P37.6M debts of EV agrarian beneficiaries condoned

By JOSE ALSMITH L. SORIA
September 18, 2025

PALO, Leyte – More than P37.6 million of unpaid land amortizations, including interests, of 899 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) across Eastern Visayas were condoned with the distribution of 924 Certificates of Condonation with Release of Mortgage (COCROMs) covering an aggregate area of 1,367.76 hectares during Saturday’s “Handog ng Pangulo: Serbisyong Sapat para sa Lahat.”

This event, in line with the 68th birthday of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., gathered government agencies in one venue for each province nationwide, where the public can avail of their services.

In Leyte, Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Assistant Secretary, Vinci Araullo Beltran, led the distribution of 501 COCROMs, at the Leyte Convention Complex, which discharged P24.3 million of debts of 500 ARBs from the towns of Abuyog, Alangalang, Barugo, Baybay, Calubian, Capoocan, Dulag, Jaro, La Paz, Leyte, Merida, Pastrana, San Miguel, Sta. Fe, Tunga, Villaba and the City of Tacloban. DAR Eastern Visayas Regional Director, Atty. Robert Anthony Yu and Leyte’s fifth district board member, Atty. Carlo Loreto, assisted Beltran.

ARB Allan Murillo, 50, from Alangalang, Leyte, was overwhelmed to learn that he is no longer going to pay his remaining P43,320.96 unpaid land amortization. He expressed gratitude to President Bongbong Marcos for this development, and greeted him a happy birthday.

On July 7, 2023, the President signed Republic Act No. 11953, otherwise known as the New Agrarian Emancipation Act, which condoned P57.557 billion principal debts of 610,054 ARBs across the country incurred from the land awarded to them under agrarian reform programs.

Meanwhile, Yu disclosed that 300 COCROMs were handed on the same day to 280 ARBs from Southern Leyte at the Southern Leyte Provincial Capitol Gym in Maasin City condoning P5.8 million of debts.

In Biliran, Yu added, 123 COCROMs were likewise handed at the Naval Municipal Gymnasium to 119 ARBs, erasing P2.1 million of unpaid land amortization.

Yu stressed that this condonation of amortizations for the awarded lands under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), contributes largely to the End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC), a whole-of-nation approach in attaining inclusive and sustainable peace in the countryside.

Beyond victory: 8ID upholds human dignity

By DPAO, 8ID PA
September 17, 2025

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – The 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division, Philippine Army, demonstrated adherence to human dignity by administering immediate medical treatment to a wounded member of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG), and facilitated dignified burial of the killed CTG member on September 14,2025, in Paranas, Samar.

The said personalities were remnants of the Yakal Platoon, of the Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Browser, Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC), who clashed against government forces on September 13, 2025.

During the three successive encounters, troops captured two CTG members and one of them sustained injuries and a gunshot wound after deliberately exchanging fire against government forces conducting security operations. Army medics immediately provided first aid before evacuating the wounded CTG member to a nearby medical facility for proper treatment.

Meanwhile, the remains of the killed Communist New People’s Army Terrorist (CNT) were turned over to local authorities and accorded a dignified burial in coordination with the local government unit of Paranas.

8ID Commander Major General Adonis Ariel G. Orio PA states, “Our soldiers are trained not only to win battles. By ensuring the treatment of a wounded CNT and the burial of the killed personality, we are showing our people that the 8ID values life, adheres to International Humanitarian Law, and respects human dignity,” underscoring that the 8ID’s professionalism and discipline.

In a statement, 801st Infantry (Bantay at Gabay) Brigade Commander Colonel Arlino L. Sendaydiego stressed, “In our pursuit of eradicating the insurgency in Paranas, we assure the people that we will relentlessly track down those who fled. Anyone who threatens peace and security of Paranas will be held accountable.”

The 8ID continues to call on the remaining CTG members to abandon the armed struggle and avail themselves of the government’s National Amnesty Program under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) for their reintegration into mainstream society.

