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6 Communist-Terrorist members neutralized, 7 firearms seized in Northern Samar clashes

Engr. Pancito serves as resource speaker in Materials Testing Technology 2025

Highest ever 28 Philippine cities join WWF’s One Planet Cities (OPC) program in 10th anniversary

P8M land amortization of agrarian beneficiaries in Samar condoned

St. Bernard, Southern Leyte declared as insurgency-free

8ID highlights accomplishments in 1st Quarter Joint Regional Task Force-ELCAC Meeting

PSA Leyte, LCRPA Inc. and LGU Hilongos spearhead the 35th Civil Registration Month launching

DPWH Samar 2nd DEO meets with DENR to discuss Basey-Maydolong project

 

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8ID installs acting 801st Infantry Brigade commander

801st Brigade Change of Command Ceremony

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.

801st Brigade, 8ID PA

 

 

 

 

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

top NPA leader Juanito P. Sellesa Jr.

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

Philippine Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Roy M. Galido visit to the 8ID

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

DPWH 127th anniversary mangrove planting

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.

DPWH Samar 2nd DEO

 

 

 

 

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.

eastern visayas construction data

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

npa makeshift camp

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

turn-over of modern farm machineries and equipment
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).

modern farm machineries and equipments

 

 

 

 

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

ROTC innovation expo 2025
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

3 killed NPAs

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.

killed NPA memberThis 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

Catbalogan flood control project

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.

 

 

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