ORMOC CITY-Two motorcycle riders sustained injuries following a head-on collision along the circumferential road in Sitio Anas, Barangay Ungale, Kawayan, Biliran at around 8 pm on Wednesday, April 29.
According to the Kawayan Municipal Police Station, the incident involved a red Rusi 150 motorcycle with no plate number, driven by a certain alias “Utad,” of legal age, single, and a resident of Sitio Anas, Brgy. Ungale.
The other vehicle, a blue Honda TMX 125 also without a plate number, was driven by alias “Obet,” also of legal age and a resident of Brgy. Inasuyan. Neither of the two drivers presented a valid driver’s license.
Police said they received a report of the crash from a concerned citizen through a phone call. Responding officers immediately proceeded to the scene and conducted an investigation.
Initial findings revealed that the red Rusi motorcycle was traveling towards Brgy. Ungale, while the blue Honda TMX was en route to Brgy. Inasuyan. Upon reaching Sitio Anas, the Honda TMX allegedly veered into the opposite lane, resulting in a collision with the oncoming Rusi motorcycle.
Both drivers sustained injuries from the crash and were brought to the Kawayan Rural Health Unit (RHU) for immediate medical attention. However, the driver of the Rusi motorcycle was later referred to the Biliran Provincial Hospital for further treatment.
The involved motorcycles were brought to the Kawayan Municipal Police Station for proper documentation and disposition.
TACLOBAN CITY– A 62-year-old public official was arrested in Barangay Naga-asan, Babatngon, Leyte for graft charges, police reported.
The accused, identified as “Sarah,” was apprehended on April 23, 2025, by personnel of the Babatngon Municipal Police Station based on a warrant issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 44 in Tacloban City.
She is facing charges for violating Section 3(e) of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
The court recommended bail was set at P90,000.
Police Regional Director Brigadier General Jay Cumigad commended the operating team for their diligence and professionalism, citing the arrest as part of the PNP’s campaign for clean governance.
“This is a testament to our commitment to public accountability. We will not hesitate to hold any public official accountable, regardless of their position,” Cumigad said.
The suspect was brought to the police station for proper documentation prior to being turned over to the court.
FLY HIGH. The Philippine Air Force celebrated its 78th founding anniversary with series of pre-anniversary activities last week. PAF was founded on July 1,1947. (PHOTO COURTESY)
TACLOBAN CITY – Bringing services closer is not just about emergency response, it is also about fostering understanding, public awareness and connection. The Philippine Air Force in Eastern Visayas showcased their capability in a mall exhibit in Tacloban City, aiming to educate the public about its mission and capabilities.
The displays showed aircraft models, search-and-rescue equipment, and interactive flight simulators, allowing ordinary citizens to see up close what it takes to protect and serve the nation.
Col. Alexon B. Ramos, Group Commander of the Tactical Operation Group 8 of the Tactical Operations Wing Central, emphasized PAF’s commitment to national defense and community engagement.
In Eastern Visayas the PAF has been recognized to provide timely responses to natural disasters, deploying its highly trained personnel and assets directly into the service of communities in need.
In a message, Office of the Civil Defense 8 Director Lord Byron Torrecarion said the Philippine Air Force in the region has time and again conducted rapid damage assessments during disaster response operations and delivered critical relief goods to isolated communities, proving that their service extends beyond the battlefield.
The 3-day mall exhibit showed PAF’s air defense capabilities covering combat support operations, aviation and maritime domain awareness, humanitarian assistance, and disaster response capabilities.
Interactive equipment stations were also featured to provide hands-on engagement, giving mall-goers a closer look at the Air Force’s cutting-edge technology and mission readiness.
One of the events highlights a live demonstration by the PAF Special Operations Team’s K-9 Unit, where a trained detection dog showcased its rapid ability to identify explosives with the help of volunteer mall-goers. A career booth was also available which offered information on opportunities for PAF Officers, Enlisted Personnel, Civilian Human Resources, and Reservists.
