TACLOBAN CITY — At least 13 former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Samar and Eastern Samar provinces have been issued safe conduct passes (SCPs) by the National Amnesty Commission through the Local Amnesty Board (LAB) in Catbalogan, marking another step in the government’s reconciliation and reintegration efforts.

Of the total recipients, 10 were assisted by the 52nd Infantry Battalion (IB) based in Dolores, Eastern Samar, while three others were endorsed by the 3rd IB stationed in San Jorge, Samar.

The issuance of SCPs forms part of the government’s amnesty program for former rebels, which aims to encourage members of communist armed groups to return to the fold of the law. The pass provides temporary protection from arrest for rebellion-related offenses while their amnesty applications are being processed.

The distribution ceremony in Dolores was attended by 801st Infantry Brigade Commander Arlino Sendaydiego, 52nd IB Commanding Officer Sandy Sereño, and Dolores Municipal Police Station chief Eumorpho Batlangao, along with police personnel from Oras and Can-avid towns.

In his message, Lt. Col. Sereño reiterated the government’s commitment to support former rebels as they transition back to civilian life. Brig. Gen. Sendaydiego, for his part, underscored the need for sincerity in the reconciliation process.

“We need your sincerity in returning to the fold of the law. We do not treat you as enemies, as many of you were simply victims. Life is better when we are free,” Sendaydiego said.
During the activity, the LAB Secretariat conducted a comprehensive briefing on the guidelines, privileges, and responsibilities attached to the SCP. Recipients formally acknowledged their understanding of the document’s limitations and pledged to use it appropriately while reintegrating into mainstream society.

An orientation was also held for 37 additional former rebels who filed their amnesty applications, signaling continued interest in the program in parts of Samar Island, which has long been affected by insurgency.

Meanwhile, the three applicants from Samar province received their SCPs at the LAB-Catbalogan office after undergoing the same orientation and documentation process.
Lawyers from the Public Attorney’s Office were present during both distribution activities and facilitated the Oath of Allegiance of the applicants.

Military and police officials said the issuance of SCPs reflects ongoing efforts under the government’s whole-of-nation approach to end local communist armed conflict, by combining security operations with legal remedies and reintegration support for former insurgents.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

Globe underscored the need to advance practical policy reforms that enable more efficient telecommunications infrastructure development, resulting in more reliable internet services for all Filipinos. At the same time, the company called for long-overdue action on structural cost and operational barriers to make digital services more affordable and accessible to a broader segment of the population.

The company framed connectivity as the country’s fifth utility, at par with water, electricity, sanitation, and transport, noting its direct influence on work, learning, livelihood, and participation in the digital economy.

Speaking at the DICT-led PH Telecom Summit 2026, Globe President and CEO Carl Cruz emphasized, “Filipinos deserve more than access, they deserve quality. That means policy must shift to enable inclusive, long-term strategic investments supporting the country’s digital connectivity roadmap. Connectivity shouldn’t be a luxury. It’s the backbone of how people work, learn, and live today.”

“The industry heavily relies on investments and capital expenditures to deliver services to the country. To move forward, government and industry must collaborate so that investments are protected and the industry gains translate to real benefit to customers in terms of universal access, reliable and consistent service that’s affordable to many,” Cruz added.

Globe is driving digital inclusion by transforming neighborhood businesses such as sari-sari stores, auto repair shops, and small logistics providers into active digital touchpoints. These microenterprises are now positioned to offer basic connectivity and digital services within their communities, helping close access gaps while creating new livelihood opportunities.
This shift is made possible through a well-organized national distribution system that involves larger SME partners, sub-dealers, and community-level agents. By embedding small businesses into this supply chain, Globe is building a scalable model that supports both digital adoption and local economic resilience, especially in areas where formal infrastructure and digital access remain limited.

On the Konektadong Pinoy Act, Globe expressed measured support, citing opportunities and improvements in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) that address its earlier concerns around security, infrastructure protection, and fair competition. The law, which opens the country’s data transmission market to new entrants by removing the congressional franchise requirement, aims to expand access and encourage investment in underserved areas. Globe has worked closely with the DICT to ensure that new players, now classified as Data Transmission Industry Participants (DTIPs), are subject to strict cybersecurity vetting and certification, with no room for exploitation during the two-year grace period.

