Local Serbisyo Caravan reaches 456 families in Las Navas

By 20th Infantry Battalion, 8ID PA
July 27, 2024

LAS NAVAS, Northern Samar – The Local Serbisyo Caravan served 456 families from the clustered barangays of Bulao, Catotoogan, Dolores, and Imelda in Las Navas last Friday, July 26.

This Local Government Unit-led program aims to achieve peace through the unity of local government units, government agencies, non-government organizations, private sector groups, and partner barangay local government units. The caravan provided various services, including medical services, free haircuts, veterinary services, consultations on government services and programs, birth and civil registration, and the distribution of food packs and toys.

Municipal Mayor Arlito A. Tan emphasized the importance of the government reaching out to communities and bringing services closer to the people whenever possible.

Meanwhile, 20th IB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Richard P. Villaflor highlighted the cooperation of the LGU, LGAs, NGOs, NGAs, private sectors, and the whole community in making the Serbisyo Caravan a successful event. He commended the unity and efforts of everyone involved during the clearing operations of these former conflict-affected barangays, from Community Support Progarm Operations to the sustainment phase of the Retooled CSP and the Mobile Community Support and Sustainment Program (MCSSP). He urged everyone to continue their efforts to achieve the long-time dream of a peaceful and progressive Las Navas.

“Suportahan natin ang mga namumuno sa atin at tanggapin nating may mga responsibilidad na nakaatang sa ating mga balikat. Makakaasa kayong mananatiling nakaalalay at nakasuporta ang 20th Infantry (We Lead) Battalion sa inyong lahat. Kasama ninyo kami sa bawat hamon na ating kahaharapin,” said Lt. Col. Villaflor.

“Samahan ninyo kami ni Mayor at ang buong Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict ng Las Navas, sabay-sabay nating abutin ang pangarap na Insurgency-Free Las Navas,” he added.

With the help of different partner stakeholders, the 20th IB also brought joy and smiles to the community by inviting Jollibee for the "Bida ang Saya" performance. The 20th IB personnel also showcased their talents through beatboxing, rapping, and singing. Additionally, they distributed food packs, provided free haircut services, free lunch, free ice cream, and free Yum Burgers.

Joining Mayor Tan in the caravan were Vice Mayor Minda M. Tan, members of the Las Navas LGU and Sangguniang Bayan Members, 20th IB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Richard Villaflor and other 20th IB officers and personnel, DILG Northern Samar Representative Mr. Eduardo A. Diaz, MLGOO Las Navas Ms. Rosalinda S. Jarito, additional security forces from the 2nd Northern Samar Provincial Mobile Force Company under the leadership of Force Commander Police Lt. Col. Edwin M. Oloan, Jr., TESDA-Las Navas Agro-Industrial School Representatives, representatives from different clubs of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Jollibee Catarman, partner teachers, punong barangays of the four beneficiary barangays, heads and representatives of LGU Las Navas, and other Serbisyo Caravan partners.

Another high-ranking NPA leader killed in Eastern Samar clash

By 802nd Infantry Brigade, 8ID PA
July 25, 2024

CAMP DOWNES, Ormoc City – A top leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) died in a clash between government forces and rebels in the hinterlands of Barangay Osmeña, General MacArthur, Eastern Samar on Thursday.

The 78th Infantry Battalion (78IB) under the operational control of 802nd Infantry Brigade (802IBde) identified the slain rebel as Joel Guarino alias Duran, the Squad Leader of Squad 2 of the recently dismantled Apoy Platoon.

The 78IB commander Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Bugaoan said that more or less seven members of NPA were involved in a firefight early Thursday morning while his troops were conducting development and security operations in the upland village of General MacArthur. The duel lasted for about 20 minutes. Meanwhile, there was no report of injured personnel from the military.

Bugaoan added that soldiers were also able to recover several war paraphernalia from the enemy including one caliber .45 pistol, one homemade grenade, various war matériels, and other subversive documents with high intelligence value.

Bugaoan attributed the successful operation to the collective effort of the community and the government to finally end the local communist armed conflict. “The people tipped off the presence of these NPAs that is why our soldiers were able to track their movement but they were fired upon when the rebels saw the incoming troops,” Bugaoan said.

Brigadier General Noel Vestuir, the Brigade Commander of 802IBde, commended the troops for tracking the remnants of the recently dismantled Apoy platoon while stating the significance of this successful operation.

“The neutralization of Guarino left the remnants of the newly dismantled Apoy Platoon leaderless and without direction. Now, they have become just roving band of bandits, hiding in the mountains to survive,” Vestuir said.

Vestuir added that this is another breakthrough towards the Brigade’s campaign in winning the peace in the province of Eastern Samar as he call for the remaining members to give up the armed struggle now that their leader is gone. “I reiterate my call to the remaining NPAs in the islands of Samar and Leyte to peacefully abandon the armed struggle. The communities no longer support and welcome you. Do not wait to experience the same fate as what happened to your comrade today. The path of peace is ready to embrace you,” Vestuir ended.

