ORMOC CITY-The local police manning a checkpoint were stunned to have seized gun, ammunition and suspected shabu from a passing motorcycle driver at about 11 pm on Friday (April 5) along the national highway in Barangay Poblacion 1, Hindang, Leyte.
Hindang chief of police, Captain Rushty Alvarado, identified the suspect as Alejandro Recto, 41, with live-in partner, jobless and a resident of Brgy. Matapay in the nearby town of Hilongos, Leyte.
Alvarado said in an interview that around 9 pm on Friday, April 5, 2024, he led the conduct of a simultaneous checkpoint in their town.
He said that during the course of their operation PSSg Aline Notarte, saw in plain view the handle of an unknown caliber of firearm tucked on the waist of the suspect who was driving a Honda XR 125 bearing plate number 38174 motorcycle.
Upon verification and confrontation, the suspect failed to present any proof of legitimacy to possess any firearm.
Recovered from possession was a Colt automatic caliber .45 loaded with a magazine with five live ammunition of caliber .45.
Incidentally, a clutch bag of the suspect when searched also recovered 15 sachets of suspected shabu with an estimated weight of seven grams and an estimated market value P40,000.
Charges of violation of RA 10591, the Comprehensive Law against Illegal Possession of Firearms, ammunition of explosives, and violations of section 11 (possession of illegal drugs), Section 12 (possession of paraphernalia) of Art II of RA 9165, the Comprehensive Law against Illegal Drugs 0f 2002 were filed against the suspect who is temporarily detained at the locked-up cell of Hindang municipal police station. (ROBERT DEJON)
HIGATANGAN ISLAND. Tourists have a blast as they enjoyed activities and performances during the annual two-days Higatangan Island Summer Festival at Higatangan Island in Naval, Biliran. (NAVAL LGU)
HIGATANGAN ISLAND. Tourists have a blast as they enjoyed activities and performances during the annual two-days Higatangan Island Summer Festival at Higatangan Island in Naval, Biliran. (NAVAL LGU)
NAVAL, Biliran – Residents, especially business owners on Higatangan Island, are hopeful that more tourists will soon visit their island now that the local government unit is actively promoting it as a forefront destination for tourism in the municipality.
During the 2024 Higatangan Island Summer Festival (HisFest) organized by the local government unit, hundreds of local and domestic tourists, along with some foreigners, visited the island over the weekend.
Emy Poyos Pragas, who operates one of the few accommodation facilities in Higatangan, remarked that the festival resulted in an influx of tourists, benefiting the accommodation sector immensely.
While they only have three rooms available for accommodation, they also offer their spacious grounds for camping to those interested.
“This greatly benefits our business because it brings in customers and generates jobs for locals who provide for the needs of tourists and visitors,” Pragas shared.
Although tourists visit the island on regular days, their arrivals are usually concentrated on weekends and they often do not stay for long.
Pragas expressed hope that with the island festival held every summer, more tourists would visit not only during the event but throughout the year.
Initially intended for private use only, Pragas revealed that they decided to open their facility to the public when the local government of Naval initiated the summer festival in 2017, in order to cater to the needs of tourists.
For this year’s HisFest, the LGU aims to attract around 5,000 tourists to the island to participate in various activities prepared for visitors and local residents to enjoy.
John Michael Travis Geraldo was among the hundreds of tourists who attended the two-day event ending on Sunday (April 8) with his friends, participating in the beach volleyball event and camping at one of the designated sites identified by the LGU.
Geraldo remarked that two days were not enough to fully enjoy all the activities organized by the festival, emphasizing the event’s potential to attract tourists and raise curiosity, especially through social media.
“This is an opportunity to let people know that Region 8 not only offers Kalanggaman, but we also have Higatangan Island, which can accommodate more people who want to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature,” he said.
During the press conference before HisFest 2024, Mayor Gretchen Espina stated that the ultimate goal of the event, held every summer, was to promote and market Higatangan so that more people would visit the island, even outside the summer season.
Since its inception in 2017, HisFest has become an annual event, attracting hundreds of tourists to the island to enjoy its offerings within its 4.34 square kilometers of land area and along its long white sandy beach.
