Media Center Building, Visayas Ave, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
GUN BAN CONTINUES UNTIL JUNE 12, SAYS PNP 8
Saturday 25th of May 2013
TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, May 25 (PIA) -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) will continue the gun ban policy imposed by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) until June 12.
Police Insp. Romuel Nacar, PNP Eastern Visayas regional information officer said while the gun ban is still in effect and until it is lifted in June 12, the police will continue its aggressive campaign against loose firearms, police visibility and law enforcement operations across the region.
Nacar said the gun ban operation from January 13 to May 14 has resulted to the arrest of 159 people on violation of the policy and the confiscation of about 131 assorted high-powere...
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17May2013CAMP KANGLEON, Palo, Leyte, May 17 (PIA) – The Philippine National Police in Eastern Visayas is set to honor election heroes from among its ranks who served well in ensuring safe and fair May 13 mid-term elections. Police Chief Superintendent Elmer Soria, PNP 8 Director said a police officer who sacrificed his life to ensure the integrity of the ballots and another who foiled an impending election violence, will lead the election heroes who will be feted by the PNP8. “Along with them are t...
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17May2013TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, May 17 (PIA) – A Navy officer said three members of the New People’s Army (NPA) have surrendered to the Philippine Navy (PN) this week. Lt/JG Kimo Uayan, PN commanding officer said that the NPA members were affiliated with the Front Committee-Leyte, Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC) and that the three, identified only as alias Toto, Ben and Sitoy surrendered their firearms where each received the amount of ₱75,000 from the Armed Forces of the Philipp...
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16May2013CAMP KANGLEON, Palo, Leyte, May 16 (PIA) -- The Police Regional Office (PRO) 8 has commended a police officer securing a polling center in a remote barangay in Eastern Samar for single-handedly foiling an attempt by armed men to sow violence during the May 13 polls. “Senior Police Officer 3 Jorge B. Tiunayan’s act of bravery thwarted a near gunfight altercation between two armed groups that could have affected the peaceful conduct of the elections in the area,” said Police Chief Supt. El...
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16May2013TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, May 16 (PIA) -- The Police Regional Office (PRO) 8 attributes the successful and peaceful conduct of the election in Eastern Visayas on advance preparations it undertook and its convergence efforts with government agencies and security forces to ensure a secure and fair election. This was the assessment of Police Chief Supt. Elmer Soria, PRO 8 regional director, relative to the high turnout of votes in the region in the midterm election last May 13. Soria said voters were...
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15May2013CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, May 15 (PIA) -- The Comission on Elections (Comelec) in Samar said the election was generally peaceful. Lawyer Juan Bautista Beato Jr., Comelec supervisor, announced this in an interview before the Provincial Board of Canvassers convened this morning at the Samar Sangguniang Panlalawigan Session Hall. “There were some tension in some municipalities but the AFP and the police were able to ease them,” he said. He said many PCOS machines malfunctioned because of the f...
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15May2013TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, May 15 (PIA) -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Eastern Visayas has declared the election in the region as generally peaceful. Lawyer Veronico Petalcorin, Comelec acting regional director, credits the full cooperation of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Army to the peaceful conduct of the election in the region. Karen Cajipo, Tacloban City election officer, said 26 official ballots intended for Cabanatuan City were discovered shipped to T...
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15May2013CATBALOGAN City, Samar, May 15 (PIA) -- The Police Regional Office 8 (PRO8) lauded Samar for the peaceful midterm elections even as Samar province was earlier listed as a “priority area” and placed under tight watch by security forces. “People were able to cast their votes and exercise their rights of suffrage with a great feeling of security,” PCSupt Elmer Soria said, adding that the high voters turn-out was a testament to the stable condition with no election-related incident report...
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10May2013TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, May 10 (PIA) -- Around 5,000 policemen will be deployed to the field in Easter Visayas region to render election duties on May 13. The Philippine National Police (PNP) high command will raise to full alert status all police units nationwide effective 6 in the morning of election day. Police Chief Supt. Elmer Soria, Police Regional Office 8 (PRO8) regional director, said the deployment of policemen is to maximize the effective strength of police personnel for election dut...
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09May2013MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, May 9 (PIA) -- Seventy-seven (77) persons currently languishing behind bars while their cases are still being heard can vote in the national and local elections on Monday, May 13. Of the 77, more than two-thirds of them, or 57, are “boarders” at Maasin City jail, 15 at Sogod jail, and 5 at San Juan jail, said City Jail Warden Arlene Baraca. This will be the second time inmates in the city and province participate in the electoral process, the first was in 2...
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08May2013CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, May 8 (PIA)—To beef up security this coming May 13 elections, the Police Regional Command under P C Supt Elmer Soria will activate a company sized PNP Reactionary Stanbdby Support Force composed of PRO 8 regional headquarters personnel to be deployed anytime. “This is done to maximize the effective strength of police personnel for elections duty in line with our intensified security coverage before, during, and after election day,” Soria said in a statement. The ...
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06May2013CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, May 6 (PIA)—Philippine Army troopers encountered more or less five armed NPA members in Barangay Albalate, Catbalogan City, Samar at about 1:35 PM last Thursday. The Bravo Company, 87th Infantry (Hinirang) Battalion, 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division, Philippine Army under Lieutenant Colonel Cerilo Balaoro Jr was conducting peace and security operations at the time. The army fought it out with the NPAs that later withdrew leaving two dead comrades. The police Scen...
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04May2013TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte May 4 (PIA) -- Only 41 percent or 147 out of 355 personnel of the Police Regional Office 8 (PRO8) who are registered as absentee voters cast their votes during the two-day local absentee voting period this week ahead of May 13 elections. Personnel of the PRO8 who availed of the local absentee voting exercised their rights of suffrage at a designated polling center at PRO8’s Matapat Hall Camp Kangleon, Palo Leyte. Police Chief Superintendent Elmer Ragadio Soria, Regional...
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03May2013CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, May 3 (PIA) -- The Philippine National Police regional office (PRO) 8 will deploy 763 more personnel to its provincial and city police offices on Friday to augment security forces in pre-election police activities and in securing polling centers on election day. The PRO 8 last week deployed 50 personnel to Calbayog City in Samar province and 267 policemen to three Samar provinces last Monday. “We are now in the homestretch of our security preparations and we will ensu...
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03May2013TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, May 3 (PIA) -- The Commission on Elections reiterated that all policemen detailed to local officials as protective security personnel during the election period must always be in uniform. Lawyer Veronico Petalcorin Comelec Region 8 acting Director made the reminder during a recently-held media interaction at the PIA Regional Office. Petalcorin added that only incumbent lawmakers and governors are allowed to have police and military security escorts during the 2013 electio...
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02May2013CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, May 2 (PIA) – Police continue its unrelenting efforts to run after violators of the gun ban especially in Samar province which is considered as an election priority area. Despite a shooting incident in Calbayog City on Tuesday afternoon which resulted in the death of a village chairman, PRO8 Regional Director P/ C Supt Elmer Soria believes that Samar is gearing towards a secure and fair elections. The shooting incident in Calbayog City also wounded two others. “E...
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02May2013TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, May 2 (PIA) -- The Police Regional Office 8 (PRO8) has started deploying of policemen as augmentation personnel to different police provincial and city offices. This was aside from sending of troops to the three Samar provinces in a send-off ceremony last week and in Monday afternoon. Police Chief Superintendent Elmer Soria, PRO regional director dis closed the information in a press statement saying that the deployment is PRO8’s commitment at its fullest relative to t...
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02May2013TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, May 2 (PIA) – An official of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Eastern Visayas has reported that their office is ready for the conduct of the May 13 elections. Lawyer Veronico Petalcorin, Comelec officer-in-charge, said the office’ personnel including the Board of Election Inspectors (BEIs) from the Department of Education (DepEd) in the region are waiting for the election date and that they are 100% ready for the automated election. The official also said he h...
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01May2013TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, May 1 (PIA) -- In a show of solidarity for a secured and fair elections (SAFE) this midterm election, some 100 bikers from different bikers club in Eastern Visayas joined the Police Regional Office 8 (PRO8) Peace Caravan for SAFE 2013. The Peace Caravan last Monday morning started and ended in the province of Samar, identified as a priority area this May 13, 2013 polls. Police Chief Superintendent Elmer Soria, PRO8 regional director said that the activity was aimed at pro...
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30Apr2013TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, April 30 (PIA) – More than 800 detainees in five jail facilities in the province of Leyte are expected to vote in the May 13 elections. Lawyer Richard Japzon, Leyte election supervisor, said that 875 detainees will be provided with a special polling center manned by Special Board of Inspectors (BEIs) in their respective jails by the Commission on Elections (Comelec). Japzon said Comelec Resolution 9371 grants detainees the right to vote during election. Prisoners grant...
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26Apr2013TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, April 26 (PIA) – An official of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Leyte province proposed that 78 barangays in eleven towns of the province be placed under supervision of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) during the May 13 elections. Police Chief Inspector Alex Daaco, Leyte Provincial Police Office (LPPO) made the proposal saying that there is a high presence of active guerrilla front of the New People’s Army (NPA) in the barangays. He said that the situatio...
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25Apr2013BARANGAY MAGSAYSAY, Lope de Vega, Northern Samar, April 25 (PIA) -- The troops of the 20th Infantry Batallion 8th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army has once again scored against the extortion activities of the New People’s Army or NPA at Sitio Dakong Sapa, Buenasuerte, Victoria Northern Samar at 11:20 a.m. of April 23, 2013. In his report to 803rd Brigade Commander Colonel Rolando Malinao, Lieutenant Colonel Noel Vestuir, 20IB’s Commanding Officer, said his troops were able to track ...
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24Apr2013TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, April 24 (PIA) -- “Very manageable.” This is how Comelec Region 8 Acting Director Atty. Veronico Petalcorin described the situation in Eastern Visayas more than two weeks before the day of election on May 13 this year. According to him, so far he has not received any reports of incidents that can be construed as election-related violence since the start of the local campaign period except for some isolated cases such as illegal posting of campaign materials or parapher...
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23Apr2013CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, April 23--The army based in Samar condemns the recent killing of a soldier by NPA landmines while the government troops were on their way to Barangay Tigbawon, Gandara, Samar on April 18. The army reported that aside from one soldier, two paramilitary men were injured in the incident. It added that some civilians informed the 52nd Infantry Battalion, 8th Infantry Division (8th ID) in Samar that some armed men were removing posters of local candidates and replacing them...
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22Apr2013TACLOBAN City, Leyte, April 22 (PIA) – An official of the regional office of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) voiced optimism that election in Eastern Visayas would be secure and safe following the peaceful atmosphere prevailing in the region since the start of the election campaign on January 13, this year. Lawyer Veronico, Petalcorin, Comelec acting regional director said that he is hoping that the peaceful air in the region would last until the end of the midterm election voting perio...
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21Apr2013KANANGA, Leyte, April 21 (PIA) -- The Philippine Army’s 802nd Infantry Brigade and 19th Infantry Battalion continue to work for the implementation of the livelihood enhancement programs to their eight newly organized farmers and fisher folks associations in Leyte’s Calubian and San Isidro towns. First Lt. Rod Vincent F. Babera, Civil Military Operation officer of the 19th IB, identified the farmers and fisher folks associations as Taglawigan Farmers Association, Taglawigan Fisher Folks Orga...
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18Apr2013TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, April 18 (PIA) – The Police Regional Office 8 (PRO8) has intensified its campaign against most wanted persons in Samar province and some parts of Eastern Visayas. The campaign is being done to ensure the conduct of secure and fair election (SAFE) in the region this May, 2013 poll. Police Chief Superintendent Elmer Soria, PRO8 regional director said the police force is determined to arrest most wanted persons to prevent them from being recruited by unscrupulous politicia...
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17Apr2013TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, April 17 (PIA) -- An official of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Eastern Visayas region said the agency has joined the Department of National Defense (DND) against the alleged involvement of the New People’s Army (NPA) in illegal drug activities. Liza Baoy, PDEA regional information officer, said in a press statement that the agency and DND have received reports that the NPA have turned to illegal drugs trade as their way to procure weapons to sustain th...
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17Apr2013BORONGAN CITY, EASTERN SAMAR, April 17 (PIA) – The Philippine National Police (PNP) here has arrested 11 arrested persons for illegal possession of firearms and ammunitions under the Omnibus Election Code. Major Edwin Barbosa, Deputy Provincial Director for Operations said the successful operations are attributed to the vigilance of the policemen in their respective municipal police office(MPOs) from January 13 to April 15. He also said there are so far no report of untoward incident in PNP/...
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17Apr2013CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, April 17 (PIA) -- Barely three years after being organized as a battalion, the 87th Infantry (Hinirang) Battalion led by Lt. Col. Cerilo Balaoro Jr received two citations as it celebrated its 3rd anniversary on April 15 in remote San Jose de Buan town. The 8th ID Commanding General Gerardo Layug awarded the 87th IB under Balaoro Jr as Most Combat Efficient and CENCOM Best Infantry Battalion. The 87th IB was instrumental in the discovery of the biggest NPA bomb fact...
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16Apr2013CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, April 16 (PIA) – In the next two years, the military will turn over to local governments the principal responsibility of ensuring peace and security in Samar and Northern Samar provinces. The 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army based in Catbalogan City, Samar vowed that all the provinces of Region 8 will become “manageable conflict-affected and ready for development provinces” in 2016. “In the next two years, we will be handing over to the LGUs of Samar and ...
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16Apr2013CAMP RUPERTO KANGLEON, Palo, Leyte, April 15 (PIA) -- The Securities and Exchange Commission has conducted an Investment Scam Prevention information dissemination in the province of Leyte. Atty. Lindeza Rogero-Gavino, Director of the SEC-Cebu Extension Office said that on April 11, the activity was conducted in Tacloban City with the non-stock corporations accredited by DSWD Region 8. On April 12, a similar activity was conducted at the Philippine National Police Regional Office at Camp Rupert...
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14Apr2013BARANGAY, MAGSAYSAY, Lope de Vega, Northern Samar, April 14 -- An abandoned camp believed to be of the New People's Army was discovered by government security forces at Happy Valley, San Isidro, Northern Samar at around 10:30 a.m. April 13. Lieutenant Colonel Noel A. Vestuir, 20IB’s Commanding Officer, in his report to 803rd Brigade Commander, Colonel Rolando Malinao, said the camp was seized by the operating troops of 20IB led by 1Lt. Florencio Tayo III. The camp has 15 bunkers that can ...
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13Apr2013CATARMAN, Northern Samar, April 13 (PIA) -- Nine violators of election gun ban were apprehended and detained by Northern Samar Philippine National Police as reported by the Provincial Director Police Senior Superintendent Isaias Tonog covering the period January 13 to March 4. According to the report, nine firearms were confiscated and 15 ammunitions were seized by police operatives in separate operations under manhunt Charlie, by the mobile patrol, police response, and intelligence network ope...
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07Apr2013CALUBIAN, Leyte, April 7 (PIA) -- Two farmer-organizations from Calubian and San Isidro, both from the province of Leyte, reiterated their continuous support to the 802nd Infantry Brigade’s call for peace during the 12th Anniversary of the“Balik-uma” (back to farm) held at Barangay Jubay this town on Wednesday, April 3. First Lt. Rod Vincent F. Babera, of the 802nd Infantry Brigade, identified the two organizations as the Samahan sa Mag-uuma sa Calubian (Samaca) and Kahugpungang Mag-uuma...
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05Apr2013MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, April 5 (PIA) -- Philippine National Police (PNP) has arrested a man for illegal possession of firearm in violation of the gun ban during the midterm election period. Provincial Director Sr. Supt. Armando Bulalin disclosed his men in the field made the disclosure in an interview with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) on the sidelines of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) meeting. Recovered from the suspect was a .38 caliber revolver. He was char...
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03Apr2013TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, April 3 (PIA) -- The Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8) is confident that the generally peaceful situation since the start of the campaign period bodes well for a secure and fair election this May 2013 election. Police Chief Superintendent Elmer Soria, PRO8 regional director, expressed this observation based on the “no election-related violent incident recorded in the region since the start of the campaign period for national and local bets for elective posts.” The camp...
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03Apr2013TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, April 3 (PIA) – The peaceful conduct of the May 13 election rests on the shoulders of the candidates themselves. Simply following all election-related laws of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) would ensure a peaceful midterm election. Atty. Veronico Petalcorin, Comelec assistant director in Eastern Visayas, expressed these thoughts to the media saying that candidates should refrain from mudslinging but should focus on issues and discuss what they intend to accomplis...
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02Apr2013CAMP RUPERTO KANGLEON, Palo, Leyte, April 1 (PIA) --The Police Regional Office 8 recently conducted its first quarter earthquake and fire drills as part of its continuous effort to increase public awareness and encourage proactive approach to earthquake and fire safety. Police Region 8 Director Elmer Soria said the first quarter drill was also in observance of the Fire Prevention Month wherein the Philippine National Police participated in the massive information dissemination, distribution of ...
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28Mar2013BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, March 28 (PIA) -- Governor Conrado B. Nicart, Jr. and Major General Garardo T. Layug, Commander of the 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army jointly declared the entire province as manageable conflict-affected area in a simple ceremonial signing that took place at the Capitol lobby. Gen. Layug said, the declaration followed after the municipal local government units were successively declared as development ready. But this does not exactly mean that the areas ar...
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26Mar2013CAMP KANGLEON, Palo, Leyte, March 26 (PIA) – Eastern Visayas Police Chief Superintendent Elmer Soria cited the female members of the Philippine National Police in the region for being at the forefront of eliminating discrimination in the workplace through recognition, protection, fulfillment and promotion of women’s rights within its ranks. Director Soria made the declaration during the Women’s Month Forum and GAD Planning and Budgeting Workshop held at the PNP 8 Matapat Hall on March 25...
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25Mar2013BORONGAN CITY, EASTERN SAMAR, March 24(PIA) – Most Reverend Monsignor Crispin B. Varquez, Bishop of Borongan, led today the Peace Covenant among provincial and city candidates. In coordination with the provincial and city Police Office, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), COMELEC and Department of Education (DepEd) the signing of the Peace Covenant was held inside the Borongan cathedral with hundreds of parishioners, candidates’ supporters and members of media who witness...
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24Mar2013TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, March 24 (PIA) -- The police here (PRO-8) has reported the preparations of the office in anticipation of the Holy Week observance. Police Chief Superintendent Elmer Soria, PRO8 regional director, disclosed the police has prepared the necessary security preparations for the expected influx of people to the region and other places of convergence. He said that assistance desks will be set up in places such as bus terminals, seaports, and along major traffic routes to help t...
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23Mar2013CARIGARA, Leyte, March 23 (PIA) -- The Department of Public Works and Highways Second Leyte Engineering District is set to reactivate its Lakbay Alalay team starting 6 a.m. of March 24 until 12noon of April 1 in line with the observance of Holy Week. District Engineer Ma. Margarita Junia said that the Lakbay Alalay team will provide assistance to motorists in anticipation of the influx of motorists. Three Lakbay Alalay centers will be installed along the national roads within the area of the ...
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21Mar2013TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, March 21 (PIA) -- An official of the Philippine National Police in Eastern Visayas affirmed that 22 candidates have sought security detail this coming mid-term election. Inspector Romuel Nacar, PNP-8 information officer, said that those who requested for security detail were candidates for governors, congressmen, and several mayors in the provinces of Leyte, Samar and Northern Samar and one in Biliran province. There were no candidates from Eastern Samar and Southern Leyt...
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21Mar2013CAMP RUPERTO KANGLEON, Palo, Leyte, March 21 (PIA) -- The Philippine National Police in Eastern Visayas has mapped out extra patrol operations and police assistance desks in preparation for the observance of Holy Week. The move is in line with the expected exodus of people to the region and to the traditional visitations to churches and other places of convergence during the Holy Week observance said Police Chief Superintendent Elmer Soria, PNP Region 8 director. Soria said police assistance ...
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21Mar2013CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, March 21 (PIA) -- Despite Samar listed as one of the 15 priority provinces, Samar Police Provincial Director Eusebio Mejos is confident that the election 2013 will be peaceful. The police official was confident because other agencies involved in the elections have planned early and have implemented activities towards a peaceful election. According to the director, they have organized the Special Operations Task Group - Samar (SOTG-Samar) a Tracker Team of the Police R...
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19Mar2013CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, March 19 (PIA) --Two former rebels are about to receive P50,000 each from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) under the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP), according to Imelda Bonifacio of OPAPP. The two rebels named Edgar and Glenda (not their real names) will be receiving their checks as the Joint Validation and Authentication Committee (JVAC) convenes on Monday, March 25. The JVAC is a special team of the Samar Provincial ...
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18Mar2013NAVAL, Biliran, Mar 18 (PIA) -- The deputized agencies and organizations of the Commission on Election (Comelec) in Biliran province this early have already set plan of action in preparation for the May 13, 2013 national and local elections. The Comelec deputies in Biliran, composed of concerned national government agencies, local government units represented by the treasury offices of the eight towns including the provincial treasury office, military, and the religious group were formed into ...
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17Mar2013BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, March 17 (PIA) --The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP), in coordination with its partner government line agencies conducted an information caravan with social services package from the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) projects in the municipality of Maslog and Barangay Hinolaso and Aroganga, in Dolores E. Samar on March 12-14. Maslog is a fifth class municipality of Eastern Samar. It cab be reached by a three to four hours travel ...
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17Mar2013BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar March 17 (PIA) -- The government's Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) project which is being implemented by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process may well fulfill Maslog’s town long time dream of being connected to a major road network. The absence of road network that will connect this remote town to the national highway has hindered the development of this town with vast potential for agriculture. Maslog town, with 4,781 populatio...
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16Mar2013BURAUEN, Leyte, March 16 (PIA)-- An official of the civic military operations (CMO) of the Philippine Army cited the Department of Public Works and Highways Second Leyte Engineering District for the ongoing road concreting of Burauen-Albuera road as it provides them easy access to rebel-infested areas. Captain Ian Fabillon, Philippine Army 78th Infantry Battalion CMO officer tagged the infrastructure project as road for peace that will be instrumental in significantly minimizing the influence o...
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14Mar2013CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, March 14 (PIA) -- Samar province has been assessed as peaceful and orderly as compared to Eastern and Northern Samar. Police Regional Office 8 reported that based on reports in the peace and order situation in Samar Island covering the period from January to December 2012, Western Samar recorded the lowest crime incidence. It disclosed that Samar (Western) recorded the lowest crime volume with 608 incidents while Northern Samar recorded the highest crime volume at 813 i...
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13Mar2013TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, March 13 (PIA) -- The series of armed fights and encounters by the military with the New People’s Army (NPA) in the provinces of Samar and Northern Samar were the result of reliable information relayed by the local residents to the military. Lt. Col. Noel Vestuir, commanding officer of the 20th Infantry Battalion, 8ID, Philippine Army, said rebels have been harassing local residents by coercing them to pay revolutionary taxes in return for security in the community. Thi...
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11Mar2013MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Mar. 11 (PIA) -- Married women who are being forced into submission against their will or, worse, who had become punching bags, can now seek redress, specifically Republic Act 9262, or the Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) Act of 2004. For starters, in the past nine years that the law took effect, what used to be called family quarrel between husband and wife, or “LQ,” or lovers’ quarrel that turned violent, is now a public offense, so the concerned...
