8ID installs acting
801st Infantry Brigade commander

By
DPAO, 8ID PA
June 19, 2025
CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan
City – The 8th Infantry “Stormtroopers” Division has installed an
Acting Commander of 801st Infantry Brigade in a Change of Command or
Relinquishment Ceremony at 801IBde Headquarters on Thursday, June
19, 2025 in Hinabangan, Samar.
The 8ID Commander, Major
General Adonis Ariel G. Orio was represented by 8ID Acting Division
Commander, Brigadier General Efren Morados, who presided over the
ceremony.
Brigadier General Lenart R
Lelina, the outgoing 801IBde Commander, relinquished the post to
Colonel Carmilo T Pangatungan, the incoming Acting Brigade
Commander.
Brig.Gen. Lelina is set to
retire on June 27, 2025, after three years of dedicated service as
the unit’s Brigade Commander.
In a message delivered by
Brig.Gen. Morados on behalf of 8ID Commander Maj.Gen. Orio, the 8ID
leadership lauded Brig. Gen. Lelina’s exemplary performance, which
played a vital role in the Division’s campaign to end local
insurgency in Eastern Visayas.
“Under your command, Sir,
the 801st Infantry Brigade became a driving force in our campaign to
end insurgency in Eastern Visayas. You led with both strength and
vision - executing over 5,000 combat and small-unit operations,
dismantling three guerrilla fronts, neutralizing and encouraging the
surrender of hundreds of CTG elements, and recovering a significant
cache of enemy weapons, explosives, and materials. Your service
reflects the highest ideals of the profession of arms. Well done,
Sir. You have led with honor and left a mark that matters,” Brig.Gen.
Morados said.
Maj. Gen. Orio also
challenged Col. Pangatungan as the new Acting Brigade Commander, to
build on the gains made by his predecessor and guide the Brigade in
the critical phase of transition.
“You are entrusted to
carry forward the momentum that has been built – to sustain
operational excellence, strengthen community partnerships, and guide
this Brigade through a critical period of transition as we shift
from internal security to territorial defense operations. Your
leadership must inspire stability, adaptability, and purpose,” he
added.
In his valedictory
address, Brig.Gen. Lelina thanked the men and women of 801st
Brigade, as well as the stakeholders and partner agencies for their
support and dedication throughout his term that led the unit to
achieve greater heights.
“For the past three years
and five months, I was given the task to head the 801st Brigade. I
do not claim this accomplishment bilang akin lamang kundi, of
course, gawa nating lahat ito. Kami dito sa Brigade, nakikita namin
kung ano yung mga individual contributions of the units. All those
accomplishments are not mine, hindi sa akin iyon kundi collective
accomplishments of all the units, of all the local government units,
as well as other members ng mga stakeholders natin,” Brig.Gen.
Lelina expressed.
Brig.Gen. Lelina was also
awarded the Military Merit Medal Interim to Distinguished Service
Star for his outstanding leadership and service, during the
ceremony.
Meanwhile, Col.
Pangatungan accepted the challenge as the Acting Commander of 801st
Brigade with resolve and commitment.
“I am truly honored and
ready to face the challenges ahead. I also urge everyone to give
your utmost cooperation and support as we collectively perform our
mandated tasks in order to accomplish our mission. Let us work
together for the betterment of our country - each one of us has that
responsibility and the capacity to pitch-in our share of our burden
of building the nation,” Col. Pangatungan said.
The Change of Command or
Relinquishment Ceremony marks a significant transition as the 801st
Infantry Brigade continue its critical role in ensuring peace,
security, and development in Eastern Visayas.

