DAR E. Visayas awards young filmmakers

By JOHN PAUL BELCHES
July 17, 2025

TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) successfully held the PelikulAgraryo 2025 Eastern Visayas Regional Short Film Festival Awards Night on July 9 this year, at Summit Hotel, Tacloban City.

The event celebrated the creativity and advocacy of young filmmakers across the region, showcasing short films that highlighted the lives, struggles, and triumphs of agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) and agrarian reform beneficiaries organizations (ARBOs) in Eastern Visayas.

In the ARB category, Bunot by students from Visayas State University (VSU) clinched 1st Place for Best Film and was awarded a trophy and P30,000. It was followed by Nitubong Pangandoy sa Yuta (2nd Place), also from VSU, which received a trophy and P15,000, and Katuna-an by Northwest Samar State University (NWSSU), which placed 3rd and was given a trophy and P10,000.

Meanwhile, in the ARBO category, Lubi han Kinabuhi by Eastern Samar State University (ESSU) secured 1st Place and was awarded a trophy and P30,000, while Laom by Leyte Normal University (LNU) came in 2nd and received a trophy and P15,000.

Special awards were also given, with Bunot winning Best Music and receiving a trophy, while Katuna-an was recognized for Best Sound and also received a trophy. Nitubong Pangandoy sa Yuta garnered both the Best Poster and Best Teaser awards, each accompanied by a trophy, based on the highest number of Facebook reactions. Lubi han Kinabuhi won Best Production Design and received a trophy.

Individual awards were presented to recognize outstanding talents in various aspects of filmmaking. Zoe Maureen Tumaob of Nitubong Pangandoy sa Yuta received the award for Best Screenplay, while Therese Cabuñag of Bunot won Best Editing. Aveguel “el” Sinangote, also from Bunot, was awarded Best Cinematography. In the acting categories, Faith Baldago of Lubi han Kinabuhi was named Best Actress, while Chester Tubiera, also from the same film, was awarded Best Actor. Annie Rose Bolataolo of Bunot was recognized as Best Director for her exceptional leadership and creative vision. All individual awardees received a trophy and a P10,000 cash prize in recognition of their outstanding contributions. A participation prize of P5,000 was also given to each participating team.

The awards night highlighted the power of storytelling in promoting agrarian reform and empowering rural voices through film.

Unifying Global Force: Philippine Army, 18 other nations join world's biggest-ever military exercise

By OACPA
July 15, 2025

FORT BONIFACIO, Taguig City – The Philippine Army, as the ground component and the Armed Forces of the Philippines' (AFP) largest force, participated for the first time in the Australia Defence Force-hosted Exercise Talisman Sabre from July 13 to August 4, 2025 across various training locations in Australia and Papua New Guinea. Exercise Talisman Sabre is by far the largest-ever military exercise hosted by Australia, bringing together about 35,000 troops from 19 partner nations, including the Philippines.

The 32-strong AFP delegation, composed of 7 personnel from the Philippine Army, 3 from the Philippine Marine Corps, 5 from the Philippine Navy, and 17 from the Philippine Air Force, arrived in Australia on July 5, 2025 to participate in the said exercise. Lt. Gen. Roy M. Galido, Commanding General Philippine Army led the delegation on behalf of the AFP Chief of Staff, Gen. Romeo S. Brawner, Jr.

The Australia-US military exercise is participated in by partner nations' training audiences from Canada, Fiji, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Tonga, and the United Kingdom.

Over the next three weeks, they will train together with other contingents from other 18 partner nations in live-fire exercises and field training activities, incorporating force preparation activities, amphibious landings, ground force maneuvers, as well as air combat and maritime operations. The large-scale exercises, which will span the sea, land, air, space and cyber domains, will be conducted across various locations in Queensland, Northern Territory, Western Australia, New South Wales and Christmas Island. For the first time, activities will also be conducted outside of Australia in Papua New Guinea.

