TACLOBAN CITY — No airport in Eastern Visayas sustained damage or experienced operational disruption following the magnitude 6.0 earthquake that struck Eastern Samar on Monday afternoon, May 4, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).

CAAP said all airports in the region remained fully operational after immediate inspections were conducted to assess the condition of airport facilities and ensure passenger safety.
Among the airports inspected were those in Calbayog, Borongan, Catbalogan, Hilongos, Catarman, Guiuan, and Ormoc.

Only the airports in Calbayog, Borongan, and Catarman are operating commercially.
Emergency response teams, including Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) units, were immediately deployed to inspect runways, terminals, and other critical infrastructure after the tremor was felt across several parts of Eastern Visayas.

“Initial inspections showed no damage to airport facilities and operations remain normal,” CAAP said in its report.

Borongan Airport experienced a temporary power interruption following the quake, but airport operations were not significantly affected, authorities said.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported that the earthquake occurred at around 2:09 p.m. with its epicenter located nine kilometers northwest of San Julian, Eastern Samar, at a depth of 10 kilometers.

The tremor was felt in various parts of Eastern Visayas, prompting precautionary inspections of public infrastructure, including airports and transport facilities.

Phivolcs said no tsunami threat was generated by the earthquake but warned residents to expect possible aftershocks.

CAAP said it continues to coordinate with local authorities and airport personnel to monitor conditions and ensure the continued safety of airport operations in the region.

Eastern Visayas is among the country’s earthquake-prone regions due to its proximity to major fault lines and trenches, making rapid inspection and preparedness measures essential for critical infrastructure such as airports.

(GISELLE-ANN A. PADILLA, LNU STUDENT INTERN)

TACLOBAN CITY — In the aftermath of the 6.0 magnitude earthquake that shook San Julian, Eastern Samar on May 4, 2026, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office VIII swiftly delivered emergency relief to affected families, providing essential supplies to help them recover from the disaster.

According to DSWD Eastern Visayas, 36 families directly impacted by the earthquake received immediate assistance. Each household was provided with two family food packs containing six kilos of rice, canned goods, powdered cereal drinks, and coffee sachets. Additionally, families received clothing kits and kitchen kits to support their recovery and daily needs.

The earthquake caused structural damage to homes and local infrastructure, displacing residents and disrupting daily life in several communities. Local authorities and response teams continue to assess the extent of the damage and coordinate relief operations.
DSWD Field Office VIII emphasized that the agency remains committed to providing prompt humanitarian assistance to communities affected by disasters, ensuring that families receive essential support during emergencies.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY — Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre on Thursday, May 7, expressed confidence that the House of Representatives will secure enough votes to reach or surpass the two-thirds threshold needed to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte when the matter is brought to a vote on Monday, May 11.

Acidre said in a press briefing that he expects strong support from lawmakers based on the recent deliberations conducted by the House Committee on Justice, which handled the clarificatory hearings on the impeachment complaints.

“Based on our monitoring, I think we’re going to hit the majority number. We’re hoping the result would be as much as or even higher than the impeachment last time, we’re hoping that at least 200 or 215, that’s really the goal,” he said.

“As of now, I can confidently say it will be above 180,” he added, referring to earlier estimates from House leaders, including Deputy Speaker Ronaldo Puno of Antipolo City.
Acidre said his confidence stems from the committee hearings where evidence was presented and scrutinized to determine probable cause.

“This time we have everything: full session, full committee hearing, and the members themselves. Even those who are not members of the committee were monitoring and everyone was able to see,” he said.

He added that continued hearings helped clarify the issues and strengthened support among lawmakers who were initially undecided.

“Mas dumami ‘yung kumbaga, kung meron pang nagdadalawang isip, by the 2nd and 3rd hearing, mas marami na ang nakumbinsi dahil sa ebidensya,” he said.

Acidre also noted that public viewing of the proceedings through television and social media contributed to greater understanding of the complaints.

“I know for the last couple of weeks, even months, people have been actually studying the progress and the details of the impeachment complaints,” he said.

When asked about the position of party-list lawmakers, he estimated that at least 47 out of more than 60 members would vote in favor of impeachment.

He acknowledged, however, that some groups remain reserved due to political affiliations.
“There are some party-lists who are close to the Vice President and to the former administration, and we understand the position that they’re taking,” he said.

Still, Acidre said he expects colleagues to base their decision on the evidence and what they believe serves the national interest.

“I trust that my colleagues will decide according to their judgment based on evidence, reason, and what is in the best interest of the country,” he added.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)