Top-ranking
communist-terrorist leader, two Others Killed in an armed encounter
in Carigara, Leyte

By
DPAO, 8ID PA
June 18, 2025
CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan
City – Troops of the 93rd Infantry "Bantay Kapayapaan"
Battalion, Philippine Army, engaged in an armed encounter that
resulted in the death of three members of the Squad 2, Island
Committee (IC) LEVOX of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee
(EVRPC) in the hinterlands of Barangay Cogon, Carigara, Leyte on
June 18, 2025.
One of the three
causalities was identified as Juanito P. Sellesa Jr., alias Tibor,
an Executive Member of Island Committee (IC) LEVOX; while the other
two were identified as Eugene Paclita, alias Dimple, Squad Leader of
Squad 2, and Lito L. Delante, alias Dodong, a member of the same
squad of the said NPA unit.
One M16 rifle with two
long magazines, one caliber .45 pistol with two magazines, one hand
grenade, personal belongings, and subversive documents were seized
by the troops in the CTG combatants’ possession.
It can be remembered that
alias Tibor and his group were Wanted for the crime of Murder
killing Jesus Sarcilla alias Sosing in Barangay Binibihan, Carigara,
Leyte on December 07, 2021.
Sarcilla was killed
mercilessly in front of his daughter Zosima Sarcilla despite the
goodwill extended by the victim to the said terrorist group by
providing them food and shelter.
Apart from the Criminal
Charges filed at the Regional Trial Court, a case for violating
International Humanitarian Law has been filed against alias Tibor’s
group at Branch 48, Regional Prosecution Office 8 of Commission on
Human Rights Regional Office 8.
In a statement, Brigadier
General Noel Vestuir Commander of the 802nd Infantry (Peerless)
Brigade, Philippine Army lauded the successful combat operation of
the troops of the 93IB that led to the neutralization of the
top-ranking leader of IC, LEVOX of the EVRPC and two others.
“Ang pagkaka neutralized
sa tatlong ito lalong lalo na kay alias Tibor ay nagsilbing hustisya
para sa pamilya ni Jesus Sarcilla na walang awang pinatay sa harap
ng kanyang anak. Hindi man niya hinarap ang batas sa kanyang krimen,
hinarap naman niya ang bangis ng mga sundalo na naghatid sa kanya sa
kanyang huling hantungan,” Brig Gen Vestuir said.
Major General Adonis Ariel
G Orio, Commander, 8th Infantry Division, regarded the recent
accomplishment as a result of intensive Civil-Military Operations.
He also condemned the insurgents’ continued recruitment activities
in Eastern Visayas.
“Even up to this day, the
Communist Terrorist Group is still pursuing recruitment activities
to corrupt the youth, farmers, and the common people. What they are
doing is an outright violation of humanity and justice as they prey
on the vulnerable, manipulate the people, and compromise the
government’s effort in bringing peace and development in the
region,” said Maj. Gen. Orio.
He continuously urged the
people to remain firm in their support for the government and deny
any presence of insurgency in their area.
“There is nothing
revolutionary in turning your future into tools of violence. To the
insurgents, there is no honor in deceiving the people with your
false ideals and promises while you selfishly use them as pawns in
your senseless armed struggle. As the Commander of the 8th Infantry
Division, I strongly condemn these atrocities, and I will not allow
these insurgents to steal the opportunity of building a progressive
Eastern Visayas,” he added.
Maj. Gen. Orio also
reiterated his call to the remaining Communist Terrorist Group
members to surrender to the government, highlighting the promising
future that awaits them if they yield arms.
“I assure you that there
is no haven for terrorism in 8ID’s areas of operations. To those
still in the ranks of CTG, let there be no more lives wasted in
armed struggle. Surrender now, return to your families, and choose
the path of peace while there is still time,” Maj. Gen. Orio
articulated.
Excellence in action:
CGPA lauds 8ID Stormtroopers’ accomplishments in Eastern Visayas

