ORMOC CITY —San Vicente Elementary School in Malitbog, Southern Leyte was targeted by a thief on December 8, 2025, resulting in the loss of two office printers and P100 in cash, police reported. The incident occurred around 12:40 p.m., prompting an immediate investigation by local authorities.
According to the school head, alias “Charls,” 55, the suspect forcibly cut the steel grill of the back window of the Principal’s Office to gain entry. Once inside, the intruder took two printers and a small amount of cash before fleeing the scene.
Police responding from Malitbog Municipal Police Station noted that the suspect had also detached three jalousie blades from the adjacent stockroom window.
No other items were reported missing.
The thief remains unidentified.
Authorities have requested assistance from the Southern Leyte Provincial Forensic Unit to process the crime scene, while follow-up investigations are ongoing to determine the suspect’s identity and trace possible escape routes.
Police are urging the public and nearby establishments to report any suspicious activity that could help in identifying and apprehending the perpetrator.
ORMOC CITY– A 64-year-old utility worker wanted for qualified theft was arrested on Saturday morning, December 6, after police served a court-issued warrant in Brgy. Buga-buga, Villaba, Leyte.
The accused was identified as alias “David,” married, and a resident of Sitio Caimito, Brgy. Buga-buga of said town.
His arrest was carried out by joint operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group(CIDG-8)
and the Villaba Municipal Police Station by virtue of a warrant of arrest dated December 4, 2025. The warrant was issued by Judge Dexter Lazarte Aguilar, acting presiding judge of the Regional Trial Court, Branch 17, 8th Judicial Region, Palompon, Leyte, for the crime of qualified theft. Bail was set at P30,000.
Police said the suspect was informed of the nature of his arrest and his constitutional rights in a language he fully understood.
He was brought to the Villaba Municipal Police Station for booking and documentation prior to his turnover to the issuing court in Palompon for proper disposition.
ORMOC CITY– A 64-year-old man is facing charges of frustrated homicide after he allegedly stabbed a woman who refused to let him accompany her on a trip to Tanauan, Leyte.
The incident occurred at about 11:40 a.m. on Saturday, December 6, in Lumbang 1, Brgy. 96, Kalanipayan, Tacloban City.
Police identified the suspect as alias “Bong,” 64, married, jobless, and a native of Basey, Samar, currently residing in the barangay. The victim was identified only as alias “Maye,” 54, married, a housewife, and likewise a resident of the area.
Responding personnel of Police Station 1 rushed to the location after receiving a report from a concerned citizen. Upon their arrival, they found that the suspect had already been turned over by a witness and the responding barangay tanod. The victim, who suffered a stab wound in the abdomen, was immediately brought to the Tacloban City Hospital for treatment.
Initial investigation disclosed that the victim was preparing to travel to Tanauan to visit her daughter when the suspect insisted on going with her.
The witness, identified as alias “Sikay,” 21, single, and a resident of the same barangay, stated that when the victim refused—clarifying that she had no relation to the suspect—he became agitated, grabbed a gaff, and stabbed her. The victim then fled and sought help from a nearby barangay tanod, alias “Atan,” 35, who promptly arrested the suspect.
The suspect is now detained at the locked-up cell of Police Station 1.
Investigators have filed frustrated homicide charges before the Bulwagang Hall of Justice, and the case is now under proper disposition by PS1, TCPO.
CHRISTMAS TIME. Tacloban’s City Hall turns into a Christmas wonderland. Shining at the heart of it all is the giant Christmas tree, dubbed the “Tree of Hope,” spreading festive cheer to every corner.
(DEFITINELY PINOY)
CHRISTMAS TIME. Tacloban’s City Hall turns into a Christmas wonderland. Shining at the heart of it all is the giant Christmas tree, dubbed the “Tree of Hope,” spreading festive cheer to every corner. (DEFITINELY PINOY)
Citation from DOE
TACLOBAN CITY — Northern Samar has emerged as the country’s top local government unit in renewable energy (RE) development after being named the sole winner in the local government unit category of the Sustainable Energy Awards 2025—an annual national recognition given to institutions that advance clean and sustainable energy.
