, and progress. It highlights the importance of embracing peace and working together to achieve reconciliation and sustained development in the Municipality of Talalora,” the Army official added.
(ROBERT DEJON)

CATARMAN, Northern Samar-In line with the province’s 59th founding anniversary, the provincial government of Northern Samar through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWO) honored the elderly in the province held at the Capitol Covered Court on June 2.

Aside from receiving food packs, hygiene kits, and vegetable seeds, the elderly availed of various services which include medical and dental check-up with free medicines and vitamins, pedicure, manicure, haircut and body massage, blood typing and hemoglobin test.

The senior citizens were also given the chance for an online registration to the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) and received flyers for the availment of PhilHealth benefits and packages.

“Today is all about you, savor the delight treats and the welcoming atmosphere created just for this occasion. Enjoy the company of fellow seniors, share stories and laughter, and create new memories together,” said Jhen Darish of the Provincial Social Welfare Office.

Making them aware and informed of the basic healthy living, Dr. John Ezekiel Valera of the Provincial Health Office discussed the Usapang Healthy Aging, while PHO Senior Citizen Focal Shirley Alba presented the Most Common Chronic Diseases in Older Age.

Lynette Lapara, the PHO Mental Health Program Focal, talked on Usapang Mental Health while an orientation on PhilHealth Benefit Packages and Availment Process was given by Joan Manalili, chief social insurance officer of PhilHealth Northern Samar.

As he recognized the valuable contribution of the elderly, Vice Governor Clarence Dato extended his appreciation and gratitude to the elderly acknowledging the vast knowledge we learned from them.

“Your rich experiences, the wisdom and love imparted are our guide and the foundation which made the community vibrant,” Dato said in his inspirational message.

The day ended with the awarding of certificates to the speakers, stakeholders, participating LGUs and the seniors.
(AND, PIA-Northern Samar)

ORMOC CITY– Operatives of the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit of Southern Leyte Provincial Police Office and the local Station Drug Enforcement Team apprehended the rank number 3 of illegal drug personalities- provincial level in a buy-bust operation at about 7:38 pm on June 21.

Police identified the suspect as Greg Maceda, 34, single, a resident of Barangay Maria Clara, Maasin City, in a sting operation in Brgy. San Miguel, Sogod town, Southern Leyte.
Recovered from the possession of the suspect were five sachets containing white crystalline substances suspected to be shabu procured by an operative in the amount of P5,000.

The searching cop also recovered cash of P23,700 in different denominations, two sticks of cigarettes, one lighter color green, one bag pack containing a lunch box, jacket, t-shirt, towel, roll bag, and one iPhone cellphone

Charges of violations of Sections 5 (selling illegal drugs) and 11 (possession of illicit drugs) of Art II of RA 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Law against Illegal Drugs of 2002, were filed at the Provincial Prosecutors Office against the suspect who is temporarily detained at the detention cell of Sogod municipal police station.
(ROBERT DEJON)

ORMOC CITY– Six sachets containing white crystalline substances suspected to be shabu were recovered from a jail guard assigned at the Leyte sub-provincial jail in Abuyog, Leyte.
Arrested by the operatives during the June 21 sting operation was alias ‘Vladimir,’ 25 and a resident of Barangay Can-uguib, Abuyog who was in possession of suspected shabu weighing 3.24 grams with a street value of P22,032.

The suspect was informed of the nature of his arrest and was apprised of his constitutional rights through the Miranda Doctrine in a language he understood and spoke.

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