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11Mar2013MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Mar 11 (PIA) -- In celebration with the Fire Prevention Month, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) - Maasin City Station Fire Marshall reminded everyone, “Everyone’s safety is everyone’s concern,” during the short program conducted after the evacuation and fire drill held at Maasin City hall building, Friday. BFP Senior Inspector Leonel Aurelia who led the fire fighters in the evacuation and fire drill in the morning of March 8 disclosed that fire prevent...
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11Mar2013PALO, Leyte, March 11 (PIA) -- There is no contamination of the Kananga River as a result of a landslide-induced busted steam pipeline of the Energy Development Corporation, the Environmental Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Eastern Visayas assured. Based on the initial analysis of the water taken from the Bao River in Kananga, Leyte, there is only low concentration or tolerable amount of boron disclosed EMB-8 Director Leticia Maceda. Maceda said that...
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08Mar2013TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, March 8 (PIA) – The Police Regional Office (PRO8) in Eastern Visayas has arrested violators of the gun ban and has confiscated firearms since the office has been deputized by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) in the implementation of Comelec Resolution Number 9561-A in relation to Section 32 of RA 7166. The arrests and confiscations were made since the start of the election period in January 13, this year, with the implementation of the gun ban. Police record shows ...
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08Mar2013MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Mar. 8 (PIA) -- Elements of the city’s police force have set up checkpoints in key locations here as part of the preparations for a Secure and Fair Elections (SAFE), according to Police Superintendent Elwin Fernandez, chief of police. Thus far, no serious election-related violations have been noted such as carrying of guns, Fernandez said, adding that what was mostly found out were non-renewal of vehicle registration and drivers driving without license, and so t...
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07Mar2013TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, March 7 (PIA) -- The newly appointed police recruits of the Police Regional Office (PRO8) in Eastern Visayas were directed to respect human rights at all times while enforcing the law. The message was said to the new policemen during their oath taking at the PRO8 grandstand, Tuesday morning. Police Chief Superintendent Elmer Soria, PRO8 regional director told the rookies, "To always keep in mind the peoples’ rights while enforcing the law without fear or favor while bein...
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07Mar2013NAVAL, Biliran, Mar 7 (PIA) -- Police authorities in this town is in the thick of investigating the heist that took place in Naval town on Friday, March 1. Initial reports showed that the municipal treasurer, together with an agricultural technician, a senior bookkeeper and the driver of the local government unit (LGU) of Kawayan were held-up at gun point by still unidentified suspects at around 1:50 p.m. on Friday, March 1 carting away P421,380.84 in cash intended for the salary of day-care em...
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07Mar2013MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Mar 7 (PIA) -- At least five Maasin City offiicals/employees participated in the Global Road Safety Forum conducted at the Heritage Hotel in Pasay City last week of February with themed “Pedestrian Safety.” As one of the participants during the three-day forum, Ritche Sumalinog, City Disaster Team Leader reported that the activity aims to promote safe walking for all and be able to walk without fear or injury. "It is one of our basic rights – like access to...
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05Mar2013CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, March 5 (PIA) -- To provide immediate response during fires, Catbalogan City Fire Protection Station will tap barangay tanods in the city proper. They will be trained on fire fighting and rescue, according to Catbalogan City Fire Inspector Agustin Ballo. The bureau has organized Barangay Integrated Defense Action (BIDA) team in different barangays in Catbalogan. BIDA team is composed of several barangay tanod who will help the local fire station in providing immediate r...
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04Mar2013KANANGA, Leyte, March 4 (PIA) -- One of the nine workers who went missing following a landslide at the geothermal complex of the Energy Development Corporation in Kananga, Leyte, was found by rescuers at 5:38 p.m., Sunday, March 3. In an interview with Kananga Mayor Elmer Codilla, he said the body of Marlon Boanghog was retrieved at 8:10 p.m. from the rubbles of the landslide. It had taken more than two hours to retrieve the body of Boanghog, Codilla said. It was learned that the body was buri...
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02Mar2013TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, March 2 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Eastern Visayas has issued a bulletin informing the public on how to avoid pyramid scams and other forms or acts that dupe and divest them of their hard earned money. Atty. Lemuel Montes, DTI regional information officer, enumerated the tricks scammers use including; double return of investment; easy money and quick money with interest more than what is offered by a bank; being asked to join a group; being aske...
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01Mar2013TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, March 1 (PIA) -- To address the involvement of children in criminal activities of adults in the illegal drug trade, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Eastern Visayas is drafting possible ways and means to address the problem. PDEA believes children are being used as drug mules since the finding of a sachet of shabu in the bag carried by an unsuspecting grader in Bacolod City, said Liza Baoy, PDEA regional information officer said in a press statement. Childr...
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26Feb2013CATARMAN, Northern Samar, Feb. 26 (PIA) -- Governor Paul R. Daza of Northern Samar approved on February 22 the creation of Provincial Committee on Anti Trafficking (PCAT) and Violence Against Women and their Children (VAWC) in the province. Governor Daza said the committee will institute policies and programs to protect women and children who are victims of trafficking and violence and create and establish systems on surveillance, investigation and rescue to ensure effective and efficient coor...
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25Feb2013CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Feb 25 (PIA) -- The police force in Samar intensified its law enforcement and internal security operations in preparation for 2013 secure and fair election (SAFE), the police reported. This comes on the heel of the declaration that Samar belongs to the 15 provinces in the priority areas-where history of violence took place during elections. From February 16 to 20, combined elements of the Regional Special Operations Task Group (RSOTG) Samar Tracker Team led by Police ...
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22Feb2013BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Feb. 22 (PIA) -- To address gaps in the effective prevention and response to harm, violence and abuse against children that interfere with their education, PLAN Philippines, E. Samar, an internationally funded non government organization (NGO) conducted a two-day Personal Safety Lessons (PSL) Assessment and Recommendations Workshop on February 18-19, at Dona Vicenta Hotel, this city. Forty-one PSL trained teachers, 21 school heads and one PSL coordinator in 21 PSL ...
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22Feb2013BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Feb 22 (PIA) -- The 8th Eastern Samar Peace and Development Forum, which is regularly convened by members of the clergy with its major convener, Most Reverend Crispin Varquez, Bishop of Borongan Diocese, met Wednesday, a number of department heads of national agencies (NGAs) who shared their 2012 major accomplishments. Several issues were raised on illegal logging and mining by the priests, mayors, and ordinary civilians during the forum. Provincial Environment...
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22Feb2013TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Feb 22 (PIA) -- A college student is the latest catch of authorities through a buy-bust operation. The suspect, 23, single and student, resides in Cavite East in Palo, Leyte. He was nabbed along the national highway in Barangay Guindapunan at around 11 p.m., Saturday. The operation was composed of the combined elements of the Provincial Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Force Group of the Leyte Provincial Office (LPPO-PAIDSTOG) and from the Palo Municipal Statio...
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21Feb2013TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Feb 21 (PIA) -- The Land Transportation Office (LTO) in Eastern Visayas is warning all drivers of both public and private motor vehicles to comply with the early warning device or EWD Law or the Letter of Instruction No. 299 requiring the use of EWDs on motor vehicles and Memorandum Circular No. VPT-2012-1609, or the Revised Rules on the Implementation of EWDs. Atty. Edgardo Catarongan, LTO regional director, disclosed in a press statement that starting March 1 the EWD Law...
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21Feb2013CAMP RUPERTO KANGLEON, Palo, Leyte, Feb 21 (PIA) -- The heightened campaign against illegal logging of the Eastern Visayas Philippine National Police paid off with the arrest of a big-time illegal logger in the morning of February 20 in Paranas, Samar. PNP 8 Regional Director, Police Chief Supt Elmer Ragadio Soria said that with the arrest came the confiscation of a sizeable volume of illegally-sawn lumbers. “The PNP-8 is giving a strong message that it will not tolerate any form of viola...
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20Feb2013CATARMAN, Northern Samar, Feb.20 (PIA) -- The 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division in Catbalogan City said that while the troop was conducting security operations Tuesday at Barangay Happy Valley, San Isidro, Northern Samar at around 1:05 p.m., they recovered two landmines and other explosive devices in an abandoned NPA camp. “The recovery of landmines is a clear and direct manifestation of the NPA's wanton disregard to human life and that the NPA continuously violates Human Rights and Inter...
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20Feb2013BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Feb 20 (PIA) -- A Peace and Development Forum will be held at the Nativity of Our Lady College Seminary at Baybay boulevard this city. Most Reverend Crispin Varquez, Bishop of Borongan, said this is in the light of the challenges to the province’s development, that the Diocese of Borongan is going to convene the said forum. Participating agencies are expected to join them in threshing out possible solutions which can contribute towards the further progress of...
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20Feb2013NAVAL, Biliran, Feb 20 (PIA) -- The Philippine National Police (PNP)-Biliran headed by PS/Superintendent Felix Alberca Diloy is intensifying its Police Patrol System in the province as part of their role in the forthcoming May 2013 elections. This was revealed by PS/Supt. Diloy in his update on the peace and order condition and security preparations for the May 2013 elections on the occasion of the one-day general conference with Comelec deputies on Friday, February 15 at the AV Hall of the Na...
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20Feb2013NAVAL, Biliran, Feb. 19 (PIA) -- A Comelec official said that strict implementation of election laws, rules, and regulations will achieve the Commission on Elections’ (Comelec) drive for a safe and secured (SAFE) 2013 mid-term elections in this province. “It’s not just 100 percent but 200 percent implementation of election laws, rules, and regulation for the May 13, local and national elections,” said Atty Sabino C. Mejarito, Provincial Election Supervisor of Comelec-Biliran. Mejarito...
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19Feb2013NAVAL, Biliran, Feb 19 (PIA) -- The Land Transportation Office (LTO), Biliran Provincial Office has launched its information campaign in the implementation of Memorandum Circular No. VPT 2012-1609 dated December 13, 2011 on the revised rules in the implementation of the Early Warning Device (EWD) requirement. This was revealed by Grace Carsido, officer-in-charge of LTO-Biliran. She said, the information campaign which started Thursday, February 14 and ends on February 28 is aimed at providing ...
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18Feb2013MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Feb. 18 (PIA) –- The local candidates in Maasin City running for local posts on May 2013 polls signed a peace covenant committing themselves to ensure a fair, honest, peaceful and clean elections, Sunday, February 17. The peace covenant signing was in collaboration with the Philippine National Police-Maasin City Police Station led by Police Superintendent Elwin Fernandez and Commission on Elections (Comelec) Acting Election Officer Laurence Irman G. Gelsano who re...
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18Feb2013CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Feb 18 (PIA) -- Motiong, a town in Samar, will give livelihood assistance, scholarships to entice rebels to surrender and return into the folds of law. This was one of the agenda taken up during the first Municipal Peace and Order Council (MPOC) meeting in Motiong this year. In the meeting, the army official and the LGU headed by Mayor Francis Langi agreed to push the ordinance on peace and development program that will give opportunities and other incentives for reb...
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17Feb2013BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Feb. 17(PIA) -- Each car owner must buy a pair of the Early Warning Device (EWD). So said, Mrs. Nars Tabalnero, Land Transportation Office (LTO) Provincial Head in an interview. The Order she said is included in a Letter of Instruction (LOI) No. 229, signed by Assistant Secretary Virginia Torres, to prevent road accidents of all road users. The EWD she said, now becomes a mandatory accessory of all vehicles, because it is a very important device in preventing r...
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16Feb2013TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Feb 16 (PIA-8) -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Health (DOH), the lead agency in monitoring and eliminating the presence of avian influenza virus for animals and human respectively, have stepped up measures so that the Philippines remains free from such virus. According to Dr. Andrew T. Orais, Department of Agriculture Regional Livestock Program Coordinator, even if the Philippines is spared from these virus, there is a need for vigilance to avoi...
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16Feb2013TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Feb. 17 (PIA) -- A safe and peaceful election in Eastern Visayas depends on the region’s candidates adherence to the mandates of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC). Dr. Pedro Noval, regional director of the Department of Interior and Local Government said in his message during the local legislative award held at the People’s Center, Wednesday, that candidates just need to abide by the rules and regulations stated by COMELEC for the midterm election in the region t...
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15Feb2013CAMP RUPERTO KANGLEON, Palo, Leyte, February 14 (PIA) – The Philippine National Police in Eastern Visayas called on parents to monitor their children’s activity in the internet and cell phones as these could lead to sexual abuse and exploitation. Police Chief Superintendent Elmer Soria, PNP-8 Director, said that with easier access to technological advances comes the greater threat of children being abused and exploited through the internet. The danger includes abuses mostly linked to chil...
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15Feb2013TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Feb 15 (PIA) -- The Land Transportation Office in Eastern Visayas, starting March 1, will enforce the law that mandates drivers of public and private four-wheeled vehicles to have a pair of prescribed standard early warning devices (EWDs) ready for emergency purposes. This was disclosed by LTO Regional Director Edgardo Catarongan during the information campaign conducted Thursday at the LTO regional office. Catarongan said this was in line with nationwide directives, LOI...
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14Feb2013CAMP RUPERTO KANGLEON, Palo, Leyte, Feb 14 (PIA) -- Senior officers from Police Regional Office-8, the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division, and heads of telecommunication companies attended the Regional Joint Security Control Center (RJSCC) coordinating conference on February 12 at the Matapat Hall in this camp. The meeting was presided over by RJSCC Chairman Dennis L. Ausan who has recently taken the post of Regional Elections Director of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Eastern...
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14Feb2013CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Feb 14 (PIA) -- A Philippine Army official in Eastern Visayas said they are committed to ensure a Safe and Fair Election (SAFE) during the May elections. M/Gen. Gerardo T. Layug, Commander of the 8th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, made this commitment during the Regional Joint Security Coordinating Center (RJSCC) Meeting on February 12 at the Police Regional Office 8 Headquarters in Camp Kangleon, Palo, Leyte. “We give our assurance to the people in this re...
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14Feb2013CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Feb 14 (PIA) -- Land Transportation Office (LTO) District Officer Ruben Mancol announced that it will strictly enforce the use of early warning device (EWD) to owners of motor vehicles. In the radio program, Bantay Probinsya aired at DYMS, Mancol announced that it will strictly implement the law which has been in effect since December 2011. “We want to promote road safety and protect road users from the impact of road crashes due to defying this provision,” Mancol ...
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14Feb2013MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Feb. 14 (PIA) -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) in Maasin City will be holding a peace covenant signing on February 16 at the Lady's Assumption Parish Cathedral in Maasin City. In a radio interview with Maasin City Chief Police Superintendent Erwin Fernandez, he said the signing will be participated by the local candidates for mayor, vice mayor, and councilor levels. “The signing of peace pact is aimed at securing a safe and fair elections (SAFE) 2013,”...
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13Feb2013TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Feb 13 (PIA) -- For nine straight years already, 2003- 2012, there has been "zero strike" in Eastern Visayas. Labor Regional Director Exequiel Sarcauga said that the nine successive years of zero strike in the region may be attributed to establishment of industrial peace councils, promotion of social accord, labor education, litigation of cases, and enforcement of labor standards. Sarcauga said DOLE’s National Conciliation and Mediation Board has prevented five possibl...
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13Feb2013NAVAL, Biliran, Feb. 13 (PIA) -- Helmets worn by motorcycle riders on the road must bear Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) or Product Standard (PS) stickers. Motorists caught wearing helmets with no ICC or PS stickers are imposed fines as mandated by law. In a telephone interview, this morning with engineer Celerina Bato, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Biliran provincial director, she said their office stopped issuing ICC stickers on the last working day of December 2012. DTI started ...
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13Feb2013TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Feb. 13 (PIA) -- The Land Transportation Office (LTO) Region 8 will require all motor vehicles plying within its area of jurisdiction to have an early warning device starting March 1. LTO Regional Director Edgar A. Catarungan said they will launch an information dissemination campaign tomorrow so motor vehicle owners will know that an existing requirement to have an early warning device is mandatory. Catarungan added the requirement focuses on the safety of road users, es...
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11Feb2013TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Feb 11 (PIA) -- The military in Eastern Visayas has been discovering and seizing abandoned camps belonging to the rebel group of the New People’s Army (NPA) mostly in the hinterlands of areas in the provinces of Samar and Northern Samar. In 2012, military record shows 131 NPA camps seized and discovered by military troops. Of the total, 123 were seized without enemy resistance while eight were recovered with resistance from the enemy. Major General Gerardo Layug, comma...
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08Feb2013CAMP RUPERTO KANGLEON, Palo, Leyte, Feb 8 (PIA) – The Philippine National Police Eastern Visayas’ efforts to ensure secure and safe elections is starting to bear fruit. Police Chief Superintendent Elmer Soria, Director of the PNP in Eastern Visayas said that two hand grenades were found in raids conducted by operatives of the Regional Special Task Group-Samar at Barangay Danao, Tinambacan District. Simultaneous police raids on the houses of a man and his son on February 6 yielded two hand...
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06Feb2013MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Feb. 6 (PIA) -- On day one of his assumption as the new chief of police in this city, Police Supt. Erwin Fernandez’s marching order from the city mayor was clearly spelled out: to preserve the reputation of Maasin as the most peaceful city in Region 8. “There are no kidnappers, no terrorists in Maasin, only petty crimes,” Mayor Maloney Samaco reminded the new official during the turn-over rites Monday. “There were a series of robberies, but measures w...
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06Feb2013MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Feb 6 (PIA) -- The Philippine Coast Guard – Maasin City got funds for the purchase of patrol boat from the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) Southern Leyte to strengthen its maritime operations. During the regular meeting of the PPOC last Thursday, Coast Guard Officer Germaine Montezon reported that the mentioned patrol boat has been on sea test already. “The twin engine–patrol boat is now ready to be used for coast guard maritime operations,” he s...
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06Feb2013CATABALOGAN CITY, Samar, February 6 (PIA) --The Police Regional Office 8 (PRO8) arrested 5 suspected drug pushers, and 9 other persons engaged in drug sessions in a series of anti-illegal drugs operations in different parts of the region recently. One of the arrested suspects was a barangay Kagawad of Barangay Poblacion, Salug in Catbalogan City. Barangay Kagawad Jose Pilapil was nabbed in a buybust operation conducted by the Regional Special Operations Group of the Police Regional Office 8 on...
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05Feb2013CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Feb 5 (PIA) -- Major Gen Gerardo T Layug AFP, commander of 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army said the NPA is losing ground. “The discovery of several NPA camps is a clear manifestation that the NPA in the Samar provinces is losing ground literally and losing their influence over the people which eventually will lead to their downfall and collapse.” Based on a press statement by Capt Gene Orense, composite teams from the 20th Infantry Battalion, 803rd Brigade, ...
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04Feb2013MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Feb. 4 (PIA) -- This city has a new top cop in the person of Police Supt. Erwin Fernandez, who took over Supt. Rico Tome in simple turn-over rites at the City Police Station here at 10 a.m., Monday, today, witnessed by City Mayor Maloney Samaco. Provincial Philippine National Police (PNP) Director Sr. Supt. Armando Bulalin, himself new to the post vice Sr. Supt. Allan Cuevillas on January 16, handed the ceremonial turning over of the flag and records of the city p...
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04Feb2013CATARMAN, Northern Samar, Feb. 4 (PIA) -- The brigade commander of 801st brigade of Camp Sumoroy, in Catarman, Northern Samar Col. Rolando Malinao said the AFP stands ready to respond and address any threats by armed groups in the coming elections. This was his statement during the media forum conducted on Feb. 1 at Darab Hall, DAR provincial office. Malinao said, with the joint undertaking of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in the area, there...
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04Feb2013CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Feb 4 (PIA) -- The 87th Infantry (Hinirang) Battalion troops under Lt Col Cerilo C Balaoro recovered an M 16 rifle, one rifle grenade, two long magazines with 58 live ammunition, 21 live ammunition for M1 Garand rifle, and NPA subversive documents.firearms This, after an encounter with rebels at a NPA camp near Barangay Rizal, Basey, Samar recently. Cpt Tuguinay L Agoy led the military troops in a 45-minute gun battle against the local NPA insurgents. There was no re...
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03Feb2013BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Feb 3 (PIA) -- The Provincial Health Office (PHO) here assured the public there have been no case of chikungunya reported as of this writing. The assurance, through PHO Information Officer, Concesa Balanga followed after cases of the disease had been reported in some towns of the next province, Samar, which have caused mothers’ apprehension for their children. However, Balanga advised the public not to be complacent because the ailment, caused by mosquito bit...
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01Feb2013VILLABA, Leyte, Feb 1 (PIA) -- The provincial government of Leyte recently, through the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) had once again distributed reintegration funds to 28 former members of the New People’s Army who have decided to return to mainstream society. Each former rebel received P10,000 worth of pre-surfacing assistance while another P25,000.00 was also given to each of the five who surrendered with firearms. The distribution was the highlight of the Ceremonial A...
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01Feb2013BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Feb 1 (PIA) -- Twelve municipalities and one city in Eastern Samar have been declared insurgency free and Manageable Conflict-Affected and Ready for Development Areas (MCA-RDA) by the local governments and the military by year end 2012 and first month of CY 2013. The municipality of Quinapondan, Eastern Samar was the latest municipality of Eastern Samar to be declared as MCA-RDA during a simple ceremony held at the Municipal Hall of Quinapondan, E. Samar on January...
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31Jan2013CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Jan 31 (PIA) -- The Samar Brigade Commander responsible for the Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) Affairs in Western and Eastern Samar was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General in December. Brigadier General Romeo Lopez Labador AFP is the Commander of 801st Infantry (Bantay at Gabay) Brigade, 8th ID, PA who was instrumental in the successive declarations of 12 municipalities and one city of Eastern Samar as Manageable Conflict- Affected and Ready for Developmen...
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30Jan2013CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, January 30 (PIA) -- “We have reduced the enemy’s capabilities,” said Colonel Romeo Labador, the commanding officer of the 801st Infantry Brigade as he reports to the Samar Peace and order Council, Monday. He cited a decline in the number of insurgents collectively known as CNN meaning, CPP/NPA/NDF. “We have cleared 42 barangays,” he added. By this he meant barangays that have been influenced by the CNN and now have withdrawn support to the insurgents. He adde...
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30Jan2013TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, January 30 (PIA) – The military has recovered subversive documents which reveal that one of the plans of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Eastern Visayas is to implement the “permit to campaign (PTC)” and “permit to win (PTW)” scheme for all local candidates in the May, 2013 election. Captain Gene Orense, spokesperson of the 8th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army based in Catbalogan City revealed the information saying that the Eastern Visayas Regional Part...
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29Jan2013CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Jan 29 (PIA) -- An information and services package emanating from the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) projects will be bringing government services to Gandara and Matuginao barangays. During the Samar Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) meeting, Monday, member agencies with Samar LGU agreed to bring the government closer to the people in the area. Lt Col Glenn Calambuhay from the army conceptualized the series of Pamana caravans and presented the plan to...
