TACLOBAN CITY – The provincial government of Northern Samar celebrated the vital role of farmers and fisherfolks in local development during the observance of Farmers and Fisherfolks Day, honoring individuals and organizations for their outstanding contributions to the province’s agriculture and fishery sectors.

The event gathered stakeholders from various municipalities, including members of agri-fishery associations and Municipal Agriculture Officers.

Awards and recognition were given to individuals and organizations that have significantly contributed to the progress of Northern Samar’s agricultural landscape.

Among the awardees for Outstanding Farmers Organization were the Frederick Farmers Association of Allen; Lipata Farmers Association of Allen; and Bagacay Farmers Association of Lapinig.

For best project implementer organization, the honorees included the Libertad Farmers and Fisherfolks Association of Victoria; and Sabang II Rural Improvement Club of Allen.
Recognized as best partner organizations were 3M Magsasakang Masipag ng Mapanas Association of Mapanas; and Catubig Organic Farmers Association of Catubig.

The best independent award was given to San Isidro Upland Farmers Association of Las Navas; and Ipil-Ipil Organic Urban Container Gardener Association of Catarman.

In the outstanding fisherfolk organization category, the winners were 1st place: Brgy. Baybay Fishermen and Workers Association of Catarman; 2nd place: Brgy. Inamlan Fisherfolk Association of Laoang; and 3rd Place: Brgy. North Fisherfolks Association of San Jose.

Special recognition was also given to individuals for their dedication and service in agricultural work: outstanding municipal agriculturist: Judy Morado of Allen; top performing municipal agriculturists: Rhea Tarrayo (Rosario), Anita Estudillo (Catubig), Mary Ann Baena (Victoria), and Dr. Salvacion Dianito (Las Navas).

For agricultural extension work: outstanding agricultural extension worker: Nerilyn Gubatana of Gamay.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

ORMOC CITY– The individual identified as the number one most wanted person by local police was apprehended on Wednesday, May 27, at approximately 7 pm in Brgy. Bato, Biliran, Biliran.

Authorities identified the suspect as a 58-year-old married farmer known by the alias “Bebot,” a resident of Sitio Bantilan, Brgy. Bato.

The arrest was executed under a warrant of arrest dated May 21, 2025, issued by Judge Luz Petilla Navarette of RTC Branch 16, Naval, Biliran, for the crime of statutory rape. The court did not grant bail for the accused’s temporary release.

Upon arrest, the suspect was informed in a language he understands of the nature of the charges and his constitutional rights.

He was then taken to the Biliran Municipal Police Station for booking and subsequent processing before being transferred back to the issuing court and ultimately turned over to the Biliran Sub-provincial Jail.

(ROBERT DEJON)

TACLOBAN CITY – The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Leyte has passed a resolution on Tuesday, May 27, urging the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) to expedite the rehabilitation of the Port of Carigara to make it operational while the San Juanico Bridge undergoes repairs.

The resolution was initiated by Board Member Wilson Uy of Leyte’s first district, who also serves as a member of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Tacloban-Leyte). Uy made the motion following his recent inspection of the port.

“The Carigara Port holds strong potential for immediate use as an alternate logistics hub, especially for cargo vessels and inter-island shipments,” Uy said. “This will not only help decongest the San Juanico Bridge but also streamline the flow of goods in and out of the province.”

A representative from a shipping company that visited Carigara Port on May 20 affirmed that the site is viable for operations, citing its proximity to Catbalogan Port as an advantage over Tacloban Port.

However, in a previous interview, PPA Eastern Leyte Assistant Port Manager Atty. Kahlil Lamigo said the agency is not yet recommending the use of Carigara Port due to existing structural damage. The PPA has allocated P20 million for repairs, with a projected completion time of six months.

Uy, however, expressed concern over the timeline, saying it is unacceptable given the urgency of the situation.

“For me, five to six months is too long. If we are to face these logistics challenges, the response should be immediate,” Uy stressed. “I cannot fathom why it would take so long to complete a P20 million rehabilitation project.”

Currently, heavy vehicles unable to cross the San Juanico Bridge are rerouted through the Maguino-o Port to GGC Port route, linking Calbayog City and Ormoc City. However, board members warned that this route may not be able to sustain the increasing cargo volume if no additional sea access points are established soon.

They urged concerned government agencies to act quickly to prevent further strain on the region’s supply chain and economic activity.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY — An award-winning humanitarian worker from Leyte is appealing to the national government to end what she calls the “persecution” of legitimate development organizations, following her indictment for terrorism financing—allegations she strongly denies and describes as “totally shocking.”

Jazmin Jerusalem, executive director of the Leyte Center for Development, Inc. (LCDe), is facing three counts of terrorism financing before the Regional Trial Court Branch 45 in Tacloban City, presided over by Judge Georgina Uy Perez. She posted bail amounting to P600,000 after arrest warrants were issued on February 12, 2025.

In an online interview, Jerusalem said the charges were based solely on the testimonies of four alleged rebel returnees—individuals she claims she has never met.

“One of the claims was that I handed money to the NPA [New People’s Army] on a day I wasn’t even in the country. I was in Thailand, en route to a conference in Hong Kong,” she said, adding that she had submitted her passport and boarding pass as proof.

The complaint was filed by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in November 2024.

According to Jerusalem, the accusations are unfounded and based on affidavits she describes as “full of lies.” She noted that some of the so-called evidence includes photos of LCDe’s office and their SEC registration documents—materials that, she says, merely prove the organization’s legal existence and transparency.

Under Jerusalem’s leadership, LCDe has operated in disaster-stricken communities across Eastern Visayas for 37 years. The organization, based in Palo, Leyte, has received multiple recognitions, including the National Gawad Kalasag Award from the Department of National Defense in 2007.

Jerusalem is also a member of several government bodies, including the Regional Development Council (RDC), the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC), and the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC).

“It’s disheartening. The irony is that we’ve received awards from the government for more than 25 years. I’ve even received international recognitions—from the United Nations and CARE Germany,” she said.

She also made a public appeal to the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) and national authorities to lift the freeze order imposed on LCDe’s bank accounts on May 2 last year, and to dismiss the case accusing her of financing insurgent activities in the region—an accusation she firmly denies.

“Please be fair. AMLC, we’ve done nothing to deserve having our accounts arbitrarily frozen. Why not go after POGOs and the real money launderers?” she said. “Please stop persecuting legitimate NGOs like ours. In fact, we help the government address insurgency by offering livelihood options to poor communities.”

Despite the charges, Jerusalem said she remains hopeful that the case will be dismissed.
“I still believe in the integrity of our justice system. I pray that the court will clear my name and lift the freeze order. I just want to continue doing what I love most—serving the poor and the vulnerable.”

The next court hearing is scheduled for July 14 at 8:30 a.m.

(JOEY A. GABIETA)