Second high ranking personality of communist terrorist group in Eastern Visayas captured in Cebu

By DPAO, 8ID PA
April 9, 2024

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – A certain Romulo Micabalo alias Ned /Lukad the top two leader of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC) was apprehended in a joint inter-agency operation conducted by the 8th Infantry "Stormtroopers" Division, Philippine Army and PNP on April 8, 2024, at Barangay Pitogo, Consolacion, Cebu.

Micabalo has a standing warrant of arrest for two counts of kidnapping with serious illegal detention and for robbery with violence against or intimidation of person issued by Hon. Fernando Fudulan Jr of Branch 07, Regional Trial Court in Bayugan City, Agusan Del Sur.

Alias Ned is a known notorious leader of the Regional Operations Command (ROC) and head of the Regional Operations Division (ROD) of the EVRPC is responsible for the numerous CTG atrocities in Eastern Visayas.

He was a former member of the Regional Sentro De Gravidad - Compaq, of the North Central Mindanao Regional Party Committee (NCMRC) operating in Northern Mindanao.

He is the son of Dionisio Micabalo alias Muling the top leader of the NCMRC who was killed in an encounter with government troops in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental on July 26, 2023.

According to reports, alias Ned orchestrated the burning of Jipapad - Las Navas road construction equipment in Barangay Quirino and Barangay San Francisco, Las Navas, Northern Samar estimated to be worth P32 Million on July 29, 2021, the ambush and massacre of a soldier and three CAAs and wounding of another six CAAs who were doing construction works of the detachment of 52IB CAAs at Barangay 4, Jipapad, Eastern Samar on July 29, 2021 and the attack on the Community Support Program Team securing the construction of school building at Barangay Dorillo, Jipapad, Eastern Samar on October 07, 2022 wounding a 10-year-old child.

The Commander of 8ID, Major General Camilo Z Ligayo, lauded the success of the inter-agency operations and credited the accomplishment to the 8ID's counterparts in ending the local communist armed conflict.

"The support of our partner stakeholders is the key to this achievement, as we continue to crack down the CTGs to their smallest formations. We will be relentless in our operations. We assure you that our people will be protected and freed from violence and atrocities by the CTGs," said Maj. Gen. Ligayo.

“To the remaining cadres of the EVRPC give peace a chance and take advantage on the comprehensive program of the government to start a peaceful life.” Maj. Gen. Ligayo added.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. granted Executive Order (EO) No. 47 which revised Executive Order No 125 from 2021, establishing the National Amnesty Commission (NAC). Marcos granted amnesty to those who “committed crimes in pursuit of political beliefs” especially to former members of the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army - National Democratic Front, Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas, Revolutionary Proletarian Army, Alex Boncayao Brigade and members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Moro National Liberation Front.

Las Navas Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, Mayor Arlito Tan expressed that he is optimistic that with the apprehension of alias Ned other members of the CTGs will soon be neutralized.

“Magsilbi sanang inspirasyon sa inyo ang pagkakahuli sa inyong lider para tuluyan na kayong magbalik-loob sa gobyerno at umuwi sa inyong mga pamilya. Makakaasa kayong tutulungan namin kayo sa inyong pagbabagong buhay,” said Mayor Tan.

Mayor Tan assured that he will continue to support the initiatives and programs to end the local communist armed conflict not only in the town of Las Navas, Northern Samar but in the entire region.

“Hindi na kami papayag sa anumang panggugulo ng mga armadong grupo. Dahil dito sa Las Navas, kapayapaan ang tunay na kailangan,” Mayor Tan expressed.

OTOP building ready for occupancy

By GISSELLE G. PARUNGAO
April 9, 2024

CALBAYOG CITY – Samar First DEO has constructed its first multi-purpose building under the One Town One Product (OTOP) program which is a convergence project amounting to P9.85 million.

The building has a groundfloor and mezzanine which will serve as a souvenir and home décor and furniture display areas. The building is equipped with air conditioner, installed tiles and a toilet room. A concept of a modern building design is used to build the structure wherein modern interior lightings were mounted, it has a decorative sun breaker cladding and tempered glass are installed for aesthetic purposes at the same time the products are visible from the outside.

The building will showcase local products and help small scale businesses to have a venue for their goods as this will serve as the city’s “Pasalubong Center”.

This structure has been one of the visions of the Representative of Samar, Cong. Stephen James Tan and the Local Government Unit (LGU) to have a venue that will promote entrepreneurship and job creation since local products can now be highlighted and displayed in a definite location.