By
DPAO, 8ID PA
June 16, 2025
CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan
City – Highlighting the Army leadership’s commitment to operational
excellence, personnel development, and sustained organizational
readiness in Eastern Visayas, Philippine Army Commanding General Lt.
Gen. Roy M. Galido visited the 8th Infantry “Stormtroopers” Division
on June 13, 2025.
During his visit, Lt. Gen.
Galido personally recognized several units and personnel of 8ID for
their invaluable achievements and exemplary contributions to the
mission of the Philippine Army through the Commanding General
Philippine Army Awarding Ceremony.
In his remarks, Lt. Gen.
Galido reaffirmed his commitment to promoting a positive work
environment and healthy living conditions for every soldier and
civilian employee. He discussed ongoing and future projects aimed at
uplifting soldiers’ morale and welfare.
“Despite knowing the
hardships and sacrifices that come with wearing the Philippine Army
uniform, you still volunteered to serve – and that makes you
different. That makes you the breathing force of this organization.
Hence, your service must not only be rewarded with opportunities for
professional growth but also with a working environment that
promotes physical competency and mental resilience,” said Lt. Gen.
Galido.
Lt. Gen. Galido also
emphasized the need to professionalize the organization by requiring
every soldier to attain Civil Service eligibility, which he
described as a fundamental step toward securing their future.
“We must build a culture
where every soldier is empowered. Hindi lang dapat kayo hinubog para
maging mandirigma, but as professionals and leaders. Do not deprive
your people of constant learning and education, because we must
uphold the standards of the organization. The Philippine Army must
not only be defined by its combat readiness but also by the quality
and qualifications of its people,” Lt. Gen. Galido concluded.
The visit concluded with a
Stormtroopers Road Run, where the Commanding General led 8ID
Stormtroopers in promoting physical fitness – a vital aspect of
every soldier’s competence.
DPWH Samar 2nd DEO
participates in nationwide simultaneous mangrove planting for DPWH
127th anniversary

Press Release
June 16, 2025
CATBALOGAN CITY –
In celebration of the 127th Anniversary of the Department of Public
Works and Highways (DPWH), the Samar Second District Engineering
Office actively joined the Nationwide Simultaneous Tree Planting
Activity, with a focus on mangrove planting, held on June 11, 2025.
This initiative, held
under the theme "Kaagapay sa Pag-unlad para sa Bagong Pilipinas,"
aligns with the celebration of Philippine Arbor Day and supports the
national effort to promote environmental sustainability, coastal
protection, and community resilience. The activity also highlights
DPWH’s commitment to nation-building not only through infrastructure
but also through environmental responsibility.
DPWH Samar 2nd DEO
employees planted mangrove seedlings in selected coastal areas
within the district, in coordination with the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the local government.
This effort aims to restore coastal ecosystems, protect against
erosion and storm surges, and nurture marine biodiversity.
In accordance with the
memorandum from the Office of the Secretary, each regional and
district office was tasked to mobilize employees for the activity,
and DPWH Samar 2nd DEO proudly fulfilled this commitment. The office
also supported real-time social media dissemination to raise public
awareness using the hashtag #DPWH127.
A post-activity report,
including the number and type of trees planted and activity
documentation, will be submitted to the Environmental Social
Safeguards Division as part of the Department’s monitoring and
evaluation.
The DPWH Samar 2nd DEO
reaffirms its dedication to sustainable development and continues to
stand as a partner in progress for a greener and stronger
Philippines.

