8ID troops seize two firearms in Gandara, Samar clash

By DPAO, 8ID PA
November 22, 2025

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – Troops of the 46th Infantry (Peacemaker) Battalion under the operational control of the 801st Infantry (Bantay at Gabay) Brigade of the 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division, engaged in an armed encounter with members of Squad 2, Yakal Platoon, Sub-Regional Committee Browser in the hinterlands of Barangay Geraganan, Gandara, Samar on November 22, 2025.

The clash transpired after government forces launched an operation in response to reports from a concerned citizen regarding the presence of armed individuals intimidating residents and conducting extortion activities in the area.

Subsequently, troops recovered one M16 rifle, one M4 rifle, and several personal belongings of the Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs).

Pursuit operations are ongoing after troops discovered bloodstains at the encounter site, which indicates the possibility of wounded CNT members fleeing the scene.

8ID Commander, Major General Adonis Ariel G. Orio commended the local community for their vigilance and timely sharing of critical information.

“I am grateful and I appreciate all the efforts of our troops on the ground. Let us continue to work hand-in-hand in our pursuit of achieving long and lasting peace. I assure you that your Army in Eastern Visayas will never relent until we neutralize the remaining CNTs,” Maj. Gen. Orio said.

8ID neutralizes 3 CNTs, seizes 2 firearms in an armed encounter in Jaro, Leyte

By DPAO, 8ID PA
November 17, 2025

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – Troops of the 93rd Infantry (Bantay Kapayapaan) Battalion under the operational control of the 802nd (Peerless) Brigade of the 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division neutralized three Communist New People’s Army Terrorists (CNTs) and seized two firearms in an armed encounter against remnants of the Island Committee (IC) Levox of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC) in the hinterlands of Barangay Pange, Jaro, Leyte, earlier today, November 17, 2025.

The encounter transpired when troops responded to persistent reports of concerned residents regarding the presence of armed individuals coercing and intimidating communities in the area. As the soldiers approached the vicinity, the armed elements opened fire prompting the troops to retaliate.

The firefight lasted for several minutes before the enemy withdrew, leaving behind three killed CNTs identified as Fidel Lagado, alias “Ivan,” squad leader of Squad 2; Rogelio Berino, alias “Jun,” and Maricel Anora, alias “Gani,” both were members of the same squad. The responding troops also seized two caliber .45 pistols, ammunition, and various personal belongings from the encounter site. Meanwhile, no casualties were recorded on the government side.

Major General Adonis Ariel G. Orio, Commander, 8ID, commended the vigilance of the residents whose timely information helped avert further threats to community safety. He also stressed that the 8ID will continue its intensified military operations to ensure the safety of the people while encouraging the remaining CNTs to peacefully surrender and return to a lawful society.

“This successful operation demonstrates the unwavering support of the people and the dedication of our soldiers to protect communities. The neutralized individuals were part of a group sowing fear among civilians, and their demise prevents future acts of intimidation and violence. To the remnants of IC Levox, the government is ready to help you through reintegration and livelihood programs through the National Amnesty Program and Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP), should you decide to abandon violence,” Maj. Gen. Orio said.

As part of its commitment to the International Humanitarian Law (IHL), the 8ID is now in close coordination with the Local Government Unit of Jaro, Leyte to locate and notify the families of the killed CNTs, and to ensure that a dignified and proper burial arrangement is in place for them.

Moreover, the 8ID continues to urge the public to report suspicious activities to ensure the sustained peace and security in the region.

NMP, ISWAN launch partnership to safeguard mental health, well-being of Filipino seafarers

By National Maritime Polytechnic
November 12, 2025

MANILA – The National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) and the International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) Philippines have embarked on a significant collaboration to strengthen initiatives safeguarding the mental health and overall well-being of Filipino seafarers across the globe.

To formalize its partnership, top officials of NMP and ISWAN signed a memorandum of understanding during the Bayanihan – Reframing Mental Health: A Filipino Perspective on Monday, November 10 in Binondo, Manila.

Through this collaboration, NMP will actively facilitate the sharing and promotion of ISWAN helpline across its platforms ensuring that Filipino seafarers can readily access these services and resources.

To complement this initiative, the Philippine Maritime Workforce Factbook developed by NMP will be utilized to consolidate relevant statistics and data, allowing policymakers, shipping companies, and maritime institutions to make informed, data-driven, and evidence-based decisions that would address the challenges faced by Filipino seafarers.

