ORMOC CITY– Operatives from the Station Drug Enforcement Team (SDET) of the local police in Palo, Leyte, together with agents from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), apprehended four individuals in a buy-bust operation that led to the dismantling of a drug den on Sunday, November 3, around 7:35 pm, in Sitio Kasagingan, Barangay Cavite East, of said town.

The suspects were identified by their aliases as “John” (the alleged maintainer), “Josh” (employee), “Pete” (visitor), and “Pong” (visitor).

During the operation, the main target, alias “John,” was found in possession of nine sachets containing a white crystalline substance suspected to be shabu, with an estimated weight of 27.66 grams and an approximate market value of P188,088.Various drug paraphernalia were also recovered.

The arrested individuals were informed of the nature of their arrest and were apprised of their constitutional rights in a language they understood.

The suspects are facing charges for violations of Sections 5 (sale of illegal drugs), 11 (possession of illegal drugs), and 12 (possession of drug paraphernalia) of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 and are currently detained at the Palo Municipal Police Station for further proceedings.
(ROBERT DEJON)

ORMOC CITY– A drinking session between two neighbors ended in tragedy when an argument escalated into a fatal hacking incident around 7 pm on October 30, in Barangay Cagugubngan, Catubig, Northern Samar.

The police identified the victim as “William,” 60, a married carpenter residing in the said village where the suspect, known as “Cardo,” 56, also resides.

According to the police investigation, the two men were drinking together when a personal issue sparked an argument.

Under the influence of alcohol, the suspect allegedly attacked the victim with a long-bladed weapon known as a ‘sundang’, hacking him multiple times. The victim was rushed to Catubig District Hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

Responding officers from Catubig police arrested the suspect, informing him of his rights in a language he understood.

The suspect, along with the confiscated weapon, was taken to Catubig municipal police station for proper processing. A murder case has been filed against him, and he is currently detained at the Catubig MPS lock-up cell.

(ROBERT DEJON)

MARIPIPI, Biliran – The Department of Tourism (DOT) in the region is thrilled to announce the inclusion of two new regional destinations for international cruise ship port calls: La Laguna Mangrove Eco Park in Lavezares, Northern Samar, and Higatangan Island in Naval, Biliran.

These additions enhance the region’s appeal to foreign visitors and further position Eastern Visayas as a key destination for international tourism, Karina Rosa Tiopes, DOT regional director said.

The Australian-based MV Coral Geographer cruise ship, carrying 40 guests, has been touring the region since October 31, visiting a series of picturesque destinations, including Biri Island, La Laguna Mangrove Eco Park, Higatangan Island, Cuatro Islas (Mahaba and Digyo), Maripipi Island, and Sambawan Island.

“We’re very excited and pleased with the positive feedback we’ve received from guests since they began their journey through the northern parts of the region, all the way to Higatangan,” Tiopes said.

Tiopes expressed pride in Eastern Visayas’ inclusion in the cruise itinerary, especially since many of the locations chosen by the Coral Geographer are rarely visited by tourists, giving these communities a unique opportunity to engage with visitors.

She highlighted that destinations like Higatangan Island, while popular locally for its annual summer festival, benefit greatly from international exposure, which can drive increased tourist arrivals and boost local tourism revenue.

“Now that we’re hosting cruise visitors, this marks a turning point that will open doors for more tourists to discover Higatangan,” Tiopes said, noting the significant economic benefits that tourism brings to local communities.

Tiopes also extended her gratitude to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for prioritizing tourism and to Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco for promoting inclusive tourism by highlighting emerging destinations like those in Eastern Visayas.

She thanked the Naval local government for their efforts in preparing Higatangan Island for the cruise ship’s arrival.

Naval Mayor Gretchen Espina shared her excitement, stating that the cruise ship’s visit would help elevate Higatangan and their town as top tourist destinations not only in the region but also across the Philippines.

“This is a huge step for us, not just for Region 8, but on a global scale. Our goal is for the world to see what the Philippines has to offer,” Mayor Espina said.

She added that the cruise guests experienced only a small sample of what Higatangan has to offer, with much more awaiting those who wish to explore its unique culture and attractions.

“There’s so much more we can showcase. It’s just a matter of creating the right experience to help them appreciate the true beauty and culture of the Philippines,” Mayor Espina concluded.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY – A total of 297 registered rice farmers in Borongan City are set to receive rice seedlings directly at their doorsteps through the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) Binhi e-Padala program, facilitated by the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice).

On October 25, 2024, the DA conducted cross matching with its records to verify the farmers’ information, ensuring that the rice seedlings will be delivered to the correct addresses. This process also confirmed the accuracy of the contact numbers provided by the farmers in the registry.

Unlike previous distributions where farmers had to travel to the city proper to collect their seedlings, the Binhi e-Padala program allows for direct delivery to their homes.
City Agricultural Technologist Gerardo Bula stated that the rice farmers are scheduled to receive their seedlings next week, as part of a pilot test of this delivery system in Borongan.

Through Binhi e-Padala, qualified farmers will receive an SMS notification containing their name, seedling allocation, pick-up point, and schedule. Each registered rice farmer is eligible to receive 20 kg of inbred rice seeds for every half-hectare of farmland.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)