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29Jan2013TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Jan 29 (PIA) -- A political prisoner has been temporarily released from detention to seek medical treatment for renal problems. Ericson Acosta was allowed temporary liberty to seek medical attention by Judge Reynaldo Clemens, presiding judge of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) 41 last January 17, this year, said lawyer Paquito Nacino, regional director of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR). Acosta, charged for illegal possession of explosives and accused of being a member...
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29Jan2013SOUTHERN LEYTE, Jan 29 (PIA) – The Regional Legal Service of Police Regional Office in Eastern Visayas conducted a lecture on Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Resolutions in preparation for the May 2013 national elections for Secure and Fair Elections (SAFE) 2013. The lecture that was conducted Thursday at Camp Alfredo K. Bantug, this city was participated by the Southern Leyte Police Provincial Office (SLPPO), Company Commanders and Chiefs of Police from the different municipalities throug...
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26Jan2013LOPE DE VEGA, Northern Samar, Jan. 27 (PIA) -- Government security forces discovered an abandoned rebel's camp at Sitio Catmaalad, Barangay Mckinley, Catarman, Northern Samar at around 9:30 a.m. of January 26, 2013. Lieutenant Colonel Noel A. Vestuir, 20IB’s commanding officer, in his report, said the camp was seized by the operating troops of 20IB led by 1Lt. Raul Delos Santos. The seized camp was reported to have 15 hastily destroyed bunkers that can accommodate more or less 15 to 20 rebe...
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25Jan2013CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Jan 25 (PIA) -- The 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division of the Philippine Army in a statement said it respects the decision of the court allowing accused Ericson Acosta to seek medical treatment at the National Kidney Institute in Quezon City. Acosta was detained at the Calbayog sub-provincial jail on charges of Illegal Possession of Explosives docketed as Criminal Case # 11-0501 filed at the Regional Trial Court, Branch 41 of Gandara, Samar. Acosta was apprehended by...
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24Jan2013CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Jan. 24 (PIA) -- Police crackdown on gun ban violators continues with the arrest of two Samarnons for violating the election gun ban 10 days since its implementation on Sunday, January 13. PRO8 Regional Director Police Chief Superintendent Elmer Ragadio Soria informed that two of the violators were arrested in checkpoint operations in Samar. Two men were separately arrested in checkpoint operations for violating the gun ban in Sta. Rita and Calbayog City. Soria ident...
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23Jan2013CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, January 23 (PIA)—An army official appealed to politicians in Samar to repulse any offer of permit to campaign or permit to win in exchange for monetary consideration this coming election. During the Municipal Peace and Order Council (MPOC) meeting in Paranas town, Monday Lt Col Cerilo Balaoro made his appeal. “The extortion schemes like permit to campaign and permit to win will start anytime before the campaign period,” he added. Balaoro is the 87th Infantry Bat...
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23Jan2013NAVAL, Biliran, Jan 23 (PIA) -- Nearly 300 from Biliran walked in the early morning on Sunday, January 20, for one common objective, to have a secure and fair election in May 2013. The early morning unity walk was in line with safe and fair election (SAFE) 2013 espoused and launched nationwide by the Philippine National Police (PNP) for a safe and fair conduct of the 2013 elections nationwide. The conduct of the unity walk in Biliran province was initiated and led by the Biliran Police Provi...
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23Jan2013TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, January 23 (PIA) -- Police Regional Office-8 regional director Chief Superintendent Elmer Soria led the Unity Walk and Prayer Rally for SAFE 2013 or “secure and fair” May 13 electoral exercise held Sunday, (January 20) this city. The activity was joined by more than 3,000 participants among them are top government officials and employers, religious leaders, military, students academe, civic groups, election watchdogs and other election stakeholders. Unity walks and ...
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22Jan2013MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Jan. 22 (PIA) -- The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) admitted that its field operation is being affected by right-of-way (ROW) problems. Visayas CorpComm and Public Affairs Officer Elmer D. Cruz, in a press statement, said that NGCP identified various right-of-way violations that hamper the maintenance of NGCPs transmission facilities. “Common ROW violations we encounter are planting of trees within the ROW corridor, grass fires in or around...
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22Jan2013MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Jan 22 (PIA) -- To ensure a peaceful conduct of May 2013 polls, Southern Leyte Police Provincial Office (SLPPO) headed by Police Senior Superintendent Armando F. Bolalin, SLPPO officer-in-charge headed a Unity Walk and Prayer Rally for a Secure And Fair Elections 2013, Sunday, January 20. Acting Police Community Relations Officer Police Chief Inspector Ronaldo A Plecerda said in a press statement that the said activity was in collaboration with the Commission on E...
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22Jan2013CAMP RUPERTO KANGLEON, Palo, Leyte, Jan. 22 (PIA) -- Thousands of Eastern Visayas stakeholders from all walks of life gave their commitment to cooperate and support the move for a “secure and fair” May 13 electoral exercise. Their commitment was manifested as they actively participated in Sunday morning’s Unity Walk and Prayer Rally for SAFE 2013 which was headed by the Philippine National Police in Eastern Visayas. Police regional director Chief Superintendent Elmer R. Soria Police Regi...
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20Jan2013BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Jan 20 (PIA) -- To further strengthen the security preparations for the forthcoming midterm elections, a special group was formed recently at the Philippine National Police (PNP) provincial office, Camp Asidillo, this city. Police Chief Inspector and Deputy Provincial Director Edwin Barbosa said the Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Council (JPSCC) will plan security measures and strategies to assure the public that the May 13 elections will be fair and orderly...
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20Jan2013BORONGAN CITY,Eastern Samar, Jan 20 (PIA) -- Hundreds of government employees and non-government organizations(NGOs) joined the early morning unity walk and prayer rally today. Despite the scattered rain showers, the participants, clad in sports wear hiked the distance from the provincial capitol to the city plaza using the Baybay boulevard route. Led by the Philippine National Police (PNP) in the province, Philippine Army(PA) contingents, and Comelec provincial personnel, the Unity Walk for ...
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20Jan2013TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Jan 20 (PIA) -- The Commission on Election (Comelec) regional office 8, Tacloban City led in deputizing government agencies to augment their forces and to ensure the conduct of a Secure And Fair Election (SAFE) in the May 13, 2013 synchronized national, local, and Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) elections. According to Atty. Jose Nick A. Mendros, Comelec regional director, the deputizing is expected considering the agency does not only lack manpower, but also r...
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19Jan2013TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Jan 19 (PIA) – A Philippine National Police wants private armed groups in Samar dismantled to ensure peaceful and violent-free election in May. Senior Inspector Jovie Espenido, team leader of the Regional Special Operations Task Group (RSOTG) Samar based in Calbayog City said the peaceful conduct of midterm elections does not rest solely on the peace covenant forged among candidates, but more so on the absence of private armed groups operating in the province. The spec...
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18Jan2013CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, January 18 (PIA)—PNP Chief and Police Director General Allan Purisima is set to visit Eastern Visayas tomorrow (January 19). During the visit, Regional Director Police/CSupt Elmer R Soria will showcase the PNP’s accomplishments in dismantling private armed groups in Samar. Soria earlier announced the creation of the Regional Special Operations Task Group (RSOTG) that would focus on the campaign against Partisan Armed Groups (PAGs) operating in Samar province. The...
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18Jan2013CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Jan 18 (PIA) -- Oplan Katok by the Philippine National Police (PNP) yielded 19 loose firearms in the city and led to the renewal of license of 77 firearms in Catbalogan. In a phone interview with PSupt Avelino Doncillo, PNP Catbalogan chief of police, he said that Oplan Katok is being waged against those who failed to renew the licenses of their firearms and those who possess loose firearms. “We were able to encourage owners of the 77 firearms to have their licenses r...
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18Jan2013TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Jan 18 (PIA) -- The signing of a peace covenant among candidates for elective posts this May 2013 election in the province of Samar is a step directed to achieve “Secured and Fair Elections (SAFE)” in the area. The peace covenant signing initiated by the Police Regional Office (PRO-8) got positive response as shown by the attendance of the candidates themselves and the high number of people present to witness the event. Police Chief Superintendent Elmer Soria, PRO reg...
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18Jan2013CAMP RUPERTO KANGLEON, Palo, Leyte, Jan. 18 (PIA) -- Police Chief Superintendent Elmer Soria, Philippine National Police-Region 8 director, called on all sectors of society to join the “Unity Walk” and Prayer Rally for Secure and Fair Elections on Sunday, January 20. Soria said that the PNP-led activity will be highlighted with the signing of a pledge of commitment by religious leaders, national agency heads, and all participants. Participants will assemble from three starting points in Ta...
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17Jan2013ORMOC CITY, Leyte, January 17 (PIA) – Some 32 key personnel from the 19th Infantry Battalion and nearly 60 policemen in Ormoc City were recently oriented on Election Laws at the Ramona Banquet Hall of New Pongos Hotel, this City. The whole day activity was hosted by the Occidental Leyte Bar Association (OLBA), Commission on Elections (COMELEC) -Ormoc City and the Rotary Club of Ormoc as their initiative for a secure and fair elections come May 13 this year. During the seminar, Police Senior...
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16Jan2013CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, January 16 (PIA)– The signing of a peace covenant by local candidates in Samar on Sunday (January 13) is expected to usher a safe and secure midterm polls in the province, said the region’s top police official. According to Police Chief Superintendent Elmer Soria, Eastern Visayas police regional director, the mere presence of the candidates and the good number of people who attended the peace covenant signing showed that Samareños are supportive of the PNP effort i...
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16Jan2013CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Jan 16 (PIA) -- Gen Gerardo T. Layug, Commander of 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division of the Philippine Army pledged his full support for a secure and fair election. Layug joined the Most Reverend Isabelo C Abarquez, Bishop of the Diocese of Calbayog; Police Director Ager P. Ontog Jr, Deputy Chief for Operations, PNP; Police Chief Superintendent Elmer R Soria, Regional Director, Police Regional Office 8; Atty Maria Corazon S. Montallana, Provincial Election Supervisor...
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15Jan2013By: Aurora J. Casimpan TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, January 15 (PIA) –To ensure the peaceful and orderly conduct of election this May in Samar province, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has implemented some pro-active measures in the province. Aside from the signing of the peace covenant among candidates seeking for elective position done Sunday, January 13, the PNP in Eastern Visayas has also established checkpoints and is monitoring the movement of private armed groups (PAGs) in the province...
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14Jan2013CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Jan 14 (PIA) -- The signing of the peace covenant is still relevant in this day and age of material desires. This is the common belief of some candidates, civil society, and even the public who witnessed the first ever peace covenant signing at the Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral, Calbayog City on Sunday. The Most Reverend Bishop Isabelo Abarquez of Calbayog Diocese, in his homily, said that he wanted the candidates to act as Christians, that everything they do should ...
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13Jan2013CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Jan. 13 (PIA) -- The Police Regional Office 8 (PRO8) will establish more police checkpoints as part of the implementation of the election gun ban beginning today, Sunday, January 13, 2013. “We will set-up more checkpoints in strategic places to strictly impose the gun ban during the election period,” said Police Chief Superintendent Elmer Ragadio Soria, PRO8 Regional Director as he ordered his men during Friday’s command conference attended by members of Directoria...
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12Jan2013TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Jan 12 (PIA) – In yet another effort to ensure orderly and peaceful election in May 2013, the Philippine National Police in Eastern Visayas will recall all security details assigned to different candidates. This was revealed by Chief Superintendent Elmer Soria, PNP regional director. He said the PNP should be free from accusations that it favors a specific candidate. In a statement, Director Soria said the PNP will remain non-partisan and that the recall of the security...
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11Jan2013CAMP RUPERTO KANGLEON, Palo, Leyte, Jan 11 (PIA) -- To enhance mobility, the Philippine National Police in Eastern Visayas recently distributed motorcycles to 17 police stations in the region. Police Chief Superintendent Elmer Soria, regional director of PNP - 8 said, “This is part of the capability enhancement and part of the strategic focus of the new PNP chief.” The use of motorcycles has its advantages: it can be maneuvered in crowded streets and it gets to the scene of the accident m...
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11Jan2013CAMP RUPERTO KANGLEON, Palo, Leyte, Jan 11 (PIA) -- At the very start of the election period, a signing of a peace covenant has been scheduled in the considered election “priority area” in Eastern Visayas. Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas will witness the signing of the peace covenant among the police, church leaders, and local candidates in Samar. Police Chief Superintendent Elmer Ragadio Soria, regional director of the Philippine National Police in Eastern Visayas expressed his grati...
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11Jan2013TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Jan 11 (PIA) -- Three activities related to the conduct of peaceful and orderly elections in the province of Samar are to be conducted before the election period this year. Chief Superintendent Elmer Soria, Philippine National Police regional director disclosed that foremost of the activities is the signing of the peace covenant tentatively set on January 13 for candidates running for congressmen for the province’s two congressional districts; governor; vice-governor a...
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11Jan2013CATARMAN, No. Samar, Jan 11 (PIA) -- Physical injuries is the most prevalent crime in the province, according to a report released by the Northern Samar Police Provincial Office. The report revealed that 50% of the total index crime volume falls on physical injuries of crime against persons, 32% murder and 9% robbery and homicide. For the period covering the whole month of December crime statistics revealed, however, that crime incidents decline from 65 in November to 51 in December. This,...
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11Jan2013TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Jan 11 (PIA) -- The Police Regional Office (PRO-8) in Eastern Visayas has reported 100 percent compliance of its entire police personnel in the region with the gun ban policy during the New Year revelry. Chief Superintendent Elmer Soria, PRO Regional Director, said the result of the gun inspection conducted Monday morning January 7 on the removal of tapes on the muzzles of service firearms of the police force at the PRO-8 showed no signs of tampered taped muzzles. The un...
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09Jan2013CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Jan. 9 (PIA) -- Nobody among the policemen in Samar province and in the whole Eastern Visayas region indiscriminately fired their guns on New Year revelry. This was confirmed during the gun inspection conducted yesterday where the tape removal of muzzles of service firearms among Samar Police Provincial Office and Police Regional Office 8 (PRO8) personnel was also conducted. None of the inspected taped muzzles showed signs of being tampered. Police Regional Office 8 (P...
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07Jan2013BORONGAN CITY, EASTERN SAMAR, Jan 7 (PIA) -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) Provincial Command in Eastern Samar accorded letters of commendation and medals to five of its members during the 19th Ethics Day ceremony at the provincial headquarters. PNP Regional Director Elmer Soria commended PO3 Rey Bagas, PO2 Jay Gapud and PO1 Bryan Tumamak, all assigned at the Safety Company in the town of Dolores, for successfully conducting a manhunt operation that led to the arrest of two wanted person...
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06Jan2013CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Jan 6 (PIA)—The Police Regional Office 8 (PRO8) vowed to pursuit operations against criminals as its top official reported that the Regional Special Operations Group scored anew in manhunt operations conducted in the cities of Ormoc and Catbalogan recently. “The RSOG accomplishments serve as warning to lawless elements that the long arms of the law always catches up with criminals wherever they may hide,” Police Chief Superintendent Elmer Soria, PRO8 Regional Dire...
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05Jan2013CATBALOGAN City, Samar, Jan 5 (PIA)—The Philippine National Police in Samar soaked in three big drums of water, illegal firecrackers on January 3 in the presence of the local press. The illegal firecrackers were confiscated by the police and fire departments from December 23, 2012 to January 1, 2013, Police Sr Supt Joseph Pensotes of the Samar Provincial Police Office said. He said the firecrackers were worth P48,000. PIA 8-Samar learned that the illegal firecrackers seized were confiscated ...
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03Jan2013CATARMAN, Northern Samar, Jan 3 (PIA) -- Not a single member of PNP in the province used their service firearms during the New Year revelry. This was learned from Police Senior Superintendent Isaias Bañez Tonog, PNP director. On December 29, 2012, 8 a.m., members of PNP Northern Samar down to the municipal level complied with instructions to conduct simultaneous taping of nozzles to refrain personnel from indiscriminate discharge of firearms. Police Supt. Portillo said that indiscriminate d...
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03Jan2013NAVAL, Biliran, Jan 3 (PIA) -- Residents of Biliran have a reason to be proud, it is one of the few places in the country that registered no victim of firecracker. In an interview with Janice Curso, a nurse assigned at the emergency room (ER) of the Biliran Provincial Hospital (BPH), she confirmed that since the early part of December, on Christmas eve and during the New Year revelry, and based on records at the (ER), the hospital had no patient admitted for treatment due to firecrackers and ...
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02Jan2013CAMP RUPERTO KANGLEON, Palo, Leyte, Jan 2 (PIA) -- New Year revelry was generally peaceful and safer compared to previous year’s celebration, with lesser number of firecracker injuries and with no victims of stray bullets, in Eastern Visayas Region, Police Chief Superintendent Elmer Rogadio Soria, police regional director, said. Soria said that no untoward incident was so far reported by the various provincial and city police offices all over the region during the New Year’s eve and also on...
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02Jan2013CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Jan 2 (PIA) -- Police authorities and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) with LGUs worked round-the-clock to ensure that Samarnons will meet New Year 2013 safely. In a text message, Police Provincial Director Eusebio Mejos reported that no crime incident was reported as Samar met 2013, and that no victims of firecrackers or stray bullet was reported. “Our PNP personnel was intact and were prepared for the hustle and bustle during the holiday seasons,” Mejos told P...
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02Jan2013TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Jan 2(PIA) -- Eastern Visayas recorded only one firecracker injury related case on New Year’s eve. This was learned from the Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center, the only sentinel hospital in Region 8. The victim was identified as Tiudulo Fernandez, 76, from Kassel Home, Tacloban City who was brought to a private hospital at about 10:29 p.m. of December 31 for injuries sustained from Picolo blast. It was learned that the victim was having a drinking spree with his ...
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31Dec2012MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Dec. 31 (PIA) -- Over 300 members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) from this city, from the 18 municipal stations, and those at the provincial command taped the nozzle of their service firearms December 29 simultaneously with other police stations across the country. Police Officer 3 Ma. Jean Labolabo at the provincial headquarters said the activity was meant to prevent indiscriminate firing of firearms from policemen during the height of celebrations welc...
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30Dec2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Dec 30 (PIA) –- Eastern Visayas has to date registered three firecracker-related injuries, since the start of the Iwas Paputok monitoring on December 21. The Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center in Tacloban City has recorded three cases, the latest of which was on December 26. Dr. Frederick Asanza told the Philippine Information Agency that the first case, admitted on December 21, was an 11-year-old boy from Santo Nino, Tanauan, Leyte who sustained corneal abrasion...
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30Dec2012CAMP RUPERTO K. KANGLEON, Palo, Leyte, Dec 30 (PIA) -- In anticipation of New Year’s Eve revelry, the Eastern Visayas police personnel conducted a simultaneous taping of the nozzles of issued firearms on December 29. Police Region 8 Director Elmer Soria informed that The muzzling of guns of PNP servicemen is aimed at making sure that they will not be used for the New Year revelry. He was quick to add that in the past few years, not a single member of the PNP from the region has used his or h...
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30Dec2012CAMP RUPERTO KANGLEON, Palo, Leyte, Dec. 30 (PIA) -- All the local disaster risk reduction and management councils are directed to activate their respective operation centers under red alert status from December 30 to January 3, 2013. Office of Civil Defense Region 8 Director Rey Gozon said this is in view of the Memorandum from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council dated December 27, 2012 calling for Red Alert status re “Alerto Bagong Taon 2013.” In his memo to the c...
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29Dec2012TACLOBAN CITY, Dec 29 (PIA) -- Department of Health (DOH) Eastern Visayas is strengthening its ‘Iwas Paputok' program through its Aksyon: Paputok Injury Reduction (APIR) this year aiming for zero casualty as the nation welcomes the New Year. The campaign also encourages the use of environment friendly materials instead of dangerous, pollutant firecrackers and plastic during the celebration. To avoid firecracker accidents and enjoy a safe celebration, DOH encourages participation in a co...
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28Dec2012CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Dec 28 (PIA) -- The joint forces of the city police and fire protection in Catbalogan have started regular monitoring of the firecracker vendors. According to Fire Inspector Agustin Ballo, they have started regularly monitoring on the 24th of December, the start of the selling of the firecrackers. Then on the 24th and 31st of December 31, a firetruck will be rounding the city streets to assure the public that the fire department is ready for any eventuality. At presen...
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27Dec2012MAASIN CITY, Dec. 27 (PIA) -- The local police station here, aside from issuing caution in using firecrackers to welcome the new year, also warned the public against syndicates that fool people with money the “Budol-budol” way. “Don’t talk to strangers, be a kid” that shuns anything sweet given by unknown persons, so advised Police Officer 3 Sancho Orito, police investigator, during the “Action Center” Kapihan sa PIA cable TV program Wednesday, at the Senior Citizen’s building...
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26Dec2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, December 26 (PIA) – A very much welcome gift this Christmas Season is the Air Passenger Bill of Rights which took effect of December 22, 2012, thanks to the Joint Administrative Order No. 1 between the Department of Transportation and Communication and the Department of Trade and Industry. As provided for by the Joint Administrative Order, the Bill of Rights for Air Passengers recognizes the passenger’s right to be provided with accurate information; the right to recei...
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26Dec2012CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, December 26 (PIA) — While many of us where busy buying gifts and for Noche Buena, the Regional Special Operation Task Group (RSOTG) was serious in dismantling the partisan armed groups (PAGs). The RSOTG scored in its stepped-up campaign against PAGs with the neutralization of Samar’s most wanted criminal and PAG member in an encounter in a hinterland village in Gandara town early morning on December 23, Sunday. “We aimed to dismantle these PAGs to ensure peacefu...
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25Dec2012CAMP RUPERTO KANGLEON, Palo, Leyte, Dec. 25 (PIA) -- The Philippine National Police in Eastern Visayas is conducting heightened campaign against unscrupulous vendors of illegal firecrackers and pyrotechnics to ensure public safety. The various city and municipal police stations in Region have been conducting surveillance and confiscation operations on illegal firecrackers and pyrotechnics which are being sold in the market. In Tacloban City, a substantial number of illegal firecrackers and ...
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23Dec2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Dec. 23 (PIA) -- The Police Regional Office of the Philippine National Police has sought partnership with the Roman Catholic Church and plans to coordinate with other religious groups to ensure a peaceful May 2013 elections. Police Chief Superintendent Elmer Soria, PNP regional director underscored the need to involve the religious community to thwart election related incidents and political violence especially in the “priority areas” in the region. “Priority area...
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23Dec2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Dec. 23 (PIA) --The military’s 8th Infantry Division based in Catbalogan City has disclosed its intent to be on on guard status even as the Armed Forces of the Philippines has announced the suspension of military operations (Somo) for the holiday period from December 16, 2012 and to end on January 3, 2013. Major General Gerardo Layug, commanding general of the 8ID said in a statement that the military across the region has been ordered to be on their guard although they...
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22Dec2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Dec. 22 (PIA) -- The deployment of special teams of police trackers and the Regional Special Operations Group (RSOG) of the Police Regional Office in Eastern Visayas to go after wanted persons resulted to the arrest of four persons considered as dangerous in their respective places of origin. In separate operations in the provinces of Samar, Northern Samar and Southern Leyte, the teams arrested the four suspects who were turned-over to their respective courts of origin for...