The Philippine Army’s historic debut in Exercise Talisman Sabre marks a significant step in advancing its commitment to global cooperation. By joining like-minded nations, the Army aims to build collective capabilities to effectively address emerging security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. The Philippine Army commends the successful conduct of the exercise and encourages broader international participation in future iterations to strengthen global partnerships, foster mutual understanding, and uphold regional peace and stability.

Philippine Army beefs up bilateral ties with Australian, German Armies

By OACPA
July 14, 2025

FORT BONIFACIO, Taguig City – Army Chief Lt. Gen. Roy M. Galido conducted bilateral dialogues with Chief of Australian Army (AUSA) Lt. Gen. Simon Stuart and Chief of the German Army Lt. Gen. Alfons Mais at the sidelines of his Counterpart Visit to Australia for the 11th iteration of Exercise Talisman Sabre on July 12, 2025.

Lt. Gen. Galido, in his meeting with Lt. Gen. Stuart, reaffirmed the Philippine Army's commitment to maintaining a productive and healthy engagement with AUSA by continuing to conduct bilateral exercises such as the annual Carabaroo and Kasangga. The Army Chief noted that these bilateral trainings are crucial amid the increased security challenges that could potentially disrupt peace in the region

Meanwhile, in his meeting with Lt. Gen. Mais, Lt. Gen. Galido emphasized the importance of Germany's pivot to the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in promoting a Rules-Based International Order and respect for International Law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The meeting comes as Germany and the Philippines work to finalize a Defense Pact by the end of 2025, following the historic visit of German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius to Manila in August 2024 which marked the first visit by a German Defense Chief to the Philippines.

The Philippine Army acknowledges Australia and Germany's significant contributions to the Philippine Army’s modernization thrust and looks forward to future bilateral activities to build collective capabilities to effectively and efficiently address any emerging security challenges in the region, promote stability and cooperation among nations.

45 communist terrorists neutralized, 54 firearms seized in Eastern Visayas in 2025

By DPAO, 8ID PA
July 14, 2025

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – The 8th Infantry “Stormtroopers” Division, Philippine Army, recorded a major operational breakthrough in Eastern Visayas, neutralizing 45 members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) and recovering 54 firearms during intensified military operations in the first semester of calendar year 2025.

Of the 45 neutralized CTG members, 17 were killed in armed encounters with government troops, 1 captured, and 27 voluntarily surrendered to authorities – an indication of the declining morale and dwindling strength of the insurgents.

A total of 54 firearms were seized, dealing a significant blow to the CTG’s armed capability. These include 21 firearms recovered during armed engagements, and 33 firearms voluntarily surrendered.

Major General Adonis Ariel G. Orio, Commander of Joint Task Force Storm and the 8ID, emphasized that these accomplishments were the result of both relentless military efforts and the active cooperation of local communities.

“These successes are not ours alone – they are the product of strong collaboration with our local government units, partner agencies, and most importantly, the people in the communities. The timely information and continued support from civilians have been vital in weakening the enemy’s operational capacity,” Maj. Gen. Orio said.

He added that the recent gains are not only tactical victories but also clear indicators of the CTG’s declining influence in the region.

“These operations have delivered a substantial blow to the CTG’s ranks and resources. We are closing in on our goal of achieving genuine and lasting peace in Eastern Visayas. Rest assured, your Army will not relent. We will sustain our focused military operations while also supporting efforts that promote good governance and socio-economic development,” he expressed.

The 8ID reiterates its call for the remaining CTG members to lay down their arms and return to the fold of the law, as the government continues to open avenues for reintegration and a peaceful life.

Army installs new Vice Commander and Chief of Staff

By OACPA
July 9, 2025

FORT BONIFACIO, Taguig City – The Philippine Army installed a new Vice Commander and a Chief of Staff in a Joint Assumption of Office and Donning of Ranks Ceremony on July 8, 2025, in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

Army Chief Lt. Gen. Roy M. Galido donned the two-star ranks on Army Vice Commander Maj. Gen. Efren F. Morados and Army Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Ronald Jess S. Alcudia in a ceremony that immediately followed the arrival honors for the two Army leaders.

