Former CTG member surrenders, ends role in armed conflict

By SAMAR NEWS.COM
January 22, 2026

CATBALOGAN CITY – A member of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) who had been supplying weapons, ammunition, and food vital to the group’s operations voluntarily surrendered to the 20th Infantry Battalion in Las Navas, Northern Samar on January 18, 2026.

The individual, who played a significant role in sustaining the CTG’s violent activities, turned over an M16 rifle with ammunition and other war materiel after recognizing the futility of continuing the armed struggle.

Brigadier General Carmelito Pangatungan, Commander of the 803rd Infantry Brigade, underscored the importance of fostering peace and security at the community level through dialogue and cooperation.

“This is a testament to the power of cooperation, trust, and sincere dialogue,” Brig. Gen. Pangatungan stated.

The 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division highlighted that localized peace initiatives are proving effective in dismantling CTG support systems and encouraging voluntary surrenders. These efforts show that constructive dialogue, community participation, and adherence to lawful processes are working.

The Division urged remaining CTG members and supporters to abandon armed conflict and take advantage of opportunities for peaceful reintegration.

“Peace generates peace. As a community, we must work together, trust the government, and support its efforts to deliver social services for all,” the 8ID emphasized.

CARD MRI expands holistic care with CARD Care Clinics in Marawi and Cotabato

By EDRIAN B. BANANIA
January 16, 2026

SAN PABLO CITY – CARD MRI Property Management, Inc. (CMPMI) led the groundbreaking ceremonies for the CARD Care Clinic Inc. (CCCI) facilities in Marawi City and Cotabato City on January 12–13, 2026. The project represents a major step toward expanding access to primary healthcare for underserved communities in Mindanao, reflecting CARD Mutually Reinforcing Institution’s (CARD MRI) commitment to holistic community development.

The initiative aims to support the holistic well-being of CARD MRI clients and local communities by complementing the organization’s Islamic financing services with accessible, affordable, and culturally sensitive healthcare. The clinics will offer essential primary healthcare services, including medical consultations, diagnostic services such as X-rays, preventive care, and more.

CMPMI President Maida Decano emphasized the broader significance of the project during her message. “This groundbreaking ceremony is more than just the opening of a primary care facility. It embodies CARD MRI’s mission to address poverty holistically – not only by supporting financial empowerment but also by ensuring communities have access to health and well-being,” she said.

Dr. Michelle Anne Dy-Menil, President of CCCI, under the holding company CARD Care Networks Inc. (CCNI), highlighted how the clinics will directly benefit local residents. “Many families still travel long distances just to access even basic healthcare services. With these clinics, we are bringing primary healthcare closer to the people, providing timely consultations, preventive care, and support that respects the community’s culture and needs. It’s about building healthier families, who in turn can focus on learning, earning, and improving their quality of life,” she shared.

The establishment of the clinics was made possible through the support of The Nippon Foundation, a partner organization of CARD MRI, which aims to provide accessible, quality healthcare and support sustainable community development, both in Christian and Muslim communities of Marawi and Cotabato.

The groundbreaking ceremonies were attended by CMPMI President Maida Decano, CARD MRI Resource Mobilization and International Group Director Jean Pauline Landicho, CCCI President Dr. Michelle Anne Dy-Menil, and other CARD MRI heads, officers, staff, clients, and community members. Media partners covered the Cotabato event, including Anne Acosta of Mindanao Expose Cotabato, Carolyn Abas of Radyo Natin FM Cotabato, Shella Cumbao of TM FM Radio Cotabato, and Sam Sali of XFM 102.1 Cotabato.

The CARD Care Clinics will be located along Narciso Marcos Highway, Barangay Biaba Damag, Marawi City, and Rosales Street, Rosary Heights 6, Sinsuat Avenue, Cotabato City. The project reinforces CARD MRI’s long-term commitment to supporting communities through integrated financial and health services, bringing hope, care, and opportunity closer to those who need it most.

CMPMI, CCCI, and CCNI are member-institutions of CARD MRI, a group of development-oriented institutions established in December 1986 with a common goal of eradicating poverty in the Philippines.

DAR E. Visayas distributes 2K more land titles before 2025 ends

By JOSE ALSMITH L. SORIA
December 31, 2025

CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar – The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Eastern Visayas closed the year 2025 by distributing 2,298 more land titles over the weekend.

DAR Assistant Secretary for Special Concerns Office, Rodolfo Castil Jr., represented Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III and led the distribution of individual land titles on Saturday, December 27 this year at the Samar State University (SSU) in this city to 2,396 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) coming the provinces of Samar and Northern Samar.