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20Dec2012BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Dec 20 (PIA) – Life is a lot better now that they have returned to the folds of the law. Thus said a former rebel (FR) who had to make a difficult but firm decision to leave the underground movement in order to build a new life under a legitimate government. Being a young mother, “Lolita” whose family roots originated at barangay Pagbabangnan of San Julian town, said, she has big and thousands reasons to return home and be at peace with her family. With ...
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18Dec2012BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Dec 18(PIA) – Residents of some hard-to-reach barangays of Can-avid, Maslog and Jipapad towns will find relief once construction of farm-to-market roads(FMR) leading to their areas are completed. A report of the Office of Presidential Assistance on Peace Process (Opapp) thru Area Manager Emy Bonifacio revealed that a total of P88 million worth of FMRs will be implemented in 2013. These will be constructed by the Army’s Engineering Battalion in the upstream b...
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18Dec2012CATARMAN, Northern Samar, Dec 18 (PIA) -- It will be a 24/7 tour of duty in Region 8 for police personnel during the Christmas season. Northern Samar Police Provincial Director, Senior Superintendent Isaias Bañez Tonog ordered 24/7 tour of duty for the Christmas holiday. PD Tonog assured police visibility so that travelers will reach their destination safe and on time. “The safety of the public is our concern. Aside from police visibility and providing assistance to the motorists, we will ...
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18Dec2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Dec 18 (PIA) -- The Department of Interior and Local Government reiterated its call for local government units to establish firecracker and pyrotechnic zones where people may light firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices in celebrating Christmas and the New Year. DILG Region 8 Director Pedro Noval Jr. said this is contained in the memo signed by DILG Secretary Mar Roxas, in an effort to minimize casualties that come with the revelry of the holiday season especially on New Yea...
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17Dec2012CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Dec 18 (PIA) -- The 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division, Philippine Army joined the Armed Forces of the Philippines in the implementation of the suspension of military operations (SOMO) to the NPA from December 16, 2012 – Jan 3, 2013 as declared by Higher Headquarters. The SOMO is the demonstration of the 8th ID’s commitment, sincerity, and resolve for peace in spite of conflicts with the insurgent group. While the SOMO prohibits deliberate offensive operation a...
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14Dec2012CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Dec 14 (PIA) -- The local government units of Samar were urged to strengthen the mechanisms to prevent human trafficking in the area. Fe Montano, Program Unit Manager of Plan International urged the provincial government to activate the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) and Violence Against Women and Children. She said that majority of the trafficked victims are women and that 79 percent of them were trafficked for sexual exploitation. She added that in...
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14Dec2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Dec 14 (PIA) -- Government troops from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police continue to secure vital installations in Leyte like the geothermal plant located in Kananga town and the city of Ormoc. Captain Dranreb Canto, 802nd Infantry Brigade public information officer, said the military is considering all vital installations as soft target of attacks. He said that while the military has not monitored or received information that the New...
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14Dec2012CAMP RUPERTO K. KANGLEON, Palo, Leyte, Dec 14 –- To ensure a fair and safe midterm elections next year, the Police Regional Office - Region 8 (PRO8) has formed a special task group to be deployed in Samar province after it was included in the list of 15 “priority areas” for the May 2013 polls. “The PNP in Eastern Visayas will make sure that upcoming elections is not only free and fair, but also secured, peaceful and orderly,” Police Chief Superintendent Elmer Ragadio Soria, Eastern V...
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14Dec2012CAMP RUPERTO K. KANGLEON, Palo, Leyte, Dec 14 (PIA) -- The intensified crackdown by the Philippine National Police against the proliferation of illegal drugs in Eastern Visayas has netted a sizable number of drug suspects and the seizure of a significant amount of illegal drugs as the Police Regional Office 8 (PRO8) vowed to make the area free from the drug menace. “The campaign against illegal drugs remains to be one of the PNP Eastern Visayas’ top priority with the aim of making Eastern ...
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14Dec2012CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Dec 14 (PIA) -- Police Regional Director Chief Superintendent Elmer Soria vowed to dismantle partisan armed groups identified with some politicians in Samar as he faced the Samar Press Club in a press conference last week. “We aim to neutralize the two remaining partisan armed groups or PAGs in Samar province before the campaign period,” the regional director said. For this, he organized the Regional Special Operations Task Group (RSOTG) where Police Senior Superint...
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13Dec2012CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Dec 13 (PIA) --The Philippine National Police-Regional Office 8 operation against illegal drug offenders has yielded positive results. In a press conference Tuesday at the PNP - 8 camp, PNP Regional Director Elmer Soria said that the police had arrested 169 suspects on illegal drugs trade and recovered P21-million worth of illegal drugs. “We want to make Eastern Visayas free from illegal drugs so that our campaign is a top priority," P/Chief Supt Soria told the Samar ...
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11Dec2012BORONGAN CITY, EASTERN SAMAR, December 11 (PIA) – Police Senior Superintendent (PSSupt) PNP Provincial Director, Brigido Basio Unay met the provincial media here recently, in preparation for the 2013 mid-year elections. According to Unay, he believes that the broadcasters and print media practitioners can help them in their advocacy for a safe and fair conduct of next year’s elections, thus his call for the meeting. Particularly, he sought media help in their campaign for gun-owners to re...
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10Dec2012CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Dec 10 (PIA) -- Police Regional Office - Region 8 (PRO-8) intensified their law enforcement and internal security operations in preparation for 2013 secure and fair election. Edgar Basbas Task force commander of the Regional Special Operation Task Group (RSOTG) revealed that there remain but two private armed groups (PAGs) in the region and that they are determined to dismantle them. In a press conference on secure and fair election held on December 8, Saturday, at the ...
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09Dec2012CAMP DOWNES, ORMOC CITY, Dec. 9 (PIA) -- The military branded as desperate moves of lawless elements belonging to the New People’s Army, the attacks on government troops in Albuera and Jaro, Leyte on December 6, which resulted to the killing of two soldiers, and the wounding of three other soldiers and a civilian. “This is another desperate act of the NPA to disrupt our efforts of bringing peace and development that will benefit our less fortunate brothers and sisters in the area,” said ...
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09Dec2012CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Dec. 9 (PIA) -- Major General Gerardo Layug, Commanding General of the 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army urged the 90 new graduates of the candidate soldier course to keep on serving the people and securing the land. “I encourage you to love your service as much as you love yourself. Learn by heart the basics. Learning is a continuous process, as you discover the intricacies of the service. Stay focused on the basics and you will never go wrong,” Layug told sol...
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09Dec2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Dec. 9 (PIA) -- The recent ambush of two Kalahi-CIDDs community facilitators in Samar is a case of mistaken identity. This was the conclusion reached by members of the Team Area Coordinator, the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines as the two community facilitators were wearing incognito helmets and jackets and were not wearing any identification that they were from DSWD Kalahi-CIDDS when they were fired upon by unidentified armed men on th...
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06Dec2012CAMP RUPERTO K. KANGLEON, Palo, Leyte, Dec 6 (PIA) -- The Police Regional Office-8 scored the biggest drug haul this year as a recent anti-illegal drugs operation in Kananga town in Leyte yielded a sizeable amount of methamphetamine hydrochloride, popularly known as “shabu.” Police Chief Superintendent Elmer Ragadio Soria, Eastern Visayas police director, said that joint operatives of Anti-illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Group (AIDSOTG) from the Leyte and Kananga police, and agents fr...
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05Dec2012CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Dec. 5 (PIA)-- Two facilitators of the DSWD program Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan (KALAHI) Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (CIDSS) were fired upon in Barangay Babaclayon, San Jose de Buan at 10:55 a.m., December 3. Renato Dacaymat and Harvey John Abelido, KALAHI-CIDSS facilitators were on their way to Barangay Babaclayon on board a motorcycle when met with volley of fire by 15 armed men believed to be NPAs according to a Philippine Army stateme...
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04Dec2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Dec 4 (PIA) -- In its efforts to neutralize sources of illegal drugs, and at the same time strengthen its anti-drug advocacy campaigns, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Regional Office 8, headed by Regional Director Gil T. Pabilona, is currently intensifying its campaign against illegal drug operations. It was learned from PDEA that arrested drug pushers and users admitted in government rehabilitation centers are mostly street-level pushers, with an average ag...
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04Dec2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Dec 4 (PIA) -- Two top officials of the Philippine Army in Eastern Visayas released statements on the state of the insurgency situation in the region. Col. Rafael Valencia, commanding officer of the 802nd Brigade, PA, said that the provinces of Biliran, Leyte, and southern Leyte are now clear of insurgency while admitting that the military has still to work on making Samar Island, composed of Samar, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar provinces, completely rid of insurgency. ...
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01Dec2012TACLOBAN CITY Leyte, Dec. 1 (PIA) -- At least one soldier was killed while two others were wounded when elements of the New People's Army ambushed government troops at around 4 p.m. on November 20 at Sitio Calingatnan, Barangay San Pedro, Albuera, Leyte. Sixteen soldiers of the 78th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army under 1LT Almendras were aboard a KM450 vehicle on their way back to their headquarters from peace and development activities in the interior sitios of Albuera when they...
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30Nov2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov. 30 (PIA) -- San Policarpo and Sulat towns in Eastern Samar are the latest towns of the province declared as insurgency free, a military official here said. Captain Gene Orense, civil military chief of the 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, based in Catbalogan City said that the two towns are the latest addition to the towns of Taft, Balangkayan, Maydolong, Mercedes, Guiuan, San Julian, Salcedo, Mercedes, Hernani and Borongan City to be declared as insurgency free...
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30Nov2012LOPE DE VEGA, Northern Samar, Nov. 30 -- Some 23 former New People's Army rebels recently received livelihood assistance from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP) and from the Provincial Government of Northern Samar. The former rebels who were members of Batakang Organisasyon han Partido (BOP), a CPP/NPA mass organization in the barangays received a total of P355,000 as livelihood financial assistance through the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) of...
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29Nov2012PALO, Leyte, Nov 29 (PIA) -- The Eastern Visayas Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) is on Red Alert on November 29 in conjunction with the memorandum circular re the re-scheduled launching of the third Korean satellite. Council Chair Rey Gozon made the pronouncement through a memorandum issued to all vice chairpersons of RDRRMC committees and chairpersos of all local disaster councils in the Region. In his memo, Gozon directed all the disaster councils to operate ...
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29Nov2012MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Nov. 29 (PIA) -- The Philippine National Police-Southern Leyte Police Office, as one of the frontline agencies of the drugs board, joined the nationwide observance of the Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Week that carries the theme, Health “Kalusugan ay Kayamanan, Droga ay Iwasan.” Police Chief Inspector Ronaldo A. Plecerda, in a press statement, said that the week-long activity, November 11-17 was supported by the Southern Leyte police in coordination with t...
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28Nov2012BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Nov 28 (PIA) -- Police Senior Superintendent Brigido Basio Unay has recently assumed officer-in-charge of the Provincial Police Command here. In simple rites yesterday, Unay received the PNP Office Symbol and Property Book from outgoing Provincial Director Police Senior Superintendent Manuel Enage Cubillo who has just completed his two-year stint in the province. In his acceptance message, the new PNP Director thanked the good Lord “for the blessing and for His ...
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28Nov2012PALO, Leyte, Nov. 28 (PIA) -- The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council has issued a memorandum effecting the No Sail Zone, No Fly Zone and No Fishing Zone policy in connection with the launching of the South Korean rocket on November 29 at around 5 p.m, Philippine time. This was learned from Office of Civil Defense Director Rey Gozon who is the chair of the Region 8 Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council who informed that the East Visayas RDRRMC operations c...
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27Nov2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov 27 (PIA) -- The Department of Interior and Local Government enjoined all local governments to conduct activities towards ending violence against women. This is in line with the observance of the 18-day Campaign to End Violence Against Women which started November 25 to December 12. With the theme, “VAW-Free Society in Times of Peace, Conflict and Calamity,” this year’s campaign will focus on gender-based violence during disasters and armed-conflict situations ...
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25Nov2012PALO, Leyte, Nov 25 (PIA) -- Soon, all steel bridges in Eastern Visayas will be painted orange to conform to International Safety Standards. Painting of steel bridges with orange will start before the end of 2012, said Rolando Asis, Public Works regional director. Asis said the region has more than six linear kilometers of steel bridges that will be painted orange. “The use of this color will identify bridges constructed by our office, increase bridge visibility and will protect the bridge ...
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24Nov2012CATARMAN, Northern Samar, Nov 24 (PIA) –Government troops recovered five landmines, one hand grenade, one long magazine of AK 47, one rifle grenade, 500 meters electrical wire, one army fatigue t-shirt, one black lousy cap and five pairs of slippers after an encounter with NPA at Brgy. Jangtud, Palapag, Northern Samar, at around 8:25am last November 13. This was learned from 2LT Kathleen R. Endrano, acting CMO officer, 34th Infantry Batallion, 8ID, PA, Brgy. Tambangan, Palapag, Northern Sama...
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23Nov2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov. 23 (PIA) -- The Regional Peace and Order Council in Region 8 (RPOC-8), under the chairmanship of Governor Paul R. Daza of Northern Samar, has taken steps to continue peaceful means of defeating insurgency in the region particularly in remote conflict-affected areas. Daza revealed that being a recipient of P12-million worth of Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (Pamana) which is the government’s peace and development framework to respond and strengthen peace building, re...
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23Nov2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov 23 (PIA) -- With all that Christmas rush, many businesses are being duped with fake peso bills. The recovery of fake money coming from bank deposits by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Tacloban branch confirms that counterfeit bills is being circulated in Eastern Visayas. Rosemarie Yunzal, BSP-Tacloban branch administrative division chief acknowledge the circulation of fake bills and warned the public to be extra cautious and be more discerning in scrutinizing the...
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23Nov2012CATARMAN, Northern Samar, Nov 23 (PIA) -- The province of Northern Samar will receive P184 million from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace process (OPAPP) for Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (Pamana) projects in 2013. This was learned from the Provincial Information Office. Among the projects are: 2013 Pamana Pillar 3 (Addressing Regional Development) for concreting of the Mondragon-Silvino Lubos road section worth P100 million; and construction and improvement of Silvino Lub...
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22Nov2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov 22 (PIA) -- As part of its security preparations for the coming mid-term elections, the Philippine National Police in Eastern Visayas has renewed calls for gunowners with expired licenses that they have until the end of this year to register their firearms. PNP regional director Chief Superintendent Elmer Soria disclosed that the office has recorded that as of last month, there were about 10,025 unlicensed firearms across the region considered loose firearms if its own...
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19Nov2012CAMP DOWNES, ORMOC CITY, Leyte – The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) awarded livelihood financial assistance to 17 rebel returnees was conducted at Barangay Canhandugan, Jaro, Leyte Friday (November 16). The Government’s Social Intergration Plan being implemented by the OPAPP continues to attract and help Former Rebels (FRs) to come back into the folds of law by giving livelihood financial assistance. The activity led by OPAPP representatives, was attended ...
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19Nov2012TACLOBAN CITY Leyte, November 19 (PIA) – The Philippine National Police (PNP) Region 8 and Plan Philippines in the Visayas recently inked a memorandum of agreement at Hotel Alejandro in Tacloban City to strengthen their partnership for the protection of women and children in Eastern Visayas . The MOA was signed by Police Chief Superintendent Elmer Soria and Mr. Rodel Bontuyan, Visayan Manager of Plan Philippines during Plan’s Seminar for the Protection for Women and Children and the awardin...
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17Nov2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov 17 (PIA) -- Confiscated lumber from illegal logging and timber poaching are donated to the Department of Education (DepEd) to be made into wooden chairs for use in schools lacking furniture. The act of donation is for practical purposes rather than let the lumber rot away said Natural Resources regional director Manolito Ragub Jr. Ragub also said that since the expenses for conversion of lumber into chairs puts a big dent to the DepEd’s resources, DENR Secretary Ram...
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16Nov2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov 16 (PIA) -- To strengthen the anti-drug smuggling drive in the country, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) joined forces against drug smuggling through the country’s ports. Through a memorandum of agreement (MOA), the parties involved will foster cooperation and coordination to conduct intensive and unrelenting campaign against drug smuggling encompassing the effective implementation of both anti-drug and port laws...
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16Nov2012CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, November 16 (PIA)-- The Joint Validation and Authentication Committee (JVAC) of the Samar Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) yesterday convened to process and approve the application of two former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) for government cash assistance. Mary and Jerry (real names are withheld for security reasons) were interviewed by the members of JVAC from DILG, Provincial Social Welfare and Development (PSWD), the army. PNP and a member of a ci...
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15Nov2012CAMP RUPERTO KANGLEON, Palo, Leyte, Nov 15 (PIA) -- To ensure a peaceful and orderly 2013 elections, the top priority of the Eastern Visayas national police is the campaign against partisan armed groups and loose weapons. Police Chief Superintendent Elmer Soria said he has ordered his men to step up their investigations of individuals who may be employing “partisan armed groups,” particularly those with links to some politicians, and to spare no one in their campaign against such groups and...
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13Nov2012PALO, Leyte, Nov 13 (PIA) -- The Department of Energy appealed to the business sector and the consuming public to uphold safe and fair practices in the sale of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Engineer Alex Rayos of the DOE-Retail Market Monitoring and Special Concerns Division, made the appeal during the multi-sectoral advocacy on the Downstream Oil Industry held recently at the Leyte Oriental Hotel at Palo, Leyte. In order to uphold consumer safety, there is a need to take immediate action ag...
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13Nov2012CAMP RUPERTO KANGLEON, Palo, Leyte, Nov 13 (PIA) -- The Philippine National Police in Eastern Visayas is now in the middle of preparations to ensure a peaceful and orderly election in May 2013. Police Chief Superintendent Elmer Soria, regional office 8 director, said that the drive against partisan armed groups (PAGs) and loose firearms will be crucial in keeping a peaceful and credible elections. Soria, who was recently in Calbayog City, disclosed that among the concerns the PNP is looking i...
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11Nov2012PALO, Leyte, Nov 11 (PIA) -- A Department of Energy official cautioned the local government officials against several malpractices of unauthorized liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) seller which pose serious threats to consumers. During the multi-sectoral advocacy forum at the Leyte Oriental Hotel at Palo, Leyte on November 8 and 9, Director Zenaida Monsada of the Oil Industry Management Bureau (OIMB-DOE) said repainting of LPG tanks with independently labeled LPG brands, under-filling and selling b...
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09Nov2012MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Nov 9 (PIA) -- For local motorists whose helmets were bought before July 2012, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) provincial office urges them to secure Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) stickers from their office before the year ends. “ As of October 31, the trade and industry government office were able to provide 2,331 ICC stickers in Southern Leyte, so far," Rustica Munda of DTI said during the Action Center Kapihan sa PIA, Thursday, at the Senio...
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07Nov2012CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Nov 7 (PIA) -- The army Bayanihan troops continue to pursue rebels particularly in Matuguinao, Samar where lairs of rebel camps are hidden; on November 5 in Barangay Del Rosario, Matuguinao, Samar, they seized an abandoned enemy camp. According to Captain Gene Orense of the 8th Infantry Division, there were makeshift bunkers and kitchen which can accommodate 45 people in the camp. “The abandoned NPA camp in Matuguianao, Samar symbolizes that the NPA is suffering a so...
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07Nov2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov 7 (PIA) -- As part of its security preparation for next year’s mid-term elections, the Philippine National police in Eastern Visayas is intensifying its campaign against illegal possession of firearms through arrests of gun holders either without or expired licenses. Senior Supt. Roel Acidre, chief of the PNP Regional Police Community Relations Division (RPCPD) disclosed that the intensified campaign is being done for the police force to be able to neutralize private...
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05Nov2012MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Nov. 5 (PIA) -- The Philippine National Police-Southern Leyte Police Provincial Office (PNP-SLPPO) said that the total index crime volume for the third quarter of this year reached at 167 occurrences compared to the third quarter of last year at 194. In the joint Peace and Security Coordinating Council held at Ormoc City by the last week of October, this year, Police Senior Inspector Ariel Nuñez quoted Provincial Director PSSupt. Allan T. Cuevillas saying, “In t...
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04Nov2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov 4 (PIA) -- After the peaceful celebration of Undas, the member agencies of the Eastern Visayas Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (DRRMC)is now focusing on ensuring the safety of travelers and beach goers. Office of Civil Defense Director Rey Gozon said that most of the vacationers who came home for the Undas will start going back where they came from. The bus terminals, seaports, and airports will be the focus of security measures by the disaster...
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03Nov2012CAMP RUPERTO K. KANGLEON, Palo, Leyte, Nov 3 (PIA) -- The observance of Undas in Eastern Visayas was generally peaceful, Police Regional Office 8 director Police Chief Superintendent Elmer Ragadio Soria said. “There were no major incidents reported during the period except for several cases where the police confiscated bladed weapons and liquors at cemetery entrances,” Soria disclosed. Soria credited this to the help extended by the police’s force multipliers, among them members of diffe...
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03Nov2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov 3 (PIA) -- The Sangguniang Bayan (municipal council, SB) of the municipality of Naval is set to pass “The New Internet Ordinance of Naval 2012” or an ordinance prescribing rules and regulations in the establishment and operation of all internet cafes in town, defining their duties and responsibilities and providing penalties for violation thereof. However, according to SB Member Gabino Velasquez IV, sponsor of the ordinance, before it is finalized, a committee hea...
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03Nov2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov 3 (PIA) -- In order to enhance their capability in target shooting, the policemen of the Biliran Police Provincial Office (BPPO) from the eight municipalities in the province led by their respective chiefs of police attended a one-day Shootfest Competition on Monday. This was revealed by Police Superintendent Mateo Macale of the BPPO Police Community Relations. He said the competition was held at the BPPO compound in Brgy. Larrazabal in the municipality of Naval, Bil...
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02Nov2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov 2 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Foods and Drugs of the Department of Health in Eastern Visayas recently stated the recall of Korean noodles contaminated with benzopyrene from the local market. Mr. Francis Germano of BFAD 8 said that BFAD OIC BAby Castillote went on an inspection mission on October 31, to recall six Korean brands of noodles products found by the Korean FDA to contain benzopyrene, a chemical with carcinogenic potential. The list of identified noodle products...
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01Nov2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov. 1 (PIA) -- The Biliran Police Provincial Office (BPPO) headed by Police Senior Superintendent Felix Alberca Diloy has set up public assistance hubs in cemeteries of the eight municipalities of Biliran for the commemoration of All Saints and All Souls days. The hubs will serve as venue to entertain queries and extend assistance related to peace and order from the general public who will be visiting their dear departed on these days. PSSupt. Felix Alberca Diloy, BPPO P...
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01Nov2012MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Nov 1 (PIA) -- The Southern Leyte Police Provincial Office (SLPPO) assured the public of a peaceful and orderly observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. Provincial Director Police Senior Superintendent Allan T. Cuevillas ordered a maximum deployment of personnel at major cemeteries, seaports, terminals and other places of convergence and major thoroughfares throughout the province. Police Senior Inspector Ariel Nuñez, in a report said that Police Assi...
