TACLOBAN CITY — Twenty-three former rebels and their dependents from Northern Samar have completed a 10-day skills training on bread and pastry production NC II, equipping them with practical livelihood and entrepreneurial skills to help rebuild their lives.
The training, held at the headquarters of the 19th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Opong, Catubig, concluded on October 20, 2025. It was jointly implemented by the 19IB, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)–Las Navas Agro-Industrial School, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP).

Participants underwent both theoretical and hands-on training in baking bread, pastries, and cakes, as well as lessons on food safety, sanitation, and basic business management — all aimed at helping them start small livelihood ventures and reintegrate smoothly into civilian life.

Major Leo Abulencia, Executive Officer of the 19IB, speaking on behalf of Lieutenant Colonel Ricky James Rosalejos, commanding officer, said the program goes beyond skills training.

“This training is not only about baking bread—it’s about rebuilding lives and fostering hope. Through the support of TESDA and DSWD, our former rebels and their families are now better equipped to sustain themselves and contribute to peace and development in their communities,” Abulencia said.

TESDA representative Neleanor Tejano and DSWD-SLP project development officer II Marlon Roldan also lauded the Philippine Army for its continued partnership in implementing capacity-building programs for former insurgents.

The initiative is part of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) under the government’s whole-of-nation approach and localized peace engagement (LPE) framework, which seeks to empower former combatants through education, livelihood, and community reintegration.

The completion of the bread and pastry production NC II course highlights the joint commitment of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, TESDA, and DSWD to create sustainable livelihood opportunities — fostering lasting peace and inclusive development in Northern Samar.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

ORMOC CITY— Authorities are conducting an in-depth investigation to identify the suspects and determine the motive behind a grenade attack on the establishment of a barangay chairman on October 23, in Barangay Poblacion, Albuera, Leyte.

Police identified the victim as Walter Taripe, 53, married, and barangay captain of Barangay Salvacion, who owns a canteen and vulcanizing shop located in Sitio Lawis, Barangay Poblacion.

According to the police report, three grenades were thrown at around 2:00 a.m., causing two explosions that damaged parts of the establishment — including the air-conditioning unit, roof, and a Ford Ranger owned by Taripe. Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident.

Responding police officers immediately secured the area and called in the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and Scene of the Crime Operatives (Soco) teams to process the site.

Initial investigation revealed that Taripe’s family and employees were asleep inside the building when they were awakened by two successive explosions — one near the vulcanizing shop and another near the canteen. The third grenade, reportedly wrapped in masking tape, failed to detonate.

Taripe promptly reported the incident to the Albuera Municipal Police Station, which has since launched a thorough investigation to identify and arrest the perpetrators.

(ROBERT DEJON)

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ORMOC CITY– Police arrested a 34-year-old farmer wanted for qualified theft during an operation conducted around 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 22, in Barangay Palanay, Caibiran, Biliran.

The suspect, identified as alias “Samuel,” married and a resident of Sitio Cabacungan, Barangay Cabibihan, Caibiran, was arrested by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued on September 16, 2025, by Executive Judge Constantino F. Esber of the Regional Trial Court Branch 37, 8th Judicial Region, Caibiran, Biliran.

The case is docketed under Criminal Case No. CB-25-1160, with the court recommending P10,000 bail for the suspect’s temporary liberty.

Police said the accused was properly informed of the reason for his arrest and apprised of his constitutional rights.

He is currently detained at the Caibiran Municipal Police Station for booking and documentation before being presented to the issuing court.

(ROBERT DEJON)