TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Leyte 2nd District Engineering Office (L2DEO) has completed the retrofitting and strengthening of bridges in the town of Capoocan, stretching the Palo-Carigara-Ormoc (PCO) road section.
District Engineer Leo Edward Oppura mentioned that these bridges are Atipolo-Dako and Pinamopoan with each has a budget cost of P1.95 million project allocation. Both bridges serve as vital links along the PCO road network.

He added that the project involves the installation of carbon fiber sheets under the bridge deck slabs to cover concrete cracks and to prevent further extension of the concrete structure issues.

These aim to prolong the service life of the bridge, minimizing the risk of deterioration due to heavy traffic loads and natural disasters.

Furthermore, DPWH’s retrofitting and strengthening of bridges projects helps to improve the longevity of the structure and safety, reducing the risk of collapse or failure and ensuring continued functionality and minimal traffic disruption.

These projects were all under the Bridge Program—Retrofitting and Strengthening of Permanent Bridges program of the DPWH General Appropriations Act of 2024 and were completed in the first quarter of the year.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY— The ongoing construction of retarding basins at the Housing Projects at Suhi and Greendale subdivisions has achieved a significant milestone, with completion now standing at 30%.

These basins play a crucial role in flood control, effectively managing excess water during heavy rainfall to prevent flooding.

The construction process involves carefully laying and compacting layers of base materials to form a strong foundation.

Clean materials are used to ensure stability. Concrete is reinforced according to strict standards, with the right mix of water and cement, and securely fastened steel bars to enhance durability. Properly sized stones are also used to keep the structure stable.

Regular construction joints are included every 50 meters to maintain the structure’s strength. After construction, a survey will be conducted to ensure everything meets the required standards. Any defective pipes found during the construction will be replaced.

The ongoing construction of these retarding basins is funded under the General Appropriations Act 2023, with a total contract amount of P101,207,765.11. Once completed, these basins will serve as reliable and effective solutions for flood control in the Tacloban City area.

Future plans include the construction of a water treatment system. This system will clean the water captured by the retarding basins, ensuring that it can be safely returned to the natural river stream without causing pollution.

“We are pleased with the steady progress of the project. The retarding basins are essential for flood control and we are on track to deliver a reliable solution that will protect our communities from the impacts of excessive rainfall.” OIC District Engineer Rebecca G. Yuse said, emphasizing the project’s importance.

(IAN YVES G. DE PAZ,PUBLIC RELATIONS ASSISTANT, PUBLIC INFORMATION UNIT,TCDEO)

ORMOC CITY– A motorcycle with a sidecar driver was declared dead on arrival at the Eastern Visayas Medical Center (EVMC) in Tacloban City after his driven vehicle collided with an incoming van at about 7:30 pm on Wednesday (May 22) at the iconic San Juanico Bridge in Brgy. San Juan, Sta.Rita, Samar.

The victim was identified as alias “Loy” of legal age, married, and an official of Barangay Pilit, Sta. Fe, Leyte.

The driver of the van, meantime, was identified as alias “Allan” 45, married and a resident of Brgy. 2, Dolores, Eastern Samar.

Initial investigation conducted by the responding police disclosed that the victim was tailing a TMX 125 single motorcycle, driven by alias “Jay” of legal age, married and a resident of Brgy. San Pedro, Sta Rita both traversing the national highway within the vicinity of Brgy. San Juan of the San Juanico Bridge, heading towards Samar side.

On the other hand, police investigators said that the Isuzu Truck (Van Truck), bearing plate number RMP 535, driven by alias Loy was traveling towards Tacloban City.

The police added that upon reaching the place of the incident, at the San Juanico Bridge, Samar side portion, the single motorcycle driven by alias Jay hit the back portion of the sidecar causing the driver to lose control of his driven vehicle and encroached to the opposite lane, where it resulted in a head-on collision of the Isuzu truck pinning the sidecar driver in the process.

As a result, the drivers and passengers of the two motorcycles were injured and were immediately brought to EVMC hospital for medical attention but the sidecar driver was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.

The local police are still conducting a thorough investigation of the incident while the truck driver was brought to Sta Rita police for proper documentation and disposition together with the vehicle involved.

(ROBERT DEJON with report RONALD O.REYES)

TACLOBAN CITY—In a significant crackdown on criminal activities, four suspects in possession of firearms and illegal drugs were intercepted by Leyte police in a checkpoint in Barangay Cristina, Calubian, Leyte, on May 17.

The concerted efforts of the Leyte Provincial Mobile Force Company, Calubian Municipal Police Station, Provincial Intelligence Unit, Leyte Provincial Special Operations Group, Regional Intelligence Division, 121st SAC 12th SAB, and the Highway Patrol Group led to the apprehension of four suspects who were only identified through their aliases-Wally42; Alan,27;Boy 20; Roy, 32, all residents of Villaba, Leyte.

The vehicle was flagged down based on a tip from a confidential informant about a suspicious red Toyota Innova with mismatched plate numbers (front plate: Z8 P345, rear plate: NHS 1449) heading towards Calubian town proper. Upon closer inspection, officers saw in plain view a rifle bag containing various firearms.

Confiscated from the suspects’ possession and the vehicle were three .45 caliber pistols, each with a loaded magazine; one Ingram submachine gun with a loaded 9mm magazine; two long firearms with loaded 5.56mm magazines; and 36 transparent plastic sachets containing a white crystalline substance suspected to be shabu, with an estimated Dangerous Drug Board value of P242,000; and cash amounting to approximately P97,174.00 in different denominations.

The suspects are currently in the custody of the Calubian Municipal Police Station and were charged for violating RA 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) and RA 9165 (Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002).

PB/Gen. Reynaldo Pawid, police regional director, extended his gratitude to the community for their invaluable cooperation with authorities and their swift action in providing crucial information leading to the arrest of the suspects.

“Your vigilance and partnership are instrumental in ensuring the safety and security of the entire Eastern Visayas. Together, we can continue to uphold the rule of law and combat crime effectively,” Pawid said.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)