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01Nov2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov. 1 (PIA) -- Around 5,000 of the more than 6,000 policemen of the Philippine National Police in Eastern Visayas have been deployed to the field starting October 31, Wednesday until November 2, Friday for the observance of All Saints Day and All Souls Day. PNO Police Chief Superintendent Elmer Soria said that the entire police force in the region has been placed in full alert status to provide maximum security coverage and public safety services to motorists and commu...
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01Nov2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov. 1 (PIA) -- Army soldiers belonging to the 801st brigade based in Brgy. Fatima, Hinabangan, Samar will augment the police, the barangay officials and the tanods, the religious groups and other concerned organizations especially those in the rural areas or hinterlands in this year’s observance of All Souls and All Saints Days from October 31 to November 2. Col. Romeo Labador, commanding officer of the 801st brigade of the 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, said ...
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01Nov2012CAMP RUPERTO KANGLEON, PALO, Leyte, Nov 1 (PIA) -- No firearms, bladed weapons, selling and drinking of liquor, and other similar items, including gambling will be allowed inside public and private cemeteries in observance of All Saints Day and All Souls Day Philippine National Police (PNP-8) Director Police Chief Superintendent Elmer Soria said. Soria made the reminder saying that as people converge to different cemeteries to visit their departed loved ones, Undas will present an opportunity t...
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31Oct2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Oct. 31 (PIA) -- The Oplan Ligtas Undas of the Department of Transportation and Communications kicked off in Eastern Visayas at 8 a.m. today, OIC Regional Director Edgar A. Catarongan of the Land Transportation Office in the Region said. Director Catarongan said DOTC’s “Oplan Ligtas Biyahe: Undas 2012” is part of the Department’s continuing program to provide travelers with convenient, affordable, reliable, efficient and safe travel experience this All Saints’ Da...
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30Oct2012GOVERNMENT CENTER, PALO, Leyte, Oct 30 (PIA) -- An official of the Department of Public Works and Highways – Region 8 has instructed all district engineers in the region to reactivate the “Lakbay Alalay” program in their respective areas of jurisdiction. Director Rolando Asis said that this is in line with the directive from Public Works Secretary Rogelio L. Singson to assist and ensure the safety of motorists during the observance of the All Saints and All Souls days (Undas). From 5 p....
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30Oct2012CAMP RUPERTO KANGLEON, Palo, Leyte, Oct 30 (PIA) -- Police offices have been directed to stay on full alert during the duration of the ”Undas,” an official of Police Regional Office 8 said. Police Chief Supt. Elmer R. Soria, PNP regional director, said he has directed maximum deployment of cops in all cemeteries, places of convergence and major thoroughfares in the region to ensure peaceful and orderly observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. Soria said PNP-Eastern Visayas’...
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30Oct2012CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Oct 30 (PIA) -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is again spearheading Lakbay Alalay (Travel Assist) for Undas with the Land Transportation Office, the police and the local government, following the October 15 memorandum from Public Works Sec. Rogelio Singson. “We have to ensure that national highways, more importantly those leading to both public and private cemeteries, are thoroughly maintained and in good shape for safer and comfortable travel,” ...
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30Oct2012CARIGARA, Leyte, Oct 30 (PIA) -- The Leyte Second Engineering District of the Department of Public Works and Highway (DPHW) has deployed six-man composite teams in three locations in the district’s national roads in time for the celebration of All Souls and All Saints days (Undas). These DPWH offices are in Carigara, Leyte; Brgy. Lemon in Capoocan, Leyte; and in Dulag, Leyte. District Engineer Ma. Margarita C. Junia said this is in line with the activation of the Department of Public Works a...
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30Oct2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Oct 30 (PIA) -- The Philippine National Police – Region 8 has established police assistance centers (PACs) across the region to assist the traveling public and increase police visibility for a peaceful and meaningful observance this All Souls’ and Saints’ Days. Police Chief Supt. Elmer Soria, PNP regional director, said reporters that the PACs were set up as part of the PNPs implementation of “Oplan Kaluluwa.” He also has directed all provincial, city and munic...
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29Oct2012BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Oct 29 (PIA) -- The mayor of Borongan City signed the Joint Declaration for Manageable Conflict-Affected and Development Ready City. Mayor Ma. Fe Abunda signed the declaration with Colonel Romeo Labador, brigade commander of the Philippine Army based in Barangay Fatima, Hinabangan, Samar. Abuda appealed for stakeholders’ continued support in maintaining peace in the city. She cited the soon-to-be constructed million-dollar worth road project which will also pas...
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29Oct2012CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Oct 29 (PIA) -- An official of the Catbalogan City police says cops are ready for the hustle on Undas 2012. “We have observed that police visibility in cemeteries deter crimes,” Senior Supt. Avelino Doncillo said. PNP is setting up two help centers in the two busiest cemeteries of the city, particularly in barangays Guinsorongan and Silanga. The PNP centers will be joined by civic organizations in the city like React, Alert 5, and Kabalikat as force multipliers, w...
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29Oct2012MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Oct 29 (PIA) -- The Southern Leyte Police Provincial Office (SLPPO) conducted a Proficiency Firing Test for police officers assigned at the SLPPO and other units, Tuesday. The activity that will augment the capability of police officers is one way of developing and enhancing their competence as police authorities, most particularly women who are most preferably doing office works in their respective units and stations, PCR Officer Police Senior Insp. Ariel Nuñez sa...
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26Oct2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Oct 26 (PIA) -- The public is reminded to take measures regarding the October 26 South Korea’s launching of its third satellite. The public, especially those along the coastal areas of Isabela in Region 2, the Bicol Region, Samar and Leyte in Region 8, and Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur in the Caraga Region, are cautioned to stay away from “exclusive zones” or areas where debris of the rocket are expected to fall, said a circular coming from the office of Secr...
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26Oct2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Oct 26 (PIA) -- The attainment in the solution of the peace problem in Mindanao has clearly been hoped for at the international level as shown in the speeches of two foreign dignitaries who attended the 68th Leyte Landings anniversary last October 20 at Candahug, Palo, Leyte. In their Solidarity messages, Minister Setsuo Ohmori, Head of chancery, Embassy of Japan and Ms. Trevor Lewis, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of the United Kingdom for Great Britain and Northern Ire...
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25Oct2012TACLOBAN CITY Leyte, Oct. 25 (PIA) -- Fifty-two Eastern Visayas policemen directly assigned and involved in protecting and looking after the welfare of tourists participated in a day-long “Tourist Oriented Police for Community Order and Protection” (TOPCOP) training conducted by the Department of Tourism (DOT). DOT Region 8 Director Karina Rosa Tiopes said the training on October 23 was held at the Parole & Provision Office, Community Correction Development Center, Bulwagan ng Katarungan, ...
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23Oct2012CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Oct 23 (PIA) -– The commander of the 43rd Infantry Battalion (IB) vowed to pursue peace relentlessly, despite the death of four of his soldiers. “Despite the loss of lives of my men, we will pursue our efforts in conducting peace and development activities to assist the local government attain peace and development,” Lt. Col. Glen Jun Calambuhay, commander of the 43rd IB said. 8th Infantry Division reported that four soldiers from the 43rd IB, 8th ID, Philippine ...
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22Oct2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Oct 22 (PIA) -- The Philippine National Police – Regional Office 8 has reactivated “Oplan Kaluluwa,” placing the police force on full alert to provide maximum security coverage and public safety to motorists and commuters. The reactivation follows the call of Police Director General Nicanor A. Bartolome to prepare security plans for All Saints Day and All Souls Day. Police Chief Supt. Elmer R. Soria, PNP-8 director, said this is a standard operating procedure to pro...
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19Oct2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Oct 19 (PIA) -- The rejoicing of Muslims over the recently signed framework agreement creating the Bangsamoro region also echoed in the Eastern Visayas region. The Muslims in the region expressed not only joy but hope as well over the new agreement as they believe that peace will finally reign over the troubled Mindanao land. SPO3 Abdullah Gapal Abah, chief of the Salam (peace) Police Center of the Philippine National Police regional headquarters, said that in behalf of a...
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19Oct2012CAMP RUPERTO K. KANGLEON, PALO, Leyte, October 19, 2012 – The Police Regional Office 8 has expanded its one-strike policy from illegal gambling to also include illegal logging. “This will ensure that our police units would also go after illegal loggers and this will keep police chiefs on their toes," said Police Chief Superintendent Elmer R. Soria, regional director of PNP Eastern Visayas. By including illegal logging under the one-strike policy and the religious compliance to the PNP’s ...
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18Oct2012CAMP RUPERTO KANGLEON, PALO, Leyte, Oct. 18 (PIA) -- The Eastern Visayas Philippine National Police Regional Office is enforcing strict compliance on the use of standard protective helmets while driving motorcycles, among all its personnel. PNP 8 Regional Director Elmer Soria said this is in line with the implementation of R.A. 10054, an act mandating all motorcycle riders to wear standard helmet gears when driving, the PNP PRO 8 in coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry(DTI) c...
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17Oct2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Oct 17 (PIA) -- The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Eastern Visayas, in strengthening its campaign against drug abuse in the region, had asked the Regional Development Council to urge local government units (LGUs) including barangays (villages) to reactivate the Anti-Drug Abuse Councils (ADACs) mandated by the Department of the Interior and Local Government. ADAC is an existing council in the LGUs but does not function according to its mandate said Julius Navales, P...
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16Oct2012CAMP RUPERTO K KANGLEON, Palo, Leyte, Oct 16 (PIA) -- Police Chief Superintendent Elmer R. Soria, the PNP regional director for Easter Visayas, recently turned over eight bikes and eight handheld radios to the regional support group and the Palo Municipal Station, to enhance capability in more efficient and more effective anti-crime efforts. Police Superintendent Franco Simborio, the chief of Regional Headquarters Support Group, received two bikes and two handheld radios while Palo Municipal ...
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16Oct2012CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, October 16 (PIA)— The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), in cooperation with the Samar LGU, has conducted a seminar on combating illegal recruitment and trafficking in persons for Samar Public Employment Service Office (PESO) managers at the New Maqueda Bay Hotel, Catbalogan City. Based on the assessment and reports from the local government unit women and children’s desks, Samar province emerged as one in the top ten provinces with high number of...
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16Oct2012CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Oct 16 (PIA) -- Land Transportation Office (LTO) consulted those from Samar on the proposed standardization of motor vehicles plates. The plates have been there since 1984, of various types and designs causing difficulty in the prompt identification of counterfeit plates. Some motorists he added use also dilapidated and illegible plates posing threats to national security and peace and order, according to LTO Assistant Regional Director Edgar Catarongan. Because of thi...
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15Oct2012CAMP RUPERTO K. KANGLEON, Palo, Leyte, Oct 15 (PIA) -- PNP Region 8 Director Elmer R. Soria recently cited the vital role of force multipliers in addressing the peace and order situation in their respective communities. “My vision is for a more aggressive and stronger partnership between the police and the force multipliers in our drive against criminality as you play a crucial role in crime prevention and control operations,” Police Chief Superintendent Soria said as he addressed the 200 d...
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15Oct2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Oct 15 (PIA) -- A motorcycle relay dubbed “2W Relay for A C.A.U.S.E. (Call to Action towards Unity, Safety and Equality) kicked off in General Santos on September 22 and arrived in Laoang, Northern Samar on Saturday, October 13. The 2W Relay, which will run from September to November, is spearheaded by the Department of Transportation and Communications in partnership with the Motorcycle Rights Organization (MRO), Alliance of Road Users and Motorcycle Advocate Society (...
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15Oct2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Oct 15 (PIA) -- A motorcycle relay dubbed “2W Relay for A C.A.U.S.E. (Call to Action towards Unity, Safety and Equality) kicked off in General Santos on September 22 and arrived in Laoang, Northern Samar on Saturday, October 13. DOTC-Land Transportation Office Regional Director Camilo Guarin said the 2W Relay which will run from September to November is spearheaded by the Department of Transportation and Communications in partnership with the Motorcycle Rights Organizat...
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12Oct2012Tacloban City, Leyte, Oct 12 (PIA) -– The Philippine Army captured another communist rebel in Las Navas town in Northern Samar. The capture brought the number of New People's Army camps discovered and overran by government soldiers in the Samar Island to 30 this year. Captain Gene Orense, chief of the public affairs office of the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division based in Catbalogan City, Samar said government troops led by Lt. Owen Yanto of the 63rd Infantry Battalion engaged rebels...
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11Oct2012PALO, Leyte, October 11 (PIA) -- The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) recently warned the public about the proliferation of marijuana-laced brownies, or cakes, in the streets. PDEA Region 8 Director Julius Navales said PDEA Director General Undersecretary Jose S. Gutierrez Jr. issued the warning in light of a recent report citing the existence of homemade baked goods that contained marijuana presented as a birthday gift. Director Navales said that last week, a nurse in a provincial ...
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11Oct2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Oct 11 (PIA) -- As police operatives in Eastern Visayas intensifies the campaign against illegal activities, two minors were arrested in Naval, on October 4 for allegedly carrying sachets of dried marijuana leaves, authorities said. Naval cops arrested a 15 and 17 year old boy at Brgy. Rosario, while conducting beat patrol operations. One is said to be a high school student and the other is an out-of-school youth. The police suspected that the three sachets of dried mar...
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11Oct2012CAMP RUPERTO K. KANGLEON, PALO, Leyte, Oct 11 (PIA) -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) has vowed to unleash the full might of the law against operators and protectors of the illegal numbers game called “swertres.” Police Regional Office Region 8 (PRO-8) Director Elmer Soria echoed the instruction and guidance of Department and Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Mar Roxas during his first command conference with top officials of the PNP on Monday to stamp out all forms of il...
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10Oct2012CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Oct 10 (PIA) -- Army troops from the 63rd Infantry (Innovator) Battalion, 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army recovered one NPA camp after a clash against the insurgents on October 8 at Brgy. Capoto-an, Las Navas, Northern Samar. First Lt. Owen Yanto of 63rd IB led the military troops during the 30-minute encounter against NPAs, which resulted in the recovery of the NPA camp with 22 makeshift bunkers, eight ponchos, one mess hall, and one kitchen and two M16 rifles wi...
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09Oct2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Oct 9 (PIA) -- The sustained “bayanihan” efforts jointly conducted by all local government units (LGUs), local government agencies (LGAs), and civil society organizations in conducting community-development activities in conflict affected, as well as in non-conflict affected areas, in the region has resulted to the military's declaration of three Eastern Samar towns, manageable-insurgency areas. Thus, said Major-General Gerardo Layug, commanding general of the Army’s...
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08Oct2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Oct 8 (PIA) -- The Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA) in Eastern Visayas will strengthen their campaign against anti-illegal recruitment and anti-human trafficking in the region through the conduct of pre-employment orientation in schools and municipalities. Rose Gervoso, POEA regional coordinator, disclosed that this October 10-11, the agency will be in Catbalogan City for the campaign against illegal recruiters. She said also that the activity will be graced b...
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08Oct2012CAMP SEC. RUPERTO K. KANGLEON, Palo, Leyte, Oct 8 (PIA) -- Government security measures are in place to protect and ensure the safety of visiting foreign nationals and domestic tourists in Eastern Visayas, Police Region 8 Director Elmer R. Soria said. “Peace and order is the key to a successful tourism industry as safety and security of visitors is a primary concern of tourists when travelling to tourist destinations," said Soria during the activation of the Tacloban Tourist Police Unit on...
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07Oct2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Oct 7,(PIA) -- To ensure fair and peaceful 2013 mid-term elections, the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Eastern Visayas has undertaken preventive measures for possible problems which may arise during the elections. Police Supt. Jennifer Sumpo, deputy regional police community relations division, disclosed that the regional PNP has conducted Regional Task Force Group: Safe and Fair Exercise for Local and National Elections (Safelane) 2013. She said that since the PNP-...
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06Oct2012CATARMAN, Northern Samar, Oct 6 (PIA) -- As part of the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s mandate, the Provincial Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Trafficking in Persons (Piacat) strengthened its campaign to fight against abuses of women and children through institutionalizing the Local Committee on Anti-Trafficking and Violence Against Women and Children (LCAT-VAWC). A Piacat is a convergence of multi-agency from local and national, law enforcement, judiciary, NGOs, academe, re...
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06Oct2012BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Oct 6 (PIA) -- As far as criminality is concerned, the province of Eastern Samar remains relatively peaceful, the Philippine National Police (PNP) this province said in an interview with Philippine Information Agency (PIA). Police Superintendent Orlando S. Gardiola, operations officer of ESPPO, said that for the period of January to September, ESPPO has recorded total crime volume of 521 compared to the same period of 2011, with 802 reported crime incidents. The...
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04Oct2012CATARMAN, Northern Samar, Oct 4 (PIA) -- A total of P445,000 was released for 12 former rebels operating in the province of Northern Samar as reintegration assistance. Major Ron Cutillon of the 803rd Infantry (Peacemaker) Brigade of the 8th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army said the assistance is part of the Comprehensive Local Integration Program of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process. In a statement, Provincial Social Welfare Development Officer Carmen Mejia sa...
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04Oct2012MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Sept 4 (PIA) -- The Department of Health (DOH) will launch the Road Traffic Injury Prevention Project (RTIP) in Maasin City on October 8, based on its local theme “Making Appropriate Safety Action to Motorists.” It is aimed at strengthening the capacity to implement measures to prevent road traffic injuries in different settings around the city, Healthy City Initiatives Team Ledaer Christopher Plateros said. The launching activity initiated by the DOH in coordi...
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04Oct2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Oct 4 (PIA) -- Joint elements of the police and military in Eastern Visayas is conducting operations against suspected members of private armed groups to ensure peaceful mid-term elections. Police Chief Supt. Elmer Soria, PNP regional director, said PNP is close to neutralizing the armed groups in the region. Samar Island has PAGs because of the intense political rivalries in some areas of the Island. PNP reported that three out of eight private armies have been neutrali...
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02Oct2012NAVAL, Biliran, Oct 2 (PIA) -- The regional office of the Philippine National Police in Eastern Visayas formulated a security plan to ensure the safe and fair exercise of the local and national elections here next year. Police Chief Supt. Elmer Ragadio Soria, regional director of PNP-8, said in a statement that PNP-8 has formulated LOI 20-2012, which is the Regional Task Force Group: Safe and Fair Exercise for Local and National Elections (Safelane) 2013 or the “Implan Piniliay 2013.” S...
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02Oct2012CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Oct 2 (PIA) -- Samar women were given recognition for their efforts to keep peace in the towns of San Jorge, Matuginao, and San Jose de Buan. During the two-day seminar-workshop on women, peace, and security at Caluwayan Palm Beach Resort, Brgy. Caluwayan, Marabut, Samar last September 24-25, concerns on women surfaced. The women were not necessarily given awards but speaker Jasmine Nario-Galace, We Act 1325 national coordinator and the overall facilitator, recognized t...
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02Oct2012MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Oct 2 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry Provincial Office has already started issuing Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) or Product Standard (PS) for protective helmets of motorcycle riders. They have also designated schedules to issue ICC stickers in far municipalities across the province. Their office had already advised in letters they sent August 1 to stores in the province to sell standard helmets as required by the Helmet Law, said Resty Munda, DT...
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30Sep2012BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Sept 30 (PIA) -- Illegally cut lumber measuring 1,528 board feet were recently confiscated at Barangay Siha, Borongan City in Eastern Samar by Borongan police. Police Director Manuel Cubillo said this is part of the sustained intensified campaign against illegal logging as directed by the new Police Regional Office 8 Director Elmer Soria. Cubillo cited the members of the Borongan City Police Station even as he encouraged the other police stations in the different ...
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29Sep2012CARIGARA, Leyte, Sept 29 (PIA) – The Department of Public Works and Highways in Leyte is set to demolish or remove at least 11,000 illegal structures along the road right-of-way limit of national highways. Ma. Margarita C. Junia of DPWH said this will be implemented to the fullest by a team who will rid road of way free from obstructions. “The six-man team will solely focus on demolition of illegal structures. It seems that people just disregard our notices. We should not wait for erring r...
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26Sep2012Catbalogan City, Samar, Sept 26 (PIA)-- Not firearms but domestic brooms and dustpans were the equipment carried by the soldiers of 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division (ID), Philippine Army who joined the “Linis (clean) for Peace,” September 21 in Catbalogan City. They were joined by other Samar residents who were united for peace, in connection with the Peace Month Celebration. This was led by the LGU-province through the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC), followed by all part...
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26Sep2012CATARMAN, Northern Samar, Sept 25 (PIA) – The road project of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP) through its Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (Pamana) Pillar 3 road projects was turned-over to the local government of Mondragon, Northern Samar on September 19. OPAPP Undersecretary Luisito Montalbo, who graced the occasion said that Pamana is a nationwide convergence peace-building program focused on the development of conflict-affected areas and vulnerable communiti...
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25Sep2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Sept 25 (PIA) -- Philippine-China relations goes beyond the West Philippine Sea. In reply to reporters querry about the Enrile-Trillanes "word war," Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Sonny Coloma said to understand the issue, the whole context has to be considered and understood. He said there may be an underlying political issue between the two Senators. Coloma, however, urged media “to leave it at that,” noting that there is a bigger concern-...
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25Sep2012CATARMAN, Northern Samar, Sept 25 (PIA) -- The province of Northern Samar held a Kapeacetahan on September 24 in the municipality of Catarman as culminating activity of the month-long celebration of Peace Month. September of every year is a national peace month which aims to instill greater consciousness among Filipinos on the comprehensive peace process, and promote a culture of peace based on non-violence, respect for fundamental rights and freedoms, tolerance, understanding and solidarity. ...
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24Sep2012CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Sept 24 (PIA) -- The 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division-Philippine Army joined the Office of Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP) in inaugurating a P30-million road project in Barangay Nenita, Mondragon, Northern Samar on September 19, Wednesday. The Payapa sa Masaganang Pamayanan (Pamana) road project from Mondragon to Silvino Lubos, Northern Samar is part of the Pillar 3 program priority road networks in the province. Other Pamana are...
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24Sep2012CAMP RUPERTO KANGLEON, Palo, Leyte, Sept 24 (PIA) -- PNP PRO 8 conducted a blood-letting activity at the PRO 8 Grandstand, Palo, Leyte on September 19, 2012, which is the 112th Anniversary of Philippine Civil Service. Seventy police officers participated in the activity headed by PCSupt. Elmer Ragadio Soria, Police Regional Office 8 Regional Director. The police donated 450 cc of blood each or 31, 500 cc of blood, PSSupt Roel Balintong Acidre, chief of the Regional Police Community Relations ...
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23Sep2012CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Sept 23 (PIA) -- The absence of an access road to Matuginao, Samar has contributed to insurgency, poverty and low agricultural productivity of this 5th class municipality. These were the leading issues that sprouted during the peace advocacy forum on Friday, September 21 as the rural folks identified through a workshop the sought to answer the question: “What prevents the reign of peace in the area?” Other identified issues were presence of criminal elements, inef...
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21Sep2012MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Sept 21 (PIA) -- Maasin City Chief of Police PSupt. Rico L. Tome will seek the support from the community to achieve peace and order environment in the city as the augmentation police forces were pulled out Thursday. PSupt. Tome disclosed during the "Action Center Kapihan" sa Philippine Information Agency Wednesday, September 19 at Senior Citizen Center, Maasin City that he has already started seeking the support of the community like the local motorcab driver’...