In a letter dated November 28, 2025, the Department of Energy (DOE) formally notified Governor Harris Christopher Ongchuan that Northern Samar was selected for demonstrating a “strong and sustained commitment to creating an enabling environment for the deployment of renewable energy within its jurisdiction.”
The awarding ceremony is scheduled for December 16, 2025, with Malacañang officials expected to attend.
DOE highlighted Northern Samar’s historic distinction as the first province in the Philippines to adopt a green-lane policy designed specifically for renewable energy investments.
The policy accelerates permitting and processing for RE developers while ensuring compliance with environmental safeguards and long-term sustainability standards—an approach that has made the province a preferred destination for large-scale RE projects.
Also cited was the province’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Ordinance of 2025, which institutionalizes community benefits from RE projects through employment, livelihood support, and other socioeconomic programs.
Jan Allen Berbon, who heads the Provincial Economic Development and Investment Promotion Office (PEDIPO), said the national award reflects the strong trust that RE investors now place in Northern Samar.
“As of today, we already have one onshore wind project in the development or construction phase, along with three more in pre-development,” Berbon said in an online interview Saturday, December 6.
He confirmed that these companies are now coordinating with the provincial government and preparing for full-scale operations.
Berbon noted that the province’s energy portfolio has significantly diversified over the past years: one hydroelectric power plant now supplying cheaper energy to the Northern Samar Electric Cooperative, three proposed solar farms, the first tidal energy project in Southeast Asia, and a newly proposed waste-to-energy facility.
“These initiatives position Northern Samar as a key contributor to the country’s clean energy goals,” he said.
Among the most advanced projects are the San Isidro Wind Power Project — a 206.25-MW facility by Lihangin Wind Energy Corp., recently granted grid-connection clearance.
Commercial operations target February 2026; Gemini Wind Power Project — a 304-MW, P20.2-billion investment by Vena Energy, covering 15 municipalities, with commissioning expected by December 2026; Northern Samar Hydroelectric Power Project — a 3.18-MW plant in San Isidro now reducing electricity costs and stabilizing supply; and offshore wind project by Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) — a 650-MW facility currently in pre-development, with environmental and seabed assessments ongoing.
Berbon emphasized that Northern Samar’s transformation did not happen overnight.
The groundwork was laid during the administration of former governor and now Congressman Edwin Ongchuan, who promoted a “bio-circular-green economy,” encouraged eco-friendly investments, and linked tourism with environmental protection.
This environmental focus helped the province push for national recognition of its geological attractions and ongoing efforts toward UNESCO Geopark status.
He added that the current administration under Governor Harris Ongchuan has expanded this development path by prioritizing health, climate change adaptation, and employment generation, ensuring that clean energy growth directly benefits local communities.
With multiple wind, solar, hydro, tidal, and waste-to-energy projects now moving forward—supported by streamlined policies and strong investor interest—Northern Samar is positioning itself as a major renewable energy hub in the Visayas.
The DOE honor, provincial officials said, affirms not only the province’s progress but also its long-term commitment to clean energy, environmental stewardship, and sustainable development.
P20/KG. OF RICE. Local residents of Alangalang and San Miguel in Leyte’s first congressional district benefited from the P20 per kilogram rice distribution under the Farmers’ Assistance for Recovery and Modernization (FARM) Program. Initiated by Rep. Martin Romualdez, the program aims to provide affordable rice, the country’s staple food, to underprivileged communities. (PHOTO COURTESY)
P20/KG. OF RICE. Local residents of Alangalang and San Miguel in Leyte’s first congressional district benefited from the P20 per kilogram rice distribution under the Farmers’ Assistance for Recovery and Modernization (FARM) Program. Initiated by Rep. Martin Romualdez, the program aims to provide affordable rice, the country’s staple food, to underprivileged communities. (PHOTO COURTESY)
TACLOBAN CITY– Residents of two towns in Leyte can now buy rice for as low as P20 per kilo, following the launch of new KADIWA outlets in Alangalang and San Miguel.
The rollout, held on December 5, 2025, forms part of the continued implementation of the Farmers’ Assistance for Recovery and Modernization (FARM) Program of Leyte Representative Martin Romualdez, which aims to stabilize rice prices, uplift farmers’ income, and strengthen local food supply chains.
The availability of P20 rice—considered one of the most sought-after food subsidies in the province—comes at a time when many families continue to grapple with high market prices of basic commodities.
