Ormoc City — A 72-year-old resident was killed after being trapped in his burning home on Sunday afternoon in Barangay Punta, this city.

The victim, identified as Alejandro Fernandez, reportedly tried to extinguish the flames himself but was unable to escape, according to fire investigator SFO1 Samuel Matugas Jr.
Firefighters noted that the cluttered interior may have hindered his exit.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Ormoc Fire Station received the alarm shortly after 2:00 p.m., and the fire was declared under control by 2:25 p.m., fully extinguished at 2:34 p.m.

Authorities estimated the property damage at around P1 million.

Investigations are ongoing by the BFP to determine the cause of the blaze, with Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) also examining the site for further evidence.

(ELVIE ROMAN ROA)

TACLOBAN CITY– A young person with a disability was shot dead Saturday evening, March 7, while trying to protect friends from harassment in Barangay 95, Caibaan.

The victim, identified as alias “Eson,” 18, a person with a speech and language impairment from Barangay 96, was declared dead on arrival at Tacloban City Hospital after sustaining a gunshot wound to the chest.

Police said the suspect, alias “Mamar,” 19, an out-of-school youth from Barangay 95, allegedly shot Eson during a confrontation over the harassment incident.

According to Police Station 1 of the Tacloban City Police Office (TCPO), witnesses said Eson stepped in to help his friends when the suspect suddenly drew an improvised firearm and fired. Despite running to seek help from bystanders, Eson succumbed to his injury.

A follow-up police operation led to the arrest of Mamar in Barangay 95-A, Caibaan. The firearm used in the attack has not yet been recovered. Formal charges are being prepared, and the suspect remains in police custody pending proper disposition.

Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting and are coordinating with witnesses to gather further evidence.

(ROBERT DEJON)

TACLOBAN CITY — The city government of Calbayog has launched an online registry aimed at strengthening communication with its residents working abroad, particularly those in areas affected by conflict or crisis.

At least 170 Calbayognons currently living or working in the Middle East have already registered in the I-Konek Calbayog Registry Portal, a digital platform designed to build a database of the city’s overseas residents.

City officials said the initiative was developed by the local government through its Local Planning and Development Office to ensure that Calbayognons abroad can be easily contacted during emergencies.

According to the city government, the registry will allow authorities to send timely advisories, updates, and assistance programs to overseas residents, especially those in regions experiencing political unrest or humanitarian emergencies.

The program is being implemented with the support of Mayor Raymund Uy and Vice Mayor Rex Daguman as part of efforts to strengthen the protection and welfare of migrant workers from the city.

Officials said the portal also aims to keep overseas Calbayognons connected with the city’s programs and development initiatives while allowing them to remain involved in the cultural, social, and economic life of their hometown.

The local government is encouraging more Calbayognons abroad—particularly those in the Middle East—to register in the portal to help expand the city’s support and communication network for migrant residents.

Authorities said maintaining an updated database of overseas residents will help the city government respond more effectively and provide assistance should emergencies or crises arise in the countries where they are working.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY — Individuals aspiring to join the country’s firefighting and jail management services may now apply for the Fire Officer Examination (FOE) and Penology Officer Examination (POE) set on June 7, 2026, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) announced.

In a public advisory released Friday, March 6, the CSC said the application period will run from March 9 to April 8, 2026, with applicants required to file their applications at offices of the Civil Service Commission National Capital Region and its field offices nationwide.
The FOE and POE are eligibility examinations required for individuals seeking entry-level positions in the government’s uniformed services, particularly in the Bureau of Fire Protection and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.

According to the commission, applicants must first secure an appointment through the CSC’s eServe system, an online platform used to manage and schedule transactions with the agency during the filing period.

Interested applicants are advised to create an account through the eServe portal at services.csc.gov.ph in order to book their appointment before proceeding to CSC offices for the submission of their requirements.

The CSC said only applicants with confirmed eServe appointments will be accommodated, as part of efforts to streamline the application process and regulate the number of clients visiting CSC offices.

Limited appointment slots through the eServe system started to become available as early as March 7, ahead of the official opening of the filing period.

The commission encouraged aspiring applicants to secure their online appointment slots as early as possible to avoid delays in filing their applications.

(JENIL V. PERNITES, LNU STUDENT INTERN)

TACLOBAN CITY — The City Veterinary Office(CVO), this city, has rolled out a series of activities this March to strengthen rabies prevention and promote responsible pet ownership as part of the nationwide observance of Rabies Awareness Month.

The campaign, which runs from March 2 to 27, 2026, includes free veterinary services, information drives, and community activities aimed at protecting both animals and residents from rabies and other zoonotic diseases.

According to the CVO, the initiative is anchored on the theme “Rabies-free na Pusa’t Aso, Kaligtasan ng Pamilyang Pilipino!”, emphasizing that the health of pets directly contributes to the safety of families and communities.

As part of its strengthened animal control efforts, the office is also set to implement a Catch, Neuter, Vaccinate, and Release (CNVR) program designed to manage stray animal populations while preventing the spread of rabies.

The program is supported by a local ordinance that promotes animal welfare and disease prevention. Under the policy, barangay chairpersons are designated as key local authorities responsible for overseeing animal welfare programs and supporting rabies control initiatives within their respective communities.

The veterinary office said the campaign also aims to increase public participation in anti-rabies vaccination programs and encourage residents to practice responsible pet ownership.
Among the major activities lined up for the month are free anti-rabies vaccination drives, spay and neuter services for cats on March 13, and free castration services for dogs on March 19, which will be conducted at the veterinary office.

To improve public awareness, the office will also conduct Information, Education and Communication (IEC) sessions for barangay nutrition scholars, health workers, and daycare personnel to help disseminate rabies prevention information at the community level.
Meanwhile, an “I Love My Pet Day” celebration is scheduled on March 25 at Robinsons North Tacloban, where pet owners and animal lovers are expected to gather to celebrate responsible pet care and strengthen community support for animal welfare.

The city government said the activities form part of its continuing efforts to achieve a rabies-free city through sustained vaccination, education, and community involvement.

(JENIEL COLIBAO, LNU STUDENT INTERN)