33 ARB organizations in EV turn coops

By JOSE ALSMITH L. SORIA
September 14, 2025

PALO, Leyte – Members of 33 agrarian reform beneficiaries organizations (ARBOs) from across Eastern Visayas celebrated as they received their Certificates of Compliance (COC) and Certificates of Registration (COR) from the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) transforming them into cooperatives during the ARB Summit cum DAR-CDA ARBO Cooperative Registration Caravan held on the 4th and 5th of September this year at The Tropics in this town.

Rosita Espiño, vice-chairman of the Anthurium Farmers ARB Cooperative in Alangalang, Leyte, kept on applauding while Undersecretary Alexander Raquepo, CDA chairman, enumerated the various benefits a cooperative gets, including the tax exemption. Espiño commented, “Good that we are now a cooperative.”

CDA Assistant Regional Director Maripaz Del Pilar, in turn, clarified in her orientation that the tax exemption should be applied at the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).

9-Other ARBOs who received their CORs and COCs on Friday from the CDA chairman himself were the Naval Agrarian Reform Cooperative, Naval, Biliran; Cabucgayan Farmers Agrarian Reform Cooperative, Cabucgayan, Biliran; Uswag Guindag-an ng Tanauan Leyte Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative, Tanauan, Leyte; Calubian United Farmers Agriculture Cooperative, Dulag, Leyte; Bulod Coconut Corn and Rice Agriculture Cooperative, Dulag, Leyte; Telegrafo Farmers Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative, Tolosa, Leyte; Nagkaisang Magsasaka ng Tanauan Agrarian Reform Cooperative, Tanauan, Leyte; Tagbacan Beneficiaries Agrarian Reform Cooperative, Salcedo, Eastern Samar; Libas Agrarian Reform Cooperative, San Julian, Eastern Samar; Allen Organic Vegetable Raiser Agriculture Cooperative, Allen, Northern Samar; Coroconog Agrarian Reform Cooperative, San Roque, Northern Samar; San Isidro Agrarian Reform Cooperative, San Isidro, Northern Samar; San Ramon Agrarian Reform Cooperative, Pambujan, Northern Samar;

Rosalim Agrarian Reform Cooperative, San Jorge, Samar; Calbiga Agrarian Reform Cooperative, Calbiga, Samar; VOFFA Agrarian Reform Cooperative, Pagsanghan, Samar; Calapi Irrigators Agrarian Reform Cooperative, Motiong, Samar; San Eduardo Farmers Agrarian Reform Coopeartive, Santa Rita, Samar; Mambog Agrarian Reform Cooperative, Pinabacdao, Samar; Mayabay Agrarian Reform Coopeartive, Daram, Samar; Tubigan Integrated Fisherfolks and Farmers Agrarian Reform Cooperative, Zumarraga, Samar; Anibongon Agrarian Reform Cooperative, Santa Rita, Samar; Old Manunca Agrarian Reform Cooperative, Santa Rita, Samar; So. Rizal Agrarian Reform Cooperative, Basey, Samar; Macaalan Cacao Processor Agrarian Reform Cooperative, Calbiga, Samar; Balud Farmers Agrarian Reform Cooperative, Sta. Margarita, Samar; Villa Aurora Farmers Agrarian Reform Cooperative, Santa Rita, Samar; Tinago Heritage Agrarian Reform Cooperative, Tarangnan, Samar;

Rizal Tomas Oppus Agrarian Reform, Tomas Oppus, Southern Leyte; New Katipunan Agrarian Reform Cooperative, Malitbog, Southern Leyte; Pandan Agrarian Reform Cooperative, Liloan, Southern Leyte; and the Anilao Green Yield Agrarian Reform Cooperative, Liloan, Southern Leyte.

Meanwhile, Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Eastern Visayas Regional Director, Atty. Robert Anthony Yu, Expressed his gratitude to the various government agencies for responding to his invitation in sharing their programs and services to the agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) and agrarian reform beneficiaries organizations (ARBOs) on the said occasion.

Aside from the CDA, other agencies who participated in the said event included the Philhealth, giving around 500 ARBs and ARBO members present an opportunity to be enrolled at Philhealth and get their membership cards right on the said occasion. The Department of Agriculture extended animal dispersal to four ARBOs under the SAAD program.

Further, the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) presented to the Pancil Ecological and Rehabilitation Agrarian Reform Cooperative their notice of loan approval worth half a million pesos for hog fattening of 30 ARBs; while the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) handed statement of support by providing free skills training to ARBs.

