TACLOBAN CITY – Residents of a sitio in Barangay Sumangga, Ormoc City, received an early Christmas gift from the 802nd Infantry Brigade personnel through their heartwarming “Santa Patrol” initiative.

Led by Brigade Commander B/Gen Noel Vestuir, soldiers donned their military uniforms and took on the role of singing Santas, bringing joy to the community.

Unlike traditional caroling, where carolers receive gifts, the soldiers sang festive songs and handed out gifts to selected residents of Sumangga.

B/Gen Vestuir explained that the “Santa Patrol,” first introduced in 2023, is funded by contributions from soldiers assigned to the brigade. Each soldier donated the equivalent of one meal allowance to provide “pamasko” (Christmas presents) to families in need.

“No act of kindness, no matter how big or small, is ever wasted when you give with a generous heart and pure intention,” he said.

“Christmas is a time of love, giving, and unity. Let us use this opportunity to spread love for humanity,” Vestuir added.

The initiative highlights the 802nd Brigade’s commitment to community service and spreading holiday cheer, showcasing the soldiers’ dedication to making a difference beyond their duties.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY – A chief tanod or village watchman from Pambujan, Northern Samar, is the beneficiary of a new home, courtesy of the Northern Samar Police Provincial Office’s (NSPPO) ‘Bagong Bahay, Bagong Pag-asa: Pamaskong Handog’ program.

Identified as “Ricky,” a resident of Barangay Manajaw in Pambujan, he was selected after police officers saw his nearly dilapidated home.

Ricky and his family, burdened by poverty and a lack of steady income, were unable to afford the materials needed to improve their living conditions.

Under the Revitalized Pulis sa Barangay (R-PSB) initiative, NSPPO Provincial Director PCol Sonnie Omengan reintroduced the Bagong Bahay, Bagong Pag-asa program, which aims to help impoverished families secure decent and comfortable housing.

“We saw the difficulty of his situation, and as a father, we understand that providing the basic needs of the family, especially a decent home, is a priority,” Omengan said.

The project, spearheaded by Omengan, was supported by the R-PSB Manajaw team and the Northern Samar Press Corps, who helped provide construction materials.

Although construction is still ongoing, Ricky and his family are already excited about moving into their new home soon.

“This program brings hope and joy to deserving families, and we will continue to reach out to others in need,” added PCol Omengan.

The Bagong Bahay, Bagong Pag-asa program underscores the NSPPO’s commitment to community service beyond law enforcement, especially during the holiday season.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY – The Philippine National Police (PNP) regional office in Eastern Visayas has reminded the public to refrain from using 28 prohibited firecrackers.

The Police Regional Office-8 (PRO-8) posted on its social media account the list of prohibited firecrackers as part of efforts to enforce Republic Act 7183, or the law regulating the sale, manufacture, and use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices.

The banned firecrackers are watusi, Piccolo, Poppop, Five Star, Pla-pla, Lolo Thunder, Giant Bawang, Giant Whistle Bomb, Atomic Bomb, Atomic Triangle, large-size Judas Belt, Goodbye Delima, Hello Columbia, Goodbye Napoles, Super Yolanda, Mother Rockets, Kwiton, and Super Lolo.

Also banned are Goodbye Bading, Goodbye Philippines, Bin Laden, Coke-in-Can, Pillbox, Kabasi, Special, King Kong, Tuna, and Goodbye Chismosa.

Also considered unlawful are overweight and oversized firecrackers (more than 0.2 grams or more than 1/3 teaspoon in explosive content), firecrackers that fuse burns in less than three seconds or more than six seconds, and firecrackers with a mixture of phosphorous and/or sulfur with that of chlorates.

“The PNP reminds the public to only purchase and use certified Philippine Standard fireworks and firecrackers from registered retailers and dealers,” the PRO-8 stated.

Firecrackers manufactured, sold, or distributed without the necessary occupancy permit or business or permit to operate are also banned.

The police urged individuals to choose safe alternatives, such as community fireworks displays.

The regional office has ordered all police stations in the region to regularly inspect fireworks vendors and stalls to ensure safe Christmas and New Year celebrations.

In areas designated as community fireworks displays and firecracker zones, some 2,500 policemen will be stationed, supported by 687 augmentation units and 854 advocacy groups.

Last year, the region recorded 32 cases of blast injuries, significantly higher than the six cases recorded in 2022.

The rise was expected since it was the first holiday revelry after the three-year pandemic restrictions.

(SARWELL Q. MENIANO/PNA)