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Army facilitates burial for slain female rebel in Samar Clashes

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TACLOBAN CITY — The 8th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army has facilitated the dignified burial of a female New People’s Army (NPA) member killed in recent armed encounters in Gandara and San Jorge, Samar, underscoring its adherence to International Humanitarian Law (IHL) even in active conflict zones.

Troops recovered the body of the slain female rebel — who died during a firefight with soldiers of the 46th Infantry Battalion on November 22 — and worked for days to carry her remains on foot through rugged terrain while under threat of sporadic gunfire. The body was documented and handed over for a proper burial in accordance with IHL protocols.
The encounter unfolded when government forces were fired upon by remnants of the Yakal Platoon, Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Browser of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC). Three high-powered firearms were seized during the pursuit operations.

Aside from the burial facilitation, the 8ID also assisted a wounded rebel who fled the encounter site and voluntarily sought help from the barangay captain for security and medical treatment. He was turned over to the soldiers, who immediately evacuated him to a medical facility where he received treatment.

Major General Adonis Ariel Orio, 8th commander, said the Army remains committed to respecting human dignity regardless of ideology or affiliation.

“Our troops remain steadfast in upholding International Humanitarian Law. Even in the midst of conflict, we ensure that the rights of combatants and non-combatants alike are respected. A life lost is a tragedy, and a life saved is a step toward peace,” he said.

He added that the Army hopes the incident encourages remaining rebels to abandon armed struggle and return to peaceful civilian life.

The 8ID continues to coordinate with local government units, law enforcement agencies, and community partners to safeguard rural communities and promote sustained peace and development across Samar.

(JOEY A. GABIETA)

Eastern Visayas sweeps 2025 Lupong Tagapamayapa national awards

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TACLOBAN CITY – Eastern Visayas asserted its dominance in this year’s Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentives Awards (LTIA) after barangays from the region captured top national prizes across multiple categories, emerging as the most awarded region in the 2025 competition.

The region secured three national championship titles, underscoring the exemplary efforts of its Lupong Tagapamayapa units in settling disputes at the grassroots level and strengthening community peace and order.

Leading the roster of winners was Barangay Poblacion Zone 20 of Baybay City which reclaimed the National Champion title in the independent component city/component city category—its second time to win the prestigious award.

Also earning national championship honors were Barangay Barugohay Norte in Carigara, Leyte, named national champion in the 2nd class municipality category, and Barangay Magallanes in Limasawa, Southern Leyte, which topped the 6th class municipality category.
The region likewise secured podium finishes in other divisions. Barangay Bool West in Culaba, Biliran placed 1st runner-up in the 5th class municipality category, while Barangay Poblacion 2 in Babatngon, Leyte finished 2nd runner-up in the 4th class municipality category.

These achievements highlight the efficiency, innovation, and dedication of Lupong Tagapamayapa units in Eastern Visayas in promoting peaceful conflict resolution through the Katarungang Pambarangay justice system.

DILG Region 8 Director Arnel Agabe said the recognition reflects the unwavering commitment of barangay officials and community leaders to fostering local harmony and accessible justice.

All national awardees received plaques and cash incentives to support and expand their dispute resolution programs.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

Libreng Sakay on San Juanico route to end Nov. 30 as transport normalizes

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NO MORE LIBRENG SAKAY. The Regional Inter-Agency Coordinating Cell reported that the Libreng Sakay program for heavy vehicles prohibited to cross the San Juanico Bridge will end this Sunday, Nov. 30, citing the gradual stabilization of operations at the said iconic bridge. (FILE PHOTO)
NO MORE LIBRENG SAKAY. The Regional Inter-Agency Coordinating Cell reported that the Libreng Sakay program for heavy vehicles prohibited to cross the San Juanico Bridge will end this Sunday, Nov. 30, citing the gradual stabilization of operations at the said iconic bridge. (FILE PHOTO)

TACLOBAN CITY – After more than five months of providing free transportation assistance to affected motorists, the Regional Inter-Agency Coordinating Cell (RIACC)–8 announced that the Libreng Sakay program will officially conclude its operations this Sunday, November 30.

The initiative was launched on June 18 as an emergency transport intervention following the implementation of stringent weight restrictions on the San Juanico Bridge due to structural concerns.

The limitations resulted in mobility challenges for cargo trucks and fuel tankers—key carriers of essential goods across Samar and Leyte—prompting government agencies to create a temporary support mechanism to ensure the continued flow of supplies.
According to RIACC–8, only 19 remaining trips are scheduled before the program’s full closure.

Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Region 8 Director Rey Gozon reported that the project has transported a total of 4,550 cargo trucks from Tacloban City to Basey, 4,138 cargo trucks moving from Basey to Tacloban, and 676 fuel tankers since its rollout. Government and humanitarian vehicles engaged in disaster response were also accommodated.

RIACC–8 noted that commercial transport options have gradually stabilized, while adjustments to the bridge’s load limit are expected in the coming weeks—developments that signal improving mobility conditions across the route.

“With commercial transport services now available and traffic movement normalizing, the Libreng Sakay has served its purpose. We extend our sincere appreciation to all commuters, partner agencies, LGUs, and stakeholders for their support throughout the program’s implementation,” the coordinating body said.

The inter-agency group added that while the program is ending, it remains committed to monitoring the transport situation in the region and will continue coordinating with concerned agencies to ensure safe, accessible, and reliable mobility for the public.

The free transport service has played a vital role in supporting the continuous flow of food products, medicine, drinking water, animal feeds, fuel, and other essential supplies between Leyte and Samar during the height of bridge restrictions.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

PDEA agent shot, suspect escapes during buy-bust in Jaro town

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ORMOC CITY– A buy-bust operation turned violent in the early hours of Tuesday, Nov. 25, after a suspected drug pusher opened fire on operatives, wounding a Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) agent before fleeing the scene.