'Saad nga Balay' Project handed over to former rebels in San Jose de Buan, Samar

By DPAO, 8ID PA
April 7, 2024

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – A significant milestone in Samar's peace-building initiatives was celebrated with the inauguration and turnover ceremony of "Saad nga Balay" or houses for former rebels in San Jose de Buan, Samar, on April 4, 2024, at Barangay Poblacion 1.

The event, with the theme "Saad nga Balay para han Peace Builders ha San Jose de Buan Samar," was graced by the attendance of Senator Robin Padilla, Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan, Major General Camilo Z. Ligayo, Commander of the 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, San Jose de Buan Mayor Joaquin Elizalde, and the San Jose de Buan Peacebuilder Group led by its President, Tito Labong.

The "Saad nga Balay" initiative aimed to support former rebels by offering them adequate housing, allowing them to embark on a fresh start following their surrender to the government.

The project has a total budget of 4 million pesos, which was shared by the provincial government of Samar and the municipal government.

Ten houses have been turned over to ten peacebuilder beneficiaries, while construction of the remaining seven is ongoing.

In his address, Senator Padilla reiterated to the peacebuilders the importance of their commitment to the government and assured them that the government is always prepared to offer assistance.

"Mayroon tayong gobyerno na tumatakbo. Ang kailangan na lang natin tulungang yung gobyerno na yun para magpatakbo ng tama," Senator Padilla conveyed to the beneficiaries.

Senator Padilla's office pledged to cover the expenses for one housing unit and provided P200,000 to the peacebuilders group.

In addition to housing, various government agencies and partners extended their assistance to the beneficiaries. The Department of Social Welfare and Development distributed P10,000 AICS assistance to the peacebuilders in the area.

The Brigade Commander of 801st Infantry Brigade, Brigadier General Lenart Lelina called on the remaining CNTs to return to the folds of the law and avail of various government assistance to help them start their life anew.

Addressing the peacebuilders, 8ID Commander, Major General Camilo Ligayo reflected on their transformative journey towards peace, reconciliation, and progress.

“To our Peacebuilders, this day marks the beginning of a new chapter in your lives. May this endeavor open doors to new possibilities and broaden our vision for the future. Through our continuous efforts and cooperation, let us make meaningful strides forward," Maj. Gen. Ligayo encouraged the peacebuilders.

Farm-to-market road constructed in Tarangnan, Samar

By GISSELLE G. PARUNGAO
April 7, 2024

CALBAYOG CITY – A farm-to-market road (FMR) has been constructed from Barangays Majacob to Sugod in the Municipality of Tarangnan, Samar in convergence with the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) having a contract amount of P35.47 million.

The barangays’ products and nearby areas are mostly root crops and copra which is their main source of income, thus such road is built to address the problem of farmers in the transportation of goods.

The road spans 820 meters of Portland Cement Concrete Pavement (PCCP) road with a width of 6.10 meters. A stone masonry and embankment is also incorporated with a length of 752.90 meters.

This FMR will further help farmers in transporting their goods to the marketplace faster and more convenient allowing them to gain better prices and wider reach for their products.

1 CNT killed and 1 captured, 2 high-powered firearms recovered in Northern Samar clash

By DPAO, 8ID PA
April 3, 2024

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – One Communist NPA Terrorist (CNT) was killed, another was captured, and two high-powered firearms were recovered in an encounter by the troops of 19th Infantry "Commando" Battalion, 8th Infantry "Stormtroopers" Division, Philippine Army at the hinterlands of Brgy. Osmeña, Las Navas, Northern Samar early this morning, April 3, 2024.

The troops conducted a Focused Military Operation following the information provided by a concerned civilian that a group of armed men was in the said barangay doing extortion activities to the residents.

The armed men are believed to be members of the Sub-Regional Guerilla Unit (SRGU), Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Emporium, Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC) led by a certain Mario Sevillano, alias Durok.

The firefight lasted for about 20 minutes, and the CNTs retreated, leaving behind one slain and one wounded member, along with two M16 rifles and personal belongings.

The slain CNT member was identified by their former comrade as Adel Cabides alias Hipolito and the wounded CNT member identified as Jessie Robinacio alias Tadok and immediately given first aid by the operating troops of the 19IB.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Marvin Maraggun, Commanding Officer of the 19IB, commended and expressed his gratitude for the support of the Local Task Force ELCAC of Las Navas, and the cooperation of communities from Barangays Cuenco, Capotoan, and Osmeña of Las Navas.

“The timely information provided by concerned citizens regarding the presence and extortion activities of armed rebels indicates that the community fully realized that they also have a responsibility in solving the problem of insurgency,” said by Lt. Col. Maraggun.

