TACLOBAN CITY — To enhance disaster risk assessment and strengthen evidence-based planning at the local level, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region VIII and the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) will conduct a GeoRiskPH training in Northern Samar next month.

The upcoming activity was finalized during a coordination meeting between Northern Samar Vice Governor Clarence Dato and officials from DOST and Phivolcs, underscoring the provincial government’s support for science-based disaster preparedness initiatives.

DOST and Phivolcs representatives said the training will focus on the use of the GeoRiskPH platform, a national hazard and risk assessment system that enables local governments to collect, analyze, and share data to support informed decision-making and development planning.

The program will cover lectures on building typology, earthquake hazards, and volcanic hazards, complemented by hands-on field data collection using the GeoRiskPH and GeoMapperPH mobile applications.

Participants will include Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officers and Local Planning and Development Officers from various municipalities in Northern Samar, who are expected to directly apply the tools in local disaster risk reduction and management efforts.

Provincial officials welcomed the initiative, citing its importance in improving disaster preparedness, risk reduction strategies, and sustainable development planning across the province.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY — Two Chinese nationals allegedly working and managing a regional e-bike trading business without proper immigration documents were arrested in a joint operation by government authorities in Barangay 91, Abucay here on Thursday morning, January 29.

The Bureau of Immigration (BI), in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), and the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), identified the arrested individuals as Zhu Fulin, 52, and Wu Huoyan, 54, both male.
Authorities said the two were operating and managing Fidelo Trading, a supplier of electric bicycles with 19 branches across Eastern Visayas, Cebu, and the Bicol Region.

During the operation, Zhu reportedly failed to present a valid passport or any immigration documents, while Wu allegedly attempted to pass himself off as a Filipino by presenting a Philippine Identification (PhilID) card.

Immigration officials said Zhu was found to be undocumented, while Wu was cited for misrepresentation. Both were also determined to have overstayed and to be working without the appropriate visas.

The two were initially brought to the Tacloban City Police Office (TCPO) for documentation before being flown to Manila for inquest proceedings and eventual turnover to the BI Warden Facility.

Initial investigation showed that Fidelo Trading is registered as a One Person Corporation (OPC) under the name of Zhu’s common-law wife. However, authorities noted that the active involvement of undocumented foreign nationals in managing the business raised suspicions of a possible “dummy arrangement” meant to circumvent restrictions on foreign ownership.

Investigators described the case as involving a “tripartite breach” of Philippine laws on immigration, taxation, and public documentation.

The BI said Zhu is also the subject of an active Watchlist Order, while Wu was found in possession of a Philippine National ID despite being a foreign national.

The suspects are now facing multiple charges, including violations of Sections 37(a)(7) and 45 of the Philippine Immigration Act (Commonwealth Act No. 613) for unauthorized employment and failure to secure proper permits; violations of the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC) for obtaining and using invalid Tax Identification Numbers; and violations of Republic Act No. 11055, or the Philippine Identification System Act, as well as the Revised Penal Code for misrepresentation and falsification of public documents.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

ORMOC CITY— A drunken man was arrested after stabbing five people, including two responding police officers, during a violent rampage in Barangay Sapinit, San Jorge, Samar on the evening of Wednesday, January 28, police said.

The suspect was identified as alias “Albie,” 47, married, and a resident of Barangay Sapinit. His civilian victims were identified as alias “Anton,” 33; alias “Mik,” 23; and alias “Jon,” 32, all residents of Barangay Aurora, San Jorge, Samar. The two injured police officers were identified as alias “PCpl An,” 33, and alias “PCpl Mic,” 32, both assigned to the San Jorge Municipal Police Station (MPS).

According to a police report submitted to Police Regional Office 8, the San Jorge MPS received a call at around 8:15 p.m. from a concerned citizen reporting a man armed with a bladed weapon, locally known as a kutsilyo, who was attempting to stab passersby along a street in Barangay Sapinit.

Responding officers immediately proceeded to the area to verify the report and conduct an investigation. While approaching the scene, police said they encountered a wounded individual who ran toward them asking for help and claiming he had been stabbed by the suspect.

Moments later, the suspect allegedly approached the officers while still armed. Police said the officers repeatedly identified themselves and ordered the suspect to stop and drop his weapon, but he ignored the commands and continued advancing.

The suspect then allegedly attacked the officers and was able to stab “PCpl An” on the right arm. Police said the suspect attempted to strike again, prompting “PCpl Mic” to fire his service firearm, hitting the suspect in the right leg to neutralize the threat.

With the assistance of barangay tanods, the suspect was subdued and arrested. He was immediately brought to the Gandara District Hospital for medical treatment.
Authorities said appropriate charges are being prepared against the suspect as investigation continues.

(ROBERT DEJON)