Globe also pushed for rules that protect existing infrastructure from duplication or disruption and advocated for fair, transparent spectrum allocation, particularly with the rise of satellite providers. “We need rules that balance openness with accountability, especially around infra use, security standards, and spectrum coordination,” Cruz said.
At the summit, DICT Secretary Henry Aguda delivered a compelling address on the government’s National Digital Connectivity Plan (NDCP), underscoring the Philippines’ ambition to climb the ranks of Southeast Asia’s digital landscape. Aguda highlighted progress in network performance and reaffirmed the administration’s drive to expand infrastructure and close the digital divide. His remarks were delivered with the support and presence of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., reinforcing digital inclusion as a national priority.

National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) Commissioner Ella Blanca Lopez called for sustained collaboration among regulators, government, and industry to ensure equitable and quality connectivity. (PR)

ORMOC CITY— Authorities are investigating the death of an unidentified man whose body was discovered floating in the Calbiga River in Calbiga town, Samar near the public market in Barangay 5 Poblacion on Friday afternoon, February 13, 2026.

Local police reported that the body, estimated to be between 50 and 60 years old, was wearing a brown T-shirt with the brand “Mr. Lee” on the chest and black pants. The discovery was first reported around 1:40 p.m. by a concerned citizen who saw the cadaver floating near the riverbank.

Responding immediately, personnel from the Calbiga Municipal Police Station coordinated with the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) to conduct retrieval operations. The body was then transported to the Calbiga Rural Health Unit for a post-mortem examination to determine the cause and manner of death.

Police authorities said the investigation is ongoing, and they are appealing to the public for any information that may help identify the victim and clarify the circumstances surrounding his death.

The incident underscores the need for heightened vigilance along the municipality’s waterways, particularly in areas near the market and other populated zones, as police continue to ensure public safety and conduct follow-up inquiries.

(ROBERT DEJON)

TACLOBAN CITY — After more than two years of sustained peacekeeping and community engagement, six barangays in Northern Samar have been declared cleared under the Revitalized Pulis Sa Barangay (R-PSB) program, prompting the pullout of 111 police personnel from their assignments.

The personnel, deployed by the Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8), were relieved from Barangays Cabari-an, Canjumadal, Giparayan, Manahaw, and San Ramon in Pambujan town, as well as Barangay Naparasan in Palapag, after completing their missions.
The R-PSB program forms part of the government’s intensified campaign against insurgency and criminality, in line with Executive Order No. 70, which institutionalizes the whole-of-nation approach to end local communist armed conflict.

Northern Samar has long been considered among the provinces in Eastern Visayas affected by insurgency, prompting sustained security and development interventions in remote barangays.

While 111 personnel were withdrawn, 102 new R-PSB personnel were deployed to two barangays in Victoria and one barangay each in Laoang, Pambujan, Gamay, and Mapanas to continue peace and development efforts in other priority areas.

Turnover ceremonies were attended by local officials, including Pambujan Mayor Owen Lamberto Siervo and Sangguniang Bayan Member Luckie Longcop, who represented Mapanas Mayor Ronn Michael Tejano.

The officials welcomed the incoming R-PSB teams assigned to Barangay Cababtoan in Pambujan and Barangay Manaybanay in Mapanas.

The R-PSB initiative not only focuses on security operations but also strengthens partnerships with barangay officials and residents. Personnel assist in implementing the Support to Barangay Development Program (SBDP), which channels government services and infrastructure projects to previously conflict-affected communities.

Northern Samar Police Provincial Office Acting Provincial Director George Buyacao Jr. expressed gratitude to local government units for their continued backing of the program.
Meanwhile, Jennifer Sumpo, chief of the Regional Community Affairs and Development Division and representative of PRO-8 Regional Director Jayson L. Capoy, awarded the outgoing personnel with the Medalya ng Ugnayang Pampulisya (PNP Relations Medal) in recognition of their service. She urged newly deployed teams to uphold professionalism and dedication in their assignments.

803rd Infantry Brigade Commander Carmelito Pangatungan reminded incoming personnel that their role goes beyond law enforcement, stressing the importance of mediation, facilitating access to social services, and strengthening barangay institutions.
For her part, DILG Provincial Director Geraldine C. Maquelabit challenged the new teams to sustain and build on the gains achieved, underscoring the need for close collaboration to secure lasting peace in Northern Samar.

The Sangguniang Bayan of the concerned municipalities also passed resolutions commending the outgoing R-PSB teams for their contributions to maintaining peace and order in their respective communities.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)