Bigger and Better: BotiCARD Dolores Branch moves to new location

By EDRIAN B. BANANIA
July 25, 2024

SAN PABLO CITY – BotiCARD Dolores branch officially relocated its building on July 15, 2024, in support of its mission to provide quality, affordable, and accessible healthcare and personal care products and health services to Filipino families.

“As we combat the cycle of poverty while improving the health and wellness of people, we will continue to advocate for quality affordable medicines, health supplies, hygiene products, and selected supplements. It is a basic right every Filipino should enjoy,” said BotiCARD President Rosenda P. Aquino.

As part of the branch's relocation, free medical consultation, dental extraction, blood pressure monitoring, and other freebies like a 28% discount are also provided for those who attended the event.

“Through the range of BotiCARD services, we hope to reach more communities to provide the quality products and services they deserve,” Aquino added.

The branch's new building is located at Marquez Street, Barangay Bagong Anyo, Dolores, Quezon.

Established in 2011, BotiCARD is a member institution of CARD Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (CARD MRI), a group of institutions sharing the same goal and objective of poverty eradication and improving the lives of Filipino families.

As of June 2024, BotiCARD has 20 pharmacies and serves more than 2 million clients across the country.

78th IB, NNC-8 among DAR’s top institutional buyers

By JOSE ALSMITH L. SORIA
July 24, 2024

TACLOBAN CITY – For the second time in two consecutive years, the 78th Infantry “Warrior” Batallion, based in Borongan, Eastern Samar, was recognized by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) as among the top institutional markets of products of agrarian reform beneficiaries organizations (ARBOs) in the country.

The 78IB entered into a marketing agreement with the San Gabriel Integrated Farmers Association (SAGIFA). Under the said agreement, the SAGIFA will serve as 78IB’s supplier of agricultural products for the daily food requirements of military personnel.

In 2023, the 78IB’s purchases with SAGIFA reached P310,090.00 making them the top institutional buyer among the Philippine Army of ARBOs’ products under the Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (PAHP) project.

PAHP is a government initiative to promote food security, lessen poverty and mitigate hunger by 2030. It is a joint effort of various government agencies which include the Department of Health (DOH), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), National Nutrition Council (NNC), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Department of Education DepEd) and local government units (LGUs) who will serve as institutional markets for ARBO products.

Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Bugaoan, 78IB acting commanding officer, received the award from DAR Undersecretary for Support Services, Rowena Niña Taduran, during the awarding rites held at Sequoia Hotel in Quezon City on June 27 this year.

On the same occasion, the National Nutrition Council (NNC) in Eastern Visayas was likewise recognized as second highest purchaser among NNCs nationwide in 2023 with a combined purchases from two ARBOs in Leyte reaching P2.3 million.

NNC Eastern Visayas engaged with Tagbawto-Hilusig Communal Irrigators Association in Hilongos, Leyte and the Omaganhan Farmers Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Tabango, Leyte for NNC’s Tutok Kainan Dietary Supplementation Program.

Atty. Robert Anthony Yu, DAR Regional Director in Eastern Visayas, expressed his gratitude to the 78IB, NNC and all institutional buyers for engaging with the ARBOs serving as stable markets for their products.

Meanwhile, the DAR Leyte-Biliran and the DAR Eastern Samar provincial offices were also recognized for their invaluable contribution in the empowerment and improvement of the socio-economic welfare of the agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) involved in the implementation of the PAHP project in 2023.

Roberto Cajipe, Agrarian Reform Program Officer II (ARPO II) and PAHP point person in Leyte, and Jocyne Nizza Palacio, ARPO I and PAHP point person in Eastern Samar were likewise recognized for their remarkable efforts in assisting the ARBOs sustain the supply of food requirements of the NNC Eastern Visayas and the 78IB, respectively, in 2023.

Further, Chief Agrarian Reform Program Officer (CARPO) Celso Cidro of DAR Eastern Samar was also recognized as outstanding provincial chief of the Program Beneficiaries Development (PBD) Division in the implementation of the PAHP project last year.

2 Eastern Samar towns declared ‘NPA-free’

By 802nd Infantry Brigade, 8ID PA
July 23, 2024

CAMP DOWNES, Ormoc City – The respective local government units (LGUs) of Hernani and Maydolong in this province have declared their municipalities in a state of Stable Internal Peace and Security Condition (SIPSC) earlier this week.

The declaration that were spearheaded by their Municipal Mayors mark a significant milestone in their ongoing efforts to maintain peace and stability.