It can be noted that Maj. Gen. Morados served as the Deputy Commander of the 803rd Infantry “Peacemaker” Brigade from July 2020 to February 2023. He eventually became the Peacemaker Brigade Commander from February 2023 and concurrently as Assistant Division Commander of the 8th Infantry Division from March 2025 until his designation as the Army's Vice Commander. He is a proud member of the Philippine Military Class (PMA) Class of 1992.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Alcudia led the 202nd Infantry “Unifier” Brigade from December 2023 until his assumption as the Army's Chief of Staff. He previously served as the deputy commander of the Unifier Brigade from March 2023 to December 2023. Maj. Gen. Alcudia is a member of PMA Class of 1993.

In his keynote remarks, Lt. Gen. Galido expressed confidence that the two Army leaders will help steer the organization in its pivot to external security operations. “With your proven leadership, wealth of experience and deep understanding, I am confident that you will not only sustain this momentum but raise it to even greater heights,” the Army Chief remarked. Lt. Gen. Galido concluded by calling on the two leaders to “focus on the given tasks” in service of the Philippine Army and the Filipino nation.

Maasin City - first LGU in Visayas to integrate National ID Authentication Services

Press Release
July 9, 2025

MAASIN CITY – The Philippine Statistics Authority Regional Statistical Services Office VIII (PSA RSSO 8) extends its warmest congratulations to the Local Government of Maasin City, Southern Leyte, for successfully integrating the National ID Authentication Services (NIDAS) into the Records Verification System (RVS) of their City Civil Registry Office (CCRO). This remarkable achievement makes Maasin City the first in the Visayas regions and the second nationwide to implement this integration.

A Ceremonial Signing of the Subscription Contract (SubCon) between PSA and LGU Maasin City took place on 24 June 2025. Key PSA officials, including Deputy National Statistician (DNS) Rosalinda P. Bautista, OIC National Statistician Atty. Henedine P. Palabras, and Government Service Use Case Division Chief Oliver P. Chancoco, were in attendance. Hon. City Councilor Mikhael Leonardo V. Mercado signed the contract on behalf of City Mayor Hon. Nacional V. Mercado, with LGU Data Protection Officer Albert J. Maña as a witness.

PSA is deeply grateful for the unwavering dedication of all parties involved in this partnership. NIDAS is a crucial tool for streamlining transactions and combating fraud within the CCRO's processes. Currently, LGU Maasin City is the first in Eastern Visayas to integrate NIDAS, and PSA encourages other government units and relying parties to utilize this free system. We are committed to assisting with onboarding requirements and providing technical sessions, particularly for those with stand-alone systems ready for integration.

DAR condones P53M amortizations of ARBs

By JOSE ALSMITH L. SORIA
July 5, 2025

TACLOBAN CITY – As the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) commemorates on Monday, the second year of implementation of the Republic Act No. 11953, or the New Agrarian Emancipation Act, DAR in Eastern Visayas again distributed this morning at the Tacloban City Convention Center nearly 2,000 Certificates of Condonation with Release of Mortgage (COCROMs) to 1,293 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) across the region.

Atty. Kazel Celeste, DAR Undersecretary for Field Operations office, led the distribution of COCROMs, which erased more than P53 million of unpaid amortizations, including interests of the said ARBs.

Aside from COCROMs, Celeste, assisted by DAR Eastern Visayas Regional Director, Atty. Robert Anthony Yu, also distributed 4,486 individual land titles, covering an aggregate area of more than six thousand hectares to 3,779 ARBs.

8ID commander recognizes gallant soldiers for successful anti-communist operation in E. Visayas

By DPAO, 8ID PA
July 4, 2025

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – In a stirring testament to excellence and dedication, the Commander of the 8th Infantry “Stormtroopers” Division, Major General Adonis Ariel G. Orio, PA, honored the top-performing Special Operations unit during an awarding ceremony held on July 3, 2025 at Camp Juan Ponce Sumuroy, Catarman, Northern Samar.

