TACLOBAN CITY — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) station in Southern Leyte has issued a maritime safety advisory after a red navigational buoy near a port in Maasin City was reported missing or has drifted following the recent onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm “Tino” and Super Typhoon “Uwan.”

In its notice issued on Monday, Nov.18, the Coast Guard said the buoy — believed to be a port lateral mark — was last observed in the general approach area of Maasin Port at approximate coordinates 10° 7’22.79”N, 124°50’52.99”E.

The missing aid to navigation is described as a red buoy with port lateral marking and a light characteristic of flashing two red lights every five seconds (Fl 2R 5s).

Authorities warned that the absence of the buoy poses a potential navigational hazard, especially during nighttime, periods of low visibility, or rough sea conditions, and could affect inbound and outbound vessel movements near the port.

“All vessels transiting the area are advised to navigate with extreme caution, maintain proper lookout, and adjust speed as necessary to prevent collision, grounding, or any untoward maritime incident,” the advisory stated.

The PCG urged mariners, fisherfolk, vessel operators, and port stakeholders to immediately report any sighting or location of the missing buoy — whether adrift, grounded, or recovered — to the nearest Coast Guard Station or Sub-Station.

The Coast Guard also encouraged coordination with the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Maritime Industry Authority (Marina), Port Police, local government units, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), and Bantay Dagat units to hasten the recovery and reinstallation of the navigational marker in accordance with HPCG Memorandum Circular 02-23 and existing maritime safety directives.

(JOEY A. GABIETA, LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

In the immediate aftermath of Typhoon Tino, the Philippine Air Force, through the Tactical Operations Group 8 (TOG 8 ) under the leadership of its Group Commander, COL ALEXON B RAMOS PAF (GSC); joined hands with the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) VIII led by its Officer-in-Charge, Rey M Gozon and the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) VIII to conduct a Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (RDANA) over the hardest-hit areas of Homonhon and Suluan Islands in Guiuan, Eastern Samar, and parts of Southern Leyte on 05 November 2025.

The mission aimed to provide vital information for faster and more focused disaster response and recovery operations across the Region. From the skies, the team witnessed the widespread damage left by storm; communities battered, yet resilient.

In line with this continuing effort, on 06 November 2025, TOG 8, in partnership with OCD VIII and DSWD, delivered 180 hygiene kits to the affected residents of Bontoc.

Subsequently, on 07 November 2025, the team delivered 250 food packs in Hinunangan and 250 hygiene kits in Guiuan, extending relief and hope to families striving to rebuild their lives.

Through these joint efforts, TOG 8 reaffirms its unwavering commitment to serve, protect, and uplift the Filipino people, proving once again that in every storm, the Philippine Air Force stands ready to respond. (PR)

In Northern Samar

TACLOBAN CITY — The declaration of state of calamity by the provincial government of Northern Samar following the devastating impact of Super Typhoon Uwan on November 9 was aimed at helping affected municipalities recover more efficiently.

Rei Josiah Echano, provincial disaster risk reduction and management officer, said many local governments in the province have nearly depleted their disaster funds, making additional support crucial for restoring shelter, livelihoods, and agricultural activities.
The provincial board approved the declaration on November 14, following the recommendation of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) chaired by Governor Harris Ongchuan.

“The successive tropical cyclones that have impacted the province, including the recent monstrous Super Typhoon Uwan, necessitate a state of calamity so we can focus on early recovery with the needed resources,” Echano said in an online interview.

Under the declaration, 30 percent of the province’s P150-million calamity fund will be allocated as quick response funds to assist municipalities in rebuilding and relief operations.
Typhoon Uwan affected 90,424 families, or 338,197 individuals, in Northern Samar coming from all the 24 towns of the province, including its provincial capital of Catarman.

Of these, 49,327 families, or 172,079 people, were evacuated to various temporary shelters. The storm damaged 22,306 houses partially and destroyed 658 completely.

The state of calamity will allow local governments to implement emergency measures, expedite procurement of goods and services, and mobilize resources to speed up recovery.

(JOEY A. GABIETA)

ORMOC CITY — Authorities responded to an alleged bomb threat in Villa Socorro, Barangay San Isidro, Ormoc City on November 14, 2025, at around 12:45 p.m., according to the Police Regional Office 8 (PNP-8) based in Palo, Leyte.

The report was initially received by a 24-year-old marketing staff identified only as alias “Cara,” a resident of Villa Socorro. The message, sent from an unidentified number, read: “Mag-ingat, merong bombang pinasok sa Villa Socorro, Ormoc. Isang pindot lang sa cellphone, lahat mamatay. Target namin ang lugar ng Owak. Nandiyan ang mga corrupt.” The first recipient of the message was Cara’s mother, who asked her daughter to read it. Cara later received the same message directly.

Concerned for the safety of the community, they inquired if neighbors had received similar messages, but no other residents confirmed receiving the threat.

Police elements from Ormoc City Police Station 4 (OCPS4), in coordination with the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Ormoc, and the Regional Anti-Crime Unit (RACU) Ormoc, immediately conducted assessment and security operations. The Ormoc City EOD Canine Unit (OCECU), along with the K-9 Sniffer Unit, performed paneling and clearing of the area to ensure public safety.

RACU8 Ormoc personnel and OCPS4 investigators also conducted further assessment of the incident. No explosive device was found, and investigations are ongoing.

PNP-8 reiterated its commitment to ensuring public safety and urged residents to report any suspicious messages or activity to authorities.

(ELVIE ROMAN ROA)

ORMOC CITY-A 37-year-old carpenter listed as a high-value target in the provincial drug watchlist was arrested during a buy-bust operation conducted by police in Barangay Nipa, Tagapul-an, Samar, late Tuesday night, November 11, 2025.

Police identified the suspect only as “Onik,” a resident of the same barangay and living with his common-law wife. The operation was carried out by the Station Drug Enforcement Team and the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit of the Samar Provincial Police Office around 11:19 p.m.

Recovered from the suspect were one sachet of suspected shabu purchased by an undercover operative for P500, and two additional sachets of the same substance found inside a cigarette pack marked “Winsboro.” Also seized was the P500 buy-bust money.

Charges for violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, are being prepared against him. He is now detained at the Tagapul-an Municipal Police Station.

(ROBERT DEJON)