Number of constructions
in Eastern Visayas posts 9.3% increase in the 1st quarter of 2025
By
PSA-8
June 16, 2025
TACLOBAN CITY – The
region’s total number of constructions increased by 9.3 percent,
from 1,392 constructions recorded in the 1st quarter of 2024 to
1,522 constructions in the 1st quarter of 2025.
The
regional increase was brought about more than two-fold (247.6%) by
the combined number of additions/alterations and repair buildings,
from 42 constructions in the 1st quarter of 2024 to 146
constructions in the 1st quarter of 2025. The number of residential
buildings also went up by 3.7 percent, from 831 constructions in the
1st quarter of 2024 to 862 constructions in the 1st quarter of 2025.
On the other hand, the number of non-residential buildings decreased
by 1.0 percent, recording 514 constructions in the 1st quarter of
2025 from 519 constructions in the 1st quarter of 2024.
In the 1st quarter of
2025, the number of residential buildings comprised 56.6 percent of
the total constructions in the region, while non-residential
buildings and additions/alterations and repairs accounted for 33.8
percent and 9.6 percent, respectively.
The total value of
constructions in the region increased to P4.5 billion in the 1st
quarter of 2025 from P3.8 billion in the 1st quarter of 2024. This
spike was attributed to the nearly six-fold (596.1%) surge in the
value of construction for additions/alterations and repairs from
P0.07 billion in the 1st quarter of 2024 to P0.5 billion in the 1st
quarter of 2025. The total value of non-residential buildings
increased by 23.9 percent, from P2.2 billion in the 1st quarter of
2024 to P2.7 billion in the 1st quarter of 2025. On the other hand,
the total value of residential building constructions declined by
11.1 percent, from P1.5 billion in the 1st quarter of 2024 to P1.3
billion in the 1st quarter of 2025.
In terms of share to total
value of construction, non-residential buildings’ value of
construction comprised the bulk at 60.5 percent. The value of
construction of residential buildings contributed 29.3 percent,
while additions/alterations and repairs accounted for 10.2 percent
of the region’s total value of constructions in the 1st quarter of
2025.
Average cost of
construction per square meter was estimated at P11,109 for
residential buildings and P10,993 for non-residential buildings.

Data were based on the
results of construction statistics from approved building permits.
8ID deals another blow
to EVRPC in an encounter in Eastern Samar

By
DPAO, 8ID PA
June 15, 2025
CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan
City – The 8th Infantry “Stormtroopers” Division, Philippine
Army, dealt another blow to the Eastern Visayas Regional Party
Committee (EVRPC) following a firefight that resulted on the death
of a Communist New People’s Army Terrorist (CNT) member on June 15,
2025, in the hinterlands of Sitio Bagong Bario, Barangay Pinanag-an,
Borongan City, Eastern Samar.
The encounter occurred
amid focused military operations initiated by the 63rd Infantry
“Innovator” Battalion in response to reports from concerned local
residents on the presence of armed individuals lurking around the
area demanding food. This resulted to a 15-minute firefight with CNT
members, believed to be members of the Remnants of Sub-Regional
Committee Sesame, EVRPC.
After the encounter, a
body of the CNT member, identified as Jomar Discar alias Guimo/Bobby
was abandoned by his fleeing comrades. Troops also seized several
war materials including one M653 rifle, five short magazines,
bandolier, three back packs, and other subversive documents.
Meanwhile, Brigadier
General Noel A Vestuir, Commander of the 802nd Infantry (Peerless)
Brigade, Philippine Army, while condoles to the deceased's family
members, reiterates his firm statement to the remaining active
members of the SRC Sesame to abandon the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG)
or else suffer the same fate with their comrade.
“We were serious when we
issued the ultimatum for them to abandon the armed struggle and we
are just getting started. Expect that we will be relentless in our
combat operations in the following days. Hahalughugin namin ang
kagubatan sa Eastern Samar para tugisin kayo. Enough is enough, the
people in our community have suffered long from your abuse and
deception. Kaya ngayon palang sumuko na kayo habang may oras pa,”
said Brig. Gen. Vestuir.
Major General Adonis Ariel
G Orio, Commander, 8ID, regarded the operation as a result of
intensified community collaboration.
“Ang pakikiisa ng mga
mamamayan sa hangarin ng Philippine Army is a concrete proof that
people are rejecting the ideals and propaganda of the terrorists who
are corrupting the communities we serve and protect. The people are
no longer silent about the CTG’s extortions, and we in the
Philippine Army are actively listening and taking actions," Maj.
Gen. Orio stressed.
Maj. Gen. Orio urged the
public to continue reporting suspicious activities in their
communities and called on remaining members of the CTGs to surrender
and avail the National Amnesty Program under the Enhanced
Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
“I thank the people for
their support in our mission to put an end to this dilemma. Our
vision of a more progressive Eastern Visayas now comes closer to
reality, and we credit this success to the people as well,” Maj.
Gen. Orio added.
The government troops is
now coordinating with local government units for the facilitation of
the burial assistance for the killed CNT.
Modern equipment makes
farming fun for Leyte farmers
|

