NEW CAFGU MEMBERS. As Eastern Visayas continues to grapple with the insurgency problem, 300 members of the Citizens Armed Forces of the Philippines Geopraphical Unit(Cafgu) finished their basic military training. They are to bolster the campaign by regular soldiers against members of the New People’s Army . (8th ID)
NEW CAFGU MEMBERS. As Eastern Visayas continues to grapple with the insurgency problem, 300 members of the Citizens Armed Forces of the Philippines Geopraphical Unit(Cafgu) finished their basic military training. They are to bolster the campaign by regular soldiers against members of the New People’s Army . (8th ID)
TACLOBAN CITY – A total of 300 members of the Citizens Armed Forces of the Philippines Geographical Unit (Cafgu) graduated from basic military training on June 2, 2025, at the 8th Infantry Division Training School in Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City.
The 45-day training focused on building physical endurance, instilling discipline, and developing essential military skills for Cafgu Active Auxiliary (CAA) personnel.
They will be deployed to various communities across Eastern Visayas, where they are expected to support military operations and help maintain peace and order.
Maj. Gen. Adonis Ariel Orio, commander of the 8th Infantry Division, emphasized the key role of Cafgu members as force multipliers, particularly in preventing the return of insurgent activity in previously cleared areas.
OUTREACH PROGRAM.Chief Public Attorney Persida V. Rueda-Acosta is joined by children from the Badjao community during her outreach visit in Leyte. Many of these children lack birth certificates—a common concern addressed through PAO’s free legal services during its nationwide caravan.
(PAO/REY A. ESPANOLA, JR.)
OUTREACH PROGRAM.Chief Public Attorney Persida V. Rueda-Acosta is joined by children from the Badjao community during her outreach visit in Leyte. Many of these children lack birth certificates—a common concern addressed through PAO’s free legal services during its nationwide caravan. (PAO/REY A. ESPANOLA, JR.)
BATO, Leyte– More than a hundred members of the indigenous Badjao community in Brgy. Dolho, this town, received crucial medical, legal, and livelihood support during a multi-agency outreach program spearheaded by the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) on June 3.
Leading the PAO Legal and Medical Caravan was Chief Public Attorney Persida V. Rueda Acosta, DSD, who was joined by a team of doctors from Manila and lawyers from PAO Eastern Visayas. The event forms part of PAO’s nationwide initiative to extend vital government services to marginalized indigenous peoples (IPs) and cultural minorities.
“We go to the farthest corners of the country to bring essential government services closer to the people who need them most,” Acosta told the 110 Badjao beneficiaries, which included children, pregnant women, and senior citizens.
Several members of the community availed of legal assistance, particularly for the preparation of affidavits to support late registration of births.
According to tribal coordinator Vanessa S. Sabrani, many Badjao women still give birth traditionally on their island, making birth registration difficult due to poverty and isolation.
“We are truly grateful that PAO came to us. Some children cannot enroll in school because they have no birth certificates. This visit helps us start that process,” Sabrani said in vernacular. The IPs in Bato reside on an island, separate from the town proper.
Free medical consultations and medicines were also provided, benefitting both children and elderly members of the community. The caravan was made possible through PAO’s collaboration with several government agencies.
Acosta personally led the ceremonial distribution of almost P100,000 worth of fishing gears from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to 42 selected Badjao fishermen.
Their community relies heavily on fishing, pearl diving, and marine activities for livelihood.
In addition, the Department of Agriculture (DA) provided high-value crop seedlings and farm tools, while the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) distributed native tree seedlings such as narra, kalumpit, and toog to promote sustainable upland development.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) allotted P1.6 million for the distribution of food assistance, with each validated beneficiary receiving P10,000 in aid through DSWD’s Cash-for-Food program. Additionally, the agency extended the same assistance to fifty (50) more Badjao individuals who were unable to attend the event. Rice and food packs were also given to the participants through PAO.
“We in the government are working together to provide what is rightfully due to our fellow Filipinos—especially to our indigenous brothers and sisters. We want them to feel that they are part of the Bagong Pilipinas,” Acosta said.
Acosta was joined by incoming town mayor Bryan Nile A. Gertos, who represented his father, incumbent Mayor Nathaniel B. Gertos, along with several local officials at the Bato Institute of Science and Technology (BIST) where the event was held.
