TACLOBAN CITY– About 162 individuals were arrested in a weeklong series of simultaneous anti-criminality law enforcement operations (SACLEO) conducted by the Leyte Police Provincial Office (LPPO) from October 19 to 26, 2025.
Led by Police Colonel Dionisio DC Apas Jr., the intensified campaign targeted various criminal activities across the province as part of the LPPO’s continuing efforts to maintain peace and order.
According to the report, the operations led to the arrest of 10 drug suspects, 10 most wanted persons, 27 other wanted individuals, 34 illegal fishing violators, 5 involved in illegal logging, 29 caught in illegal gambling, and 47 others for violations of special laws.
“These accomplishments reflect our collective effort to maintain peace and order in Leyte,” Apas said in a statement. “We will continue these operations to ensure that criminal elements have no place in our communities.”
TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in Southern Leyte has turned over a series of infrastructure projects worth P25 million to several former conflict-affected and geographically isolated barangays in the town of Sogod, marking another milestone under the Support to Barangay Development Program (SBDP).
Implemented in partnership with the local government of Sogod and the 14th Infantry Battalion, the projects include farm-to-market roads, water systems, school buildings, and health stations aimed at improving access to essential services and promoting sustainable development in remote areas.
Among the completed projects are the farm-to-market roads (FMR) in Barangays Pancho Villa and SF Mabuhay (Phases 1 and 2), a P5-million FMR and a P2.5-million water system in Barangay Hipantag, and a P2.5-million school building in Barangay Dagsa.
The DILG also turned over a P2.5-million Level II potable water supply system in Barangay Pandan, providing clean and safe water to around 2,000 residents, as well as new health stations worth P2.5 million each in Barangays San Juan and Benit. These facilities are expected to benefit 785 and 405 residents, respectively.
DILG Southern Leyte Provincial Director Danilo Laguitan said the projects symbolize the government’s commitment to peace and progress in previously neglected areas.
“These SBDP projects are not just infrastructure—they are symbols of our government’s commitment to fostering peace, progress, and resilience in our GIDAs. With the leadership of Mayor Sheffered Lino Tan and the support of the Philippine Army, we are creating self-reliant, peaceful communities in Southern Leyte,” Laguitan said.
He also urged residents to take care of the newly turned-over facilities, noting that true development continues through community stewardship.
The SBDP, a flagship initiative of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), seeks to close development gaps in remote communities by delivering essential services, alleviating poverty, and addressing the root causes of insurgency to promote lasting peace.
ORMOC CITY– The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Leyte 4th District Engineering Office (DEO) builds a concrete road in Gawad Kalinga, Barangay Sta. Cruz, Isabel, Leyte.
The project, funded under the General Appropriations Act (GAA) of 2025 with an allocation of P14,649,999.36, started in March 2025 and was completed in June 2025.
Gawad Kalinga is a growing residential village in Isabel that has long struggled with unpaved and poorly maintained roads. During the rainy season, residents often faced difficulties traveling in and out of the area which affected access to essential services.
To help address these challenges, the DPWH Leyte 4th DEO constructed a Portland Cement Concrete Pavement (PCCP) with a total length of 1.491 lane kilometers. The project also covered structural works, culvert installation, and stone masonry.
With the new concrete road in place, residents now enjoy safer and easier travel, reduced health risks from dust and mud, and an overall improvement in living conditions and community development. (PR)
Sta. Elena-Cagngaran-Canbañez Road Barangay Bagacay East, La Paz, Leyte
TACLOBAN CITY — Two newly completed road projects by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Leyte 2nd District Engineering Office (L2DEO) are transforming daily life and boosting economic activity in the municipality of La Paz, Leyte.
Funded under the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA), the projects include the improvement of the Barangay Sta. Elena–Cagngaran–Canbañez Road and the Barangay Bagacay East–Rizal Road, both designed to enhance mobility and access for residents, students, and farmers.