An
agrarian reform beneficiaries organization (ARBO) from
Barangay Anahawan in Bato, Leyte receives various farm
machineries and equipment worth P3-million from the
Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR). |
By
JOSE ALSMITH L.
SORIA
June 12, 2025
BATO, Leyte –
Farming is now easy and fun for a group of farmers from this town
who recently received various modern farm machineries and equipment
from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR).
With the four units of
earth ground auger drill machine provided to the Barangay Anahawan
Farmer Agriculture Cooperative (BAFAC), Dionesio Butlig Jr., BAFAC
chairman, shared that digging holes is now easy and fast compared to
the traditional way using bolo or shovel.
Aside from earth ground
auger drill machines, DAR also provided BAFAC five backpack sprayer
and one unit each of poly disk plough, adjustable disk harrow, hand
tractor multifunctional tiller and cultivator, corn sheller, and a
delivery truck.
These farm machineries and
equipment were formally turned over to them by DAR Eastern Visayas
Regional Director, Atty. Robert Anthony Yu, in a simple ceremony
last week. He was assisted by Leyte Provincial Agrarian Reform
Program Officer (PARPO), Atty. Daniel Pen.
Agriculture is among the
sectors being prioritize by the administration of President
Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and provision of modern farm equipment to
agrarian reform beneficiaries organizations (ARBOs) is among the
nine point agenda of DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella III, said Yu.
Butlig, in his message,
expressed gratitude to the President and Secretary Estrella for the
three million-peso worth of assistance which their organization
received under DAR’s Sustainable and Resilient Agrarian Reform
Community (SuRe ARC) Project. According to him, it would be easy for
them now to deliver their harvests to Bontoc (Southern Leyte), where
they usually sell their products.
BAFAC, which is into corn
and peanut production, has 130 members wherein 59 of them are
agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs).

Army ROTC cadets
showcase research prototypes for national defense, nation-building
|

RESCOM,
PA Commander, Maj Gen. Ramon P. Zagala PA, and TUP
President, Engr. Reynaldo P. Ramos sign a Memorandum of
Understanding aimed at fostering research collaboration,
technology transfer, training, seminars, and workshops, in
alignment with the goals of the PA's Reserve Force
Development during the First ROTC Innovation Expo last June
08, 2025 at the TUP Main campus, San Marcelino St, Ayala
Blvd, Ermita, Manila. |
By
OACPA
June 9, 2025
FORT BONIFACIO, Taguig
City – The Philippine Army (PA), through the Reserve Command,
Philippine Army, in partnership with the Technical University of the
Philippines (TUP), showcased the research design capabilities of the
TUP Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Army cadets in the first
ROTC Innovation Expo last June 08, 2025 at the TUP Main campus, San
Marcelino St, Ayala Blvd, Ermita, Manila. The expo aims to focus on
the ROTC's role in research and development that can contribute to
the Armed Forces of the Philippines' (AFP) implementation of the
Self-Reliant Defense Posture (SRDP).
The SRDP initiative
advocates for increased involvement of universities and higher
educational institutions in promoting science-driven
industrialization, which is essential for strengthening national
defense and security. Lt. Gen. Roy M. Galido, Commanding General of
the Philippine Army, also stressed the significance of integrating
PA Reserve components into national defense strategies and
nation-building efforts as part of broader policy initiatives.
The Reserve Command,
Philippine Army Commander, Maj. Gen. Ramon P. Zagala PA, who was the
Guest of Honor and Speaker, praised the research prototypes
developed by the TUP ROTC. He highlighted their potential for
supporting the Philippine Army's operations during wartime and for
addressing the needs of the Filipino people during peacetime
emergencies.
The winning research
designs included:
- Design and
Implementation of a Software-Integrated Thermal Night Vision System
for Military Field Operations
- Design and Fabrication
of a Permanent Magnet DC Generator Powered by a Building-Mounted
Fibonacci Wind Turbine with an IT-Based Charging Station
- Therapod: A Multi-Turn
LLM Agent for Conversational Therapeutic Interaction and Speech
Emotion Recognition
- Bawkbox: An Automated
Poultry Feeder and Water Dispenser Using ESP32 with Real-Time
Monitoring (Water Quality Sensors, Load-Based Feed Monitoring) and
Camera-Based Illness Detection Using Raspberry Pi 4 for Small
Poultry Farms
The event also featured
the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Reserve
Command, PA, and TUP, aimed at fostering research collaboration,
technology transfer, training, seminars, and workshops, in alignment
with the goals of the PA's Reserve Force Development.
Other ROTC units from
across the National Capital Region (NCR), led by Col. Rey Ferdinand
G. Ga, Commander of the NCR Regional Community Defense Group, along
with Engr. Reynaldo P. Ramos, TUP President, and various TUP
officials, alumni, and representatives from the PA's Office of the
Assistant Chief of Staff for Reservists and Retirees Affairs, OG9,
also participated in the activity.
3 of 5 killed rebels
identified; Families condemn Communists-Terrorist exploitation in
Northern Samar