The highlight of the ceremony was the formal recognition of outstanding personnel from the 4th Scout Ranger Battalion, who demonstrated exceptional performance and made significant contributions to the mission of the 8ID.

These exemplary soldiers were awarded the Military Merit Medal with Spearhead Device by Maj. Gen. Orio, in a symbolic gesture of commendation and gratitude for their vital role in the successful conduct of multiple combat operations.

The operations resulted in a series of encounters with remnants of the Regional Guerrilla Unit and Sub-Regional Committee Arctic of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee, in Barangay Nagoocan, Northern Samar. These engagements led to the neutralization of five Communist NPA Terrorists and the recovery of several firearms and war materiel, including one Ultimax 100 Mark III Squad Automatic Weapon, one M16 rifle, one Uzi submachine gun, two long magazines, 90 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, 170 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, and other combat equipment.

In his statement, Maj. Gen. Orio emphasized that awarded troops have not only proven their tactical prowess but have also demonstrated the heart and grit that embody the true spirit of a Scout Ranger.

“Today, we honor your hard work and sacrifices. More importantly, we recognize your unwavering readiness to protect our people and our land,” Maj. Gen. Orio emphasized.

He also expressed the vital role of the Scout Rangers in advancing the 8ID’s campaign for peace and development across Eastern Visayas. He noted that their deployment significantly strengthened the Division’s operational capabilities, particularly in high-risk and conflict-affected areas.

“May you carry forward the skills you have mastered and the values that define you as leaders of men. Be the embodiment of discipline, honor, and service that the 8ID has instilled in you,” Maj. Gen. Orio concluded.

Flood wall built to safeguard the community of Pagsanghan, Samar

By GISSELLE G. PARUNGAO
June 27, 2025

CALBAYOG CITY – A flood control structure is recently built at Brgy. San Luis in the municipality of Pagsanghan, Samar under FY 2024 of the General Appropriations Act (GAA) with a total contract amount of P29.67 million.

The structure spans 170 linear meters and height of three (3) meters with walkway and parapet wall built along it.

The flood mitigating structure built along Pagsanghan River will prevent floodwaters from inundating structures and infrastructures, minimizing damage to property and reducing the risk to human life or lessen them. The said river is an offshoot of Gandara River that is one of the major rivers in Samar thus, the municipality of Pagsanghan is prone to flooding.

CARD MRI holds a study tour for the media in Cebu

By EDRIAN B. BANANIA
June 27, 2025

SAN PABLO CITY – CARD Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (CARD MRI) invited media practitioners from Laguna, Quezon Province, Tarlac, Cebu, and Bohol to participate in its PANAGHIUSA: CARD MRI Exposure Tour Program held in Cebu from June 4 to 6, 2025.

“The goal of this program is to give media participants a firsthand experience of how CARD MRI empowers socioeconomically challenged communities. This also serves as a platform to engage with media practitioners who can help us share our mission of eradicating poverty in the country,” said Ms. Marilyn Manila, President of CARD MRI Publishing House.

Led by CARD MRI Publishing House, the media participants visited the centers and clients of CARD, Inc. (A Microfinance NGO) and CARD SME Bank, Inc., a thrift bank under CARD MRI. They learned inspiring success stories from microentrepreneurs supported by these institutions. The itinerary also included a brief Cebu tour to showcase the city’s rich culture and history.

Moreover, the participants visited some CARD MRI offices, including the CARD SME Bank Cebu, CARD Pioneer Microinsurance, Inc. (CPMI) in Cebu City, CARD Mutual Benefit Association (CARD MBA), and CARD, Inc. Area Office in Guadalupe. There, they gained deeper insight into the company’s microfinance and microinsurance products, as well as the positive impact these services have on communities through financial inclusion and development programs.

The three-day event in Cebu was attended by seven media practitioners from Luzon and Visayas, including Mr. Getulio Cantos of Radyo Pilipinas Lucena; Ms. Aura Flores of The Southern Tagalog Herald from San Pablo City, Laguna; Mr. Bonifacio Dacayanan of Facts and Figures from Tarlac; Mr. Ronaldo Dizon of Tarlakenyo from Tarlac; Mr. Ted Ayeng from DYTR Bohol; Mr. Brent Plenos from iFM 93.9 Cebu; and Ms. Sheila Gravinez of Radyo Pilipinas Cebu.