The Sta. Elena–Cagngaran–Canbañez Road, implemented by Bee Rock Enterprises, Inc. with a budget of P9.75 million, involved concreting a total of 4,366 square meters of road sections, connecting three interior barangays to the town proper.
Barangay Chairwoman Rosalina Andare said the new road has made a huge difference for locals.
“We used to have a hard time bringing our products to town because of the potholes,” she said. “Now, students can travel safely, and transporting rice and coconuts is faster and easier. We’re very grateful to DPWH for this project.”
In Barangay Bagacay East, farmers are likewise benefiting from the Bagacay East–Rizal Road Rehabilitation Project, implemented by IRT Builders with an allocation of P4.87 million. The project covered reblocking of 196.2 square meters and concreting of 1,938.92 square meters of Portland Cement Concrete Pavement (PCCP).
Barangay Councilor Rowena Remion said the project has ended years of difficulty for farmers.
“Before, the road turned muddy and impassable during rainy days. Now, our products reach the market more easily,” she said.
District Engineer Leo Edward Oppura said the projects reflect DPWH’s continuing efforts to improve farm-to-market connectivity and ensure safer, more efficient road networks across Leyte’s rural areas.
“These projects do not just improve travel convenience but also support local livelihoods and economic growth,” Oppura added.
Through these infrastructure developments, DPWH-Leyte 2nd DEO continues to pave the way for progress in La Paz, creating better access and opportunities for its communities.
The Philippine Statistics Authority – Regional Statistical Services Office VIII (PSA RSSO VIII) successfully conducted a three-day Briefing on the Implementation of the Expanded Premium Annotation Under the Civil Registry System Information Technology Project Phase II (CRS ITP II) at the Civil Registry System (CRS) Tacloban City Outlet on 22–24 October 2025 at the PSA RSSO VIII Training Room, 2nd Floor, Gaisano Capital, Real Street, Tacloban City.
The training was led by Ms. Emily R. Macario, Ms. Belen S. Centena, and Ms. Meraflor P. Diegas from the PSA Headquarters. Regional Director Wilma A. Perante welcomed the participants, including presidents of the six Local Civil Registrar Associations, Chief Statistical Specialists (CSSs), PSA RSSO VIII and CRS personnel, and Rose A. Ballera, Officer-in-Charge of the Civil Registration and Administrative Support Division (CRASD).
In the message of RD Perante, she emphasized that the Expanded Premium Annotation under the CRS-ITP2 streamlines and speeds up the annotation of civil registry documents, such as birth, marriage, and death certificates, that have been altered by court decrees or legal instruments. She added that this new system aims to provide faster service delivery, with a target of 10 working days for document issuance, making civil registration services more efficient and accessible to the public.
During the first two days, discussions focused on Premium Annotation processes, as well as the basic concepts and procedures of Republic Acts No. 9048 and 10172, Court Decrees, Legal Instruments, and Supplemental Reports.
On the final day, participants observed the live implementation of the premium annotation process at CRS Tacloban City Outlet.
The civil registry document for Mr. Gilbert E. Gamale from Hinundayan, Southern Leyte was successfully processed, who expressed his appreciation for being one of the first to experience this enhanced service. This marked a significant milestone for the region.
As one of six pilot regions nationwide implementing the Expanded Premium Annotation under the CRS ITP II, PSA RSSO VIII and CRS Tacloban City Outlet remain committed to modernize the civil registration system through digital improvements and expanded services. (PR)
KERWIN’S 100 DAYS AS ALBUERA MAYOR. Mayor Rolan ‘Kerwin’ Espinosa delivered his State of the Municipal Address on Monday, Oct.27, coinciding his 100 days in office. During his speech, Mayor Espinosa enumerated his accomplishments which include making his town illegal drug-free, implementation of social welfare programs. He also promised to put up a hospital in Albuera.
