TACLOBAN CITY – The 8th Infantry Division declared that two alleged high-ranking leaders of the communist terrorist group (CTG) have voluntarily surrendered to authorities.
The division, based in Catbalogan City, identified them as alias ‘Leo/Omer/Lovely’, the former squad leader of Squad 2, sub-regional guerrilla unit (SRGU), and alias ‘Mael’, the former finance officer of P2, front committee 15.

Both belonged to the sub-regional committee (SRC) arctic of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC) and surrendered to the 20th Infantry Battalion (20IB) based in Las Navas, Northern Samar, on August 17, 2024.

Lt. Col. Richard Villaflor, the commanding officer of the 20IB, attributed the surrender of these leaders to their ‘focused military operations’ and the local peace engagement initiatives of the 803rd Infantry Brigade, which is based in Catarman, Northern Samar.

“Due to the continuous implementation of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), actively supported by local government units, stakeholders, and local chief executives in the area, the significant weakening of the CTG and their mass support is evident,” Villaflor said in a statement.

From July 1, 2022, to August 9, 2024, a total of 94 former members of the New People’s Army were killed, including 16 high-value individuals and 14 key leaders who have either surrendered, been apprehended, or were killed in ongoing military operations by the 8th ID.

The military also recovered 148 high- and low-powered firearms and seized 90 anti-personnel mines (APM).

Maj. Gen. Camilo Ligayo, the commanding general of the 8th ID, said that these developments underscore the military and government’s relentless efforts and commitment to restoring peace and security in the region.

“This demonstrates that the CTGs in the region are now leaderless and powerless. They continue to weaken and disintegrate as your Philippine Army persistently pursues them, ensuring that no one is left to bring violence to our communities,” he said in a statement.

Ligayo then urged the remaining active rebels to give up on their armed struggle and return to the fold of the law.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY-The Fraternal Order of Eagles (Philippine Eagles), the first Philippine-born fraternal socio-civic organization, inaugurated its first “Botica ng Agila” in the country on August 17, 2024, at Barangay 109-A, V&G Subdivision, this city.

“We are offering this to the public to provide access to cheaper and more affordable medicines,” said Philippine Eagles national president Jeffrey Maravilla.

Ariel Rex Lledo, barangay chairman of 109-A, expressed his gratitude to Maravilla and Eagles Regional Governor Ariel Donceras for selecting his barangay as the first recipient of the project.

“Even before I became a barangay captain, it was my advocacy to establish a pharmacy in our barangay, especially since we also have a health center. Now, our constituents no longer need to go downtown for their medicine needs—we have it right here,” Lledo said.

“The Botica ng Agila is a significant help for those who struggle to buy their maintenance medicines. Here, we can offer them more affordable options,” he added.

The Botica ng Agila, located beside the barangay hall, operates daily from 7 am to 10 pm.
Lledo, who is also the club president of the Central Baluarte De Tacloban Eagles Club, mentioned that the pharmacy will be managed by Bounty Blend Livelihood Consumers Cooperative, a livelihood initiative of Brgy.109-A.

Meanwhile, Donceras advocated for the use of generic medicines, emphasizing their similar potency to branded ones.

He also announced plans to open similar pharmacies in other parts of the Eastern Visayas region.

“I am grateful for the support from our various Eagles chapters in the region for making this project a reality. Indeed, this is ‘service through strong brotherhood,’” Donceras said.
The launching ceremony of the Botica ng Agila was attended by Eagles Peil executive director Ahlyx Belleza, Tacloban City Eagles district governor Rey Barra, Eagles regional vice governor Dominic Degorio, Ormoc City Eagles district governor Benjie Bobier II, and cooperative manager Nancy Encina, among others.
(RONALD O. REYES)

TACLOBAN CITY – The local chief executive of Calbiga town, Samar has extended the “pork holiday” in the municipality through Executive Order No. 27.

The order extends the pork holiday from the initial dates of August 1 to 16, now covering August 17 to 31, due to African Swine Fever (ASF) cases in several villages.

In the executive order, Mayor Red Nacario noted that according to records from the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO), the ASF virus has spread to 17 barangays, resulting in the death and culling of more than 715 hogs from 89 hog raisers and piggery owners.

The affected barangays include Barobaybay, Borong, Malabal, Macaalan, Literon, Patong, Rawis, Brgy Poblacion 6, Brgy Poblacion 7, Canticum, San Ignacio, Calingoan, Timbangan, Polangi, Panayuran, Bacyaran, and Tinago.

The extension of the pork ban is deemed necessary to allow sufficient time for the disinfection of the town’s slaughterhouse.

“Proper disinfection should be carried out in the holding area, pig pens, and the main gate should be repaired,” the EO states.

Through this order, the LGU is hopeful that the further spread of ASF will be mitigated.

The EO also clarifies that while the slaughtering of pigs for personal consumption is allowed, the selling of pork, other pork meat products, and pork-based products is strictly prohibited.

Those who violate this order will have their pork and pork products confiscated, and the LGU will suspend their business permits.

As mandated in the previous EO, the movement of pigs from one barangay to another remains prohibited, and pigs from other municipalities are not allowed to enter Calbiga.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY – Rep. Jude Acidre of the Tingog party-list group calls for an investigation as to how Bamban Mayor Alice Guo was able to leave the Philippines despite being on an immigration lookout list issued by the Bureau of Immigration.

“Flight is an admission of guilt, and the disappearance of Alice Guo only underscores the need to intensify our investigation,” he said.

Acidre suggested that while this might not require a separate investigation, it is certainly an issue that the quad committee needs to study closely.

“This couldn’t have happened without some cooperation or failure within the government,” he stressed.

“If flight is indeed an admission of guilt, then the suspicions and allegations against Alice Guo may hold some truth. Otherwise, why would she leave?” the lawmaker remarked.

Rep. Acidre also expressed concern over how the controversial mayor was able to leave the country despite stringent immigration protocols. “It’s alarming that the issue of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) seems to be part of a larger syndicate. Unfortunately, many in the government, especially in previous administrations, appear to have been complicit,” he said.

He expressed his support for the Department of Justice’s ongoing efforts to investigate how Guo managed to exit the country, despite the serious accusations against her.

“We need to identify who is responsible, not only for Guo’s departure but also for how the previous administration seemingly turned the Philippines into a haven for crime,” he asserted.

This call for investigation comes after Senator Risa Hontiveros revealed on Monday that Guo Hua Ping, also known as Alice Guo, left the country as early as July. The Bureau of Immigration confirmed this but indicated that there were no records of her departure in their database.

Guo is accused of being involved in illegal POGO operations in her town, which were raided last March. She is also facing multiple legal challenges from various government agencies. Last month, the Ombudsman dismissed her from her position as mayor.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)