The PANAGHIUSA: CARD MRI Exposure Tour Program is an initiative organized by CARD MRI Publishing House – an institution under CARD MRI – that aims to elevate the capacity of CARD MRI clients by sharing progressive and positive stories. Another tour program is planned for Zamboanga in July 2025.

Rise Up for Life and Rights backs ICC public counsel for victims and prosecutor’s opposition to Duterte’s interim release

By RISE UP
June 25, 2025

MANILA – Rise Up for Life and Rights supports and validates the position of the ICC Office of the Public Counsel for Victims (OPCV) and welcomes the response of the Office of the Prosecutor to oppose former President Rodrigo Duterte’s request for interim release. The OPCV stands as a temporary representative for victims pending the appointment of legal representative of choice by the victims.

“Our collective prayers have not been in vain. Though tears continue to fall, we see hope in the Prosecutor’s action. We pray that our call for justice will be heard until the very end,” said Nanay Llore, one of the mothers of Rise Up.

For the victims’ families, Duterte remains a continuing threat to justice, to the integrity of the investigation, and to the safety of witnesses. They expressed deep gratitude to their legal counsel and to the many supporters who continue to stand with them in their ongoing fight for justice and accountability. “We thank our fellow mothers who never stop organizing and fighting. We are also deeply grateful to our lawyers, especially Atty. Conti, for her unwavering dedication, and to Atty. Neri, who has always stood beside us,” Llore Pasco continued.

Despite years of pain and fear, the mothers remain steadfast in their belief that truth will prevail. “Truth will always shine through the lies. This decision eased some of our fears. If Duterte were granted temporary release, we victims would once again be left vulnerable,” Pasco added. “Even if this isn’t yet the final victory, we feel that justice is drawing near, and that is a continuing and pulsating hope.”

From Geneva to the Philippines:

Philippine UPR Watch delegation is attending the 59th Session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Deaconess Rubylin Litao, coordinator of Rise Up, stated:  “For years, the mothers have waited with deep patience, while justice remains elusive. Duterte must remain in detention, as this ensures the long-overdue trial proceeds. Anything less would dishonor the suffering of the thousands killed and the grief of those left behind.”

Litao emphasized that Duterte’s continued detention is essential, given his repeated threats, the deep entrenchment of his allies in government, and the risks to witnesses. “We pray that the wheels of justice must remain moving as the machinery of impunity remains active. Witnesses are still under threat. His release would jeopardize both the investigation and the lives of those who speak out.”

Litao cited Duterte’s past threats to “double the killings,” his intimidation of ICC officials, and the orchestrated harassment of witnesses by his associates as strong reasons for rejecting his request for interim freedom.

The ICC remains the only credible legal remedy to justice since the justice system in the Philippines remains dim and despondent. Several years of struggle, and only through the ICC and the collective and resolved action of the mothers that hope for justice came shining through. Litao emphasized, and thus, they urge that the Pre-Trial Chamber to uphold the Prosecutor’s position and ensure that it moves forward without delay.

Meanwhile, Rise Up for Life and for Rights stands firm in asserting that victims who have bravely stood up and fought for their loved ones must be protected. The families have already endured so much. The last thing they need is justice, without compromise, delay, or special treatment.

We urge the international community not to give in to calls for a haven for those facing trial. Justice must prioritize the victims, not be on the side of the powerful.

“Let justice proceed. Let justice be served,” Litao concluded.

11 neutralized, 15 firearms seized as 8ID delivers major blow against Communist Terrorist Groups in Eastern Visayas

By DPAO, 8ID PA
June 22, 2025

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – The 8th Infantry “Stormtroopers” Division, Philippine Army, delivered major gains against Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) in Eastern Visayas following a series of successful encounters across the provinces of Samar Island.