From the initial nightly parties and concerts, trade fairs, and swimming along the shifting sandbar, additional events have been added each year, such as manta tow, diving at Capella del Mar, and cliff diving in 2019, and shore casting and jigging this year.
Unlike previous years where events were concentrated near the Higatangan sandbar, this year the LGU scattered them in various areas, allowing tourists to explore other parts of the island. (ROEL T. AMAZONA)
TACLOBAN CITY– Government forces exhumed the remains of a New People’s Army (NPA) member in a forested area of Sitio Silao Bato, Barangay Kahupian, Sogod, Southern Leyte on Saturday (April 6).
The deceased was identified as Teodulo Arbuyas, also known as “Teng/Enting,” belonging to Platoon 1, Island Committee 47 – LEVOX (IC 47-LEVOX) of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee.
Arbuyas, who was positively identified by his wife through a tattoo on his chest, was reportedly buried by his comrades, as revealed by a former rebel who surrendered to the Army earlier.
The former rebel, who died May of last year, is to be buried on Tuesday (April 9) in a public cemetery in Javier, Leyte, his place of birth.
The joint efforts of the Army’s 14th Infantry (Avenger) Battalion, Southern Leyte Provincial Forensic Unit, Southern Leyte Police Mobile Force Company, and the Sogod Municipal Police Station led to the retrieval of Arbuyas’ cadaver, following information provided by a former rebel regarding the location of the body and the circumstances of his death.
Arbuyas allegedly succumbed to Hepatitis due to neglect by the communist leadership, who withheld medical treatment and intentionally concealed his death from his family.
It was also learned that Arbuyas had expressed a desire to surrender but was denied by his NPA commander, who rejected the possibility of him receiving medical care with assistance from the Army and the government.
“It is imperative that Arbuyas receives a dignified burial, allowing his family to mourn. It is our duty to serve the people and provide necessary assistance to victims of armed conflict, even in death,” stated local Army Commander Lieutenant Colonel Edgar Gabia.
Brigadier General Noel Vestuir, commander of the 802nd Infantry Brigade, extended condolences to Arbuyas’ family while condemning the treatment of NPA members by the terrorist movement.
“I am appalled by the callousness of the NPA commanders, who disregard human life. They show no regard for the feelings of their members’ loved ones,” remarked BGen Vestuir. (JOEY A. GABIETA)
ORMOC CITY – Two fishermen who were reported missing were discovered with their dead bodies floating from the shoreline of Barangay 6, San Julian in Eastern Samar.
First to be recovered was the body of Leoncio Castro, 43 on midday last Friday (April 5) and the following day, that of Diosdado Castro, Sr., 59.
According to the Coast Guard Eastern Samar, the two fishermen went to fishing last Thursday (April 4) when their motor boat capsized due to strong winds and big waves.
Responding to the incident report, the Coast Guard promptly initiated a search and rescue operation in the waters off San Julian.
By midday Friday, they recovered the lifeless body of another fisherman, Leoncio Castro, 43, from the same area.
Continuing their search efforts, the Coast Guard expanded their operation to the waters of San Julian. Upon returning to their station in Borongan City, they received a call from Diosdado Castro Jr. past 6 pm on Saturday, informing them of his father’s discovery.
According to Castro Jr., a concerned citizen known only by the nickname “Minic,” from Brgy. Libas, spotted a floating object while returning from fishing. Upon closer inspection, he realized it was the body of the missing fisherman, Castro Sr. (ROBERT DEJON)
The campus press serves a vital role in educational institutions, providing students with a platform to voice their opinions, report on issues relevant to their community, and engage in journalistic endeavors. But there has been a trend that tries to elevate campus journalism to the standards of the professional media industry, undermining the fundamental essence of the campus press, stripping away its uniqueness, and compromising the freedom it enjoys.
First and foremost, campus press operates within a distinct and limited environment compared to professional media outlets. Student journalists are still considered learners albeit active participants in the community they report on. Their perspectives are shaped by their experiences as students but at the same time governed by the institution that is molding them, giving them an evolving grasp of campus dynamics. Attempting to professionalize campus press overlooks this intrinsic connection and the value it brings to their reporting.
