ORMOC CITY — A 40-year-old woman listed as a street-level drug personality was arrested by joint operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Regional Office 8 and the local police during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Mercedes, Catbalogan City on Friday morning, May 15.

The suspect, identified only by the alias “Maricar,” is single and a resident of Barangay Mercedes, Catbalogan City. She was reportedly included in the drug watchlist of both PDEA and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Authorities seized approximately 8.56 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated Dangerous Drugs Board value of P58,240. One sachet was allegedly sold to an undercover operative, while six more sachets were recovered from her possession.

Also confiscated during the operation were the marked buy-bust money, a cellphone, belt bag, PhilHealth ID, cash, lighter, and an improvised plastic scooper.

Law enforcers said the suspect was informed of the reason for her arrest and was apprised of her constitutional rights in a language she understood.

Charges for violation of Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, have been filed before the City Prosecutor’s Office. The suspect is currently detained at the lock-up cell of the Catbalogan City Police Station.

(ROBERT DEJON)

TACLOBAN CITY – A community pantry organized for drivers affected by the continuing increase in fuel prices also provided support to local farmers in Leyte’s third district, organizers said.

Instead of sourcing supplies from outside areas, organizers purchased locally grown products directly from farmers in the district as part of the initiative.

The program aimed not only to assist drivers struggling with rising daily transportation costs, but also to help farmers facing higher production and transport expenses brought about by the fuel price hikes.

According to the organizers,Infinite Radio Villaba, keeping assistance within the community plays an important role in helping local families sustain their livelihood, as every purchase of local produce directly benefits farmers.

The initiative, which was supported by Leyte Rep. Anna Victoria Veloso- Tuazon, highlighted the value of community cooperation and collective support during difficult times, with organizers emphasizing that the program was designed to help not just one sector, but the wider community.

Through “tabangay” and bayanihan, drivers and farmers alike were able to receive assistance amid the ongoing economic challenges.

(JOEY A. GABIETA)

TACLOBAN CITY — The Philippine Coast Guard, through Coast Guard Station (CGS) Biliran and the Coast Guard Mobile Team (CGMT) Culaba, has rolled out the Safety, Security, and Environmental Numbering (SSEN) System for motor bancas operating in several coastal barangays in Culaba, Biliran.

The implementation covered Barangays Looc, San Roque, Pinamihagan, Bool, and Virginia, where a total of 48 motor bancas weighing below 15 gross tonnage were documented and assigned identification markings under the SSEN program.

According to CGS Biliran, the initiative seeks to establish a standardized monitoring and identification system for small watercraft to enhance maritime safety, strengthen coastal security, and support law enforcement operations within municipal waters.

Authorities said the numbering system will also improve search and rescue operations and help protect the marine environment by encouraging responsible maritime practices. It is also expected to deter illegal activities such as unregulated fishing and unauthorized vessel operations.

CGS Biliran noted that the successful implementation of the program highlights the Coast Guard’s continuing commitment to ensuring maritime safety, security, and environmental protection in its area of responsibility.

The station likewise underscored the importance of close coordination with local government units and coastal communities in safeguarding coastal residents and preserving marine resources.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY – The national government has allocated P186 million for scholarship grants aimed at helping financially challenged Filipinos pursue a Doctor of Medicine degree in state universities and colleges (SUCs), House Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan said Monday.

Libanan said the funding for the Medical Scholarship and Return Service Program was included in the 2026 General Appropriations Law to support deserving students, particularly those from underserved and low-income communities.

He noted that the program also seeks to address the shortage of doctors in remote and impoverished areas by encouraging scholars to serve in communities where medical professionals are most needed.

The scholarship program is available in at least 25 SUCs nationwide, including Samar State University-Samar Island Institute of Medicine and the University of the Philippines School of Health Sciences.

Priority applicants include students from low-income families, geographically isolated areas, indigenous communities, and provinces with low doctor-to-population ratios.

Applicants must be Filipino citizens, graduates or graduating students of pre-med courses, and must meet the required National Medical Admission Test (NMAT) qualifications.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)