"We extend our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the NPA member who was killed. I have ordered the ground Commander to bring down the body, give him respect, and ensure a decent preparation for his burial before delivering him to his family once we have confirmed his identity," said Major General Camilo Z. Ligayo, the Commander of 8ID.

Maj.Gen. Ligayo reiterated the call to the remaining CNTs to lay down their arms and return to the folds of the law.

“We will ensure your safety once you surrender and we assure you that the Army will help you get the necessary assistance that the government offers as you live your life anew,” Maj.Gen. Ligayo added.

The group of alias Durok was responsible in perpetrating numerous atrocities in Northern Samar. One of these atrocities was the attack on two unarmed CAFGU Active Auxiliary (CAA) in San Isidro, Northern Samar in August 2021.

DAR-EV shines at national assessment, receives multiple awards for SPLIT implementation

By MARVIN R. ORQUIOLA
April 3, 2024

TACLOBAN CITY – In a remarkable display of dedication and excellence, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Eastern Visayas has garnered numerous awards and recognitions at the National Summative Assessment for its outstanding implementation of the Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling (SPLIT) project in the region.

Held in Angeles, Pampanga on March 5 to 8, the said event highlighted the regions’ exceptional performance in advancing agrarian reform initiatives.

During the flag-raising at the DAR Regional Office in this city on March 11 this year, Regional Director, Atty. Robert Anthony Yu, alongside Assistant Regional Director for Operations, Renato Badilla and Assistant Regional Director for Administration, Ismael Aya-ay, proudly showcased the awards before the agency’s employees and the Project SPLIT team.

Aya-ay expressed gratitude to the project implementers, acknowledging their relentless efforts and dedication which played a crucial role in securing these prestigious awards for this region. He emphasized that the team’s hard work reflects the department’s commitment to excellence and innovation in agrarian reform.

Eastern Visayas has been recognized in several categories, including second in E-Title registration and Across All Parcelization Indicators awards.

This region also secured third place in Field Validation, fourth in E-Title Distribution, and was honored with the Environmental and Social Safeguards (ESS) Outstanding Data Compliance Award.

For the provincial level, DAR Leyte Provincial Office was ranked second in Across All Parcelization Indicators category, second in E-Title Registration, third in E-Title Distribution, and second in Field Validation. Meanwhile, DAR Northern Samar Provincial Office was likewise recognized for placing third in E-Title Registration.

Project SPLIT represents DAR’s focused efforts on accelerating the subdivision of collective Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOAs) into individual titles, thereby reinforcing the rights of agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs).

With its comprehensive approach encompassing parcelization of collective CLOAs, capability building, and stringent project management with monitoring and evaluation, the project stands as a testament to DAR Region 8’s unwavering commitment to ARB development.

Aya-ay exclaimed that the recognitions received are not only a tribute to the hard work and perseverance of DAR in Eastern Visayas but also a motivation to continue striving for excellence in the pursuit of justice and equity in agrarian reform.

Tarangnan town in Samar declares Stable Internal Peace and Security status on its 140th Founding Anniversary Celebration

By DPAO, 8ID PA
April 1, 2024

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – The Municipality of Tarangan, Samar was formally declared with Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) status in a Ceremonial Signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) during the town’s 140th Founding Anniversary Celebration on April 1, 2024.

Said municipality was granted the SIPS status because of the successful conduct of Local Peace Engagement (LPE) down to the Barangay level and the effective multi-sectoral commitment for peace and security.

In his message, Tarangnan Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict Chair, Mayor Danilo Tan, expressed his gratitude to the people of Tarangnan for their full support and cooperation in achieving a peaceful community.

The Commanding Officer of the 3rd Infantry Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Fritz Montemor expressed his appreciation to the community’s cooperation which is crucial in attaining the SIPS status in Tarangnan.

“This declaration of SIPS status is the result of the sacrifices, bravery, and cooperation of our people. Insurgency is not just a lone responsibility of the AFP or any uniform service but a result of our unity”, Lt. Col. Montemor said.

Meanwhile, Police Lieutenant Colonel Edwin Barbosa, the Deputy Provincial Director for Operations of Samar Police Provincial Office assured the people of Tarangnan that the PNP will be a constant partner of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Local Government Unit (LGU) in maintaining peace and order to achieve a more progressive community.

The SIPS status is one of the criteria for a municipality for it to be declared as insurgency-free community.

Tarangnan is the second town in Samar Province with SIPS status after Pagsanghan which was proclaimed on December 12, 2023, and which was later declared as the first insurgency-free town in the province.

PH reaches USD 133 million export sales in Dubai food expo

By DTI-Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions
March 27, 2024

PASAY CITY – FOODPhilippines, the country’s collective food promotions program, capped its Gulfood participation yielding USD 133 million in export sales, double the total sales it generated from its 2023 participation.