Deputy Chief Public Attorney and concurrent Director General of PAO’s Forensic Division, Dr. Erwin P. Erfe, also led the medical team during the caravan. The Chief Public Attorney emphasized that the PAO will continue to conduct outreach programs for both IPs and PDLs nationwide, in line with the office’s mission to deliver access to justice for the indigent and marginalized members of society.
Catarman N. Samar– Students and teachers at Villahermosa Elementary School in Barangay Villahermosa, Lavezares, Northern Samar, will soon benefit from additional learning spaces following the completion of a new one-storey, three-classroom school building.
District Engineer Alvin A. Ignacio said that the new school building is equipped with necessary facilities, helps ease the classroom storage and provides a better and more suitable learning environment for students.
The project involves complete construction of One (1) Storey, three (3) Classroom School Building with a total floor area of 290.17 Sq. m. The scope of work includes removal of structures & obstruction, CHB gutter, embankment, removal of trees, clearing & grubbing, handwashing area at both sides, window grill on the front and rear, a parapet wall and water pumping system with concrete platform and toilet attached at each classroom.
DE Ignacio also added that the building features a PWD ramp with handrails, improving accessibility and making the school more inclusive for learners with disabilities.
The project with a total cost of P9.91 million was implemented in collaboration with the Department of Education (DepEd) under the Basic Educational Facilities Fund (BEFF) FY 2024. (ANALIZA A. PABIA/PR)
TACLOBAN CITY – A domestic argument turned deadly in Barangay Tenani, Paranas, Samar, on Wednesday afternoon, June 4, after a man fatally stabbed his wife before taking his own life.
Police authorities identified the victim as “Issa,” 38, and the suspect as her husband, “Boy,” 48, both farmers and residents of the said barangay.
According to the Paranas Municipal Police Station, the incident occurred around 5 pm at the couple’s residence.
Responding officers found the lifeless body of the woman at the back of their house, while the husband was discovered inside, lying face down in a pool of blood with multiple self-inflicted stab wounds.
Initial investigation revealed that the couple had a heated argument over the wife’s reported plan to leave for Manila in search of work. The confrontation allegedly escalated, prompting the husband to stab her multiple times. After the attack, he reportedly turned the weapon, locally known as ‘sundang,’ on himself.
Witnesses rushed both individuals to the Paranas Rural Health Unit, but they were declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.
The couple is survived by their eight children, the eldest aged 20 and the youngest just two years old. Their bodies were later brought to a funeral homes in Catbalogan City.
NATIONAL GEOLOGICAL MONUMENT. The stunning rock formations in Biri, Northern Samar has been officially declared as a national geological monument on Wednesday, June 4. The provincial government is also pushing for the natural wonder be recognized as a UNESCO global geopark. (PHOTO COURTESY)
NATIONAL GEOLOGICAL MONUMENT. The stunning rock formations in Biri, Northern Samar has been officially declared as a national geological monument on Wednesday, June 4. The provincial government is also pushing for the natural wonder be recognized as a UNESCO global geopark. (PHOTO COURTESY)
TACLOBAN CITY – The provincial government of Northern Samar officially launched its bid to have the iconic Biri Rock Formation recognized as a national geological monument and a future UNESCO Global Geopark on June 4, marking a historic milestone for the province.
The launch, held at the Ibabao Hall of the provincial capitol in Catarman, was attended by national experts and stakeholders in geology, heritage conservation, and tourism.
Among those present were UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines Secretary General Ivan Anthony Henares; Mario delos Reyes, chair of the Center for Neighborhood Studies; Kevin Garas of the National Committee on Geological Sciences and the DENR Mines and Geosciences Bureau; Allan Gil Fernando of the UP Institute of Geological Sciences; UP History Department Chair Prof. Ian Christopher Alfonso; Philippine Astronomical Society Chair Martine Joy Irog; and Clang Garcia, Philippine Ambassador of the World Food Travel Association.
In a message delivered by provincial administrator Efren Sabong, Governor Edwin Ongchuan hailed the twin declarations as a significant step in celebrating and preserving Northern Samar’s natural and cultural legacy.
“This moment honors our past and affirms our commitment to a future where our rich heritage continues to thrive,” Ongchuan said. “This is a historic milestone that reflects what Northern Samar is capable of—with its geological, gastronomical, historical, cultural, archaeological, and even astronomical wonders.”