In his message of support, Executive Director Victor Del Rosario said NMP is not only committed to produce skilled maritime workforce, but also ensures the holistic welfare of seafarers through research and evidence-based policies and programs.

“Today’s gathering is not only timely but essential, as we recognize that the men and women who sail our oceans carry the hopes, dreams, and welfare of countless families and communities back home,” he added.

In 2024, NMP developed the Mental Health Awareness for Seafarers (MHAS) course that is now being offered nationwide. This course equips seafarers with the knowledge and skills to identify, manage, and seek support for mental health challenges, fostering resilience, well-being, and safety onboard.

This initiative was prompted by an NMP study on Assessing the Mental Health and Well-being of Filipino Seafarers conducted in CY 2023, which uncovered the silent struggles faced by the maritime workforce. Research from 2018 to 2022 revealed that hundreds of seafarers had been diagnosed with mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and schizophrenia.

Even more alarming was the reported rise in suicide cases, a stark reminder that life at sea, while rewarding, also brings with it distinct emotional and psychological challenges.

“To our seafarers, the government, through the DMW-NMP, and your international partners are here to support your journey. We are dedicated to ensuring that you are not just competent professionals, but also healthy and happy human beings, equipped with the mental fortitude to withstand the rigors of life at sea,” Del Rosario said.

CARD MBA receives the Three Golden Arrows Award for Excellence in Corporate Governance

By EDRIAN B. BANANIA
November 11, 2025

SAN PABLO CITY – CARD Mutual Benefit Association (CARD MBA), Inc. received the Three Golden Arrows Award from the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD) on October 23, 2025, held at Okada Manila.

CARD MBA, one of the leading mutual benefit associations in the Philippines, received the awards in recognition of its firm adherence to the principles of good governance and continued efforts to deliver excellent service to its members.

“This recognition is not just for us as an organization, but also for every Ka-Seguro who has entrusted us with their future. It is a reflection of our shared commitment to transparency, excellence, and service that truly makes a difference in the lives of our members,” said CARD MBA Chief Executive Officer Ms. Jocelyn D. Dequito.

Reaching this milestone represents CARD MBA’s commitment to good governance and transparency. Its independent Board meetings, integrated sustainability reporting, and open disclosure of performance assessments show that CARD MBA is upholding the values of integrity, accountability, and sustainable development.

The Three Golden Arrows Award highlights CARD MBA’s longstanding commitment to delivering reliable and efficient mutual benefit services, ensuring the security and well-being of its members. This prestigious recognition affirms the association’s leadership in promoting good governance and strengthening the trust of its members, which include microentrepreneurs and low-income families nationwide.

For CARD MBA, this award represents the heart of its mission to serve with integrity, excellence, and compassion. It is a significant step forward in their journey toward being a leading example of corporate responsibility in the financial sector.

“We are committed to serving with honesty, dedication, and compassion,” added Dequito. She also shared that they look forward to continuing their mission to uplift and empower the lives of their members.

The Golden Arrows Award, a symbol of excellence in corporate governance, is conferred on organizations that have demonstrated exceptional adherence to the principles of transparency, accountability, and efficiency in their operations. These standards are based on the ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard (ACGS), a benchmark that evaluates companies on their commitment to good corporate governance practices.

With this recognition, CARD MBA continues to inspire the country’s cooperative sector and remains steadfast in its mission to provide financial security, uplift lives, and build a sustainable future for its members.

As of August 31, 2025, CARD MBA operates 95 offices nationwide, serving over 8.1 million members and 24.7 million insured individuals. It has paid P1.2 billion in Basic Life Insurance claims, P254 million in Loan Redemption benefits, P293 million in retirement funds, and extended P37 million in donated benefits.

8ID facilitates burial of killed CNT in Eastern Samar; Reaffirms respect for human dignity

By DPAO, 8ID PA
November 9, 2025

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – The troops of the 63rd Infantry Battalion, 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division, Philippine Army, facilitated the proper burial of the killed Communist-NPA-Terrorist (CNT) identified as Joel Bobonao, alias Pen/Jack earlier today, November 07, 2025, following the armed encounter in the hinterlands of Llorente and General MacArthur, Eastern Samar on November 3, 2025.