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20Sep2012MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Sept20 (PIA) -- In just five months since he assumed as this city’s top cop, Police Supt. Rico Tome revealed he had filed 15 cases in Court involving the lucrative trade of banned substances, usually shabu, a testament to his no let-up crusade against illegal drugs in this city. “Those are serious apprehensions carried in actual buy-bust operation, and these cases are non-bailable,” Tome said during the cable TV program Action Center Kapihan sa Philippine In...
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20Sep2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Sept 20 (PIA) -- Now that the President had explicitly made cyber violations a crime, cyber crime violations are expected to lessen in Eastern Visayas. While there are not that many cases of cyber crime violations in the region, the law will be the basis in the filing of charges against cyber violators said SPO4 Lito Bigoy, Regional Investigation and Detective Management chief. At present, the PNP has recorded complaints against cyber crime such as bullying in Facebook a...
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20Sep2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Sept 20 (PIA) -- Operatives from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA-8) and national headquarters, arrested a woman on September 16 near the Dolores Public Cemetery in Eastern Samar for selling one brick of cocaine for P450,000 to a PDEA agent. In a press statement, PDEA-8 information officer Liza Baoy said that the operation has been successful after the operatives were able to convince the suspect they had connections to a West African drug syndicate. Accord...
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19Sep2012CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Sept 19 (PIA) –- Soldiers, who are tired and weary from tracking the enemies of the state, will have a more comfortable respite in their newly inaugurated barracks. Four new buildings, designed to accommodate 400 soldiers, now stand ready for occupancy inside the 8th Infantry Division, military camp based in Catbalogan City, Samar. This is in line with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Camp Upgrading, where the buildings are part of the “on Base Development ...
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13Sep2012CAMP RUPERTO KANGLEON, Palo, Leyte, Sept 13 (PIA) -- Continued efforts of the Police Regional Office 8 in its campaign against illegal drugs resulted in the arrest of a suspected drug pusher on September 10 in Hilongos, Leyte. Police Chief Supt. Elmer R. Soria, PRO-8 director said the 38 year old suspect was from Brgy. Tejero, Hilongos, Leyte. Soria said a phone transaction was hatched between an undercover policemen and the suspect for the purchase of “shabu” in an identified meeting plac...
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09Sep2012CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City, Samar, Sept 9 (PIA) -- To save lives, this was the primary aim of the soldiers of the 8th Infantry Division who gave blood, Friday, this city. Major General Gerardo T. Layug, commander, 8ID, said that the activity would benefit not only the military troops in the field and their families but also the civilians who are in immediate need for blood. Dubbed as Dugo Ko, Kinabuhi Mo or My Blood, Your Life, the activity was made possible through the joint efforts of t...
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09Sep2012KANANGA, Leyte, Sept 9 (PIA) -- Seventeen former rebels attended a three-day livelihood skills training, September 3-4, conducted by the provincial government of Leyte to prepare them mainstream in society. They were trained on animal husbandry and farming methods. Values development was also highlighted during the activity. The training was a pre-requisite before the former rebels can receive the livelihood financial assistance amounting to P50, 000 each from the Office of the Presidential Ad...
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08Sep2012CAMP RUPERTO K. KANGLEON, PALO, Leyte, Sept 8 (PIA) -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) paid tribute to the model police families in Eastern Visayas as highlight of the culmination program for the National Crime Prevention Week celebration. Police Chief Supt. Elmer Soria, regional director of PNP in Eastern Visayas, said the search is a noble program aimed at strengthening moral values and emphasizing the importance of solid Filipino families. “The search for PNP model families intends t...
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08Sep2012CAMP RUPERTO KANGLEON, Palo, Leyte, Sept 8 (PIA) -- The active support and participation of barangay leaders have contributed greatly in the campaign against all forms of crimes in Eastern Visayas. Police Chief Supt. Elmer Soria, PNP Region 8 director, expressed the agency’s gratitude for the support of barangays to the policemen in the field. “The maintenance of peace and order is not only the PNP’s concern but needs concerted effort from all stakeholders, specially at the barangay leve...
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07Sep2012MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Sept 7 (PIA) -- The Department of Health (DOH), in close coordination with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) - Maasin City, conducted a Road Traffic Injury Orientation and Prevention Seminar at SLEMCoop Function Room on September 4-6. The three-day seminar was aimed in strengthening the capacity to implement measures to preventing road traffic injuries, DOH nurse Letecia O. Tan said. “It was attended by traffic implementers such as representatives from the Ph...
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07Sep2012CATARMAN, Northern Samar, Sept. 6 (PIA) -- A four-kilometer Walk for Peace at the Catarman-Diversion Road-Brgy. Dalakit national highway participated by several national and local agencies, non-government organizations, religious group on September 1 kicked off the month long celebration of the National Peace Consciousness Month. Prior to the walk, a 5:30 am Holy Mass at the Catarman Cathedral was celebrated followed by a short program held at grounds of the Provincial Capitol. Speaking in b...
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05Sep2012CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Sept 5 (PIA) -- Lt Col Angel Madarang, out going commander of the 43rd Infantry Battalion leaves his most disciplined, most religious battalion to a mistah- LtC Glenn Jun Calambuhay. In his speech, Tuesday, he proudly proclaimed that his men have never been subjected to any complaint on human rights violation. “The 43rd Infantry Battalion is a professional, disciplined and a dedicated unit that works as a team towards accomplishing the assigned mission,” Madarang h...
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05Sep2012CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Sept 5 (PIA) -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) Samar celebrates National Crime Prevention Week (NCPW) that ushers the "Ugnayan sa Barangay" fora on crime prevention. The celebration carries the theme: “Sa Crime Prevention may Magagawa Ako” to run from September 1 to 07. This is in pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 461 dated August 31, 1994 that every first week of September of every year is declared as the National Crime Prevention Week. All governm...
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04Sep2012CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Sept 4 (PIA) -- Some 40 members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) field training program have been augmenting the police organic force in the city of Catbalogan. In an interview, Catbalogan City Police Supt. Avelino Doncillo said these new recruits have been helping out in the crime prevention efforts of the city police. “This is why we have enhanced police visibility during business hours in the commercial district, then, there is also a 7-man team with a pat...
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03Sep2012MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Sept 3 (PIA) -- The Philippine National Police-Southern Leyte Police Provincial Office (PNP-SLPPO) will hold drug symposiums as one of the highlights in celebrating National Crime Prevention Week from September 1 to 7. Police Senior Inspector Ariel Nuñez said the celebration kicked off this morning, September 3, at the city’s gymnasium discussing drug-related topics during the flag-raising ceremony of the Maasin City hall employees led by Police Provincial Direct...
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03Sep2012CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Sept 3 (PIA) --Talking before the uniformed men and women of the 8th Infantry Division (8th ID) Philippine Army, Emy Bonifacio, area manager of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (Opapp) recounted the gains in peace taking place in the month of September. But she first cited the declaration of September 2012 as the 9th year of the National Peace Consciousness month. “By virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 675 series of 2004, the Office of ...
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03Sep2012PALO, Leyte, Sept 3 (PIA) -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) under the leadership of Regional Director Elmer R. Soria batted for heightened community commitment, participation and partnerships in crime prevention during the 18th National Crime Prevention week. Soria said that a much-needed focus on lasting partnerships and more active participation from the partners in the community must be done. “Everybody must be encouraged to dedicate themselves in crime prevention,” Soria said add...
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01Sep2012CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Sept 1 (PIA) -- The 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division, Philippine Army was in full alert status following the 7.6-magnitude earthquake that hit Samar around 8:49 p.m. August 31, felt not only in the area but also in some areas in Mindanao. All 8th ID units were directed to coordinate with the different Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (DRRMC) for prompt deployment of military vehicles for possible evacuation especially those stationed in the eastern ...
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31Aug2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Aug 31 (PIA) -- Creating a peaceful environment for everyone should be a joint undertaking by all stakeholders. This was the core message of this year’s celebration of “National Crime Prevention Week” under the auspices of the National Police Commission (Napolcom) in Eastern Visayas and in coordination with the regional office of the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and other su...
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28Aug2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Aug. 28 (PIA) -- Employees of big private establishments owning motorcycles may now avail themselves of the offer of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) regional and provincial offices for a group inspection of motorcycle helmets and sticking of markers in their respective establishments or any place convenient for both parties. This was disclosed by DTI Information Officer Lemuel R. Montes who shared that the arrangement is being conducted for the purpose of helpin...
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26Aug2012CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Aug 26 (PIA) -- The army said they are on the look out for private armed groups and in the process, will “dismantle them” this early. This was the pronouncement of Col. Romeo Labador, 801st Brigade Commander as he faced the media, Saturday, at Tubabao Island, Guiuan, E Samar. As a seasoned army officer, Labador talked about the emerging election threat in the region during elections. “Fifteen years ago, insurgency was the real problem and only a few if not insign...
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26Aug2012CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Aug 26 (PIA) -- Commission on Elections (Comelec) Region 8 Director Atty. Jose Nick Mendros urged the media to report truthfully the peaceful election process that happened in the area.. Mendros met more than 50 media practitioners in Tubabao Island, Guiuan, E Samar, Saturday for the 12th Express it at the Park Anniversary. “If it is a peaceful election, please report it, too,” he urged the reporters. He added that some reporters would find election proceedings bor...
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26Aug2012BURAUEN, Leyte, Aug 26 (PIA) -- Government’s Social Integration Program for rebel returnees continues to draw communist terrorists back into the folds of the law. On August 24 at Barangay Roxas, Burauen, Leyte, 17 rebel returnees received financial assistance in the amount of P10,000 from the provincial government of Leyte. Clotilde Malatbalat, Leyte Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer, informed the Philippine Information Agency that this is the counterpart of the provincial ...
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25Aug2012Tacloban City, Leyte, August 25, (PIA) – The passengers and crew of M/V Super Shuttle Ferry 15 which ran aground off the coast of Merida, Leyte late Tuesday night were safely rescued by the Philippine Coast Guard. On board were 221 people comprising 185 passengers and 36 crew. The passenger boat encountered engine problem at around 11:05 in the evening on Tuesday, two hours after leaving Ormoc port for Cebu City said Probationary Ensign Jamaal Aceron, PCG-Ormoc officer-in-charge. Aceron als...
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24Aug2012hmm. di po ako sure dun sa according to rumors CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Aug 24 (PIA) -- Illegal numbers game or ‘swertres’ has taken a lull in Catbalogan City for a week now, authorities said. During the visit of Police Regional Director Elmer Soria at the Samar Police Provincial Office (PPO) on Monday, the official emphasized the need to prioritize implementation of special laws on illegal gambling, mining, fishing and timber poaching (illegal logging). While local reporters hounded Sori...
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22Aug2012CALBAYOG CITY, Samar, August 22 (PIA) -- The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency successfully captured Samar’s most wanted drug personality in an entrapment operation conducted on August 18, 2012 in Calbayog City. In a report to the PDEA Director General Undersecretary Jose S. Gutierrez, Jr., PDEA Region 8 Director Julius Navales said the suspect is a 44 year old, married male and a resident of Barangay Matobato, Calbayog City. Director Navales said that PDEA lured the suspect into selling sh...
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22Aug2012CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, August 22 (PIA) -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) newly installed Regional Director (RD) 8 Chief Superintendent Elmer Soria gave recognition to some PNP officers and men during his visit to the Samar Police Provincial Office (PPO) in Catbalogan City on Monday, August 20. The awarding held at the PNP Provincial Headquarters was presided over by Samar PNP Police Director Eusebio Mejos together with Regional Director Soria who presented the awards to the police. Th...
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21Aug2012CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Aug 21 (PIA) -- P/Chief Inspector Elmer Soria urged his people to develop an atmosphere of optimism and teamwork during the awarding of four Samar PNP elements with Medalya ng Papuri at Samar Police Provincial Office, Tuesday. “Concentrate your efforts on special laws,” Soria urged all chiefs of police of 24 municipal police stations and two city police stations in Samar. “Enhance your campaign against illegal logging, illegal fishing, illegal gambling, illegal m...
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21Aug2012CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, August 21 (PIA) -- The agency that will implement the Secondary National Road Project is not only concerned with the infrastructure that it will soon start to make travel to Eastern Samar faster and comfortable. It is also bent in making sure that Samarnons do not fall prey to human trafficking. The Millennium Challenge Account-Philippines (MCA-P), in charge of the rehabilitation and repair of the 222 kilometer-road that traverses Samar to Eastern Samar has signed a m...
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18Aug2012TACLOBAN CITY Leyte, Aug 18 (PIA) -- Two notorious pushers, included in the target list of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Eastern Visayas, and their cohort were arrested during a drug bust in the province of Leyte. PDEA Director General Undersecretary Jose S. Gutierrez Jr. identified the target-listed suspects as alias Val, 48, a resident of Barugo, Leyte and alias Tonton, 25, also from Barugo. Val's cohort, identified as alias Pinne, 26, who also comes from Barugo was ...
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17Aug2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Aug 17 (PIA) -- The mounting complaints against youth offenders has prompted newly-installed Philippine National Police (PNP) - Eastern Visayas Regional Director Chief Supt. Elmer Soria to look for solutions in the difficulties encountered in dealing with youth offenders. Soria vowed to remind all unit commanders under his supervision in the proper implementation of the Justice Juvenile Welfare Act of 2006 or the Pangilinan Law. He said his office will talk to prosecutors...
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16Aug2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Aug 16 (PIA) -- A marijuana plantation was discovered in Sitio Nocnoc, Brgy. Roxas, Giporlos, Eastern Samar on August 11 owned and cultivated by a resident of the area, 56, PNP-Eastern Samar said in a press statement. The suspect was arrested in a joint police operation conducted by the elements of Eastern Samar and Giporlos police. The team uprooted 277 marijuana plants and burned in the plantation area while the confiscated marijuana plants were brought to Giporlos MP...
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15Aug2012CATARMAN, Northern Samar, Aug 15 (PIA) -- The Philippine Army, 803rd Brigade presented to the Provincial Peace and Order Council the internal peace and security operations “Oplan Bayanihan” in a meeting recently held at Governor’s Conference Room, Provincial Capitol. Col. Mario Lacurom, Deputy Brigade Commander informed the body that while the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is constitutionally mandated to protect the people and the state and too was called to lead in addressing arm...
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13Aug2012CAMP KANGLEON, Palo, Leyte, August 13 (PIA) -- The Philippine National Police in Eastern Visayas is set to celebrate the 111th Police Service Anniversary today, August 13 at the PNP-8 Grounds at Camp Kangleon, Palo, Leyte. With the theme "Pulis N’yo Po sa Tuwid na Daan, Serbisyong may Pagkukusa, Maaasahan,” the celebration will be led by newly installed PNP Region 8 Director, Police Chief Superintendent Elmer Ragadio Soria. One of the highlights of the anniversary celebration is the awardi...
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12Aug2012BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, August 12 (PIA) -- The Eastern Samar Provincial Police Office is set to receive two awards, to wit: Best Provincial Public Safety Company and Best Component City Police Station in Eastern Visayas. Eastern Samar Provincial Director Manuel Cubillo said the awarding will be held on August 13, 2012 at 7:30 in the morning at the Police Regional Office 8 Grandstand. To receive the unit award are Police Chief Inspector Matthe L. Aseo, Company Commander of Eastern Samar P...
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11Aug2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Aug 11 (PIA) -- The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in Eastern Visayas has announced that their office is prepared to take appropriate actions in protecting the two overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from the region in strife-torn Syria. OWWA said the two overseas workers, who hail from Leyte and Northern Samar, are being monitored closely by the agency. Florence Panao, OWWA labor communications officer, said their office has established a 24/7 monitoring op...
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05Aug2012CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Aug 5 (PIA) -- On the occasion of its 24th founding anniversary on August 3, 2012, the 8th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army presented four various awards to its soldiers for the successful operations in the insurgency areas in the region. The awarding which was held at Camp Lukban, Maulong, Catbalogan City presided by Major General Gerardo Layug, 8th ID commander together with Lieutenant General Ralph Villanueva, central commander, who presented the awards. Th...
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05Aug2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Aug 5 (PIA) -- Protective helmets of motorcycle riders should bear the Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) or Product Standards (PS) sticker, the Department of Trade and Industry in Leyte said. DTI-Leyte Director Desiderio P. Belas Jr. said motorcycle riders should present their helmets to DTI for verification if such are listed in the updated list of approved helmet brands with PS or ICC stickers. The inspection should likewise ensure that their helmets are still in good con...
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03Aug2012MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Aug 3 (PIA) -- In a matter of minutes, quick thinking of the victim and quick response by the police netted five members of a syndicate in a budol-budol operation. Police authorities here filed recently a case on swindling against two females and three males from Cebu who were caught in the act of defrauding a victim of valuables Sunday morning in exchange for a “bagful of pesos” that turned out to be cut papers. Budol budol is a scam where members of a gang ap...
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03Aug2012PALO, Leyte, Aug 3 (PIA) -- Taking note of the declining coconut production, the Philippine National Police in Eastern Visayas has intensified its campaign against illegal cutters of coconut lumber. In a press statement, Police Senior Superintendent Roel Balentong Acidre, chief of the Regional Police Community Relations Office, sternly warned illegal coconut lumber cutters to abide by the rules, otherwise the PNP will run after them. Acidre said that on July 31 at Barangay Calipayan, the poli...
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03Aug2012BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Aug 3 (PIA) -- The provincial command of the Philippine National Police here promoted 42 non-commissioned officers. The Pinning of Ranks ceremony was held after the flag raising ceremony at the provincial command, headed by Police Senior Supt. Manuel E. Cubillo Of the 42 cops, 36 police officer 1 (PO1) were promoted to PO2; four PO2 to PO3, one PO3 to SPO1 and one SPO1 to SPO2. Cubillo reminded the police to be mindful of their new and increased responsibilitie...
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02Aug2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Aug 2 (PIA) -- The Catbalogan City-based 8th ID Philippine Army has promised to end the insurgency problem in Eastern Visayas by year 2013. Presently, the provinces of Leyte, Southern Leyte and Biliran have been declared as insurgency-free while the Samar Island composed of the provinces of Samar, Eastern Samar and Northern remains to be totally rid of insurgents. Lt. Col. Noel Vestuir, commanding officer of the 20th Infantry Battalion based in Lope de Vega, Northern Sama...
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02Aug2012BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, August 2 (PIA) - Some 60 individuals attended the dialogue on “Human Rights Violations, Harassment, and Injustices” held recently at St. Isidore Church, Salcedo, Eastern Samar. According to Ian Mosquesa, director of Diocesan Commission on Social Action – Justice and Peace, the dialogue aimed at organizing a fact-finding task force to investigate human rights violations that had happened in the locality in the recent past, connected to mining operations. On...
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30Jul2012CATARMAN, Northern Samar, July 30 (PIA) -- Nine hundred and ninety two assorted items of pirated items were seized by the Northern Samar and Catarman police in barangays Yakal and Narra on July 20. The said pirated items were sold along Catarman market in violation of RA 9236, an Act Regulating Optical Media. The team were able to seize assorted CDs and DVDs and the confiscated items were brought to NSPPO for documentation while the violators are now charged in court. Along the raiding...
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27Jul2012NAVAL, Biliran, July 27 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in Biliran province are continuously conducting information dissemination campaign to the public on the salient features of the Helmet Law. Jorge D. Modesto, DTI-Biliran Senior Trade and Industry Development specialist and engineer, and Grace M. Carsido, LTO-Biliran provincial director, who were guests at the “Kapihan at Pulong-Pulong ng Bayan,” discussed important provision...
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24Jul2012BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, July 24 (PIA) –- Elsie Ador, City Social Welfare officer, advises the public to be careful of people posing as beggars. They could be members of a syndicate. Ador’s announcement followed the report of a tandem or more of “beggars” who roam the commercial district and public market presenting a document/permit from the office of the city mayor. “I wish to inform everyone that since January this year, Mayor Fe Abunda has not issued yet a permit to indig...
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23Jul2012CATARMAN, Northern Samar, July 23 (PIA) -- Five former rebels and militiamen were given financial assistance by the Northern Samar provincial government under the Local Social Integration Program (LSIP), Wednesday, July 18, at the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office. Carmen Mejia, provincial social welfare and development officer, said this is the first in the region and there are 15 former rebels who want to be reintegrated in society and avail of the program. Valente Bajet, DI...
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20Jul2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, July 20 (PIA) -- A Philippine Army official said Samar Island may be declared as insurgency free by 2013. Lt. Col. Arvin Lagamon, chief, Division of Public Affairs Office (DPAO), said that the Army is intensifying its peace and development efforts and is calling on stakeholders to help in addressing the root causes of insurgency, as under the Internal Peace and Security Plan Bayanihan, insurgency can only be solved through a whole nation approach. The military official al...
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19Jul2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, July 19 (PIA) -- Exequiel R. Sarcauga, labor regional director, said that industrial peace prevails in the whole of Eastern Visayas with the recent successful settlement of the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) in the Philippine Associated Smelting and Refining Corporation (Pasar). Sarcauga expressed optimism that with the CBA, management and union did not only uplift the well being and welfare of the workers but also maintained the industrial peace in Pasar and of the...
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19Jul2012CATARMAN, Northern Samar, July 19 (PIA) -- To bring justice closer and faster to the people, the Supreme Court has launched the enhanced justice on wheels (EJOW) at the New Capitol Grounds, Catarman, Northern Samar Wednesday, July 18. The program is intended to bring justice closer to the poor and marginalized sectors of society through the following components of activities: court hearings in the bus, mobile court-annexed mediation (for mediatable cases), information dissemination in which se...
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18Jul2012CATARMAN, Northern Samar, July 18 (PIA) -- Child labor-free barangays throughout the islands, why not? If the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), International Labor Organization (ILO), and the provincial government of Northern Samar will have their way, that's exactly what barangays will be in the immediate future. To eliminate the worst forms of child labor, the DOLE, ILO, and Northern Samar will launch child labor-free barangays in the province of Northern Samar on July 25. DOLE reg...
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17Jul2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, July 17 (PIA) -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has set on August 11 the National Persons with Disabilities (PWD) Registration Day as stated in Comelec Resolution No. 12-0624 to strengthen the campaign for PWD voter registration. The special registration day for PWDs aims to make election processes more accessible and their right to suffrage real, lawyer Rosemarie Polistico, Tacloban City Comelec registrar, said during the Suruswerte Ha PIA radio program. Polisti...
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17Jul2012CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, July 17 (PIA) -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) Samar is on its toes in trying to comply with the expanded “One Strike Policy” in anti-illegal gambling, anti-illegal logging, and the campaign against wanted persons as ordered by PNP Chief Nicanor Bartolome. Police Community Relations Chief PCI Felipe Tan in an interview said the expanded One Strike Policy aims to keep the local police on its toes. Under the policy, a police commander faces relief from his po...