Under the FARM Program, farmer-beneficiaries receive assistance in production and marketing, while their palay harvests are purchased at competitive rates and milled for distribution through KADIWA outlets. This system ensures a win-win cycle: consumers get affordable rice, and farmers are guaranteed fair returns.
In Alangalang, the KADIWA opening was led by Municipal Agriculturist Cesar Anade, who emphasized how the program addresses both food affordability and agricultural sustainability.
Mayor Lovell Ann Yu-Castro highlighted the importance of local government support in maximizing the benefits of national and congressional initiatives.
Atty. Camille Villaflor, speaking on behalf of Rep. Romualdez, reaffirmed the congressman’s commitment to ensuring that Leyteños have stable access to affordable rice.
In San Miguel, Mayor Norman Sabdao noted that the FARM Program’s model of cooperation among national, provincial, and local stakeholders is key to making nutritious and affordable rice reach households.
Atty. Villaflor reiterated the program’s impact on both consumers and farmers, while Ray Lobrigo, municipal coordinator of the Office of Rep. Romualdez, detailed the province-wide expansion of KADIWA outlets as demand continues to grow.
The simultaneous launches in the two municipalities mark the completion of the FARM Program’s first cycle, which mobilized farmers to contribute their harvests in exchange for assured market access and government-backed support.
Preparations are now underway for the second cycle, expected to involve more farmer groups, generate larger volumes of local rice, and further lower market dependence on imported grains.
By expanding KADIWA outlets and strengthening the FARM Program, Leyte’s local governments and the office of Rep. Romualdez aim to build a more resilient agricultural sector—one that guarantees affordable food for families while ensuring farmers can thrive in an increasingly competitive market.
CONDENMS NPA ATROCITY. San Jose de Buan Mayor Christal Jean Elizalde has condemned the killing of two soldiers perpetrated by members of the New People’s Army as a result of a gun battle in one of the hinterlands of her town last December 3. (PHOTO COURTESY)
CONDENMS NPA ATROCITY. San Jose de Buan Mayor Christal Jean Elizalde has condemned the killing of two soldiers perpetrated by members of the New People’s Army as a result of a gun battle in one of the hinterlands of her town last December 3. (PHOTO COURTESY)
TACLOBAN CITY — San Jose de Buan Mayor Christal Jean Elizalde issued a sharp condemnation of the New People’s Army (NPA) after a December 3 encounter in Barangay Babaclayon of said town which left two soldiers of the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division dead.
San Jose de Buan, a remote upland municipality in Samar, has long been identified as one of the remaining strongholds of the NPA in Eastern Visayas.
The town has been the site of multiple clashes in recent years as government forces continue efforts to dismantle the influence of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC).
In a strongly worded statement, Mayor Elizalde slammed the rebel group for what she called “violent acts and clear violations of the International Humanitarian Law (IHL),” saying the latest encounter once again disrupted the peace and stability in communities already affected by years of insurgency.
“In the name of all the residents of our town, we strongly condemn the NPA… This is a clear violation of International Humanitarian Law, and they must be held accountable,” the mayor said.
She cited reports that NPA members allegedly occupied private properties and used civilian communities as temporary hideouts, endangering innocent residents.
The 8th ID reported that soldiers were deployed to Brgy. Babaclayon after residents tipped off authorities about the presence of armed rebels in the area. While maneuvering to secure civilians and verify the reports, government troops were met with heavy gunfire, sparking a firefight that resulted in the fatal wounding of two soldiers.
The 8th ID condemned what it described as “heinous International Humanitarian Law violations” by the EVRPC and assured the families of the slain soldiers that full assistance, including military honors and benefits, will be provided.
Mayor Elizalde urged remaining NPA members to abandon the armed struggle and avail themselves of government reintegration and livelihood programs designed to help former rebels rebuild their lives.
“Do not continue with your armed struggle. Come here and return to the fold of the law. The government is here to help you… You will even be given livelihood assistance for your new beginning,” she said, adding that surrendering rebels will be treated humanely.
The municipal government reiterated its commitment to protecting civilians, preserving peace and order, and upholding the rule of law in San Jose de Buan. Pursuit and clearing operations by the military remain ongoing to ensure the perpetrators are held accountable.