Furthermore, the freedom enjoyed by the campus press is undoubtedly limited. Unlike professional journalists who may not face editorial restrictions or political influence, student reporters can only explore issues without internal pressures. This limited freedom impairs creativity, critical thinking, and a genuine commitment to truth-telling. Professionalizing campus press promises this independence, subjecting it to the same freedoms mainstream media enjoys.
Yes, the campus press serves as a training ground for future journalists, offering students hands-on experience in journalism, and allowing them to develop essential skills such as writing, interviewing, and ethical decision-making. But by attempting to align campus press with professional standards, we risk depriving students of this basic learning opportunity as they may end up clashing with the administration on certain issues. The unique challenges and opportunities campus journalism offers are then defeated as they cannot be replicated in a professional setting.
So, the push to professionalize campus press is misguided and ultimately detrimental to the integrity of student journalism. Instead of trying to fit it into the mold of the professional media industry, we should celebrate its distinctiveness and the freedom it affords. Campus press plays a crucial role in promoting responsible reportage on the campus community and nurturing the next generation of journalists. Let us preserve and protect its unique voice, not allowing opportunists to utilize it for their hidden agenda.
Two months ago, when I was looking for a tailor who could work on my school uniform, I did not find any when, decades ago according to the locals, there used to be many tailoring shops operating in this adopted town of mine here in Leyte. They are nowhere to be found now since the advent and proliferation of used clothes for sale, or okay-okay in vernacular.
As one who has witnessed firsthand the impact of the proliferation of used clothing for sale on the tailoring business, I can’t help but reflect on the challenges and shifts in the industry. Gone are the days when people would invest in quality garments and turn to tailors and seamstresses for alterations or repairs. Instead, the rise of fast fashion and the popularity of thrift stores and online marketplaces have changed consumer behaviors, leaving traditional seamstresses struggling to compete.
The allure of cheap, used clothing has led to a decline in demand for custom tailoring and garment repairs. Consumers are more inclined to discard garments at the slightest sign of wear or dissatisfaction, opting to replace them with these items rather than investing in repairs or alterations. This disposable mindset not only contributes to environmental degradation but also undermines the craftsmanship and expertise of seamstresses who take pride in their work.
Furthermore, the accessibility and convenience of online shopping have made it easier for consumers to find affordable alternatives to hiring a seamstress. With a few clicks, they can browse through a vast array of pre-owned clothing options, often at a fraction of the cost of custom-made or tailored garments. This shift in consumer behavior has created a competitive landscape for traditional seamstresses, making it increasingly challenging to attract and retain clientele.
The stigma associated with second-hand clothing has diminished significantly in recent years, thanks in part to the growing popularity of vintage fashion and sustainable shopping movements. Many consumers now view shopping for used clothing as a way to express individuality, reduce their environmental footprint, and support ethical consumption practices. While this shift is commendable from a sustainability standpoint, it poses a significant challenge to seamstresses who rely on the sale of new garments and alterations for their livelihood.
As a seamstress, one has had to adapt to these changing market dynamics by diversifying services and embracing new technologies. Instead of solely focusing on garment construction and alterations, one may now offer classes and workshops to teach basic sewing skills and promote DIY repairs. By empowering clients to mend and modify their clothing themselves, one can instill a greater appreciation for craftsmanship and encourage more sustainable consumption habits.
Tailors and seamstresses can also leverage social media and online platforms to showcase their work and reach a broader audience. Through engaging content and personalized interactions, they can differentiate their services from mass-produced alternatives and highlight the value of investing in quality craftsmanship. While the digital landscape presents its own set of challenges, it also offers seamstresses the opportunity to connect with clients on a more personal level and build lasting relationships.
Despite the challenges posed by the proliferation of used clothing for sale, one can remain optimistic about the future of the seamstress business. Seamstresses can continue to thrive in an ever-evolving industry. While the road ahead may be uncertain, one can be confident that the passion and dedication of seamstresses will endure, ensuring that the art of tailoring and garment repair remains an essential part of our cultural heritage.