The amount is a combination of booked orders and sales under negotiation following the 5-day food expo which ran from February 19 to 23, at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Known as the biggest gathering of leading food and beverage (F&B) brands from more than 190 countries, Gulfood provides a business platform to buyers, exhibitors, and notable personalities in the food and hospitality industries. The annual trade show for food sets the stage where the latest tastes, trends, and innovations are unveiled.

This year, a delegation of 25 Philippine companies engaged in F&B brought to the fore local food products focused on health and wellness. Among the top-selling companies are Pixcel Transglobal, Inc.; SL Agritech Corp.; and Lionheart Farms, Inc. Consequently, the top food products in terms of dollar value of export leads were fruit preserves, cavendish bananas, fermented marine products, and amino sap beverages.

Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) Edward Fereira underscored the crucial role that Gulfood has been playing in the global food scene saying that “the annual food expo has become an entry point for businesses across the world to penetrate the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region.”

The Philippine Pavilion opened its doors to visitors and foreign trade buyers through a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by export promotions head Edward Fereira and Philippine Ambassador to the UAE, Hon. Ambassador Alfonso Ferdinand Ver, along with other key government officials. The ceremony was followed by a series of matchmaking services and business-to-business meetings between Philippine exporters and foreign trade buyers.

This year’s participation is led by CITEM, an attached agency of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), in close collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry - Export Marketing Bureau (DTI-EMB), and Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Dubai (PTIC-Dubai).

CITEM is also set to hold IFEX Philippines, the country’s biggest international trade show for food and ingredients, on May 10-12, 2024 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila, in Pasay City, Philippines.

To learn more about the Philippine exhibitors, visit their digital storefronts on IFEXConnect.com. Read stories on the Philippines’ rich food culture and culinary landscape on foodphilippines.com.

PSA RSSO 8 continues its partnership with DSWD providing major PhilSys services to beneficiaries

By PSA-8
March 26, 2024

TACLOBAN CITY – The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Region VIII continues to offer its services to the beneficiaries of the various programs of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) particularly on Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) Step 2 Registration, Authentication, Retrieval of Transaction Numbers and ePhilID Issuance.

The roll-out of this colocation activities in Eastern Visayas commenced on 11 March 2024 after all agreements between PSA and DSWD were finalized during the coordination meeting held on 08 March 2024. PSA PhilSys teams were deployed in various municipalities and barangays to cater populace both one to four years old and 5 years old above.

As of 26 March 2024, below is the breakdown of services and total number of transactions logged under the DSWD FDS colocation;

The endeavor is being done pursuant to the memorandum issued in January 2024 by the DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian with the goal of registering about 24 Million beneficiaries and their children nationwide to PhilSys while those aged five (5) years and above who were registered with PhilSys before 01 February 2024 must undergo the PhilSys Authentication for them to be able to avail the Family Development Sessions (FDS) equivalency.

CARD MBA’s 91st PO inaugurated in Romblon; extends microinsurance services to more than 40,000

By MARY ROSE JAVIER
March 26, 2024

SAN PABLO CITY – The CARD Mutual Benefit Association, Inc. (CARD MBA), the insurance arm of CARD Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (CARD MRI), has marked another significant milestone with the opening of its 91st Provincial Office (PO) in Romblon on March 18, 2024.

With the recent establishment of the 90th PO in North Cotabato on March 5, 2024, this latest expansion highlights CARD MBA's steadfast commitment to bringing affordable insurance services to hard-to-reach areas across the Philippines.

"Continuing our expansion into remote provinces is pivotal to our mission of serving clients in urgent need of micro insurance," emphasized by CARD MBA CEO Jocelyn Dequito during the inauguration ceremony.

Dequito elaborated, "CARD MBA's goal is to ensure that no one gets left behind though the products and services that CARD MBA offers. Aside from microinsurance, we also provide immediate assistance during times of calamities." She also highlighted the institution's 8-24 strategy, which prioritizes settling insurance claims to its members and beneficiaries within eight to 24 working hours.

Since its establishment in 1999, CARD MBA aims to provide benefits to members in case of death and uncertainties, offering a range of microinsurance products designed to provide protection and assistance.

These products include the Basic Life Insurance Program, Retirement Fund, Loan Redemption Fund Plus, Golden Life Insurance Program, Family Security Plan, Acci Plan, and Remitter Protek Plan.

Additionally, CARD MBA actively participates in community development programs such as mass weddings and the CARD MRI Disaster Relief Assistance Program.

