ORMOC CITY – Authorities in Southern Leyte arrested the province’s third most wanted person for rape during an operation in Barangay Magaupas, Liloan, at around 10:40 a.m. on Friday, August 8, 2025.

The suspect, identified as Benhur Pelisco, 42, single, and a fisherman from Liloan, was apprehended by virtue of a warrant of arrest for rape in relation to Republic Act 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.

The arrest warrant, issued on August 6, 2025, under Criminal Case No. R-2390, carried no bail recommendation and was signed by Presiding Judge Fabio T. Albao Jr. of the Regional Trial Court, Branch 39, Sogod, Southern Leyte.

Pelisco is now in the custody of the Liloan Municipal Police Station for proper disposition.

(ELVIE ROMAN ROA)

VILLABA, Leyte — The Philippine Statistics Authority – Leyte Provincial Statistical Office (PSA Leyte), through its Registration Team, has brought the National Identification System (National ID) registration right to the doorsteps of residents in Villaba, Leyte last 25 July 2025, focusing on bedridden individuals and senior citizens who are unable to personally visit registration centers.

This house-to-house registration initiative underscores PSA’s unwavering commitment to service accessibility and inclusivity, ensuring that all Filipinos—especially those with mobility challenges—can enjoy the benefits of having a National ID.

As part of the activity, the team successfully registered nine (9) bedridden senior citizens, providing them with the opportunity to secure their National ID without leaving the comfort of their homes.

PSA Leyte extends its sincere appreciation to the Local Government Unit of Villaba through its Local Civil Registry Office (LCRO), as well as the Barangay Local Government Units (BLGUs) of Balite, Jordan, and Poblacion Sur, for their invaluable assistance in identifying and coordinating with target registrants, ensuring the smooth conduct of the activity.
Through this activity, PSA Leyte reinforces its commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind in the National ID registration, guaranteeing that every eligible Filipino—regardless of age, health condition, or location—can access this vital government service.

The team visited identified households in the barangays of Balite, Jordan, and Poblacion Sur, using the National ID registration equipment to capture biometrics and process applications on-site. This effort also aligns with PSA’s mandate to make public services more responsive, inclusive, and citizen-centered.

The National ID aims to provide a valid proof of identity for all Filipinos and resident aliens, streamlining public and private transactions and promoting financial inclusion, particularly for those in remote and marginalized communities.

Furthermore, PSA Leyte encourages family members, barangay officials, and community leaders to continue supporting the agency by identifying residents who need special registration arrangements, ensuring that no one is left unregistered.

For more information on the National ID Registration and schedules, individuals may visit the nearest PSA office in Leyte. Moreover, stay updated by following official PSA Leyte’s FB page: facebook.com/psaleyte2 or reach us thru our email address: leyte@psa.gov.ph (PR)

TACLOBAN CITY – To tackle high post-harvest losses in its fishing industry, the provincial government of Northern Samar, in partnership with several national agencies, has opened a salt and sardines production facility in Barangay Sangputan, San Vicente town.

The facility, operated by the 25-member Sangputan Workers Association (SWA), aims to process and preserve fish through salt production and sardine-making. Aside from helping extend the shelf life of marine products, the salt output is also expected to supply the local market and add value to the province’s abundant marine resources.

According to the Provincial Economic Development and Investment Promotion Office (PEDIPO), each crystallization module can produce over 18 kilograms of salt per week, with output expected to grow as the facility expands.

The project, inaugurated on Tuesday, August 12, followed months of preparation that included community workshops, technical training, and the provision of tools and equipment. The provincial government, through PEDIPO, turned over P926,248.60 worth of machinery, materials, and capacity-building support to strengthen SWA’s operations.

Present at the ceremony were representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO).

Governor Harris Christopher Ongchuan expressed optimism that the success in Sangputan would inspire similar ventures in other municipalities, fostering rural livelihoods and enterprise growth.

“For now, the products will be consumed within the municipality and the province. But as it expands — since BFAR has committed to fund the expansion — it could possibly be distributed outside,” PEDIPO head Jan Allen Berbon said.

Officials believe the initiative will help reduce post-harvest losses, increase production, improve product quality, and expand market access for locally made salt and sardines, in line with the province’s goal of building resilient, competitive, and self-reliant fishing communities.

(JOEY A. GABIETA)

ORMOC CITY – The decomposing body of a 78-year-old Australian national was discovered inside his home in Zone 3, Barangay Pagsulhugon, Babatngon, Leyte, around 7:30 p.m. on August 11, 2025.

Police identified the victim only as alias “Sam,” married, and a resident of San Isidro Street, Zone 3. He was found lying inside his bathroom after Barangay Pagsulhugon chairman alias “Jr.” reported the incident to the Babatngon Municipal Police Station (MPS).

Neighbors told police they last saw the victim on July 29, 2025, riding a motorcycle without a shirt. They also said he had no known enemies in the community. Police said Sam was living alone following his separation from his partner.

Municipal Health Officer Dr. Julieta Conge conducted a post-mortem examination around 8:30 p.m. the same day and ruled the cause of death as natural.

Despite the finding, the Babatngon MPS sought assistance from the Regional Forensic Unit 8 to process the scene for proper documentation and disposition.

(ELVIE ROMAN ROA)