Adding excitement and energy to the event, the PAF mascots, Captain Aguila and Captain Bagwis, made special appearances, spreading joy and interacting with visitors during the inauguration.
Today’s Philippine Air Force is more than just guardian of the skies — it is a force that touches lives on the ground. Through every helicopter airlift during a typhoon, every medical camp in a remote town, and every community engagement, the PAF brings the spirit of service closer to every Filipino.
As they celebrate their 78th anniversary on July 1, 2025, the Philippine Air Force’s message is clear: they are not just defenders of the nation’s skies — they are partners in building a stronger, healthier, and more resilient Philippines.
TACLOBAN CITY — The Tacloban City District Engineering Office (TCDEO) marks the completion of the construction of a farm-to-market road along the agricultural lands of Brgy. Camansihay and Brgy. San Roque, Tacloban City.
Funded under the 2024 General Appropriations Act through the Department of Agriculture, the P9.9-million infrastructure project was completed on February 10, 2025.
The project features a 0.400-kilometer stretch of Portland Concrete Cement Pavement (PCCP), 291.82 meters of slope protection, and a 23.50-lineal meter cross drain. Designed to facilitate the efficient transport of agricultural produce, the road also offers improved access for farmers traveling to and from their fields in said areas.
“This project is a vital link for our farming communities,” said District Engineer Rebecca G. Yuse. “Not only does it promote more efficient transport of agricultural products, but it also enhances the daily movement of our farmers to and from their lands, especially during challenging weather conditions.”
TACLOBAN CITY – The military in Eastern Visayas has assured the public of its readiness to ensure a peaceful and orderly election for the upcoming midterm elections next month.
Brigadier General Noel Vestuir, the commander of the 802nd Infantry Brigade, which oversees Leyte, Biliran, Southern Leyte, Eastern Samar, and parts of Samar, made the assurance following the Commission on Elections (Comelec) placing certain towns in Leyte and Samar under heightened watch due to security concerns.
On April 26, a final coordination conference was held by the Comelec, the military, and the Philippine National Police in Leyte in preparation for the May 12 midterm elections.
The towns of Palompon, Villaba, Hilongos, Albuera, and Tabango in Leyte, as well as Basey and Pinabacdao in Samar, have been classified under the “yellow” category, while Leyte, Calubian, San Isidro, Tabango, and Baybay City in Leyte were placed under the “orange” category.
Of particular concern is the town of Albuera, which recently experienced a shooting incident involving mayoralty candidate Rolan “Kerwin” Espinosa.
Espinosa has claimed that the attack on his life was politically motivated and has filed frustrated murder charges against seven police personnel from Ormoc City, alleging their involvement in the incident.
Despite this, Albuera was not placed under the “red” category, which is designated for areas with intense political rivalry and the presence of armed groups.
The “yellow” category indicates a history of suspected election-related incidents from past elections and intense partisan political rivalry, but without local terror group involvement. The “orange” category points to areas with significant armed threats, particularly from communist insurgents and other rebel factions.
Brigadier General Vestuir assured that the military and police are working closely to monitor and prevent any forms of violence or intimidation, especially from communist insurgents or armed partisan groups.
In addition, BGen. Vestuir urged the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity, particularly incidents of extortion or illegal campaigning tactics by armed groups. He emphasized the importance of cooperation in maintaining the integrity of the election process.
“If you notice any individuals extorting or forcing support for candidates endorsed by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army, please report immediately to the nearest Army camp or police station to prevent such illegal activities,” he stated. “Let us help one another to ensure a safe, credible, honest, and clean election.”