By
DPAO, 8ID PA
June 9, 2025
CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan
City – The 8th Infantry “Stormtroopers” Division, Philippine
Army, has identified three of the five fatalities during hot-pursuit
operation against Communists-Terrorists in Catubig, Northern Samar,
on 08 June 2025.
The remains were turned
over to their respective families through direct coordination with
local government units.
Identified among the
killed CNTs were Noel Lebico Sr., a resident of Roxas, Catubig;
Arnel Aquino of Barangay Osmeña, Palapag; and Nonoy Norcio of Luneta,
Gamay, Northern Samar. Their identities were further confirmed by
alias “In-In,” vice squad leader of Squad 1, Sub-Regional Guerrilla
Unit, Sub-Regional Committee Arctic, Eastern Visayas Regional Party
Committee, who surrendered to the 8ID on June 2, 2025.
Major General Adonis Ariel
G Orio, Commander, 8ID, commended the invaluable coordination of the
residents with government forces, which contributed to the
successful neutralization of the CNTs, who were reportedly involved
in extortion activities in the area.
“The cooperation of the
citizens was a manifestation of the deepening trust and rapport
between the military and the communities we serve and protect. The
ideals that these Communists-Terrorists once used to deceive the
people no longer served them, because their narratives of
“liberation” were constantly dismantled by the lived experiences of
the very people they claimed to represent,” said Maj. Gen Orio.
Meanwhile, the families of
the neutralized CNTs condemned the Communists-Terrorists who
convinced their family members to join the armed struggle and point
them as primarily responsible for their deaths.
“An akon tatay nga hi Noel
Lebico Sr., in osa nga biktima han walhon nga pagtoo han terorista
nga grupo. Nanginginyupo ako han akon bugto nga aada pa ha kagi-osan
nga bumalik na hiya ha pi-od han gobyerno kay waray dadangatan iton
ira waray direksiyon nga idolohiya nga gintotoohan,” Noel Lebico
Jr., son of Noel Lebico Sr., pleaded as he condemn the CNT’s
exploitation and radicalization of the marginalized people of
Northern Samar.
“My father, Noel Lebico
Sr., was also a victim of the is also a victim of the twisted
beliefs of the communist-terrorist group. I am also calling on my
brother to surrender, because he’s been fighting for and supporting
the wrong people.”
Maj. Gen. Orio reiterated
his call to remaining CNTs to surrender and avail themselves of
government assistance through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local
Integration Program (E-CLIP).
“As we help the community
move forward, we should also be reminded of the shared
responsibility we have with other branches of the government to
sustain this newfound unity and vigilance. A continued support and
commitment to our mission will always be crucial. If this operation
has proven anything, it is that real peace and development begin
when the people themselves become our partners in building peace,”
Maj. Gen. Orio emphasized.
“Kami po sa hanay ng
kasundalohan ay hindi magsasawang manawagan sa mga natitirang kasapi
ng komunistang-teroristang grupo na sumuko at magbalik loob na sa
gobyerno. As the bodies of the slain CNTs were laid to rest, I also
call for peace, hoping that no other parents would lose a child, and
no child would lose a parent to a conflict that is never theirs to
fight,” Maj. Gen. Orio concluded.
Another
Communist-Terrorist fighter killed, squad automatic weapon seized as
Northern Samar clash continues
By
DPAO, 8ID PA
June 5, 2025
CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan
