TACLOBAN CITY — A civil society group based in Leyte has called for the immediate recovery of alleged stolen public funds tied to flood control projects, as the reported arrest of former Ako Bicol party-list representative Zaldy Co abroad reignited demands for full accountability and convictions over one of the country’s biggest corruption controversies.
Zaldy Co has been linked to allegations involving billions of pesos in questionable flood control projects under the Department of Public Works and Highways, including so-called “ghost projects” that have drawn widespread public outrage.

Pete Ilagan, president of Tacloban-based civil society group PH Haiyan Advocacy, said the reported arrest should not end with detention alone but must lead to the recovery of public funds and convictions of those involved.

“This is a litmus test for the administration’s anti-corruption drive. The public is not just looking for arrests; they want the money returned and those responsible convicted,” Ilagan said.

He noted that Tacloban City—ground zero of Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013—was among the recipients of a major flood mitigation initiative, including the P4.59-billion Causeway Project, which has been linked to a construction firm reportedly associated with Co.
Ricardo Todio Jr., of the Association of Young Environmentalist Journalists of the Philippines (Ayej)-Leyte Chapter, called the development “significant,” stressing the need for a transparent investigation to determine the full extent of accountability.

“There should be a fair and thorough inquiry so we can identify all those involved and understand how such misuse of public funds was carried out,” Todio said.

Danny Carranza, secretary general of the national farmers’ group Katarungan, also urged authorities to pursue the case beyond individual liability.

“Accountability must extend to all involved, regardless of position or influence. Corruption in flood control projects directly worsens flooding, destroys crops, and deepens rural poverty,” he said.

The renewed calls for accountability follow confirmation from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. that the government is coordinating with Czech authorities regarding Co’s situation and his possible return to the Philippines.

In November 2025, the Sandiganbayan issued a warrant of arrest against Co for graft and malversation charges linked to an alleged anomalous road dike project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro. He was later declared a fugitive from justice after failing to submit to the court’s jurisdiction.

The flood control controversy has fueled public anger and nationwide protests, especially as severe flooding continues to hit communities despite billions of pesos allocated annually for mitigation projects. In November 2025 alone, over 100 people were reported dead or missing due to widespread flooding brought by monsoon rains and typhoons.

(RONALD O. REYES)

TACLOBAN CITY — The appointment of former Interior and Local Government Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento as head of the government’s peace agency has drawn positive responses from Eastern Visayas officials, who said his roots in Samar could help strengthen peace and development initiatives in insurgency-affected communities.

Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) Eastern Visayas head Imelda Bonifacio said the designation by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is a welcome development for the region, which continues to face long-standing security challenges.

“For those of us in Eastern Visayas, the appointment of a peace adviser who hails from the region is a welcome development,” Bonifacio said in an interview. “His familiarity with local conflict dynamics allows for better context and more responsive peace and development programs.”

Bonifacio added that Sarmiento’s background and experience in Samar and nearby provinces could help improve government interventions and accelerate efforts to address the root causes of insurgency.

Sarmiento, a native of Samar, previously served as mayor of Calbayog City, representative of Samar’s first district, and later as Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government during the Aquino administration.

Former lawmaker Edgar Mary Sarmiento, his brother, also expressed optimism that the appointment would help bring more attention and resources to Samar and Leyte, particularly in remote and conflict-affected areas.

In a social media post on Wednesday, April 22, Sarmiento thanked President Marcos for the trust and vowed to work toward sustainable peace.

“Thank you to President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. for the trust and confidence,” he said. “We will work tirelessly to bring communities together, strengthen partnerships, and address the roots of conflict toward a more peaceful and united Philippines.”

The OPAPRU is mandated to lead the government’s peace process, promote reconciliation, and foster national unity.

Regional stakeholders said Sarmiento’s return to a key national post is expected to strengthen peace-building efforts in Eastern Visayas, particularly in areas still dealing with insurgency-related issues.

(JOEY A. GABIETA)

TACLOBAN CITY — The Regional Civil Security Unit 8 (RCSU-8) has brought government firearms services closer to residents in Biliran through a three-day License to Own and Possess Firearms (LTOPF) and firearms assistance caravan held from April 15 to 17, 2026, in Naval.

Held at the Naval Gymnasium, the activity provided on-site processing for LTOPF applications, firearm registration, and related services for gun owners and applicants in the province.

The caravan aimed to streamline firearm licensing procedures and improve public access to regulatory services, in line with efforts to decentralize government transactions.

The activity was conducted in coordination with the Philippine National Police, the Biliran Provincial Government, and various support units including the Regional Forensic Unit 8, Regional Legal Office 8, Regional Mobile Force Battalion, and Regional Finance Unit 8, as well as the Biliran Police Provincial Office led by Police Colonel Erwin Portillo.

RCSU-8 said the initiative is part of the Civil Security Group’s flagship program designed to ensure more efficient, secure, and accessible firearms-related services nationwide.

Acting RCSU-8 Chief Police Lieutenant Colonel Soledad Elefanio said the strong turnout reflected public demand for more accessible services, noting that the activity was successfully conducted without major delays or issues.

Officials said the caravan underscores the continuing efforts of the police to improve service delivery while ensuring strict compliance with firearms laws and regulations.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)