The newly opened PO is situated at Festin Street, Sitio Torrel, Barangay Dapawan, Odiongan, Romblon will be serving a total of 43,386 members from CARD, Inc. (A Microfinance NGO).

The inauguration of this PO signifies CARD MBA's unwavering commitment to expanding its reach and ensuring financial security for Filipinos nationwide. It represents the institution's ongoing efforts to empower communities and build resilience against life's uncertainties.

DAR-EV reaps multiple national recognitions for 2023 performance

By JOSE ALSMITH L. SORIA
March 26, 2024

TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Eastern Visayas received several recognitions during the agency’s National Summative Assessment held in Angeles City, Pampanga for the 2023 performance.

DAR Eastern Visayas Regional Director Robert Anthony Yu proudly announced that from March 5 to 8, Region 8 collected 19 certificates and plaques of recognition for various indicators that contributed to the national accomplishment of the said government agency.

He exclaimed, “Our efforts paid off!” addressing all DAR employees throughout the region.

Topping the list of awards received was for the resolution of agrarian-related cases where the collective efforts of Regional Agrarian Reform Adjudicator (RARAD) Virgilio Rosacay (concurrent PARAD of Leyte and Biliran), Provincial Agrarian Reform Adjudicators (PARADs) Florenz Hipe (Southern Leyte), Nellie Canillas (Western Samar), Bryan Lassiter (Eastern Samar), and Editha San Jose-Cerillo (Northern Samar) placed DAR Eastern Visayas at rank number one among regions with heavy caseloads.

The above-mentioned adjudicators were able to resolve last year a total of 4,157 agrarian-related cases.

This region was also cited for the following:

Building roads to increase road network in San Jorge, Samar

By GISSELLE G. PARUNGAO
March 26, 2024

CALBAYOG CITY – An additional concrete road is built to increase road network and gain access to interior barangays is recently built in Barangay La Paz in the Municipality of San Jorge, Samar with a contract amount of P19.5 million.

A total length of 826 meters of Portland Cement Concrete Pavement (PCCP) is constructed in the area with a 6.10-meter width. Also, part of the work is an open canal of 121 meters and stone masonry of 294 meters.

Concreting said road is a big milestone from its previous state which is a gravel road allowing comfortability, ease and safety for motorists and residents traversing the area. Also, farmers of root crops and “palay” would be able to experience ease in travelling their products to the marketplace.

DTI Sydney lauds granting of mining permit to Australian company

By DTI-Foreign Trade Service Corps
March 25, 2024

SYDNEY, Australia – On the heels of the successful visit of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr to Melbourne, Australia which yielded a total value of USD1.53 billion business agreements signed, the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) overseas office in Australia, the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Sydney (PTIC Sydney) lauded the recent granting of a mining permit to Perth-based Celsius Resources, through its Philippine subsidiary, Makilala Mining Company, Inc. (MMCI) for its flagship Maalinao-Caigutan-Biyog Mining Project (MCB) located in the Cordillera Administrative Region in the Philippines.

The Philippine government, through the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) granted the mining permit or Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA) to Makilala Mining Company, Inc on 15 March 2024. The permit grants the company exclusive rights to undertake rational exploration, development, and commercial production of copper and associated minerals.

The issuance of the MPSA, which is the first copper project to be approved in the Philippines in the last fifteen years, grants MMCI the exclusive right to undertake rational exploration, development, and commercial production of copper and associated minerals within the Contract Area covering approximately 2,500 hectares for a period of 25 years and is renewable for another 25 years.

During President Marcos visit to Melbourne, he highlighted to the Australian Business Community that the Philippines is positioning itself as a regional hub for smart and sustainable manufacturing. To achieve this, he emphasized that the Philippines is at the forefront of attracting sustainable-driven strategic investments such as investments in critical mineral processing, wherein the government enforces strict adherence to labor and environmental standards.

Celsius Executive Chairman Atty. Julito R. Sarmiento said: “The issuance of the mining permit has been much awaited by Celsius and the Balatoc Community. Now is our chance to deliver on our firm commitment to work with the Government and the local communities to develop the MCB Project in a sustainable manner that creates value not only for our shareholders but also for our communities.”

Sarmiento added that they are seriously taking the government’s call for the Project to go beyond compliance by striking a balance between keeping the business viable, protecting and rehabilitating the environment, uplifting local communities, and supporting the government’s socio-economic agenda. He also expressed confidence that they can make the project happen with the Philippine Government under the bold leadership of His Excellency President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.

Meanwhile, Celsius Managing Director Peter Hume, said the grant of the MCB mining permit marks the progression of Celsius from being known as an exploration company to a mineral resource developer, and eventually a mine operator.