Braving the storm brought by Typhoon Tino, the soldiers carried the body on foot through mountainous terrain and swollen rivers. It took days for the troops to transport the remains of Joel Bobonao from the encounter site to the nearest barangay, and successfully coordinated with his families and the Local Government Unit of Pinabacdao, Eastern Samar.

Major General Adonis Ariel G. Orio, Commander of the 8ID, emphasized that the Philippine Army remains steadfast in fulfilling its mandate of protecting the people and the state, and upholding the values of humanity and compassion even to those who once took arms against the government.

“While we continue to perform our mission, we also recognize that every life lost in this conflict is a reminder of the importance of reconciliation and peace. We hope that this humane act encourages others who are still in the armed struggle to lay down their arms and return to the folds of the law,” Maj. Gen. Orio stated.

The 8ID reiterates its call and affirms that its doors remain open to the remnants of the Communist-Terrorist Group (CTG) to surrender peacefully and avail themselves of the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) and Amnesty Program.

Human Rights body welcomes report that ICC will arrest Duterte’s Police Chief – urges ICC to expedite

Press Release
November 8, 2025

QUEZON CITY – “The International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines (ICHRP) welcomes indications from within the Philippine government that the International Criminal Court (ICC) is issuing an arrest warrant for Senator Ronald ‘Bato’ dela Rosa, who as Chief of the Philippine National Police supervised former President Duterte’s ‘war on drugs’ from July 1, 2016,” said ICHRP Chairperson Peter Murphy.

“This is welcome news to families of the victims, who have waited far too long for justice,” Murphy said.

The report came from Philippine Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla speaking in a radio interview. But the warrant has not been announced by the ICC itself. However, a warrant against dela Rosa as Duterte’s co-perpetrator of crimes against humanity should emerge, based on evidence presented to the ICC Prosecutor.

A command memo issued by dela Rosa on Duterte’s first day in office immediately kicked off ‘War on Drugs’ operations. The memo provided directives for Project Double Barrel and its component, Project Tokhang, ordering police to conduct house-to-house visitations of ‘suspected drug personalities’. Warrants were not required, and individuals lacked legal recourse to challenge their inclusion on target lists, denying them due process. The visitations quickly became pretexts for summary executions. Dela Rosa’s command memo encouraged officers to “neutralize” drug suspects, a term echoed in police reports to indicate a target has been killed. There was a quota system, with cash rewards to police who executed suspects.

The PNP has admitted to 4,999 deaths in the ‘war on drugs’ during Dela Rosa’s leadership, and credible estimates put the real figure at 30,000 for the whole of Duterte’s six-year term.

“When the warrant is served, ICHRP calls on the Marcos Jr administration to enforce his arrest and surrender to the ICC as part of the Philippines’ continuing obligations to the court,” said Murphy. The ICC recently ruled that it had jurisdiction to prosecute former President Rodrigo Duterte. Duterte, facing a charge of the crime against humanity of murder, had challenged the legality of his detention.

Dela Rosa served as Davao City police chief when Duterte was mayor. Two witness who were members of Duterte’s ‘Davao Death Squad’ have stated that dela Rosa was an “enabler” of Duterte and knew of the squad’s extrajudicial killings.

8ID troops clash with CNTs amid Typhoon Tino’s onslaught in Eastern Samar; One CNT killed

By DPAO, 8ID PA
November 6, 2025

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – Troops of the 63rd Infantry (Innovator) Battalion of the 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division engaged the remnants of the Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Sesame, Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC) in an armed encounter in the hinterlands of Llorente and Gen. MacArthur, Eastern Samar on November 3, 2025 despite Typhoon Tino’s onslaught.

The encounter transpired while government forces were conducting focused military operations resulting in the neutralization of an enemy combatant identified as Joel Bobonao alias Pen/Jack. One cal.45 pistol with ammunition, magazines of various firearms, and other personal belongings were also seized from the Communist-NPA-Terrorists (CNT). Meanwhile, the remaining CNTs fled in disarray after the troops successfully outmaneuvered them despite adverse weather conditions. Pursuit and clearing operations are currently underway to track down the fleeing CNT remnants.

8ID Commander Major General Adonis Ariel G. Orio lauded the courage and commitment of the 8ID troops for their continued pursuit of peace and security amid challenging circumstances.