Both ceremonies were attended by key local officials, including Hon. Amado L. Candido, Mayor and Chairman, Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF-ELCAC) in Hernani, and Hon. Godofredo T. Garado, Mayor and Chair of MTF-ELCAC in Maydolong. Other notable attendees include Hon. Ben P. Evardone, Governor of Eastern Samar, represented by Engr. Joselito Mutia, Provincial Task Force-ELCAC Spokesperson and Hon. Ralph Vincent Evardone, Board member, Eastern Samar.

Military and police officials such as Colonel Rico Amaro, Deputy Brigade Commander of the 802nd Infantry Brigade, Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Bugaoan, Acting Commanding Officer of the 78th Infantry Battalion represented by Major Lyndon C Arpon, Battalion Executive Officer, and Police Colonel Emmerson Badilla, Deputy Police Department, Eastern Samar Provincial Police Office and Police Captain Rongy Cidro, Chief of Police Hernani and Police Lieutenant Eduardo Sande of Maydolong are also present in the ceremony.

The highlights of the event included the signing of Memoranda of Agreement (MOAs) and Pledges of Commitment, alongside the simultaneous release of white doves, symbolizing peace and new beginnings.

Both Mayors expressed their gratitude to all stakeholders who contributed to achieving SIPSC in their municipalities. They emphasized that this milestone paves the way for further progress and a better quality of life for their constituents. The Philippine Army, Philippine National Police, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) reaffirmed their strong support and commitment to sustaining the stable peace and security in Hernani and Maydolong.

Col Amaro congratulated the municipalities of Hernani and Maydolong for their active cooperation in the mission of achieving peace and tranquility in the whole province of Eastern Samar.

"With our declaration of Hernani and Maydolong as being in a Stable Internal Peace and Security Conditions, we affirm our continued patnership with you for the benefit of your constituents. Hindi kayo iiwanan ng Army. Yung pinirmahan namin is not just a statement of our responsibilities but it is a commitment that we will continue to serve the people of Hernani and Maydolong, that we will continue to support lahat ng endeavors ninyo lalong-lalo na sa socio-economic services," Amaro concluded.

Meanwhile, Brigadier General Noel Vestuir, Commander of the 802nd Infantry Brigade, praised the municipalities for their dedication to maintaining a secured environment. Vestuir highlighted the collaboration and efforts of the local government units and their communities in achieving SIPSC.

Brgy. Palanogon in Calbayog City gets new road

By GISSELLE G. PARUNGAO
July 19, 2024

CALBAYOG CITY – A new road has been constructed and completed ahead of time from Barangay Palanogon heading to Barangay Hibatang in Calbayog City with a contract amount of P9.8 million.

This is funded under the General Appropriations Act (GAA) for FY 2024.

A Portland Cement Concrete Pavement (PCCP) is made that spans 300 meters and width of 3.05 meters (two lanes). As of this time, said length of PCCP is within Brgy. Palanogon only.

These areas may not be called without physical access but going there is very challenging since it can only be accessed on foot or through “habal-habal” which is tough for those who wants to travel their products to the nearest marketplace as well as those students or residents living therein.

The new road will boost local connectivity which means having access to rural communities. In that way, there are no obstacles in obtaining health, education and other social services. In addition, their ability to take advantage of employment and business opportunities are now easy.

2 high-powered firearms seized in Northern Samar clash

By DPAO, 8ID PA
July 19, 2024

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – The troops of the 52nd Infantry Battalion of the 8th Infantry “Stormtroopers” Division were engaged in an armed encounter with the members of the Regional Guerilla Unit (RGU), Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC) in the hinterlands of Barangay Lonoy, Gamay, Northern Samar, on July 18, 2024.

A 30-minute encounter ensued after the government troops conducted an operation following a report from concerned citizens on the presence of armed men passing in the outskirts of Barangay Lonoy.

After the encounter, the troops seized two M16 rifles, 13 ponchos, and other personal belongings of the insurgents.

The Commanding Officer of 52nd Infantry Battalion attributed the success of the operation to the timely and relevant information provided by the residents.

“We are grateful for the cooperation of the people of Gamay, Northern Samar, particularly the residents of Barangays Lonoy and GM Osias. Their vigilance and willingness to report the presence of Communist New People’s Army Terrorists (CNTs) in their communities are crucial for maintaining peace and fostering progress,” said Lt. Col. Garcia.

Meanwhile, the 8th Infantry Division Commander, Major General Camilo Z. Ligayo also commended the residents for their help and cooperation in the government’s pursuit of peace.

“The cooperation of the residents to the government troops is a true manifestation that they are now free from the deceptions of the Communist Terrorist Groups. We all know that the community plays a vital role in our pursuit of ending the decades-long insurgency problem and we are grateful that they are now helping us and supports our campaigns and programs,” Maj.Gen. Ligayo expressed.

Maj.Gen. Ligayo reiterated that the government troops will continue to be relentless in their operations against the Communist Terrorist Groups.

