TACLOBAN CITY– Minimum wage workers and kasambahay in Eastern Visayas will get an increase through Wage Order No. RBVIII-25 for private workers and Wage Order No. RBVIII-DW-06 for kasambahay.

After a series of sectoral consultations in August and September and a public hearing on October 27, 2025, the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board VIII issued Wage Order No. RBVIII-25 on November 10, 2025 granting a P35 daily minimum wage increase for workers in the private sector.

The wage increase will be implemented in two tranches, P17.00 effective on December 8, 2025 fifteen days after its publication on November 22, 2025 and the P18 second tranche will be effective on June 1, 2026. The increase brings the minimum wage rates to P440 from P405 for minimum wage workers in agriculture, cottage and handicraft, and in service/retail establishment employing one to ten workers. On the other hand, the wage rate for minimum wage workers in non-agriculture and service/retail establishment employing more than ten workers will be P470 from P435.

The new wage order was issued after a motu proprio review of the prevailing minimum wage rates as the Board did not receive a petition for wage increase. Wage Order No. RBVIII-25 cites existing socio-economic conditions that prompted the Board to grant the wage increase such as Consumer Price Index in the region, the 2023 Poverty Threshold, Gross Regional Domestic Product growth rate and the number of micro establishments and other socio-economic conditions of the region.

On the other hand, the new minimum wage rates for kasambahay employed in chartered cities and first class municipalities will be P6,400 after a P400 monthly increase, while the minimum wage rates for those working in other municipalities will be P5,800 after a P300 monthly increase. Wage Order No. RBVIII-DW-06 further provides that the wage increase applies to all domestic workers, whether on a live-in or live-out arrangement.

according to Republic Act No. 6727 otherwise known as the “Wage Rationalization Act”, the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board VIII is mandated to determine and fix minimum wage rates applicable in their region, provinces or industries therein and to issue the corresponding wage orders. (PR)

TACLOBAN CITY — The 8th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army has facilitated the dignified burial of a female New People’s Army (NPA) member killed in recent armed encounters in Gandara and San Jorge, Samar, underscoring its adherence to International Humanitarian Law (IHL) even in active conflict zones.

Troops recovered the body of the slain female rebel — who died during a firefight with soldiers of the 46th Infantry Battalion on November 22 — and worked for days to carry her remains on foot through rugged terrain while under threat of sporadic gunfire. The body was documented and handed over for a proper burial in accordance with IHL protocols.
The encounter unfolded when government forces were fired upon by remnants of the Yakal Platoon, Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Browser of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC). Three high-powered firearms were seized during the pursuit operations.

Aside from the burial facilitation, the 8ID also assisted a wounded rebel who fled the encounter site and voluntarily sought help from the barangay captain for security and medical treatment. He was turned over to the soldiers, who immediately evacuated him to a medical facility where he received treatment.

Major General Adonis Ariel Orio, 8th commander, said the Army remains committed to respecting human dignity regardless of ideology or affiliation.

“Our troops remain steadfast in upholding International Humanitarian Law. Even in the midst of conflict, we ensure that the rights of combatants and non-combatants alike are respected. A life lost is a tragedy, and a life saved is a step toward peace,” he said.

He added that the Army hopes the incident encourages remaining rebels to abandon armed struggle and return to peaceful civilian life.

The 8ID continues to coordinate with local government units, law enforcement agencies, and community partners to safeguard rural communities and promote sustained peace and development across Samar.

(JOEY A. GABIETA)

TACLOBAN CITY – Eastern Visayas asserted its dominance in this year’s Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentives Awards (LTIA) after barangays from the region captured top national prizes across multiple categories, emerging as the most awarded region in the 2025 competition.

The region secured three national championship titles, underscoring the exemplary efforts of its Lupong Tagapamayapa units in settling disputes at the grassroots level and strengthening community peace and order.

Leading the roster of winners was Barangay Poblacion Zone 20 of Baybay City which reclaimed the National Champion title in the independent component city/component city category—its second time to win the prestigious award.

Also earning national championship honors were Barangay Barugohay Norte in Carigara, Leyte, named national champion in the 2nd class municipality category, and Barangay Magallanes in Limasawa, Southern Leyte, which topped the 6th class municipality category.
The region likewise secured podium finishes in other divisions. Barangay Bool West in Culaba, Biliran placed 1st runner-up in the 5th class municipality category, while Barangay Poblacion 2 in Babatngon, Leyte finished 2nd runner-up in the 4th class municipality category.

These achievements highlight the efficiency, innovation, and dedication of Lupong Tagapamayapa units in Eastern Visayas in promoting peaceful conflict resolution through the Katarungang Pambarangay justice system.

DILG Region 8 Director Arnel Agabe said the recognition reflects the unwavering commitment of barangay officials and community leaders to fostering local harmony and accessible justice.

All national awardees received plaques and cash incentives to support and expand their dispute resolution programs.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

ORMOC CITY– A buy-bust operation turned violent in the early hours of Tuesday, Nov. 25, after a suspected drug pusher opened fire on operatives, wounding a Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) agent before fleeing the scene.

The shootout happened around 12:10 a.m. in Brgy. III Poblacion, when the target of the sting — identified only as “Leo,” 45, jobless, and a resident of the same barangay — realized he was transacting with authorities. The suspect is listed as a street value individual in the local drug watchlist and remains at large.

According to a police report, the poseur-buyer was able to purchase a sachet of suspected shabu worth P500 from the suspect. However, upon receiving the pre-arranged arrest signal, the suspect noticed incoming operatives, pulled out a firearm of unknown caliber, and fired twice, hitting a PDEA agent in the left leg.

The suspect then escaped toward a dimly lit portion of the area.

The wounded PDEA personnel was rushed to Saint Paul’s Hospital in Tacloban City and is now receiving medical treatment.

Recovered from the buy-bust scene was one heat-sealed sachet of suspected shabu, which was immediately marked and inventoried on-site in the presence of required witnesses.
A criminal complaint for violation of Section 5, Article II of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) and frustrated homicide has already been filed before the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office against the fugitive suspect.
Authorities said a follow-up operation is underway to track down the assailant.

(ROBERT DEJON)