“Even as our troops face harsh weather and hazardous terrain, their dedication to protect our people and sustain peace in Eastern Visayas remain unwavering. This encounter manifests a reality that the remnants of the CPP-NPA in the region are continuously losing support from the communities,” Maj. Gen. Orio stated.

The 8ID continues to call on the remaining members of the Communist-Terrorist Groups (CTG) to surrender and avail themselves of the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) for a chance to start a new. Moreover, 8ID assures the people of Eastern Visayas that its troops remain on heightened alert in conducting internal security operations and for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) missions amid Typhoon Tino.

Shincheonji adds 60,000 more graduates who have mastered the book of Revelation

Press Release
November 4, 2025

MANILA - TENS of thousands of believers graduated at the Zion Christian Mission Center (ZCMC) this year, including almost 900 from the Philippines, with the main ceremony held last November 2 in Cheongju, South Korea.

With the theme, "Love and Blessing, the Light that Shines the World," Chairman Lee Man-hee announced that a total of 59,192 pastors and non-pastors had graduated.

Chairman Lee Man-hee, who took the stage, said with pride, "It is written (Revelation 22:18-19) that no one can enter the kingdom of heaven if he adds to or subtracts from the words of the Bible." He continued, "If you will carry out a life of faith anyway, you might as well do the real thing. If you want to know, you should come to Shincheonji and learn."

One of the 2,248 pastors that belong to Class 116 of ZCMC, the theology arm of Shincheonji Church of Jesus the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony (SCJ) said: "I have mastered the Book of Revelation. It was only after coming to Shincheonji that I was able to understand the Book of Revelation, something I had never been taught in seminaries or churches."

The new pastors who graduated this year brings to over 13,500 the total number of pastors who graduated in the last four years.

ZCMC systematically teaches the entire Bible, focusing on prophecy and fulfillment, and the flow of God's will and the Bible. To graduate, students must complete all three levels – elementary, intermediate and advanced – and score at least 90 points on the comprehensive exam.

This year's class saw even more intense persecution, slander, and interference against Shincheonji Church of Jesus, yet the number of graduates reached 60,000.

Zion Christian Mission Center President Tan Young-jin emphasized, "Despite extreme misunderstanding and prejudice, the number of people who have been renewed through the Word continues to increase. This is proof that God is with us." He added, "The graduates have realized the truth of the Bible, something even pastors have failed to understand. An era of faith transformed by truth, not knowledge, is dawning."

Over 20,000 graduates filled the spaces inside and outside the Shincheonji Cheongju Church in South Korea. Due to limited space, the remaining graduates dispersed to Shincheonji Church of Jesus locations around the world and participated online, adding to the celebration.

One of the countries that held its own graduation is the Philippines for its 894 students on October 26, 2025 in Silang, Cavite.

The graduates came from various cities and municipalities all over the country that filled its 500-capacity, newly-constructed ZCMC multi-purpose hall located in Silang, Cavite.

Some invited participants of the International Pastors Alliance for Peace (IPAP), a SCJ program, were also present to witness the event.

Pastor Princess Dela Cruz, a graduate of Class 116 delivered her testimony during the graduation ceremony, saying:

“This has been the answer to my long-time prayer. My experience here is the greatest weapon I have received as a servant of God. It cannot be compared to other Bible schools I have attended. In those schools, the study period was longer and they used many books aside from the Holy Scriptures.

“Here at ZCMC, nothing else was used but the Bible itself! We were shown how to see the truth clearly and consistently from the beginning to the end of the Bible. I examined every teaching thoroughly and found that the Word of God is the only foundation and guide.

“It is an amazing experience where everything becomes clear and understandable through the Bible alone.”

Philippine Army recognized for anti-corruption, anti-red tape initiatives

By OACPA
October 24, 2025

FORT BONIFACIO, Taguig City – The Philippine Army (PA) has been recognized as the only uniformed service awardee for this year’s Anti-Red Tape Authority’s (ARTA) Report Card Survey (RCS) Awards 2.0 at Conrad Hotel, Pasay City on October 23, 2025. This award is a testament to its commitment to fight corruption and sustain excellent public service for our people and nation.

Army Vice Commander Maj. Gen. Efren F. Morados received the award which recognized the Army's satisfactory rating (90-94.99% bracket) in the 2024 Batch RCS 2.0 (1st Cycle Implementation).