The shootout happened around 12:10 a.m. in Brgy. III Poblacion, when the target of the sting — identified only as “Leo,” 45, jobless, and a resident of the same barangay — realized he was transacting with authorities. The suspect is listed as a street value individual in the local drug watchlist and remains at large.

According to a police report, the poseur-buyer was able to purchase a sachet of suspected shabu worth P500 from the suspect. However, upon receiving the pre-arranged arrest signal, the suspect noticed incoming operatives, pulled out a firearm of unknown caliber, and fired twice, hitting a PDEA agent in the left leg.

The suspect then escaped toward a dimly lit portion of the area.

The wounded PDEA personnel was rushed to Saint Paul’s Hospital in Tacloban City and is now receiving medical treatment.

Recovered from the buy-bust scene was one heat-sealed sachet of suspected shabu, which was immediately marked and inventoried on-site in the presence of required witnesses.
A criminal complaint for violation of Section 5, Article II of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) and frustrated homicide has already been filed before the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office against the fugitive suspect.
Authorities said a follow-up operation is underway to track down the assailant.

(ROBERT DEJON)

Left undone

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The halt in Zaldy Co’s construction operations threatens to leave some of its projects in Eastern Visayas abandoned. This signals a grave setback that demands an uncompromising stance against corruption and negligence.

These unfinished structures, financed by public funds, are now at risk of decay long before their intended use. Roads, buildings, bridges, and facilities that communities have been waiting for may soon become empty shells—silent markers of squandered resources. What should have served the people instead becomes a reminder of how easily public money slips away when oversight collapses, and accountability weakens.

The collapse of these projects is not just a technical failure; it is a betrayal of the region’s already fragile development. Eastern Visayas has long struggled with inadequate infrastructure, slow public service delivery, and the constant threat of natural disasters. Each halted project widens the gap between need and response, leaving residents exposed to inconvenience, limited mobility, and delayed progress. The damage goes far beyond the idle structures—it reinforces a cycle of deprivation that the region has endured for decades.
More disturbing is the reality that taxpayers already paid for these projects. The funds were released, allocated, and consumed, yet the output now hangs in limbo. The people lose twice: first when their taxes are diverted or mishandled, and again when the promised infrastructure never materializes. This pattern of depletion is a recurring injury in government procurement, where flawed systems, weak monitoring, and political protection allow contractors to walk away while citizens carry the burden.

Authorities must ensure the continuity of these projects through clean, transparent mechanisms. The government must reclaim control, hold all responsible parties to account, and award the remaining work to capable, legitimate contractors who can complete the urgent work the region needs. Through decisive action, strict supervision, and uncompromised standards, the people can be spared from yet another round of waste and disappointment.

Brazenly abusive

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The moment lawmakers were exposed for slipping billions into their office budgets—after the national budget had already been approved—I felt that familiar wave of disgust rise again. This was not some clerical oversight but a deliberate act of abuse. And it confirms a truth many Filipinos whisper but rarely say aloud: corruption in this country has grown bolder, greedier, and shamelessly more inventive.

Whenever I see these reports, I cannot help thinking of how these insertions bypass the very hearings designed to keep spending honest. There is something brazen about politicians quietly tucking in funds that were never debated, never questioned, never justified. It is as if the whole process of budget scrutiny exists only for agencies they do not control, while their own offices operate like private vaults. The brazenness insults every taxpayer who follows the law because they have no choice, while those in power twist the system until it breaks under their weight.

What unsettles me further is how these insertions can slip into personal pockets without passing through liquidation or audit. I have often wondered how one sleeps knowing billions of pesos meant for public service have turned into personal spoils. There is no artistry here, no cleverness—just the crude courage of someone convinced that the law cannot reach him. And the tragedy is that, in many cases, the law indeed cannot, or worse, will not.

Meanwhile, small government agencies, especially state universities and colleges, must endure hearings that feel like ritual humiliation. I’ve seen schools struggle to defend requests for buildings, equipment, or even a modest increase in MOOE, only to be dismissed as though they were begging for luxuries. The double standard is infuriating. These institutions hold the hopes of young people, yet their pleas are measured in pesos while politicians help themselves to billions with a pen stroke. When I think of how SUCs must justify every line item while certain offices enjoy windfalls with no questions asked, the injustice becomes almost unbearable.

This is where the abuse feels most personal to me. Every time a politician siphons public money, the effect ripples down to ordinary communities—students in overcrowded classrooms, patients in understaffed hospitals, farmers waiting for farm-to-market roads that never get built. The nation is robbed not only of funds but of possibilities. Corruption steals futures long before those futures are even imagined. And as I watch this pattern repeat year after year, the feeling it leaves is not just frustration but a kind of national exhaustion.

The bigger fear is bankruptcy—not just financial, but moral. If this plunder goes on, the country will eventually collapse under the weight of its own rot. No economy can sustain a government that treats the treasury as a feeding trough. No society can thrive when leaders gorge on what the people painstakingly earn. I dread the day when the damage becomes irreversible, when even honest leaders will find themselves governing ruins built by decades of theft.

Yet even in this bleak landscape, I believe the situation is not beyond remedy. What this country desperately needs is not another slogan or vague promise but a clean, forceful overhaul of how public money is handled. Transparency must stop being a buzzword and become a habit; accountability must stop being ceremonial and become punitive. There must be consequences—real, painful consequences—for those who treat the national budget as a personal jackpot.

And so, I come to this quiet conclusion: the only way forward is to tighten the rules so tightly that even the boldest thief cannot wriggle through. Strengthen the watchdogs, empower citizens, and strip the process of dark corners where greed loves to hide. We need to break this cycle of misery and give the nation a chance to breathe again.

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