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13Jul2012CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, July 13 (PIA) -- Ninety-five newly recruited army candidates have started training to become advocates of human rights and agents of peace and development. Last July 9, the recruits took their oath and joined the ranks of the Philippine Army as trainees or candidate soldiers (CS) of the 8th Infantry (Storm troopers) division. Col. Virgilio M. Espineli, assistant division commander of 8th ID, graced the occasion which was attended by the candidate soldiers’ families, ...
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11Jul2012MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, July 11 (PIA) -- The Philippine National Police-Southern Leyte Police Provincial Office (PNP-SLPPO) has announced that the registration for the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) cadet admission test is now open. Police community relations officer Jonathan Pineda said in a report that PNPA needs able, responsible, and well-motivated youths who have the aptitude for service to meet the challenging duties of a public safety service officer. Pineda said the r...
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10Jul2012CATARMAN, Northern Samar, July 10 (PIA) -- Detecting a thief in action, a man immediately calls the police station from his residence in Brgy. Dalakit, Catarman N. Samar, Thursday. The phone call puts the police in action with the officer-in-charge Police Superintendent Bernardo Echano Raquiza along with several Catarman police to the place of the complainant and there and then catches the suspect, a certain Allan Alvarez Lutao, a resident of Pambujan, N. Samar. This was learned from Police Co...
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10Jul2012MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, July 10 (PIA) -- The Philippine National Police-Southern Leyte Police Provincial Office (PNP-SLPPO) through the leadership of Director PSSupt. Allan T. Cuevillas commended police officers from the city of Maasin and the town of Malitbog. In a press statement sent to the Philippine Information Agency-Maasin, Police Superintendent Jonathan Pineda informed that at least 13 policemen were given commendation from the Malitbog Municipal Police Station headed by PSInsp. D...
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09Jul2012CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, July 9 (PIA) -- The Calbayog City Health Office reiterated its advocacy campaign to sustain the cleanliness of their surroundings, especially this rainy season. According to city health officer Dr. Sylvia de Guzman in a radio interview at Radyo ng Bayan-DYOG, there are reported suspected dengue cases in the city. She added that Calbayog City Mayor Ronaldo Aquino will issue an executive order to re launch an Iwas Dengue Campaign done in the city in 2010. She likewise urg...
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09Jul2012CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, July 9 (PIA) -- The Philippine Army, through its civil affairs office, sees the need to encourage community pillars to strengthen its partnership with the community they serve. In Friday’s subject matter exchanges at the 8th Infantry Division (8th ID) Philippine Army, Catbalogan City, Division Public Affairs Office chief invited the community pillars in media, women, religious group, Indigenous People (IP), and some government agencies representatives. “We want to e...
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05Jul2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, July 5 (PIA) -- The partnership between the Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police (PNP) has once again yielded positive result when it was able to seize a huge volume of illegally cut lumber in Brgy. Kalangkaan, Lope de Vega town, Northern Samar. Acting on a tip from the town mayor, a joint team of the 20th Infantry Battalion led by Sgt. Diomedes Latasan, the Lope de Vega police led by SPO4 Juan Cuesta, and the town’s natural resources officer Jojo Casco wen...
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04Jul2012LOPE DE VEGA, Northern Samar, July 4 (PIA) -- Joint government operatives have seized illegal lumber in Northern Samar on July 1. The 20th Infantry Battalion (20th IB), the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office confiscated 11,664 board feet of assorted lumber at Sitio Kalangkaan, Lope de Vega in Northern Samar. Lt Col Noel Vestuir, commanding officer of the 20th IB, said that the joint operation was conducted after mayor Erlinda P. Cinco of...
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03Jul2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, July 3 (PIA) -- Success of operations against rebels in East Visayas is due to the partnership of the army and the police, according to an army official here. Brig. Gen. Gerardo Layug, Commander of the Eighth Infantry Division (8th ID) of the Philippine Army in a statement said the partnership of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) led to the success of operations against the New People’s Army (NPA) in the region. Layug l...
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02Jul2012CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, July 2 (PIA) -- B. Gen Gerardo Layug, the Commanding General of the 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army declared that the accomplishments of the biggest U.S. humanitarian mission in Samar exceeded targets. Layug was assigned as the ground commander during the project that started in June 18 and ended today. Pacific Partnership is the largest humanitarian and civic action mission in the Asia Pacific region designed to strengthen regional partnership and enhance a col...
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29Jun2012MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, June 28 (PIA) -- The Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) in Southern Leyte spearheaded the second Provincial Tanod Congress which brought together 3,416 barangay tanods, and 500 punong barangays from all over the province. The PPOC sponsored one-day provincial tanod congress,Tuesday, at Maasin City Gymnasium is one of the series of activities launched on the occasion of the 52nd founding anniversary of the province of Southern Leyte. Headed by PPOC Chair Gove...
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29Jun2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, June 29 (PIA) -- The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Eastern Visayas celebrated International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking with government agencies, non-government organizations, law enforcement agencies and academic institutions. Held June 26 at the Balyuan Convention Center in Tacloban City, the celebration was in pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 264, issued June 1, 1988 in support to the United Nations General Assembly Resolution signed...
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29Jun2012CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, June 29 (PIA) -- A joint team of the army and police arrested two suspected male communist rebels in Daram on Friday. The suspects aged 21 and 36, were residents of Brgy. San Roque, Villareal, Samar and Brgy. Ugioa, Jaro, Leyte, respectively. Elements of the Charlie Company, 52nd Infantry Battalion (52nd IB) of the Eighth Infrantry Division led by Cpl. Armando M. Carcellar with the Philippine National Police (PNP) Daram Samar led by PSI Jonathan Momo conducted a joint...
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26Jun2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, June 26 (PIA) -- The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has clarified that the circular it issued regarding the coverage of the Bureau of Fire Protection is not limited within their respective local government units. During the Tapatan Forum, DILG secretary Jessie Robredo said the directive overarches to other towns that do not have fire stations or fire trucks of their own. He also explained that fire stations should rather over respond to all operations...
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22Jun2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, June 22 (PIA) -- Two government offices are coordinating for a clean environment and for healthy bodies in all elementary public and private schools in Tacloban City. Not only will school perimeters be cleaned up but so too the rivers adjacent to it. Mary Phoebe Quiban, head of the health and nutrition unit of the Department of Education (DepEd) City Division said that the city education division has tied up with the Department of Health (DOH) City Health Office (CHO) on ...
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21Jun2012CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, June 21 (PIA) -- The 43rd Infantry Battalion stationed in Matuguinao, Samar participated in the town’s 47th founding anniversary on June 19 through a medical and dental mission. Mayor Melissa dela Cruz told PIA 8-Samar that those who patronized the dental and medical mission exceeded their target. Even prescription pads became insufficient for the crowd of Matuguinao folks. Dr. Rochelyn Pagpagitan, Municipal Health Officer (MHO) led the team of six doctors who attende...
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21Jun2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, June 21 (PIA) -- A local mining company has been penalized by the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) in Eastern Visayas after the result of the agency’s investigation on the fish kill incidents in Lake Bito, Brgy. Imelda MacArthur town, Leyte province showed positive for mining contamination. Engr. Reynaldo Barra, officer-in-charge of the EMB’s pollution and control division said that the mining operations manager paid the P50,000 penalty on June 13. It might be re...
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19Jun2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, June 19 (PIA) -- Four landmines and other paraphernalia were recovered by the elements of the 63rd Infantry Battalion led by Lt. Colonel Dante B. Barotilla at Silvino Lobos, Northern Samar on June 17. Lt. Colonel Arvin Lagamon, chief of the 8th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office, informed the Philippine Information Agency that at around 1:57 p.m., Sunday, the military encountered some 30 members of the New People’s Army at the vicinity of Barangay Geparayan in Silvi...
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15Jun2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, June 15 (PIA) -- Alarmed that road traffic-related accidents has now become the fourth leading cause of death in the country, the Department of Health in Eastern Visayas announced that the road traffic injury (RTI) prevention technical working group is stepping up efforts towards its prevention. Bryant Labastida, DOH spokesperson, said the measures initiated by the technical working group include the expansion of the groups’ coverage from Tacloban City to other key citie...
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13Jun2012LOPE DE VEGA, Northern Samar, June 13 (PIA) -- Operatives of the 20th Infantry Battalion under the 8th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army seized another New People’s Army (NPA) camp in Barangay E. Duran, Bobon, Northern Samar. In a press statement, Lt. Colonel Noel Vestuir, 20IB’s commanding officer, said that civilian informants in the area has tipped in information about the presence of armed rebels who are conducting house to house visitation and collecting food from the residents ...
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12Jun2012CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, June 12 (PIA) -- The local government unit of Samar tapped various government agencies for its Resource Mapping Activity. This will form part of the Local Integration Program (LIP) of Samar on June 8 at the Governor’s Office, Capitol, Catbalogan City. The resource mapping activity aims to tap government and private agencies in identifying available services within their respective organizations to be included in the LIP package for former rebels. The 8th Infantry (S...
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08Jun2012CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, June 8 (PIA) -- A total of 391 pieces of assorted good lumber with a total estimate of 3,250 board feet from illegally cut logs were confiscated by the 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division (8thID), Philippine Army (PA), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and the Philippine National Police (PNP) from January to May 2012. The anti-illegal logging campaign in Eastern Visayas is a joint effort of the army’s 8th ID, PNP and DENR, which resulted to the ...
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05Jun2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, June 5 (PIA) -- Students trooping to school today are ensured of road safety as the Department of Public Works and Highways in Eastern Visayas has done the job of clearing obstruction along national roads within the vicinity of public and private schools. Engr. Rolando Asis, DPWH regional director said that earlier, DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson issued a directive for regional offices to clear the sidewalks to ensure the safety of students. The directive also included the...
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04Jun2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, June 4 (PIA) -- With its sustained pursuit for peace and development in Eastern Visayas, the 8th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army uncovered four more NPA camps in various sites in Samar and Leyte. In a report sent to Lt. Colonel Arvin Lagamon, chief of the Division Public Affairs Office, it was learned that on May 29, 2012, soldiers of 87th Infantry Battalion under 2Lt Verniel D. Semblante, recovered enemy encampment at Barangay Caulayan, Motiong, Samar. Said camp...
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04Jun2012CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, June 4 (PIA) -- With about 160,000 Samarnon students trooping to schools today, the provincial director of the Philippine National Police (PNP) deployed his men to different central schools in the province. In a meeting earlier with the Samar Provincial Peace and Order Council, P/Sr Supt Eusebio Mejos assured DepEd Division Superintendent Thelma Quitalig that the PNP will deploy police who will patrol school premises. Policewomen were spotted stationed at the Catbalogan...
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04Jun2012CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, June 4 (PIA) -- Police Senior Superintendent Eusebio Mejos, during the Peace and Order Council (PPOC) meeting in Samar last week, reported that “there is a significant decrease in crime volume in Samar.” “From January to March of 2012, some 270 crimes were recorded, this has a variance of 82,” Mejos said, comparing to the 352 recorded from the same period in 2011. He also said that crime solution rate is 65.18 and crime clearance efficiency is at 75.18. Crime c...
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04Jun2012CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, June 4 -- To provide better quality and safer roads, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Rogelio Singson, through Department Order number 29, urged DPWH district offices to enforce strictly the removal of obstructions and prohibited use of the right-of-way of national roads. Singson expressed his determination to ensure that the department order is followed and the road right-of-way is totally free from all illegal encroachment. Records show tha...
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30May2012TACLOBAN CITY, May 30 (PIA) -- As the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) in Eastern Visayas envisions to reduce by 50 percent the rate of injuries by 2020, an addition of 30 on top of the 99 listed initiatives in the Philippine Road Safety Action Plan from 2010- 2011 were noted. DOTC Assistant Secretary (ASEC) Dante Lantin for administrative and finance noted that the DOTC regional office in Eastern Visayas is moving ahead than other regions as evidenced with the lau...
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29May2012CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, May 29 (PIA) -- An army official urged 101 new graduates of the candidate soldier course to pursue peace and development as they go about their peace and security mission after graduation. On March 25 a send-off ceremony for 101 new privates was held at Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City. In a press release by the 8th Infantry Division Affairs Office (DPAO), it said that a send-off ceremony is a military tradition wherein military officers and non-commisioned officers and dep...
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29May2012CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, May 29 (PIA) -- A Free Medical & Dental Mission was conducted in Sta Rita, Samar last May 25 by the local government unit and cause oriented groups in Samar in coordination with the army troops. The press release distributed to local media by the Division Public Affairs Office (DPAO) mentioned that Sta Rita folks are just some of the towns served by the medical and dental mission. Elements of the 801st Brigade, 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division, Philippine Army i...
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29May2012BORONGAN CITY, EASTERN SAMAR, May 29 (PIA) -– A total of 369 patients benefited recently from the ongoing project of the local government unit (LGU) of Sta. Rita Samar, in coordination with the 801st Brigade, 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division, Philippine Army in partnership with “An Waray” Party List. This was included in a report sent by Ltc Arvin R Lagamon, Army’s Division Public Affairs Office chief. The report said that a free medical and dental mission was conducted in Sta ...
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26May2012MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, May 26 (PIA) -- The Philippine National Police led by Southern Leyte Police Provincial Office Director PSSupt. Allan T. Cuevillas strengthened the campaign against illegal gambling activities throughout the province. According to the report of Police Community Relations Officer Jonatahan Pineda, Thursday, the PNP-SLPPO led by Police Provincial Director Cuevillas directed all Chiefs of Police to conduct surveillance against the resurgence and the arrest of persons ...
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25May2012CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, May 25 (PIA) -- Some 50 Barangay Women and Children Desk Officers (BWCDO) from different barangays in Catbalogan City gained beneficial information the two days orientation- seminar on their roles and responsibilities as regards cases of violence against women and children at the Cocina de Cabral, Catbalogan City on May 23 and 24. City legal counsel Atty. Aileen Forteza, discussed Republic Act (RA) 9262 Anti Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) Act of 2004. Fort...
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24May2012CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, May 24 (PIA) -- The 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division (8ID), Philippine Army (PA) will partner with “Pacific Partnership 2012,” a humanitarian and civic assistance mission in selected communities of Samar Island, from June 18 to July 1. The Pacific Partnership 2012 (PP12) is the largest annual mission of the United States Pacific Fleet in the Asia-Pacific region. The purpose of the mission is to deliver basic services, strengthen alliances, and ensure that the i...
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24May2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, May 24 (PIA) -- The Army’s 19th Infantry Battalion based in Kananga, Leyte recently conducted the first-ever youth leadership summit in Carigara, Leyte. Aimed at developing the leadership potential of the youth, the summit, which was conducted at Cong. Alberto T. Aguja Central School last May 18, was a joint project of 19IB, Alternative Learning System, Sangguniang Kabataan, and the Municipal Government of Carigara. The three-day activity was participated by 175 young m...
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23May2012Tacloban City, Leyte, May 23 (PIA) -- Another rebel encampment of the New People’s Army in Samar has been overrun as the military intensified operations in Eastern Visayas . In addition, the military troops have also discovered at least 40 abandoned NPA camps. The information was released by the Armed Forces of the Philippines as members of the 87th Infantry Battalion (87IB) of the Philippine Army discovered the fourth NPA camp during an encounter with an undetermined number of rebels near...
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21May2012MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, May 21 (PIA) -- In an effort to intensify the campaign against illegal drugs, Southern Leyte Police Director PSSupt. Allan T. Cuevillas directed all Chiefs of Police to monitor each of the area of responsibility, particularly drug-related activities. Maasin City Police Station led by PSInsp. Marianito P. Malibago conducted a buy-bust operation in Barangay Asuncion, Maasin City, Thursday which resulted in the arrest of a suspected jobless drug pusher, 26, Police Co...
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20May2012Tacloban City, Leyte, May 20 (PIA) -- Residents of Brgy. Villa Imelda in MacArthur town, Leyte province are protesting against a local mining corporation which they claim is responsible for the fish deaths of more than 21,000 kilograms (kg) of tilapia valued at P1.7 million. Accordingly, the silting operations of the mining company have resulted to the pollution of Lake Bito where the fishpens are located. The fishkill incident occurred March 15, this year. The mining company which mines black...
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19May2012CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, May 18 (PIA) -- A New People's Army (NPA) encampment at the vicinity of Brgy. Hagbay, San Jose De Buan, Samar was overrun by military troops of the 87th Infantry Battalion, 801st Infantry Brigade, 8th Infantry Division (8th ID), Philippine Army, under the leadership of LtC Cerilo C Balaoro last May 11. Elements of 87th IB under 2Lt Verniel D Semblante discovered the NPA encampment after they encountered undetermined number of rebels earlier that day. The said camp is...
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17May2012BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, May 17 (PIA) -- Francisco Canayong of Salcedo was hacked to death May 1, while he was on his way home of said town. As an active member of the Samar Island Partnership for Peace and Development (SIPPAD), Canayong supported and advocated for the protection of the environment particularly against the mining operation in Salcedo and in other parts of Eastern Samar. In a Pastoral letter, the three Samar Bishops, Most Reverend Crispin Varquez (Borongan), Most Rever...
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16May2012CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, May 16 (PIA) -- The 8th Infantry Division (8ID) Commander in a recent visit to an Infantry Battalion in Leyte asked the public to support “Bayanihan.” “I enjoin everyone to adopt the concept of Bayanihan in everything that we do for our people,” BGen. Gerardo T. Layug, the Commanding General of the 8ID Stormtroopers Division said. Layug added that the 8ID's participation in the “operation tuli” in that area is its way of showing that the army is extending i...
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15May2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, May 15 (PIA) -- The total population of police personnel in Eastern Visayas stands to be strengthened with the additional recruits of 144 allotted to the region. Police Superintendent Jennifer Sumpo, deputy chief of the Police Community Relations Office of the Philippine National Police in the region, disclosed the information, saying that the total population of police personnel deployed, which stands at 6,161, will have this addition, which is the new roster of recruits ...
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14May2012CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, May 14 (PIA) -- Members of the Regional Task Force (RTF) on human trafficking converged to discuss issues and updates at Patio Victoria, Baluarte, San Jose, Tacloban City last May 11. Traffic Management Group Police Senior Inspector Emmanuel Arteche, who represented Samar, said that it was the monthly meeting of RTF on human trafficking to discuss the refiling of some cases. “We also discussed the procedures required in admitting and releasing of victims, complaina...
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12May2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, May 12 (PIA) -- The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Region 8 has arrested a 40-year-old mother of four children for allegedly selling and possessing a total of 0.85 grams of shabu on May 3. PDEA-8 Information Officer Liza Baoy said the suspect was collared at the downtown Tacloban City for selling illegal drugs. Baoy said the suspect was caught selling 0.395 grams of shabu to a PDEA agent who acted as a poseur buyer in a transaction for two thousand pesos,...
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11May2012CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, May 11 (PIA) -- The Eighth Infantry Division (8th ID) is calling on the public to join them in condemning the continued use of landmines by the New People’s Army (NPA). BGen. Gerardo T. Layug, commanding general of the 8th ID of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, said the use of landmines is a violation of Republic Act 9851 (Crime Against International Law). This is also a clear violation of the paragraph 15, article II of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Respect...
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04May2012TACLOBAN CITY Leyte, May 4 (PIA) -- A hand grenade explosion rocked the municipal police station in Can-avid, Eastern Samar at 8:45 p.m. on Wednesday, May 2, authorities said. Eastern Samar Provincial Police Director Manuel Cubillo informed the Philippine Information Agency that three men, who identified themselves to civilian witnesses as members of the New People’s Army, threw a hand grenade at the Municipal Police Station located along the National Highway, Barangay 4, in Can-avid town. T...
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02May2012CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, May 2 (PIA) -- Samar province remained very peaceful during yesterday’s Labor Day celebration, according to the Samar Provincial Police Office (SPPO). “(It was) Very peaceful in Samar except for one vehicular self accident where one Tintoy Gabornay died on the spot as he bumped into the railing at the national highway in Barangay Mogdo, Hinabangan, Samar,” P/Insp. Carlito Abriz, Deputy Police Director of Samar said in a text message this morning. Meanwhile, Catba...
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02May2012BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, May 2 (PIA) -- As ordered by the Philippine National Police (PNP), Regional Office-08 Campetic, Palo, Leyte, the PNP Provincial Office here raised the heightened alert for all its municipal police offices in connection with yesterday’s observance of Labor Day. So said PNP Provincial Director, SSupt. Manuel E. Cubillo in an interview. According to him, the heightened alert or “Blue Alert” in PNP parlance means all members of the police force to be on the al...
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30Apr2012CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, April 30 (PIA)—An undetermined number of the communist New people’s Army (NPA) stormed the village of Brgy Taylor, Las Navas, Northern Samar at 8:30 am on April 28, indiscriminately firing their weapons on civilian community. The attack resulted to the death of a still unidentified four-year old boy who was inside their house at the time of the attack. According to a press release penned by Lt Col Niceforo Diaz of the 8th Infantry Division, the community development...
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28Apr2012CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, April 28 (PIA) -- The Philippine Army through the efforts of the 34th Infantry (Reliable) Battalion under Lt. Col. William P. Peñafiel Jr. gathered government agencies and the academe to Palapag town, Northern Samar for free legal, medical and dental services to riverside Barangays of Capacujan, Osmeña, Bagacay and Bangon. In a press release penned by Ramil S. Palisoc, CMO Officer of 34th Infantry Battalion, he said the whole day activity was held on April 25, 2012 in...
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25Apr2012CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, April 25 (PIA) -- “Let me assure everyone that the Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) ‘Bayanihan’ programs implemented by my predecessor shall be pursued,” said Brigadier General Gerardo T. Layug of AFP. Layug is the successor of Major General Mario Chan who retired on April 8, 2012. He stated his commitment as he assumes the task of sustaining the momentum of support to the development of Eastern Visayas. Since the start of the year 2011, with the launchi...
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23Apr2012CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, April 23 (PIA) --The Samar Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office had started profiling former rebels on April 16-17. This project is done by the office with the Office of the Presidential Assistant on the Peace Process (OPAPP) to assess the needs of rebel returnees (RRs) and the eventual provision of the government in addressing the needs. This is according to Emy Bonifacio, OPAPP extension worker in Samar. According to Alma Austero Social Welfare Officer 1,...
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23Apr2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, April 23 (PIA) -- The Department of the Interior and Local Government in Eastern Visayas served the order of the Office of the Ombudsman to Francisco Adalim, relieving him from his post as the mayor of Taft town in Eastern Samar. DILG regional director Pedro Noval Jr., personally handed the order of the anti-graft court last Monday to Adalim at his office. According to director Noval, Adalim was the first elective official from the region to be dismissed from his post. T...
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19Apr2012MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, April 19 (PIA) -- Police Superintendent Rico Tome, who took over as this city’s Police Chief Monday replacing P/Supt. Hector Enage, said his new assignment here should be taken as a natural course in the life of just another police officer doing his the best that he can. In an interview this morning, Tome said that people in the city have high expectations on his appointment, and he simply wanted to temper this grand impression even as he vowed to exert all his ...
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18Apr2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, April 18 (PIA) -- Two communist members voluntarily surrendered to the government on April 16 according to the regional Philippine National Police (PNP) here in a press release. Police Superintendent Lito T. Bigoy, chief of the regional police community relations division, said that the two communists surrendered to PSSupt. Raul Pili Saysay, Battalion Commander of the Regional Public Safety Battalion in Barangay Pinampoan, Capoocan, Leyte. The surenderees were identified ...