The ARTA RCS 2.0 evaluates the implementation of anti-red tape efforts in all government agencies through a third-party provider. The PA is one of the 59 awardees out of the 904 agencies that underwent stringent inspection and selection. 49 agencies got the Silver award while 10 achieved the Gold award.

The award exemplifies the PA's dedication to provide fast, fair, and efficient delivery of government services through streamlining its processes. This also ensures an Army that is free from any form of corruption in all levels of its hierarchy.

CARD Rizal Bank celebrates 13 years of empowering families

By EDRIAN B. BANANIA
October 22, 2025

SAN PABLO CITY – CARD MRI Rizal Bank, Inc. (CARD RBI), a microfinance-oriented rural bank under the CARD Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (CARD MRI), celebrated its 13 years of strengthening banking through innovative technology and a commitment to a sustainable future in Sta. Cruz, Laguna, on October 11, 2025.

“Marking our 13th founding anniversary is a powerful reminder of how technology and sustainability serve as pillars in expanding financial inclusion,” said CARD RBI President Lyneth Derequito. “By leveraging modern banking tools and sustainable practices, we continue to empower underserved communities and drive long-term, inclusive growth across the country.”

CARD MRI Rizal Bank has steadily increased access to essential financial services. These include microfinance loans specifically designed to support clients engaged in small businesses, enterprises, and livelihood projects.

Beyond providing loans, the bank encourages a culture of savings through a diverse range of deposit products tailored to meet the varied financial needs of its clients.

Reflecting CARD MRI’s holistic philosophy, CARD RBI also champions community development initiatives in education, healthcare, livelihood, disaster preparedness, and environmental sustainability to empower its clients not only financially but in every aspect of their lives.

“As we look to the future, we remain dedicated to enhancing our workforce’s capabilities and adopting cutting-edge technology to deliver quality banking services that adapt to the evolving needs of the communities we serve,” said CARD RBI Executive Vice President Ms. Juliana B. De Leon.

The celebration was attended by CARD MRI Managing Director Mr. Aristeo Dequito and CARD RBI Executive Vice President Ms. Juliana B. De Leon. Also present were CARD Senior Advisers Ms. Elma Valenzuela and Ms. Maria Gracia Contreras, CARD RBI Board of Director Ms. Marlene Algire, along with other CARD RBI officers, staff, and clients.

As part of the event, CARD RBI organized a Zumba session to promote physical wellness, and organized a Savings Caravan to highlight the importance of saving and to provide financial literacy to its clients present during the celebration.

As of September 2025, CARD RBI has disbursed over P11.9 billion in loans, operates 332 offices – including 237 Branch Lite Units (BLUs) nationwide as approved by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas – and serves more than 879,000 clients, maintaining an impressive 99% repayment rate.

Barangay officials of Dagami, Leyte attend two-day seminar on civil registration related laws and national ID system

By PSA-8
October 22, 2025

ORMOC CITY, Leyte – Barangay officials from the Municipality of Dagami, Leyte actively participated in the two-day Training-Seminar on Barangay Civil Registration System (BCRS), Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) Related Laws and National ID (NID) System, held on 21-22 October 2025, at Sabin Resort Hotel, Ormoc City.

The seminar began with an opening message from Hon. Jose Jingle N. Sudario, Municipal Mayor of Dagami, followed by a welcome address from Noel V. Managbanag, City Civil Registrar of Baybay City and President of the Samahan ng Tagapagtalang Sibil ng Pilipinas, Inc. (STSPI) Ms. Reina E. Callera, Municipal Civil Registrar of Dagami, introduced the participants and provided an overview of the BCRS.

Throughout the activity, several credible speakers shared their expertise: Marlon E. Eslopor, Municipal Civil Registrar of La Paz, Leyte, led in-depth discussions on various registration procedures and related laws, including RA 9048 and RA 9255A; Ms. Sheryl Ann A. Jamisola, PSA Leyte Chief Statistical Specialist, conducted a session on civil registration laws; Mr. Joselito C. Jornales, Administrative Officer IV of PSA Regional Statistical Services Office VIII (RSSO 8), discussed the Civil Registration Service Outlet processes; and Marife R. Molon, Registration Officer III from PSA RSSO 8, explained National ID registration, demographic updates, and NID authentication services, also addressing issues related to defective NIDs and replacements.