“We are serious in our pursuit of peace; I assure you that we will continue to be relentless in our operations to finally put an end to these terrorists. And as for those who would like to surrender, we the government troops, are willing to help you as you start your life anew,” said Maj. Gen. Ligayo.

Road slope protection built in Brgy. Cabacungan to protect motorists

By GISSELLE G. PARUNGAO
July 18, 2024

CALBAYOG CITY – Samar First DEO has recently completed a road slope protection in Brgy. Cabacungan, Calbayog City funded under the General Appropriations Act (GAA) FY 2024.

The project has a revised contract amount of P25.57 million.

This structure along the national highway spans a total of 46 meters (two sections) and a height that varies from 2.5-3 meters. Along with it is the construction of Portland Cement Concrete Pavement (PCCP) with the same length as the slope protection and width of 3.35 meters with shouldering and parapet .

This area of the national highway is a sharp curve, thus, the structure built will help stabilize the road. The slope protection will play a crucial role in mitigating the risks associated with unstable terrain especially that more vehicles pass through here.

PhilHealth's diverted excess funds: Proof of PhilHealth inefficiency, highlights need for genuine Universal Health Care – GABRIELA

Press Release
July 18, 2024

MANILA – The national women's alliance GABRIELA slams the recent Department of Finance (DOF) circular ordering the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to transfer P89.9 billion in unused funds to the national treasury. This move is seen as a blatant attack on the Filipino people's right to health and a clear violation of the Universal Healthcare Act.

"This fund transfer is not just a simple reshuffling of resources. It is a deliberate attempt to further weaken our already struggling public healthcare system and divert crucial funds away from their intended purpose – the health and well-being of the Filipino people," said Clarice Palce, GABRIELA Secretary-General.

Palce highlighted the irony of the situation, stating, "While PhilHealth claims to have excess funds, millions of Filipinos continue to struggle with exorbitant out-of-pocket medical expenses and inadequate healthcare coverage. This glaring contradiction exposes the fundamental flaws in our current healthcare system."

GABRIELA reasserts its long-standing call for a fundamental restructuring of the country's healthcare system. "Instead of funneling public funds through the inefficient and corruption-prone PhilHealth, we demand that these resources be directly allocated to public hospitals and health facilities," Palce emphasized.

The alliance points out that the privatization of healthcare has had devastating consequences, particularly for Filipino women who bear the brunt of health-related responsibilities in their families. "From the lack of accessible maternal healthcare to the insufficient screening for women-specific health issues like breast and cervical cancer, the current system has consistently failed to protect women's health," Palce added.

GABRIELA calls on all Filipinos to unite and demand a genuine healthcare system. "We must resist these attempts to further privatize and profit from our health. The people's right to health should never be compromised for bureaucratic or profit-driven interests," Palce concluded.

Midwife charged for selling six-day old baby

By NACC
July 17, 2024

QUEZON CITY – In a significant breakthrough during the National Anti-Trafficking in Persons Awareness Month, the Department of Justice (DOJ) – Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT), National Bureau of Investigation’s Anti-Human Trafficking Division (NBI-AHTRAD) in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) rescued a six-day-old baby, and arrested a midwife allegedly involved in facilitating illegal online adoption in an entrapment operation held in Muntinlupa City last July 16, Tuesday.

The investigation, spearheaded by the NBI-AHTRAD, began when the DOJ-IACAT's Cyber Tip Center flagged the suspect’s suspicious activity on Facebook.

The tip-off indicated that the suspect was allegedly selling a baby through a social media account under a different name.

Arrested was a 51-year-old midwife, who offered a six-day-old baby, alias "Angel," for P25,000.

The accused waived her right to preliminary investigation during the inquest proceedings held last July 17, Wednesday at the Department of Justice (DOJ) in Ermita Manila.

She is charged for violating Republic Act (RA) 7610 or the “Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination”, and the RA 9208 or the “Anti-Trafficking In Persons (TIP) Act”, as amended by RA 10364, and RA 11862.

The rescued newborn was immediately handed over to the DSWD for proper care and protection.

National Authority for Child Care (NACC) Undersecretary Janella Ejercito Estrada was present during the inquest proceedings, and lauded the operation of the NBI, saying, "This arrest is a crucial step in our relentless fight against child trafficking, and illegal adoption. The NACC is to chair the newly-created DOJ-IACAT-Technical Working Group on Anti-Illegal Adoption.”

“We commend the NBI and all involved agencies for their swift and decisive action. The NACC remains committed to protecting the welfare of children and ensuring that those who exploit them are brought to justice. We urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities."

Estrada reiterated the commitment of the DSWD, NACC, DOJ through the NBI, and other partner agencies to combat child trafficking, illegal online adoption, and protect vulnerable children from potential exploitation.