CATARMAN, Northern Samar – The Department of Public Works and Highways Northern Samar 1st District Engineering Office (DPWH-NSFEDO) has completed the construction of road with Drainage Canal Phase I in Brgy. Daganas, Catarman, Northern Samar.

The 436-meter-long project features drainage canal structures and 17 Single Arm Roadway Lighting installations, which increase road safety and visibility.

DPWH-NSFDEO District Engineer Alvin A. Ignacio said that the newly-paved road costing Php 14.84 million, now alleviates the travel burdens of residents in the said area.

Residents now enjoy safer and more convenient travel thanks to the project’s completion. It is now possible to get to schools, government buildings, medical centers, and other business centers with ease,” DE Ignacio stated.

A local revealed in an interview that since the road repair was completed, their everyday activities have significantly improved. The resident clarified that it used to be difficult to go outside, particularly during the rainy season, because the area was muddy and filthy. But now that the project is finished, it is much more convenient.

The project was funded through the Basic Infrastructure Program under General Appropriations Act (GAA) for FY 2024.

(dpwh8/nsfdeo/aap)

TACLOBAN CITY – Authorities arrested a 41-year-old driver on April 16, 2025, after seizing around 15 kilos of suspected shabu from his vehicle along Maharlika Highway in Barangay New Mahayag, Catbalogan City.

The suspect, identified only by the alias “Toper,” is a resident of Barangay Lote, Naga City, Cebu.

Colonel Antonietto Eric Mendoza, director of the Samar Police Provincial Office (SPPO), praised the coordination among law enforcement agencies, calling the operation “a solid example of inter-agency teamwork leading to a major blow against the illegal drug trade.”
“This arrest and the confiscation of 15 kilos of suspected shabu reflect our relentless commitment to keep Samar safe from the drug menace. We will not back down in our fight against illegal drugs,” Mendoza said.

The seized contraband was said to have a commercial value of more than P100 million.
The operation was spearheaded by the Samar Provincial Highway Patrol Team under Lieutenant Joel Camagong and supervised by Lieutenant Colonel Davin Brillantes of the Regional Highway Patrol Unit–Eastern Visayas.

The operation was carried out in coordination with the Provincial Intelligence Unit and Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit led by Lieutenant Colonel J-rale Paalisbo; Catbalogan City Police Station under Lieutenant Colonel Daryll Chua; the Samar Provincial EOD and Canine Unit led by Chief Master Sergeant Peter Jerome Mendoza; the Philippine Coast Guard K9–Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group; and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

(RONALD O. REYES)

TACLOBAN CITY– A 45-year-old man survived a shooting incident on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds while riding his motorcycle along the national road in Sitio Hicgop, Barangay Caridad.

The victim, identified only by the alias “Rob,” is a resident of Ormoc City. According to the Police Regional Office–Eastern Visayas, he was shot by two men on a motorcycle at around 5 a.m.

“Rob” sustained two gunshot wounds to the abdomen and one to the right arm. He was rushed to a hospital where he remains in stable condition.

Investigators recovered two empty shells of an undetermined caliber from the scene, along with the victim’s personal belongings.

Police from Baybay City said the suspects fled in the direction of Ormoc City following the shooting. One of the suspects was identified as “Rich,” a resident of Ormoc, while the other remains unidentified.

Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the motive behind the attack and to locate the suspects.

(RONALD O. REYES)

TACLOBAN CITY– A newborn baby was found dead by the roadside along the diversion road in Barangay Atipolo, Naval, Biliran on the evening of April 14, 2025.

Responding officers from the Naval Municipal Police Station discovered the infant’s body and immediately coordinated with the Provincial Forensic Unit–Biliran to process the scene.
Initial findings from the Naval Municipal Health Office suggest the baby may have suffocated due to a membrane covering his face at birth.

“There is a strong possibility that the mother gave birth without assistance, which may have led to the membrane not being removed, resulting in suffocation,” an official said, as quoted in a report from the Police Regional Office–Eastern Visayas.

Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the circumstances behind the incident and to identify the person responsible.

(RONALD O. REYES)

ORMOC CITY– A 57-year-old farmer was found dead in a rice field in Barangay Maghulod, Tanauan, Leyte, on the evening of April 14, 2025.

The victim, identified by the alias “Tonio,” was discovered by his live-in partner, alias “Malyn,” 50, who reported the incident to their barangay officials around 8:30 pm.

According to the police, the victim had left their home earlier that afternoon to tend to their rice field. When he failed to return by evening, “Malyn” went to look for him and found his lifeless body lying on a grassy portion of the rice field. She then sought assistance from the barangay chairman, who reported the incident to the Tanauan Municipal Police Station.

Responding police officers conducted an initial investigation and found no signs of foul play. The victim’s daughter, alias “Mica,” informed authorities that her father had been complaining of persistent pain in the nape and head prior to the incident.

The victim’s remains were brought to the Tanauan Rural Health Unit for medical examination. The family has requested an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

(ROBERT DEJON)

BORONGAN CITY-The Department of Public Works and Highways Eastern Samar District Engineering Office (DPWH ESDEO) was recently visited by Dr. Ir. Iwan Aang Soenandi, an esteemed professor from Universitas Kristen Krida Wacana (UKRIDA) in West Jakarta, Indonesia.

Dr. Soenandi, an expert in ergonomics, visited the office as part of a week-long International Faculty Mobility exercise of Eastern Samar State University (ESSU).
Accompanied by Dr. Rowena Capada, Dean of the ESSU College of Technology, and other program heads, Dr. Soenandi conducted an assessment of the workplace of DPWH ESDEO on October 9, 2024.

During his visit, he toured the entire office and inspected the working environment.
Dr. Soenandi commended DPWH ESDEO for its compliance with ergonomics standards, noting the use of ergonomic chairs and comfortable desks for all employees.

“After we have seen the facility, I think it’s very good. You already use ergonomic chairs and the desks are comfortable for all employees,” said Dr. Soenandi.

Assistant District Engineer Chito Nelson Eusores mentioned that the office certification of ISO 9001: 2015 helps improve the working environment of the office.
The Indonesian expert recommended the availability of an evacuation area for employees during a national disaster.

“In Indonesia, we must prepare for natural disasters by having an evacuation room or area for people when a disaster strikes. I think we can prepare this kind of area to improve safety for the people.”

In response, Assistant Chito Nelson Eusores mentioned that the office actively participates in the National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) conducted every quarter to educate employees and prepare for disasters.

Engr. Eusores also mentioned plans to improve the open space for evacuation once the old building is demolished, which will be used as parking and will improve open space for evacuation area in the office vicinity.

Moreover, Assistant District Engineer Eusores expressed gratitude to ESSU for choosing DPWH ESDEO to be visited by their visiting professor from Indonesia.

Engr. Eusores also highlighted DPWH ESDEO’s continuous support for the university’s programs, including On the Job Training (OJT) of the ESSU students.

The visit of Dr. Soenandi, a highly regarded professor from UKRIDA, is part of a week-long engagement of Eastern Samar State University.

His visit included engagements with partner agencies of the ESSU such as the DPWH, reflecting the strong partnership between the university and these institutions. (PR)