TACLOBAN CITY-Major General Adonis Ariel Orio, the newly appointed commander of the 8th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, has vowed to bring a decisive end to the insurgency problem in Eastern Visayas.

Orio made this commitment during the change-of-command ceremony on November 7, 2024, at the 8ID headquarters in Catbalogan City, Samar, where he succeeded Brigadier General Perfecto Peñaredondo, who was holding the post in an acting capacity.
Peñaredondo returned to his post as the division’s assistant commanding general and is set to retire March 12, 2025.

In his address, Maj. Gen. Orio underscored his resolve to achieve a decisive victory against insurgency through adherence to the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ strategies.

He stressed that while military operations are crucial, collaboration with civil society, local government leaders, peace partners, and the community is equally important.

“I strongly believe that we cannot solve our longstanding insurgency problem through military solutions alone. A proactive and effective whole-of-nation approach is essential to achieving our goal,” Major Gen. Orio said.

He also urged his troops to carry out their duties with dedication and integrity, noting that public trust is a critical factor in fostering peace and community development.

The ceremony, presided over by Major General Leodevic Guinid, acting commanding general of the Philippine Army, highlighted the trust placed in Orio’s leadership.

“Your success in diminishing the influence of the CPP-NPA-NDF during your time at the 4th Infantry Division showcases your strategic expertise and dedication to ending the Communist Terrorist Group,” Maj. Gen. Guinid remarked.

Major Gen. Orio is a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Tanglaw-Diwa” Class of 1992.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

Several of the family are in for 2025 polls

TACLOBAN CITY—Senatorial aspirant Ben Tulfo dismissed accusations that he and his siblings, including Erwin Tulfo and other family members, are establishing a political dynasty as they prepare to run in next year’s midterm elections.

“Dynasty refers to someone having a stronghold or bailiwick, which we don’t have,” Tulfo stated during an interview on Saturday, Nov.9.

He was in Tacloban City to attend the commemoration of the 11th anniversary of Super Typhoon ‘Yolanda’, upon the invitation of Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez.

“We can’t be considered a dynasty; we don’t have any bailiwicks. Our origin is media; we are journalists,” Tulfo said in Filipino.

Addressing criticism, Tulfo emphasized the different roles he and his siblings have taken in public service.

“For those who say ‘there are too many of you,’ we each have our own focus. I, Ben Tulfo, see a lot of gray areas in our laws. Raffy is more involved in public service and domestic violence issues. Erwin focuses on the Department of Social Welfare and Development. We are not a united front in one area,” he explained.

Aside from Ben, his brother Erwin is also running for a senatorial seat. Meanwhile, their brother, Raffy Tulfo, is already an incumbent senator.

Other members of the Tulfo family participating in the May 2025 elections include their sister, former tourism secretary Wanda Teo, who is the first nominee of the party-list group Ang Turismo, with her son, Robert, as the third nominee.

Additionally, Senator Raffy Tulfo’s wife, ACT-CIS Representative Jocelyn Tulfo, and their son, Quezon City Representative Ralph Tulfo, Jr., are both seeking reelection.

Ben Tulfo attributes their strong survey ratings to their longstanding reputations as hard-hitting journalists dedicated to assisting the oppressed and underprivileged.

According to the latest Pulse Survey conducted from September 6 to 13, Erwin Tulfo topped the senatorial preference list with a 60.8% rating, followed by Ben with 49.6%. Both are running as independent candidates.

“Maybe people haven’t forgotten our time in the media,” Tulfo remarked.

When asked about those opposing their candidacies, Ben quickly responded that their critics are simply envious of their popularity.

“Those who say such things are just envious. Is it wrong for the three of us to run, seeking to fill needs? If we are rejected, the people will be the judge,” he said.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)

TACLOBAN CITY — Tingog Party-list Representative Jude Acidre raised concerns over the Department of Education’s (DepEd) use of confidential funds during a House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability hearing on Nov.

Acidre questioned the significant allocations aimed at addressing alleged student recruitment by subversive groups, citing a lack of concrete data to justify such expenditures. He underscored the importance of transparency, particularly when public funds are used for intelligence activities.

Acidre began by questioning retired Major General Nolasco Mempin, former DepEd Undersecretary for administration, regarding his qualifications for managing these funds, noting his administrative rather than educational background.

Mempin, who served briefly under Vice President Sara Duterte, explained that his appointment was based on his administrative expertise and leadership style.

Addressing the alleged student recruitment by subversive groups, Acidre sought data to substantiate these claims.

Mempin stated he did not have specific information but mentioned that the Armed Forces possessed intelligence reports on the matter.

DepEd Undersecretary Revsee Acuña Escobedo clarified that DepEd relied on external agencies such as the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) and the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) for data, as it lacked the capacity to independently gather intelligence.

Concluding his remarks, Acidre expressed doubts about the validity of the fund’s allocation, emphasizing that without empirical evidence, it is difficult to justify these expenditures.
He called for accountability to ensure public funds are used effectively, stressing that “every peso must serve the mission of education and the security of the next generation.”
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)