Representatives from the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) and Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) who were likewise present, oriented the participants about their agency’s respective programs and how one could avail of their services.

8ID neutralizes 3 NPA terrorists, seizes firearms in Samar clashes

By DPAO, 8ID PA
September 14, 2025

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – The 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division forces dealt another blow to the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) after three successive armed engagements against remnants of the Special Operations Group (SOG), Yakal Platoon, Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Browser, Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC), in Barangay Concepcion, Paranas, Samar, on September 13, 2025.

8ID troops reported that the encounter was a brutal and apparent attempt to inflict casualties on government forces.

While conducting security operations, troops of the 46th Infantry (Peacemakers) Battalion were treacherously fired upon by heavily armed personalities, resulting in a brief but intense firefight before the Communist New People’s Army Terrorists (CNTs) withdrew eastward from the encounter site.

As the troops relentlessly pursued the fleeing CNTs, two consecutive encounters transpired on the same day. 46IB troops successfully outmaneuvered the CNTs and subdued their capabilities before the enemy’s withdrawal. This led to the death of one CNT identified as Gerry Dela Cruz, alias “Justin,” and the capture of two others, namely; alias “Aye,” Political Guide, SRC Browser, and alias “Tintin,” member of the Regional Security Force (RSF), EVRPC. Soldiers also seized three 5.56mm M16 rifles, two .45 caliber pistols, three backpacks, three bandoliers, various subversive documents, and other war materiel.

Major General Adonis Ariel G. Orio PA, Commander of the 8th Infantry Division, lauded the swift action of the 46IB troops and credited the success to their vigilance and dedication.

“These successful engagements are proof that our relentless pursuit operations are effectively dismantling the armed capability of the CTGs. We will continue to hunt down these remnants until they can no longer threaten the peace and progress of Samar in general,” Maj. Gen. Orio said.

Meanwhile, 801st Infantry (Bantay at Gabay) Brigade Commander, Colonel Arlino L. Sendaydiego, commended the 46IB troops, who were under the operational control of the 801st Brigade, for their swift and decisive action, while emphasizing the unit’s commitment to protect the communities and pursue total elimination of the remaining peace spoilers.

“Our resolve in ending the decades of abuses inflicted by the Communist Terrorist Group is true and unyielding, because for too long, they have terrorized the people of Paranas. We will not allow this to continue. Rest assured that your army is steadfast in securing our communities as we also call on the remaining members of this group to surrender, because the government awaits to help them rebuild their lives,” Col. Sendaydiego articulated.

Moreover, 46th Infantry (Peacemakers) Battalion Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Marvin A. Inocencio, hailed his troops’ tactical prowess in delivering the unit’s mission to end local insurgency in the battalion’s area of operation.

“The 46IB remains steadfast and relentless in upholding its mission and operational momentum to put an end to the remnants of the Communist Terrorist Groups who are still corrupting the government’s peace and development efforts for the Province of Samar,” Lt. Col. Inocencio expressed.

The 8ID continues to intensify its operations to dismantle the remaining EVRPC formations in Samar and across the Eastern Visayas region and ensure that communities are free from the threats of insurgency.

8ID tightens grip on EVRPC, seizes another firearms in Eastern Samar clash

By DPAO, 8ID PA
September 13, 2025

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – The 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division marked another breakthrough in Eastern Samar as follow-up operations from the September 8 encounter in Barangay Magtino, Llorente, Eastern Samar led to the seizure of additional cache of high-powered firearms and war materiel on September 11, 2025.

The continuing pursuit operation, launched by soldiers from the 63rd Infantry (Innovator) Battalion, seized the firearms cache abandoned by the fleeing remnants of Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Sesame that further obliterated the operational capability of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC).

Among the war materiel recovered were one R4A3 rifle, one M16 5.56mm rifle, magazines, 158 rounds of live ammunition, and personal belongings left behind in haste by the Communist New People’s Army Terrorists (CNT). This yielded a total of four high-powered firearms, one Caliber .45 pistol, 14 magazines, and 449 rounds of live ammunition seized.