City – The 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, recovered
another slain member of the Communist New People’s Army Terrorist (CNT)
group during a continuing hot-pursuit operation following recent
armed encounters in Barangay Nagoocan, Catubig, Northern Samar, on
June 4, 2025.
This
latest recovery brings the total number of CNT fatalities in the
Northern Samar clashes to five.
Alongside the remains,
troops from the 8th Infantry Division (8ID) recovered a Ultimax
squad automatic weapon, an M16 rifle, and a Uzi submachine gun.
Authorities are investigating the origin of the firearms,
particularly whether any were previously issued to government
forces.
8ID troops immediately
secured the remains of the slain CNT member and the recovered
high-powered firearms. Authorities have also launched a thorough
investigation to ascertain the identities of the five slain CNTs,
who will be given a dignified burial.
Meanwhile, the soldier who
sustained a gunshot wound during the intense firefight is now in
stable condition and is receiving full medical support and
treatment.
Maj. Gen. Adonis Ariel G.
Orio, commander of the 8ID, extended his condolences to the families
of the deceased CNTs while emphasizing the importance of recovering
government-issued equipment used by the terrorist group to sow
violence in communities.
“This retrieval is
regarded by the Philippine Army as a significant step in regaining
control over critical government property and denying the CNTs the
use of military assets to pursue their interests,” Maj. Gen. Orio
said.
“The 8ID will remain
relentless in its mission to secure every inch of territory and
every piece of equipment that strengthens our fight to establish
peace and development in every community we serve,” he added.
Maj. Gen. Orio also called
on remaining CNT members to lay down their arms, return to the fold
of the law, and avail themselves of the government’s National
Amnesty Program. He encouraged them to coordinate with their
relatives for safe passage and to formally apply for amnesty.
DPWH completes flood
control project in Catbalogan City

Press Release
June 4, 2025
CATBALOGAN CITY –
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) - Samar 2nd
District Engineering Office has successfully completed the
construction of flood control structures along Antiao Bridge IV,
also known as the Catbalogan Diversion Bridge, located in Barangay
San Andres, Catbalogan City. The project was finished on schedule,
marking a significant milestone in the city’s infrastructure and
disaster resilience efforts.
Implemented under Contract
ID 24IK0042 with funding from the 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA),
the completed project had a total allocation of P150 million, with
an actual contract amount of P144,748,426.49.
The project included
construction of 518 meters of concrete slope protection with parapet
wall to shield against river overflow and soil erosion, installation
of 52 solar-powered LED roadway lights to ensure safety and
visibility along the bridge and adjacent road sections.
Led by Project Engineer
Engr. Emmanuel G. Jumagdao, this infrastructure serves a dual
purpose: protecting lives and property from flood risks while
enhancing transportation safety and mobility in the area. The
structure is expected to significantly reduce flood impact,
especially during the rainy season, and strengthen the city’s
disaster preparedness.
The project benefits
residents of Barangay San Andres and surrounding communities who
frequently use the Catbalogan Diversion Bridge, ensuring safer
travel and greater protection against natural disasters.