POPE FRANCIS REMEMBERED. Requiem masses were held across the region on Saturday, April 26, as Pope Francis was laid to rest. The Archdiocese of Palo displayed several artifacts from his historic visit to Tacloban City and Palo on January 17, 2015. Among the items on display were his skull cap and the utensils he used during his lunch with survivors of Typhoon Yolanda. Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday, April 21. (PALO METROPOLITAN CATHEDRAL)
Mass was also conducted at the DZR Airport
POPE FRANCIS REMEMBERED. Requiem masses were held across the region on Saturday, April 26, as Pope Francis was laid to rest. The Archdiocese of Palo displayed several artifacts from his historic visit to Tacloban City and Palo on January 17, 2015. Among the items on display were his skull cap and the utensils he used during his lunch with survivors of Typhoon Yolanda. Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday, April 21. (PALO METROPOLITAN CATHEDRAL)
TACLOBAN CITY – A tribute mass for the late Pope Francis was offered by the Archdiocese of Palo at the Palo Metropolitan Cathedral on Saturday, April 26, presided over by Archbishop John Du.
In his homily, Archbishop Du recalled the Holy Father’s historic visit to the Archdiocese on January 17, 2015, a little over a year after Super Typhoon ‘Yolanda’ (international name: Haiyan) devastated much of Eastern Visayas, particularly this city.
“When we were suffering because of Yolanda, he came—though a bit late—but he was with us,” Archbishop Du said, reminiscing about the papal visit that coincided with the onslaught of Typhoon ‘Amang’, which prompted Pagasa to raise Signal No. 2 over Tacloban and Palo.
Despite the heavy rains, thousands of pilgrims from various parishes across the region braved the weather to gather at the Tacloban DZR Airport for the mass celebrated by Pope Francis. The faithful, many still reeling from Yolanda’s devastation, found strength and comfort in the Pope’s presence.
Following the mass at the airport tarmac, Pope Francis visited the Archbishop’s Palace where he dined with selected survivors of Yolanda and the Bohol earthquake. He later met with local government officials and Church leaders at the Palo Metropolitan Cathedral.
Among the attendees at Saturday’s tribute mass was Khombe Amado, 22, from Kananga, Leyte.
Amado, who was only 12 years old during the 2015 visit, vividly remembered the hope Pope Francis brought to the people.
“He gave us hope, and to all the people of Leyte,” Amado said, expressing his sadness upon learning of the Pope’s passing.
After the tribute mass, Church officials announced that memorabilia gifted by Pope Francis to the Archdiocese would be displayed at the altar.
These include a replica of the Infant Jesus used during Christmas Eve Mass at the Vatican, brought by then Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, Most Reverend Giuseppe Pinto, who celebrated the Midnight Mass at the roofless Palo Cathedral on December 24, 2013; a replica of the venerated Marian icon, Madonna del Popolo (Our Lady of the People), whose original is enshrined at the Pauline Chapel in the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome—now the final resting place of Pope Francis; the chalice used by Pope Francis during the mass at DZR Airport; and the tableware he used during his meal with Yolanda and Bohol earthquake survivors at the Archbishop’s Palace.
The Archdiocese of Palo invites the faithful to visit the cathedral and reflect on the life and legacy of the late Holy Father, whose compassion touched the hearts of many across Leyte and beyond.
Meanwhile, in Tacloban City, another mass was also held at the new DZR Airport tarmac—the same location where Pope Francis celebrated mass with thousands of pilgrims despite the heavy rain brought by Typhoon ‘Amang’ a decade ago.
Among those who attended were House Speaker and Leyte First District Representative Martin Romualdez and Eastern Samar Governor Ben Evardone.
In a brief interview, Romualdez shared that although the papal visit happened 10 years ago, its impact remains deeply felt by the people of Tacloban and other areas devastated by Yolanda.
“He did not abandon us; he stood here and was with us. Let us not lose hope and trust in God,” Romualdez said
Miguel, 38, a worker at the ongoing DZR Airport rehabilitation project who declined to give his full name, said he was simply grateful to join the mass.
“I am just happy to be here even though I was not able to see him when he came,” he said.
According to Miguel, they were temporarily asked to halt construction work while the mass was being held.
