TACLOBAN CITY– A robbery at the Grandtours Terminal in Catbalogan City on Saturday evening, March 28, escalated into a violent shootout, leaving two suspects dead, one injured, authorities reported.

The incident occurred around 7:35 p.m. in Barangay 3, just meters from the Catbalogan City Police Station. Police, who were nearby preparing for a checkpoint operation, immediately responded after hearing gunfire.

Initial investigation showed that three armed men entered the terminal’s cashier room, held up employees, and took cash and mobile phones. Terminal owners, identified as Jan, 39, and Mik, 34, monitored the situation via CCTV and pursued the suspects while armed, prompting an exchange of gunfire.

Two suspects, identified as Jer and Rob, were shot during the confrontation and rushed to Samar Provincial Hospital. Jer was declared dead on arrival, with a .45-caliber firearm, P15,480 in cash, and a mobile phone recovered.

Rob sustained gunshot wounds and remains hospitalized; authorities recovered a bladed weapon and clothing used in the crime.

The third suspect, alias “Ado,” initially escaped but was tracked down early Sunday, March 29, along the national highway near Barangay Lagundi in Calbiga.

When confronted, he allegedly fired at police, resulting in a shootout that left him dead upon arrival at the hospital. Ado is reportedly a resident of Pangasinan, according to Rob.
Police confirmed that officers were already in the area for a separate operation, allowing them to respond quickly. A Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) team processed the site, and authorities are investigating the suspects’ possible links to other crimes in the region.

(JOEY A. GABIETA)

BORONGAN CITY — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Eastern Samar Field Office is helping workers resolve labor disputes quickly and fairly through its Single Entry Approach (SEnA), a mediation mechanism that allows employees and employers to reach voluntary settlements without costly litigation.

SEnA provides a venue for guided dialogue on issues such as unpaid wages, separation pay, and workplace injuries, covering both individual and collective employment concerns across industries like retail, construction, and domestic work.

The approach is implemented under DOLE Department Order No. 249, Series of 2025, and Republic Act No. 10396, which institutionalizes conciliation–mediation as a voluntary mode of dispute settlement.

Conciliators at the Eastern Samar Field Office facilitate discussions, ensuring fairness regardless of a worker’s social or economic status.

Recent cases demonstrate its effectiveness: two long-serving employees successfully settled claims for unpaid benefits totaling over P214,000, while injured workers received prompt medical and financial support, including a P350,000 settlement for a laborer permanently impaired by a workplace accident.

In 2025, DOLE Eastern Samar handled 85 Requests for Assistance, many of which were resolved amicably. This year, eight cases have already been successfully mediated. Workers may file Requests for Assistance onsite or online via DOLE’s ARMS system or the National Conciliation and Mediation Board portal.

“SEnA ensures labor justice is accessible, timely, and responsive to real worker needs,” said Salvacion A. Yepez, OIC Chief and Provincial Head of DOLE Eastern Samar. “Our mission is to support workers in resolving disputes and rebuilding their lives after workplace adversity.” (PR)

TACLOBAN CITY — The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Tacloban-Leyte, Inc. reaffirmed its commitment to promoting tax awareness and compliance by participating in the 2026 Tax Campaign Kick-off organized by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Revenue District Office No. 88 – Eastern Leyte and Biliran on March 18.

Held at the Multipurpose Hall of the BIR building in Tacloban City, the event brought together business leaders and government officials to encourage responsible tax practices and strengthen public engagement in supporting government revenue initiatives.

Representing PCCI Tacloban-Leyte were Eugene Tan, regional governor for Eastern Visayas, and Atty. Neil Sia, with Wilson Uy attending on behalf of the province of Leyte.

During the program, several chamber member establishments were recognized as top taxpayers for the 2025 taxable year, including Cellcom World Communications, Leyte Home Depot, Inc., and Tacloban ANJ Marketing.

The chamber extended congratulations to the awardees, highlighting that their contributions are crucial to funding public programs and services.

PCCI Tacloban-Leyte emphasized its ongoing role in promoting responsible business practices, encouraging tax compliance, and fostering active participation in nation-building across the region.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)