TACLOBN CITY– Two former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered on Wednesday, Oct.29, to local authorities and the military in Matuguinao, Samar, marking another step in the town’s continuing push for peace.

Alias “Banban” of Barangay Libertad turned over an M16 rifle, while alias “Jinky” or “Lanie” of Barangay Mahayag surrendered a .45 caliber pistol to the 43rd Infantry Battalion led by Lt. Col. Jason Que.

The surrender was facilitated by the Matuguinao local government headed by Mayor Aran Boller whose been working to end communist armed conflict to his town, 123 kms from the regional center of Tacloban City.

Mayor Boller personally received the former rebels and commended their decision to return to civilian life. He also announced a P50,000 livelihood assistance for each surrenderer, which will be funded by the local government to help them rebuild their lives.

“These brave individuals made the right choice—to choose peace, return to their families, and help build a better Matuguinao,” Boller said in a statement.

The two former rebels have earlier completed custodial debriefing and orientation under the government’s amnesty and reintegration program held from October 21–23, 2025.
Mayor Boller has been active in anti-insurgency programs, frequently working with the military and national agencies to convince NPA members to lay down their arms.

Once considered an insurgency hotspot, Matuguinao, which has a population of more than 7,000 spread on its 20 barangays, has seen a steady improvement in peace and security under his administration.

Since he assumed his post as mayor seven years ago, Boller, who has survived a slay try by NPA rebels in 2018, reported of more than 200 communist sympathizers and rebel members have surrendered to him.

(JOEY A. GABIETA)

TACLOBAN CITY — Thousands of residents from remote barangays in Catubig, Northern Samar received vital government services as the provincial government’s Kauswagan Caravan held its 37th leg in the municipality, reaffirming its mission to bring essential programs closer to communities in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs).

The latest caravan stop covered Barangays Calingnan, Manering, Francisco, C.M. Recto, and P. Rebadulla, with the main activities held at Calingnan Elementary School. The event gathered local and national government officials, military units, and private organizations working together to deliver much-needed services to residents.

Leading the caravan was Governor Harris Ongchuan, joined by Second District Representative Edwin Ongchuan, Vice Governor Clarence Dato, members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Catubig Mayor Solomon Vicencio, and other provincial and municipal officials. Also in attendance were PNP Provincial Director Col. Sonnie Omengan, 803rd Infantry Brigade Deputy Commander Col. Ericson Rosanna, and representatives from national agencies, NGOs, and the private sector.

The caravan offered free medical and dental services such as check-ups, circumcisions, and tooth extractions, along with legal consultations, civil registration assistance, and the distribution of vegetable seeds, tree seedlings, food packs, school supplies, toys, and other basic goods.

Residents from various barangays expressed gratitude to the provincial government for delivering programs directly to their communities, sparing them the long and costly trips to the town center.

Also participating in the event was the 19th Infantry “Commando” Battalion of the Philippine Army, led by Lieutenant Colonel Ricky James L. Rosalejos, whose troops provided free haircuts and set up photo booths for attendees. Their involvement underscored the strong partnership between the military and civilian sectors in promoting peace and development in the province.

Governor Ongchuan said the Kauswagan Caravan will continue to reach out to remote and underserved areas across Northern Samar, ensuring that “no community is left behind in the province’s development efforts.”

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY — The Justice Sector Coordinating Council (JSCC) will launch the Tri-City Specialty Justice Zone in Eastern Visayas on November 5, 2025, marking a major step toward improving coordination among justice agencies in addressing online and sexual exploitation crimes against children.

The initiative, which covers the cities of Tacloban, Ormoc, and Calbayog, aims to strengthen the region’s justice system in handling cases of Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) and Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation Material (CSAEM).
Launching activities are scheduled simultaneously at the Summit Hotel in Tacloban City, Sabin Resort Hotel in Ormoc City, and Calbayog City Sports Center in Calbayog City.
The three cities were selected after successfully meeting the criteria under the Justice Zone Components, which require at least 40 inter-agency reforms covering the entire criminal justice process—from case initiation and investigation to prosecution, adjudication, and post-judgment implementation.

The JSCC Technical Working Group on Processes and Capacity Building (TWG-PCB) led the assessment that determined the readiness of the three cities, with preparatory activities including stakeholder consultations, orientation sessions, and development planning workshops.

Once launched, the Eastern Visayas Tri-City Zone will become the seventh Specialty Justice Zone in the country, following similar initiatives in Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, and Ozamiz established in September 2024. These zones are part of the JSCC’s broader effort to promote localized, multi-sectoral coordination to address specific justice challenges within communities.

The JSCC, formed through a joint declaration on April 30, 2010, is composed of the Supreme Court of the Philippines, the Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). Its inclusion under Chapter 13 of the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028 underscores the national government’s commitment to advancing peace, security, and the rule of law.

Through the establishment of the Tri-City Specialty Justice Zone, the JSCC seeks to enhance efficiency, responsiveness, and integrity within the justice system—ensuring that crimes against children, especially those involving online abuse and exploitation, are addressed with coordinated and specialized action.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA/LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

BORONGAN CITY-The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Eastern Samar District Engineering Office (ESDEO) is fully prepared for the ‘Lakbay Alalay’ Program in observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day which officially start on October 31, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. and will run until November 2, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.

To ensure safe and convenient travel for the motoring public, the district has set up Motorists’ Assistance Centers in three strategic locations within the province at Junction Taft, Junction Buenavista in Quinapondan, and within the district office in Borongan City.
Each assistance center will be manned by DPWH personnel on a 24-hour shifting schedule, in coordination with the Local Government Units (LGUs), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and other concerned agencies. These centers aim to provide immediate assistance to travelers, including road information, minor vehicle repair, and coordination during emergencies.

According to District Engineer Jehela G. Roxas, the program aims to ensure that all national roads and bridges within the district remain safe, passable, and well-maintained throughout the observance period.

“Through this program, we reaffirm our commitment to safeguard the lives of the travelling public. We want every traveler to reach their destination safely and comfortably while visiting their departed loved ones,” said DE Roxas.

She also added that Project Engineers and Contractors have been instructed to install proper and legible signages and warning signs at all ongoing projects to prevent accidents and ensure public safety.

The ‘Lakbay Alalay” Program is a regular initiative of the DPWH, conducted during long holidays such as Holy Week and Undas. It assures the public of safe and smooth travel during these peak travel periods.

(May Antoinette O. Nable, PIO Staff)

MATALOM, LEYTE — The Department of Education (DepEd) has ordered stricter security measures in schools following the killing of a kindergarten teacher by her husband at Agbanga Elementary School on October 22.

DepEd Eastern Visayas Regional Director Ronelo Al Firmo and Leyte Schools Division Superintendent Mariza Magan personally visited the teacher’s wake and the school to express their condolences and support to the bereaved family and colleagues.

Firmo directed all field offices to hire security personnel, coordinate with the Philippine National Police (PNP) for regular patrols, involve barangay officials and tanods, and conduct training on school safety protocols. He also called for the use of metal detectors and strict checks on school visitors.

“The safety and well-being of teachers and learners remain our top priority,” Firmo said, emphasizing the need for cooperation from all sectors to keep schools safe.

Magan likewise condemned the act of violence and assured the education community that the welfare of students and personnel will always be the Division’s foremost concern.

(RONALD O. REYES)