TACLOBAN CITY– The Tacloban City District Engineering Office (TCDEO) has rolled out its annual “Lakbay-Alalay” program to assist motorists and ensure road safety during the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.

The program, which began on October 31 and will continue until November 2, 2024, is part of a larger public service initiative by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

The Lakbay-Alalay program aims to provide timely and essential aid to travelers during the peak Undas travel period, deploying Motorist Assistance teams at strategic points along key routes. Services include roadside vehicle repair assistance, travel information, and first aid in emergencies, ensuring smoother and safer journeys for those visiting cemeteries and churches.

The DPWH has established three assistance stations across Tacloban City: Station I at PHHC Traffic Island, Station II at Coca-Cola Traffic Island, and Station III at the Tacloban District Engineering Office. The initiative is spearheaded by Engr. Lemuel Mikkael Sibayan of the Maintenance Section, under the direct supervision of District Engineer Rebecca G. Yuse.

“We understand that Undas is a significant time for our community, and our goal is to provide every motorist with safe and efficient travel,” said Engr. Sibayan. “Our team is equipped to offer immediate support, from mechanical help to emergency first aid, ensuring people can reach their destinations with peace of mind.”

District Engineer Rebecca G. Yuse reminded travelers to prioritize safety throughout the holiday season. “We urge everyone to remain cautious and vigilant while on the road,” she said. “By planning ahead, observing road rules, and taking advantage of our Lakbay-Alalay assistance when needed, we can all help make this Undas season safer for everyone.” (PR)

ORMOC CITY– A businessman was fatally shot by unidentified assailants on a motorcycle shortly after delivering dressed chicken to an outlet in Barangay West Awang, Calbayog City, Samar, at around 12:04 p.m. on Wednesday, October 30.

Police identified the victim as “Boyet,” 48, a businessman from Jetafe, Bohol, currently residing in Brgy. Oquendo Poblacion, Calbayog City. The victim, a former employee of the Energy Development Corporation (EDC) in Ormoc City was into chicken business.

According to the initial investigation, the victim was helping his driver maneuver their delivery van onto the main road when two suspects approached and, without warning, fired at him, striking him in the chest.

The victim was rushed to Calbayog District Hospital but was declared dead on arrival. The suspects immediately fled the scene on a motorcycle, heading east.

The Calbayog City Police Station has launched an investigation to identify the suspects, coordinating with nearby police stations for checkpoints and dragnet operations. The Calbayog City Forensic Unit has also been requested to process the crime scene for evidence. (ROBERT DEJON)

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)