Between May and June 2025, the 8ID recorded five encounters, resulting in the deaths of seven CTG members and the recovery of nine assorted firearms, along with other war materiel. Four CTG members, including a high ranking CTG leader, also surrendered, leading to the discovery of an arms cache containing four high-powered firearms and the surrender of two other more.

On May 26, 2025, two CTG members voluntarily surrendered to the troops of 63rd Infantry Battalion in Basey, Samar bringing along one M4 A1 Carbine and M16 rifle. These CTG members were identified as alias Jud/Atom/Iso and alias Nadin/Brix/Arian, both are members of the Sub-Regional Committee Sesame.

The first encounter occurred on May 29 in San Jose de Buan, Samar, where one unidentified communist terrorist was killed.

On June 2, 2025, a CTG leader identified as alias In-In surrendered to the troops of the 20th Infantry Battalion leading to the discovery and seizure of a hidden arms cache containing two M14 rifles, one M16 rifle, one M653 rifle, three improvised hand grenades and other medical paraphernalia.

Alias In-In, identified as the Vice Squad Leader of Squad 1, Sub-Regional Guerrilla Unit, Sub-Regional Committee Arctic operating in the province of Northern Samar.

On the same day, June 2, another CTG member identified as alias Bug-ot of the Regional Guerrilla Unit, Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC), also surrendered.

This was followed by a firefight on June 3, in Barangay Nagoocan, Catubig, Northern Samar, where five CTG members were killed.

The fatalities were identified as Noel Lebico Sr., Arnel Aquino, and Nonoy Norcio, along with two others who remain unidentified. Troops seized three high-powered firearms including a Squad Automatic Weapon, an M16 rifle, and an Uzi submachine gun.

Six days after, June 9, troops from the 87th Infantry Battalion clashed with approximately 30 members of the Yakal Platoon, Sub-Regional Committee Browser, EVRPC. The encounter led to the seizure of four M16 rifles, one .45-caliber pistol, a mobile phone, medical supplies, and personal belongings.

The recent clash occurred on June 15 in Sitio Bagong Bario, Barangay Pinanag-an, Borongan City, Eastern Samar, where a CTG member, identified as Jomar Discar, also known as alias Guimo or Bobby, was killed. The troops recovered one M653 rifle.

Major General Adonis Ariel G. Orio, commander of the 8ID, credited the success of the operations to the support and cooperation of local communities.

“We have dealt another significant blow to the CTG ranks, and this is all thanks to the invaluable cooperation of the residents of Eastern Visayas. We are now in the final lap of our goal of achieving long-lasting peace, and every citizen’s involvement is crucial. Let us continue working together to put an end to this decades-long insurgency and bring lasting peace and development to Eastern Visayas,” Maj. Gen. Orio said.

Maj. Gen. Orio added that more breakthroughs can be expected as military operations continue to intensify.

“Your soldiers in Eastern Visayas remain committed to our mission. We will not rest until the threat posed by Communist Terrorist Groups is fully eradicated. We will scour every mountain to find them and put an irreversible end to their atrocities,” he said.

Maj. Gen. Orio also reiterated the government’s openness to reconciliation, encouraging remaining CTG members to surrender and take advantage of the National Amnesty Program.

First DICT eGov kiosk now at PSA RSSO 08

By PSA-8
June 20, 2025

TACLOBAN CITY – The Philippine Statistics Authority Regional Statistical Services Office VIII (PSA RSSO 8) is one of the recipients of the eGov Kiosk from the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) now installed at PSA RSSO 8 2nd Floor, Gaisano Capital, Real St., Tacloban City, Leyte.

The eGov kiosk is the very first e-government portal which geared to level-up digitalization of government services, It has the one-stop-shop features offering various services from both national and local government agencies aimed to allow clients access links on processes such as securing online appointment, applications and latest instructions without the need of going to each office they intend to visit. PSA Regional Director, Wilma A. Perante, personally welcomed and explored the eGov Kiosk which was set up at the nearest to the client’s area last 11 June 2025.