ORMOC CITY– A house made of light materials was completely destroyed by fire on December 26, around noon, in Brgy. Herrera, Calubian, Leyte, authorities reported.
The house belonged to “Micah,” 16, who lives with her partner. Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident.

Police said the Calubian Fire Station and local authorities responded after a report from Brgy. Gutosan about the fire. Upon arrival, responders saw the house engulfed in flames.
Initial investigations revealed that the fire started in the cooking area at the back of the house. The owner told police that she and her child had gone to sleep after cooking around 11:00 a.m., and only noticed the fire hours later. She managed to evacuate with her child and some belongings before neighbors assisted in calling for help.

Due to the house being made of light materials, the fire spread quickly. The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Calubian controlled the fire at 12:40 p.m. and declared it fully extinguished at 12:55 p.m.

The estimated property damage is around P50,000, but no injuries were reported. The origin of the fire remains under investigation.

(ROBERT DEJON)

ORMOC CITY– The skeletal remains of an 89-year-old farmer reported missing weeks ago were discovered by his grandson on December 23 in Sitio Kankisi, Brgy. Guinmaayohan, Balangiga, Eastern Samar authorities said.

The victim, identified as “Matthew,” had been missing for about a week. His grandson, “Carlo,” reported the discovery to the Balangiga Police Station, prompting coordination with the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) to verify the remains.

Police said the identification was based on the victim’s clothing and personal belongings found at the site. Family members believe the death was likely natural, citing Matthew’s advanced age and history of hypertension.

The remains were subsequently transported to the Balangiga Public Cemetery, escorted by Balangiga MPS personnel, for proper interment.
Authorities confirmed there are no signs of foul play.

(ROBERT DEJON)

TACLOBAN CITY — The Police Regional Office (PRO-8) has reported a marked improvement in police response and operational efficiency across Eastern Visayas following the intensified implementation of the Philippine National Police (PNP) unified 911 system.

Data released by PRO-8 showed that from August 11 to December 14, 2025, regional police units responded to 645 public safety incidents generated through emergency 911 calls and field police reports. These operations resulted in the arrest of 59 individuals and the resolution of 588 cases, covering crimes, disturbances, and other emergency situations.
Among the notable incidents was a shooting in Pambujan, Northern Samar, on October 6, where police arrived at the scene within two minutes, arrested the suspect, and recovered a .22 caliber revolver with 21 rounds of ammunition.

In Catubig, Northern Samar, on November 3, officers responded within three minutes to a fatal hacking incident, leading to the immediate arrest of the suspect following a hot pursuit operation.

Another rapid response was recorded in Biliran on November 16, where police acted within two minutes after receiving a report of a suspect who attempted to fire at a complainant, preventing further escalation and possible loss of life.

Police Brigadier General Jason Capoy, PRO-8 regional director, attributed the improved response time to disciplined coordination, real-time monitoring, and the effective integration of communication networks under the unified 911 system.

“Through the unified 911 strategy, PRO-8 has consistently turned emergency calls into swift action—saving lives, curbing criminal activities, and strengthening public trust,” Capoy said.
The unified system allows for more precise and faster dispatch of police units, ensuring that responders arrive within the critical “golden minutes” of emergencies. PRO-8 officials said the results reflect a more proactive approach to policing, with an emphasis on visibility and rapid intervention to protect communities across Eastern Visayas.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)