This latest seizure of the EVRPC’s armed capabilities comes on the heels of the earlier destruction of the Communist Terrorist Group’s (CTG) fortified hideout, previously reported to have been rigged with banned Anti-Personnel Mines (APMs), and the seizure of several firearms and subversive documents. The successive blows dealt to the remnants of SRC Sesame in less than a week have gravely impaired its capacity to launch offensive actions against the communities and the military forces.

Major General Adonis Ariel G. Orio PA, Commander of the 8th Infantry Division, stressed that the successful operations were the result of relentless military operations and the growing resolve of communities to reject the CTG influence.

“Each firearm seized is one less weapon of terror in the hands of lawless elements of the EVRPC. With every operation we had conducted, we weakened their ability to intimidate civilians and endanger our communities. The community’s denial of support for the insurgency tells us that the EVRPC has lost its grip in Eastern Visayas,” claimed Maj. Gen. Orio.

The 8th Infantry Division reaffirmed its commitment to sustain focused military operations to ensure the total defeat of the CTG in the region while strengthening coordination with local government units and communities to secure lasting peace for Eastern Visayas.

8ID seizes firearms, obliterates NPA hideout in E. Samar encounter

By DPAO, 8ID PA
September 10, 2025

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – Government troops under the 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division inflicted another setback on the remnants of the Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Sesame of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC) following a fierce encounter in Barangay Magtino, Llorente, Eastern Samar, on September 8, 2025.

According to reports, soldiers from the 63rd Infantry Battalion launched the operation after receiving persistent complaints from residents about the presence of armed men in the area. The group was extorting money from the farmers, taking portions of their harvests, and intimidating locals suspected of supporting government forces.

Civilians, weary of weeks of harassment, provided crucial information on the group’s movements and locations, which enabled the troops to track and encounter the armed elements.

As the Army advanced toward the enemy hideout, they encountered a heavily fortified position rigged with Anti-Personnel Mines (APMs), weapons explicitly banned under International Humanitarian Law (IHL). In response, government forces employed precise fire support that deliberately obliterated the enemy stronghold.

An intense exchange of gunfire ensued, lasting for about an hour before government forces subdued the enemy resistance. Seized from the Communist New People’s Army Terrorists’ (CNT) hideout were two M16 rifles, one caliber 45 pistol, magazines, ammunition, subversive documents, five backpacks, and other war materiel.

With the destruction of CNT’s safe haven; disruption of their presence in the communities; and impaired armed capabilities, 8ID ensure to foil their resurgence through continuous focus military operations.

Major General Adonis Ariel G Orio PA, Commander of the 8th Infantry Division, lauded the support of the local community and likewise regarded the recent victory as a testament to 8ID’s sustained operational momentum.

“The cooperation of our people was vital in this successful operation. Their courage to stand against intimidation and provide critical information reflects the unity of the community and government in putting an end to the Communist Terrorist Group’s abuses. We assure the public that the 8ID, PA remains committed in protecting civilians and pursuing peace in Easter Visayas Region.”

Meanwhile, the 8ID reaffirms its commitment to protecting Eastern Visayas and urges remaining members of the CTG to abandon their armed struggle, surrender peacefully, and return to their families.

“There is no honor in wasting innocent lives and joining a lawless fight that has only brought suffering, death, and misery to our people. The government has better plans for you. Surrender now while you still can, and the government assures you of your dignified reintegration to the mainstream society,” Maj. Gen. Orio added.

Shincheonji signs 65 MOUs with Northern Luzon pastors for ‘Word’ exchange

Press Release
September 10, 2025

MANILA – Shincheonji Church of Jesus, The Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony (SCJ) signed 65 memoranda of understanding with 65 pastors in Northern Luzon for the sharing Biblical understanding following a successful pastors’ seminar and Revelation knowledge check in Pampanga and Isabela last September 6.

The event was attended by a total of 204 people including 82 pastors, 33 church leaders, and 89 SCJ members.

SCJ organized the event with the purpose of sharing the Word with pastors, examining one's knowledge and faith based on the Book of Revelation.

Furthermore, it encouraged and shared the importance of understanding and observing the Book of Revelation by not adding to or subtracting from it based on Revelation 22:18-19.