The governor emphasized that the official declaration of Biri Rock Formation as a national geological monument, and the province’s formal entry into the roster of aspiring UNESCO Global Geoparks, signifies a collective commitment not only to seek global recognition but also to protect the land, celebrate its people, and preserve their stories.
He credited the achievement to the collaboration of passionate individuals and communities, particularly the residents of Biri, the Ibabao Festival Executive Committee led by Vice Governor Clarence Dato, fellow public servants, and heritage advocates.
“Each of you has contributed to a larger vision—a vision of Northern Samar that is rooted in heritage, enriched by science, guided by history, flavored by culture, and open to the universe,” Ongchuan said. “Let us continue to stand together as stewards of creation, bearers of culture, and proud Nortehanons.”
The National Committee on Geological Sciences officially declared Biri Rock Formation a national geological monument on June 4, 2025. The recognition underscores the site’s exceptional geological features, scientific importance, uniqueness, and breathtaking beauty—solidifying its status as a natural treasure worthy of national and international recognition.
The simultaneous launching of Northern Samar as an aspiring UNESCO Global Geopark is part of a broader initiative to elevate the province’s profile in the global geotourism map, promote sustainable development, and protect its geological heritage for future generations.
SEEKING CLARIFICATION. Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez calls on the national government to explain the basis for imposing a three-ton load limit on the San Juanico Bridge, including the estimated repair costs and the expected duration of the rehabilitation work. (SYRIX REMANES)
He also asked the cost of repair works
SEEKING CLARIFICATION. Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez calls on the national government to explain the basis for imposing a three-ton load limit on the San Juanico Bridge, including the estimated repair costs and the expected duration of the rehabilitation work. (SYRIX REMANES)
TACLOBAN CITY – Mayor Alfred Romualdez has called on the national government to clarify the exact condition of the San Juanico Bridge, which was partially closed to vehicles weighing over three tons.
In a video message released on Saturday, May 31, Romualdez said that a clear explanation from national authorities would help dispel public doubts and speculations surrounding the load limit imposed on the iconic 2.16-kilometer bridge connecting the islands of Leyte and Samar.
“I believe it is the responsibility of the national government to inform the public and explain clearly the extent of the damage and how long repairs will take. Sudden decisions like this only lead to more speculations,” Romualdez said, who earlier called for a second opinion from the experts on the issue.
Romualdez, a cousin of both President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and House Speaker Martin Romualdez, also questioned who recommended the immediate enforcement of the load limit.
“Who conducted this study, and why were we suddenly given only 48 hours’ notice to close the San Juanico Bridge?” he asked.
The city mayor also raised concerns about the cost of repairs, noting that the public should be informed of the actual budget required.
He said he initially received reports that the repair cost was around P800 million, but it has since increased to P7 billion.
On May 15, when the partial closure was first implemented, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Assistant Regional Director Engr. Margarita Junia said in a media interview that the decision was based on recommendations from the consultancy firm Angel Lazaro and Associates International.
The firm conducted a comprehensive structural and foundation analysis of the bridge in 2023 and recommended full rehabilitation, she said.
Junia noted that concerns about the structural integrity of the 52-year-old bridge had been raised in previous years. However, it was only recently that the issue received attention, largely through the efforts of Speaker Romualdez.
“We actually requested at least a week before the load restriction would be enforced, but our request was denied. They said further delays could worsen the damage,” Junia added, referring to their hired consultant.
She said the San Juanico Bridge, which consists of 42 spans, is currently facing multiple structural issues, including corrosion of steel components and loose bolts.
During his visit to the region on May 30, DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan clarified that the upcoming work on the bridge would be “remedial” in nature, primarily involving retrofitting measures which could result in increased load capacity of up to 12 tons from the current less than 3 tons.
According to Bonoan, the retrofitting will cost approximately P1.2 billion. However, full rehabilitation of the bridge is projected to require P5.68 billion.
The project is expected to begin once the retrofitting design is submitted by the consultant, with work anticipated to last at least three years.
In response to the closure, roll-on/roll-off vessels have been proposed to transport heavy vehicles from the Samar side to Leyte via Tacloban City.
The local governments of Tacloban, Samar, and Eastern Samar have since declared a state of emergency to mitigate the impact of the load restriction, particularly on the delivery of fuel and other essential goods.