(LIZBETH ANN A.ABELLA)
KERWIN’S 100 DAYS AS ALBUERA MAYOR. Mayor Rolan ‘Kerwin’ Espinosa delivered his State of the Municipal Address on Monday, Oct.27, coinciding his 100 days in office. During his speech, Mayor Espinosa enumerated his accomplishments which include making his town illegal drug-free, implementation of social welfare programs. He also promised to put up a hospital in Albuera. (LIZBETH ANN A.ABELLA)
ALBUERA, Leyte– Focusing on good governance, transparency, and people-centered service, Mayor Rolan ‘Kerwin’ Espinosa marked his first 100 days in office by presenting a comprehensive accomplishment report highlighting reforms, social welfare programs, and development initiatives that aim to build a more responsive and progressive Albuera.
The report was delivered on October 27, 2025, at the ABC Gym, attended by Vice Mayor Mariel “Ar-Ar” Espinosa Marinay, members of the Sangguniang Bayan, barangay officials, department heads, and representatives from national agencies and partner organizations.
Mayor Espinosa’s administration has centered its efforts on strengthening public accountability, expanding social services, and promoting sustainable growth across the municipality.
One of his earliest initiatives was the Senior Citizens’ Birthday Program, launched on his first day in office, which grants P1,000 cash assistance and a birthday cake to every senior citizen. From July to October, 904 elderly residents have already benefited from this program — a campaign promise fulfilled within his first 100 days.
To ensure effective coordination among local officials, the mayor convened regular meetings with the vice mayor, council members, and department heads to align priorities and streamline the delivery of public services.
Promoting transparency, Espinosa reconstituted the Joint Inspection Team through Executive Order No. 11-A to regulate business operations, enforce compliance with environmental and labor laws, and ensure establishments pay the correct dues. Several violators have since been ordered to suspend operations in accordance with the Local Government Code of 1991 (RA 7160).
The administration also revived the project monitoring committee to oversee infrastructure projects under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 4th District of Leyte, ensuring accountability and quality implementation.
Espinosa likewise intensified the anti-drug campaign, requiring surprise drug testing for all municipal employees and working with the Municipal Anti-Drug Council.The local government also convinced 180 youth gang members to voluntarily surrender and participate in rehabilitation and community service programs.
On the environmental front, the municipality launched tree-planting drives, coastal cleanups, and strict monitoring of sand and gravel operations. A rehabilitation plan for Lilang Lake in Barangay Balugo is also underway, part of efforts to preserve natural resources and develop eco-tourism.
Under Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office, the local government created a senior citizen action team to ensure the efficient delivery of assistance to the elderly. Meanwhile, the Albuera CARE 24/7 Action Center has provided P1.179 million in financial and hospitalization assistance to indigent residents.
A key highlight of Espinosa’s 100-day report is his plan to establish Albuera’s first municipal hospital. With the Department of Health’s (DOH) support, the town will first set up a Super Rural Health Unit (Super RHU) — a PhilHealth-accredited facility projected to generate P50–P60 million annually in reimbursements, which will help fund the municipal hospital and other health programs.
The Municipal Health Center has already been upgraded with new equipment, computers, and improved internet connectivity. The 2026 budget includes P10 million for the Super RHU, while the DOH has pledged to provide additional medical equipment.
To support local fishermen, the Espinosa administration withdrew from the joint coastal management agreement with Ormoc and Merida, allowing Albuera to reclaim full jurisdiction over its fishing areas. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Region VIII is set to visit on November 4, 2025, to finalize transition plans.
Other achievements include resolving long-standing issues with the Barangay Mahayahay Water System Project, the installation of water meters, and exploring the expansion of the water supply to nearby communities.
Mayor Espinosa praised the Sangguniang Bayan, which has passed 217 resolutions and 8 ordinances supporting various development efforts.
“We could not have achieved these milestones without the unwavering support of our vice mayor, council members, department heads, and employees,” Espinosa said. “Together, we are building an Albuera that is transparent, accountable, and truly people-centered.”
“We have only just begun. With your continued trust and cooperation, we will achieve the lasting change and prosperity that the people of Albuera deserve.”