Under the MOU, SCJ shall offer a theology course, commit to fully support the collaboration with volunteers, educational resources, and spiritual guidance; and join hands in organizing meaningful activities, spirit-filled seminars and fellowship programs that nurture unity, deepen faith and glorify God.

The collaborating party, on the other hand, shall participate in the theology course, discuss collaboration for other activities, participate in every opportunity that nurture the church’s growth, strengthen its foundation, and encourage its spiritual development; and join efforts to foster peace, love, and understanding within the ‘Body of Christ.’

Following the explanation of the MOU, the pastors acknowledged the importance of knowing the Book of Revelation. They expressed their gratitude for SCJ’s efforts and decided to study the Word.

One of them is a representative from the Aeta Pastors' Association who expressed interest in studying the Word through the free Bible classes provided by Zion Christian Mission Center (ZCMC).

ZCMC is the theology center run by Shincheonji. It offers free Bible study which is a theology course tackling lessons from Genesis to Revelation through three stages - Introductory, Intermediate, and Advanced Lessons. The whole course runs for eight months. It is offered through onsite classes in different places in the country and online classes via the Zoom app. Interested parties may visit the official Zion Christian Mission Center PH Facebook page, or contact 09453955461.

Also in attendance was a pastor who expressed his intention to open his church to become a center for bible study so that he can learn together with his members.

Furthermore, pastors requested to hold more Shincheonji Pastors' Forum in the Northern Luzon Region.

“At a time when there are a lot of accusations of being a cult within the Christian world, these pastors serve as a good example to their congregations by reflecting on themselves and wanting to learn to serve better,” ZCMC Instructor Harold Recio said.

CARD Bank launches new konek2CARD on its 28th Anniversary

By JOSEPHINE RAMOS
September 8, 2025

SAN PABLO CITY – CARD Bank, a microfinance-oriented rural bank, marked its 28th anniversary with the launch of the new version of its mobile banking app, konek2CARD. The event was held in Brgy. Santisimo Rosario, San Pablo City, Laguna on September 1, 2025.

“It was right here in this barangay, where the digital community of CARD MRI began. That is why it holds a special place in our hearts,” CARD Bank President and CEO Ms. Marivic Austria reflected on how konek2CARD began in 2017.

She added, “This upgraded version of konek2CARD, with faster and improved features, is a symbol of the digital innovation we continuously develop for our clients. It is our way of making products and services more inclusive to everyone we serve.”

Aside from the Google Play Store, the new version of konek2CARD is now available on the Apple App Store and Huawei App Gallery, making the upgrade more accessible to all CARD MRI clients.

New features of konek2CARD

One of the key highlights of the new konek2CARD is its enhanced security feature, which utilizes biometrics. Users can now activate fingerprint or facial recognition on their devices, making the login process faster and more secure. The app also offers great convenience by allowing users to instantly view their account balance and savings right upon logging in.

In terms of the app’s interface, it now uses an icon-based format. Additionally, users can now save account numbers from interbank transfers, minimizing errors and streamlining repeat transactions.

Currently, the new version of konek2CARD is only available at CARD Bank branches in San Pablo City. However, by September 22, 2025, the institution aims to roll it out across all CARD Bank branches. In the coming months, this version will also be introduced to CARD SME Bank, a thrift bank under CARD MRI.

The double celebration also welcomed the konek2CARD’s new celebrity ambassador, Mr. JC Santos, who warmly extended his greetings to the institution on its milestone.

The celebration also recognized the presence of CARD MRI Founder and Chairman Emeritus Dr. Jaime Aristotle B. Alip, along with some of the Executive and Management Committee Members, staff, and clients of CARD MRI.

The Future of CARD Bank

Looking ahead, CARD Bank aims to transition into a commercial bank next year.

“As a microfinance-oriented rural bank, we face certain limitations in the services we offer. By becoming a commercial bank, we will be able to broaden our financial services and meet the growing demands of our clients,” Dr. Alip stated.

With the upcoming transition, CARD Bank also aims to reach the families and relatives of its clients who are working overseas. In addition, while some commercial banks focus on offering investment products to large companies, CARD Bank seeks to make these opportunities accessible to its clients.