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17Apr2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, April 17 (PIA) -- The National Conciliation and Mediation Board of the Department of Labor and Employment in Eastern Visayas is calling on companies and labor unions with existing collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) due to expire this year to call for early negotiations. Record from the NCMB lists 17 out of the 36 existing CBAs signed by both management and workers groups will expire in various dates this year. Juanito Geonzon, NCMB regional branch director, said thei...
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16Apr2012CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, April 16 (PIA) -- Samar province Traffic Management Group (TMG) headed by Police Senior Inspector (PSI) Emmanuel Arteche said their record shows that there was zero accident or incident before and after the Lenten season. Arteche assumed his post on March 16, 2012. PSI Arteche said, “The continuous monitoring of the TMG with the support assistance from the volunteer group SUMVAC, KABALIKAT, REACT, and ALERT resulted to 100 percent safety travel along the Samar, Maha...
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14Apr2012BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, April 14 (PIA) -- Ever true to its mission to help government bring peace and progress to the entire people of Samar, the Samar Island Partnership for Progress and Development (SIPPAD) resolved recently to seek the suspension of the controversial mining operations, particularly in the Eastern part of Samar. On motion of Agustin Docena and duly seconded by Maydolong Mayor Henry Afable, approved by the body in today’s 19th assembly, was the crafting and submis...
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11Apr2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, April 11 (PIA) -- A soldier’s task is not limited to the conduct of military operations against insurgents but also include disaster mitigation. This was the disclosure of newly installed 8th Infantry Division Commander Brigadier General Gerardo Layug when he announced the actions to be taken by government troops in Eastern Visayas. Layug also said that knowledge in disaster mitigation is also a way of winning civilian support and defeat insurgents operating in the area...
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11Apr2012KANANGA, Leyte, April 11 (PIA) -- The Army’s 19th Infantry (Commando) Battalion (IB) is determined to conduct more peace forum in order to promote peace and development in the various villages and towns in the province of Leyte. This was learned from Lt. Col. Joel Alejandro Nacnac, the commanding officer of 19th Infantry Battalion, who announced during his meeting with his staff held on April 7 at Barangay Aguiting, Kananga, Leyte, that the battalion has already completed a total of 10 peace...
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07Apr2012CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, April 7 (PIA) -- The 8th ID Commanding General Mario F Chan ordered his sergeant at arms: lower my personal flag, as his final order as he faced his division for the last time before retiring. After 38 years of service in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Commanding General of the 8th Infantry Battalion said his last piece on April 3 in front of army officials, heads of agencies, and soldiers. “My service ends here,” Chan said. Chan joined the AFP as...
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05Apr2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, April 5 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment and the National Conciliation and Mediation Board in the region recently initiated the dialogue between management and labor union of Philippine Associated Smelting and Refining (PASAR) Corporation in Isabel, Leyte. This was in an effort to facilitate the negotiations of a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between the two parties whose previous contract expired last March 31, 2012. This information came from DO...
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05Apr2012CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, April 5 (PIA) -- Major General Emmanuel Bautista of the Philippine Army presided over the ‘changing of the guard’ of the 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army in Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City, Tuesday. Brigadier General Gerardo Layug filled the post vacated by Major General Mario Chan who retired April 3, Tuesday. Bautista commended Chan for his peace initiatives in Samar his biggest accomplishment being the declaration of Southern Leyte as insurgent free and Leyte ...
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04Apr2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, April 4 (PIA) -- Travelers going home to their respective home areas to spend the Lenten season are assured of a safe journey. This was the assurance of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Eastern Visayas in the establishment of police assistance centers (PACs) all over the region. PNP-8 regional director Chief Supt. Arnold Rayala Revilla disclosed that travelers throughout the region can be assured of assistance whenever needed as they travel to their destinations d...
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04Apr2012CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, April 4 (PIA) -- The Catbalogan police have set up assistance centers to ensure the civilians’ peaceful observance of Holy Week. In an interview with Police Inspector Mario Cadiz, operations chief, he said that they have established a Motorist Assistance Center set up near the city police station, where the travelling public can relay their concerns. He added that there are two other police assistance desks at the Catbalogan Terminal and the Public Market where there ...
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01Apr2012TACLOBAN CITY Leyte, Apr. 1 (PIA) -- Land Transportation Office (LTO) Region 8 Director Camilo Guarin said recently that the “Ligtas Oplan Cuaresma 2012” will again be implemented in Eastern Visayas, from April 2 to 10. This is pursuant to the DOTC Memorandum directing for a nationwide implementation of “Ligtas Oplan Cuaresma 2012” to assist the travelling men, women and children, Director Guarin said. Guarin said he has directed all the heads of LTO districts and extension offices all...
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01Apr2012TACLOBAN CITY Leyte, Apr. 1 (PIA) – Department of Interior and Local Government Region 8 Director Pedro Noval Jr., called on local government units in Eastern Visayas to implement necessary measures in order to ensure peaceful observance of the Holy Week. Director Noval, through DILG-8 Information Officer Mr. Myles Colasito said that DILG Secretary Jesse M. Robredo has issued Memorandum Circular No. 2012-59 directing all governors, city and municipal mayor and barangay chairmen, to step up th...
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23Mar2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, March 23 (PIA) -- The Philippine National Police Regional Office 8 has arrested two teenagers suspected of possessing illegal drugs in separate operations last Friday, March 16. This was learned from Police Superintendent Lito T. Bigoy, acting chief of the Regional Police Community Relations Division in a press release. In Calbayog City, joint elements of Calbayog City Police Station and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency arrested an 18-year-old female college student for...
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22Mar2012CATBALOGAN City, Samar, March 22 (PIA) --The rural folks of Lapinig town stood up for peace and security in their hometown through a peace rally with the theme, “Undangon an Kasamok, Respetohon an Katungod ngan Kinabuhi han Tawo” (trans: Stop violence, respect human rights) recently. More than 2,000 participants from the cross section of Lapinig populace joined the rally which started at 8:00 a.m. from the Lapinig Town Plaza, passed the downtown streets, and returned to the ...
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21Mar2012PALO, Leyte, March 21 (PIA) -- This early, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Eastern Visayas has already mapped out plans to ensure orderly and hassle-free travel for the thousands of commuters who are expected along Maharlika Highway for the traditional pilgrimage during the annual Semana Santa (Holy Week). Regional Director Rolando Asis said that he has instructed all district engineers to activate composite teams to man the stations set up in strategic locat...
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21Mar2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, March 21 (PIA) -- Department of Labor and Employment Regional Director Exequiel Sarcauga cited the management of Coca-Cola Bottlers Philippines Inc. – Tacloban Plant and its two labor unions, the Tacloban Coca-Cola Plant Labor Union, and the United Sales Force Union, for showcasing industrial peace in Eastern Visayas. Director Sarcauga made the pronouncement during the signing of the Collective Bargaining Agreement of Coca Cola and its two unions ...
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19Mar2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, March 19 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Region 8, through its Regional Director Exequiel R. Sarcauga, commended the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB), an attached agency of DOLE, for settling two notices of strike separately filed by two labor unions, February 2012. DOLE’s Acting Information Officer Virgilio A. Doroja Jr. said that the two groups who were planning to stage a strike last February are the Leyt...
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15Mar2012CATARMAN, Northern Samar, March 15 (PIA) – Today, two rebel returnees and a facilitator received immediate assistance allowance from the local government through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) under the Local Social Integration Program of Northern Samar at PSWDO, Capitol Compound, Catarman, Northern Samar. The two former rebels who surrendered on November 30, 2012 received P10, 000 each and the facilitator for the voluntary surrender of the two rebel ...
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15Mar2012CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, March 15 (PIA) -- The Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) meeting discussed the priority project identified on the training workshop of Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) for peace and development projects a week ago. The 29 programs were prioritized according to the perceived need of the different localities that the army recommended as conflict areas. The Department of Interior Local Government (DILG) presented the list of road networks iden...
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14Mar2012TACLOBAN CITY Leyte, March 14 (PIA) -- Water and Food Security will be the focus of World Water Day which is celebrated every March 22 in order to increase people’s awareness of the importance of water in the environment, agriculture, health and trade. The World Water Day in 2012 is intended to draw the international attention on the relationships between water and food security. According to the United Nations, “Food security exists when all people, a...
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13Mar2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, March 13 (PIA) -- In its bid to strengthen the successful prosecution and conviction of every violator of the anti-child labor and trafficking in persons, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Region 8 headed by Regional Director Exequiel R. Sarcauga in coordination with the the International Labor Organization – International Programme on the Elimination of Child Labor (ILO-IPEC) recently conducted a two-day training on child labor and human traf...
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13Mar2012NAVAL, Biliran, March 13 (PIA) -- A high ranking official of the Biliran Police Provincial Office (BPPO) disclosed in a regular radio program that their campaign on anti-illegal fishing topped the list of accomplishments for 2011 netting an estimated value of fishing paraphernalia worth P38,253,143 in 2011. Police Superintendent Mateo Macale, chief, Police Community Relations (PCR) section of BPPO, recently said during the PIA Kapihan at Pulong-Pulong ng Bayan in Radyo Natin-Naval...
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13Mar2012BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, March 13 (PIA) -- The Office of Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP) is set to hold a two-day workshop on peace and development at St. Mary’s College Auditorium, this city on March 13-14. According to Governor Conrado Nicart, the workshop, dubbed “Provincial Workshops on Mainstreaming Peace and Development in Local Governance (MPDLG,” is in line with the PAyapa at MAsaganang PAmayanan (PAMANA) program, for Samar Island. He added...
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09Mar2012CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, March 9 (PIA -- Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Jessie Dellosa visited the 8th Infantry Division (8th ID) based in Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City,Tuesday. The General proudly said that with President Benign Simeon Aquino lll, AFP Modernization has taken off in the manner they expected. He said they have acquired four helicopters and four more are coming before the year ends. While the Aquino administration has just been ...
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08Mar2012CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Mar 8 (PIA) -- Some 25 barangays from three municipalities in Samar province are set to receive peace and development projects under the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA). PAMANA is government’s peace and development framework that seeks to reduce poverty, improve governance, and empower communities through community-driven projects that address people’s needs and at the same time promote peace. The barangays in Matuginao, Baruz, Caro...
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08Mar2012BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, March 8 (PIA) – Hunger is number one cause why children steal and commit other serious crimes. This was revealed by Atty. Tricia Clare Oco of the Juvenile Justice Welfare Council in a Policy Forum for Juvenile Justice Welfare Act which was held recently in the city. “We cannot do otherwise, hungry children are left without choice but steal in order to survive,”, she said. She added that of the five top crimes committed by children between 2006-...
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06Mar2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Mar 6 (PIA) -- Government earmarked about P50 million for projects that would benefit conflict-afflicted areas in Samar Island to address the root causes of insurgency. Department of Interior and Local Government Region 8 Director Pedro A. Noval Jr., disclosed that with its three provinces considered among most vulnerable to the CPP/NPA, Samar island is one of the seven zones in the country to be covered by the “Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan” program o...
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02Mar2012CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, March 2 (PIA) -- Allan Rafalis of Barangay Canlobong, Pinabacdao, Samar was 12 when he joined the NPA because his uncle was allegedly killed by the military. But his more than 20 years stay in the rebel movement did not bring him any future to look forward to. “My kids are growing and I have to do something to educate them,” he shared. After a long period of reflection and consideration, he decided to surrender to the army. Samar Governor Sharee Ann Ta...
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01Mar2012MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, March 1 (PIA) -- For this year, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR - CENRO) Maasin City urges the landowners to avail of the free patent titling both for residential and agricultural lands this year. According to CENRO-Maasin City Officer Pepe Mandras, the new cadastral survey will first tackle the natural boundaries of Maasin City befo...
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01Mar2012Borongan City, Eastern Samar, March 1 (PIA) -- “As far as criminality is concerned, the province of Eastern Samar is peaceful,” this was disclosed by the Philippine National Police (PNP) Provincial Office here, in an interview with PIA. According to Police Chief Inspector Matthe L. Aseo, Operation Officer of the Provincial Police Office (PPO-PNP), Borongan City, the province’s index crime last year (Jan. to Dec. 31,2011) was a total...
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01Mar2012CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City, Samar, March 1 -- A military escort team of the 43rd Infantry Battalion based in Eastern Samar was ambushed by about communist rebels on February 27 at about 8:00 p.m. at the vicinity of Barangay Antipolo in the municipality of Llorente in Eastern Samar. Lt. Colonel Niceforo Diaz, spokesman of the 8th Infantry Division, said that the team was on board a military vehicle, responding to the request for law enforcement assistance from the Regional Trial Court Bran...
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01Mar2012MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, March 1 (PIA) -- The police officers from Silago Municipal Police Station were given commendations for job well done in the successful of operations against illegal gambling last February 10 in Silago. According to Police Civil Relations Officer Police Chief Inspector Abdulmajid B. Jaji, Police Inspector Noel J. Lapasanda, Police Officer 2 Edwin M. Cervantes, and Police Officer 1 Marlon S. Lopez were subject for commendation for the s...
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01Mar2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, March 1 (PIA) -- Prosecutors and law enforcers are set to attend seminars on Republic Act No. 9231 (Anti-Child Labor Law) and Republic Act No. 9208 (Anti-Trafficking Law) this March 7-8 in Borongan City. The seminar under the auspices of the regional officer of the Department of Labor and Employment, was organized by the Eastern Visayas Child Labor Committee after the conduct of the strategic planning workshop on August 24-25, last year in Ormoc City. ...
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28Feb2012MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte Feb. 28 (PIA) – Police identified at least four suspects who robbed a meat shop in an old public market here, carting away cash and goods worth PhP13,600.00, a Police Community Relations Chief Abdulmajid Jaji said. The robbery took place on February 23 at Maan’s Meatshop. Jaji said the robbers, who were all residents of Maasin City, forcibly entered the store, destroying the plywood wall and took away two sacks of rice, as...
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21Feb2012SOUTHERN LEYTE, Feb. 21 (PIA) -- The Philippine National Police – Southern Leyte Provincial Office gave Certificates of Commendation to Hinundayan PNP Personnel for their accomplishment in enforcing the law against illegal activities. Police Community Relations Chief Abdulmajid B. jaji in his report to the Philippine Information Agency-Maasin said that the awarding of the ceritificates of commendation was given during Monday’s flag raising ceremony of the PNP-SLPPO at Ca...
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17Feb2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Feb 17 (PIA) –--The Philippine Postal Corporation (PhilPost) provides free delivery of filled up Yes for Peace questionnaires, Homeroom Tabulation forms, School Summary forms, and Implementation Guides for key persons in the public educational system as its contribution to the people’s participation in the peace process. Cirio Oscar Espos, Operations Manager of PhilPost Tacloban, said that the various municipal post offices in the region will accept the f...
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17Feb2012MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Feb 17 (PIA) -- The Philippine National Police – Southern Leyte Police Provincial Office thru the supervision of PSSupt. Allan T. Cuevillas, Provincial Director yesterday scored anew in its intensified campaign against illegal drugs, with the arrest of one illegal drug pusher in its strong campaign against illegal drugs and to suppress all persons engaged in said violation of RA 9165 in the provi...
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14Feb2012BORONGAN City, Eastern Samar, Feb 14 (PIA) -- Apart from pre-scheduled power interruptions, stolen electric wires, and even kite-flying cause a cut in electricity service.This was revealed by the National Grid Corporation of Philippines (NGCP) Corporate Communication chief, Elmer Cruz in a phone-patch interview over Radyo ng Bayan DYES with Carlos Capito. Cruz’s revelation followed several complaints regarding the repeated power interruptions by the Eastern Samar Electric Coo...
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08Feb2012CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Feb. 8 (PIA) -- In view of the drive of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to equip every soldier with the knowledge regarding the laws on human rights and have a deeper understanding and appreciation of the international humanitarian law (IHL), the 34th Infantry (RELIABLE) Battalion (34th IB) headed by Lieutenant Colonel William P. Peñafiel Jr. invited a team from the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) to give a lecture on IHL. This was re...
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07Feb2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Feb. 6 (PIA) -- The series of tremors which occurred in the region and panicked the citizens in Tacloban City last February 1 have resulted to positive actions from government agencies. The regional office of the Office of Civil Defense revealed in a weekly media forum that it will conduct an earthquake drill in various schools in the region and some offices. Rey Gozon, OCD-8 regional director said that the earthquake drill which will be held in March 1 is aimed at ...
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05Feb2012BORONGAN City, Eastern Samar, Feb 5(PIA) –-- Director Renato Solidum, Philippine Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) chief, assured the public here, that no volcanic explosion is expected to happen, contrary to a text message that had been spreading early evening of February 4. Solidum clarified the message through Philippine Information Agency (PIA) regional director Olive Tiu who read the clarification over Radyo ng Bayan DYES early morning about the news scare. The full text of Phi...
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05Feb2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Feb 5 (PIA) – The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology has not issued any warning about volcanic eruption and tsunami occurrence in Eastern Samar, Phivolcs Director Renato Solidom Jr. said. Solidom made it clear that all official warnings from Phivolcs are coursed through the DRRMCs (disaster risk reduction management councils). “Not true at all. There is no truth that a Phivolcs personnel issued such warning by Phivolcs as all offic...
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03Feb2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Feb 3 (PIA) -- The process of management and workers settling their differences instead of going into strikes has created a climate of industrial peace in Eastern Visayas; this makes the region best suited for investments. The regional office of the Department of Labor and Employment has disclosed that the region’s business and industrial sector has experienced no labor strikes in nine consecutive years. Outgoing DOLE regional director Forter Puguon said that ...
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03Feb2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Feb 3 (PIA) -- The Regional Highway Patrol Unit (RHPU) in Eastern Visayas linked up with the Peace, Action and Resave with the Dedication to Serve the Society (PARDSS) to ensure the safety of motorists and maintain visibility of law enforcers in the highways. PARDSS is a national non-profit organization accredited by the Philippine National Police (PNP), Police Community Relations Group (PCRG), Association of Chiefs of Police of the Philippines Incorporated (ACPPI) and ...
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29Jan2012CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, January 29 (PIA)—Some eight members of the New People’s Army (NPA), from Barangay Hinagunoyan, Catubig, Northern Samar voluntarily surrendered to 34th Infantry (Reliable) Battalion through the efforts of 83rd Civil Military Operation (CMO) Company, 8CMO Battalion under 1Lt Ian Michael DR Hamid at Barangay Hinagunoyan, Catubig, Northern Samar on January 27, 2012. A report from Captain Ramil S. Palisoc, CMO Officer of 34th Infantry (Reliab...
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26Jan2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Jan 26 (PIA) –- Concerned residents in Lapinig town in Northern Samar thwarted the raiding New People’s Army members from inflicting major damage to the town and its residents, said Lt. Col. Niceforo Diaz, Jr. spokesperson of the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division. Diaz said that the NPA launched an attack on the town Friday night of January 20 as the town was holding its traditional religious festivity. The rebels feigned as festivity partic...
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23Jan2012KANANGA, Leyte, Jan. 23 (PIA) -- The 19th Infantry Battalion of the 8th Infantry Division of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, successfully conducted a three-day combat operations to seal off identified NPA lairs in the hinterlands of Leyte towns. Lt. Col. Joel Alejandro S. Nacnac, commanding officer, said that no firefight occurred during the combat operations. Not being tactically engaged implies that NPA rebels in Leyte have moved out of their lairs, but the military will not stop...
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21Jan2012CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Jan 21 (PIA) --The Bravo Company of the 34th Infantry Battalion led by Lt. Eduardo Mendoza cleared Lapinig town and re enforced security for its civilians. According to a report by Captain Ramil Palisoc of the 34th Infantry Battalion, on January 20, civilians witnessed the atrocities of a group of the New People’s Army numbering about 60 when they commandeered a truck, threatened civilians, divested them of cell phones and other valuables and attempte...
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20Jan2012CATARMAN, Northern Samar, Jan 20 (PIA) -– Col. Oscar Lopez, Commanding Officer of 803rd Philippine Army based in Catarman, Northern Samar, presented their accomplishments during the recent Northern Samar Peace and Development Forum. Their combat and non-combat operation initiatives during the past year resulted in positive results. Lopez said combat operation initiatives included 35 encounters resulting in the recovery of 26 firearms broken down into 10 high powered...
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20Jan2012by R.G. Cadavos MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Jan 20 (PIA) –- The province of Southern Leyte will initiate a one-day Barangay Tanod Congress tentatively scheduled on March 1 that will tackle the issues regarding barangay tanods. In a meeting held with Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) PPOC members, Tuesday at the governor’s office here, Gov. Damian G. Mercado announced the upcoming Congress and requested the body to file a resolution authorizing the release o...
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20Jan2012MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Jan 20 (PIA) –- Residents from Southern Leyte would be glad to know that the crime rate in 2011 was an improvement from that of 2010, as reported by the Philippine National Police-Southern Leyte Provincial Office through provincial director P/SSupt Allan Cuevillas. Cuevillas reported that the crime volume, based on reports submitted from the different municipal police stations throughout the province decreased in 2011 with 929 as compared with t...
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19Jan2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Jan 19 (PIA) –- An official of the PNP in Eastern Visayas said that modernization of the Philippine National Police in Eastern Visayas is part of 2012 laid out plans and programs for the PNP office. Police Senior Superintendent Elizar Egloso, chief of the regional police community relations divisions, disclosed that for this year, the PNP will continue and sustain the Integrated Transformation Program (ITP) in coordination with the active support of the comm...
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14Oct2011TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, October 14 (PIA) -- The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) is the head of the newly created Inter-agency Drug Interdiction Task Group at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport or NAIA. (NAIA-IADITG), PDEA Region 8 Director Julius Navales informed. The group which endeavors to effectively synchronize anti-illegal drug efforts at the country’s premiere airport, was created through Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed recently by PDEA Director General Un...
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04May2011TACLOBAN CITY Leyte, May 4 (PIA) – The government will give P200,000 reward to anyone who can give information for the identification of the assailant, and P1 million for the arrest of the perpetrators in the killing of Calbayog City Mayor Reynaldo Uy. This was announced by Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo in a press conference held in the morning of May 2 at the Ciriaco Hotel in Calbayog City, Police Superintendent Elizar Egloso, acting chief of the Regional P...
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21Apr2011TACLOBAN CITY Leyte, April 21 (PIA) – The Philippine Information Agency is set to join the Provincial Consultations with OFW Family Circles which the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Regional Welfare Office 8 is conducting in preparation for the Regional Consultation on May 12 – 13, 2011 and the National Congress on June 7, 2011. OWWA 8 officer in charge Juliet Tan said the series of consultative activities are aimed at assessing the Agency’s inputs/outputs to co...
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21Mar2011TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Mar 21 (PIA) -- As the lead agency tasked to promote the welfare and well-being of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) provides member OFWs with services and benefits aside from clearly defining the employment contract offers of employers and the laws of the receiving countries. According to the information gathered from OWWA OIC-Regional Director Juliet Tan, for a membership contribution of US$25.00, an O...
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