TACLOBAN CITY — A new batch of aspiring police officers has begun formal training as the Police Regional Training Center 8 (PRTC-8) officially opened the Public Safety Basic Recruit Course (PSBRC) Batch 2025-01, marking a crucial step in strengthening the police force in Eastern Visayas.

A total of 270 police recruits were formally admitted into the training program during opening ceremonies and reception rites held at around 4 p.m. on December 26, 2025, at the PRTC-8 facility in Kuta Kankabato, Barangay San Jose, here.

The recruits were organized into five training companies — Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta, and Echo — as they begin several months of intensive instruction covering physical conditioning, academic studies, and values formation.

Police Colonel Susan Mangaldan, chief of RTC-8, served as the keynote speaker and reminded the recruits that the course will test not only their physical and mental endurance but also their discipline, integrity, and moral character.

She emphasized that the training is designed to mold recruits into professional, ethical, and service-oriented police officers committed to upholding the law and protecting the public.
Following the formal program, the trainees underwent the traditional Reception Rites, a standard Philippine National Police (PNP) practice symbolizing their transition from civilian life to the disciplined environment of police training. The activity underscores the responsibilities, sacrifices, and accountability expected of future members of the PNP.

The opening of PSBRC Batch 2025-01 marks the start of a rigorous training period aimed at preparing the recruits to effectively maintain peace and order and uphold the rule of law in their future assignments.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict welcomes the recent ruling of the Court of Appeals that affirmed a Regional Trial Court’s conviction in the Talaingod 13 case. It is, above all, a victory not just for the Lumad communities of Mindanao, but for all indigenous peoples across the country.

For more than three decades, many Lumad communities have been treated as pawns by the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People’s Army–National Democratic Front and its legal machinery, drawn into an ideological and political agenda that did not serve their long-term welfare. They were paraded as symbols, mobilized for campaigns, and, in many instances, reduced to milking cows that sustained the movement’s operations. The court’s decision sends a strong message that exploitation, even when cloaked in the appearance of advocacy, should be confronted by law.

The ruling is not an assault on activism, dissent, or the right to advocate for indigenous peoples. These freedoms remain protected by the Constitution. The conviction stems from specific acts found by the courts to have violated Republic Act 7610, which protects children from abuse, exploitation, and endangerment.

The courts have ruled on evidence and statutes, not on slogans or posturing. To claim that the decision amounts to persecution of activism ignores the history and context of the ruling. The accused were tried before a Regional Trial Court, convicted, and afforded every opportunity to challenge the judgment. They appealed, and the Court of Appeals reviewed the case and affirmed the ruling.

Disagreeing with a decision does not make the ruling unjust, and it certainly does not entitle anyone to dismiss the authority of the courts. In the case of the Talaingod 13, due process was observed, step by step.

Lest the focus is drowned out by noise, it should be remembered that the case is about child protection. The State has a clear obligation to protect children from unauthorized transfers, exposure to harm, and exploitation, regardless of the cause invoked.
Advocacy does not grant immunity when children are placed at risk. Laws like RA 7610 exist precisely to draw firm boundaries that cannot be crossed, even in the name of politics or ideology.

There is also a broader pattern that we must recognize. Former rebels who have disavowed the armed movement, especially in its use of minors in the so-called people’s war, have long pointed out the familiar, almost automatic refrain from national democratic groups whenever the law catches up with them. Almost reflexively, they demand to abolish the NTF-ECLAC, a call that has become too predictable, it is no longer surprising.

The task force has nothing to do with the ruling. Judicial outcomes are decided by independent courts based on evidence presented before them. Calling for the dismantling of institutions every time accountability is enforced is not a defense of rights but a vain attempt to evade responsibility.

Respect for institutions, particularly the courts, is essential to peace and democracy. Protecting children, respecting the rule of law, and ensuring accountability are not obstacles to peace. They are its foundations.

Lasting peace will not be built by exploiting communities or dismantling institutions when challenged, but by affirming, consistently and without exception, that the law applies to all. (PR)

TACLOBAN CITY — The 8th Infantry Division honored the 74th Infantry Battalion during a send-off ceremony on December 23, 2025, recognizing the unit’s contributions to peace and security operations in Eastern Visayas.

Deployed in the division’s area of responsibility since February 17, 2023, the battalion operated under the 803rd Infantry Brigade in parts of Northern Samar, including Mapanas, Palapag, Gamay, and Lapinig. Its area of operations was later expanded on November 8, 2025, to include Leyte and Southern Leyte under the 802nd Infantry Brigade.

The 8th ID said the unit conducted combat, intelligence, and civil-military operations that led to the neutralization of 164 members of the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People’s Army, the seizure of 69 firearms, the recovery of 37 improvised explosive devices, and the dismantling of 37 rebel hideouts.

Division officials said the battalion’s efforts helped improve security conditions in several areas of the region.

After completing its mission, the 74th Infantry Battalion will return to its parent unit under the 2nd Infantry Division for reassignment. The division also expressed gratitude to the battalion’s personnel and their families for their service.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY — As part of the government’s peace-building and reintegration efforts, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) provided livelihood assistance to 30 former rebels and 29 wounded-in-action (WIA) soldiers from the 63rd Infantry Battalion.

The beneficiaries received sari-sari store livelihood toolkits under the Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa (PPG) Program, aimed at helping them establish small businesses as they return to civilian life or continue their recovery.

DTI officials said the program seeks to promote economic self-reliance, support recovery, and create sustainable sources of income, particularly for individuals affected by armed conflict. The initiative forms part of the government’s whole-of-nation approach to peace, security, and inclusive development.

Officials from the 63rd Infantry Battalion said they remain committed to working with national government agencies to implement programs that improve the welfare of former rebels and soldiers wounded in the line of duty.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA, LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)