In his message, Castil stressed to the ARBs, “Mahalin natin ang naibigay ng gobyerno sa atin. At saka yung mga responsibilidad natin, wag natin kalimutan. Yun lang ang hinihinging kapalit ng gobyerno at ng mga nagpursigi para mabuo yan at maibigay sa inyo.” (Let us value what the government has given us. And, let us not forget our responsibilities. That is the only thing the government, and those who worked hard to make this happen, are asking in return.)

DAR Eastern Visayas Regional Director, Atty. Robert Anthony Yu, likewise explained why the distribution rite was held here. According to him, Secretary Estrella instructed him to hold the distribution of titles in the provinces in order to bring the government closer to the people.

Of the 2,396 ARBs who received their individual titles, electronically generated under the Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling (SPLIT) Project, 1,829 were from the province of Samar, while 567 were from Northern Samar.

ARB Conrada Agte, 71, from Lope de Vega, Northern Samar, turned emotional that after more than three decades of waiting, she finally got hold of the individual title to the land she had been tilling for years. “Salamat nga nakakarawat na ako hini yana nga papel. Salamat nga damu gud man!” (Thank you that I finally received this document. Thank you so much really!) Agte exclaimed.

Another ARB, Rolando Danday, 42, with three children, from Majaba Island in this city, said, “Kaupay hini nga pinamaskuhan ha amon han gobyerno. Maiha na namon ini nga ginpipinamulat.” (What a beautiful Christmas gift to us by the government. We have been waiting for this for so long.)

Meanwhile, Atty. Jana Dumaliang, Regional Director of the Land Registration Authority-Registry of Deeds in Region 8, expressed their continued support to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the DAR. She shared that they do overtime to deliver the expected e-titles from them.

The 2,298 e titles covered an aggregate area of 4,863 hectares of farmlands situated in the above mentioned provinces, strengthening the claim of the ARBs to land awarded to them under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).

Yu further disclosed that providing land to the landless is DAR’s contribution to the government’s End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) initiative, a whole-of-nation approach to solve insurgency problem in the country.

Media practitioners recognized at the CARD MRI Panaghiusa Media Awards

By JOSEPHINE RAMOS
December 29, 2025

SAN PABLO CITY – On December 10, 2025, the CARD MRI Panaghiusa Media Awards ceremony was held at Casita Uno, Carmelite Road, Brgy, San Lucas 1, San Pablo City, Laguna, recognizing outstanding media practitioners nationwide for their collaboration with CARD MRI in its effort towards poverty eradication.

“Through this event, we aim to recognize the efforts of our media partners in helping eradicate poverty through information dissemination. They are the ones who consistently give voices to CARD MRI's stories, so today, we wanted to turn the spotlight to them and ensure that their hard work is truly seen and appreciated,” CARD MRI Publishing House President Ms. Marilyn Manila stated.

The major award, Natatanging Kabalikat ng Taon, was given to Radyo Natin Calapan and Laguna Courier in recognition of their meaningful and timely coverage of CARD MRI’s key events, milestones, and achievements. Each of them received a cash prize of P25,000.00 along with Mga Likha ni Inay products worth P1,500.00.

On the other hand, the Kasangga sa Pag-unlad award was given to Rapids Journal, Wednesday Herald, Dateline Weekly Newspaper, Radyo Natin Lucena, and DZJV CALABARZON for their commitment to promoting CARD MRI's mission through advocacy, as well as their support for financial inclusion, poverty eradication, and social development. Each awardee received a cash prize of P20,000.00 and Mga Likha ni Inay products worth P1,500.00.

Meanwhile, Facts and Figures Newsweekly, Newscore Bulacan, Amihan, The Laguna Express, The Daily Guardian, Boracay Island News, Mindanao Journal, and Periodico Norte received the Huwarang Tagabando award in recognition of their contribution in amplifying CARD MRI's stories through their respective platforms. Each awardee received a cash prize of P15,000.00 and Mga Likha ni Inay products worth P1,500.00.

“Our media partners are more than just conveyors of news. They are storytellers who bring our stories to life. Being a journalist is not an easy calling; it needs courage, dedication, and genuine compassion. For this reason, we proudly honor the outstanding media practitioners who have stood with us in spreading awareness of CARD MRI’s mission, helping bring poverty eradication closer to reality,” said CARD MRI Founder and Chairman Emeritus Dr. Jaime Aristotle Alip.

Present during the awarding are the senior advisers, the executive committee, and the management committee members of CARD MRI.

8ID sends off 74th Infantry Battalion after successful mission

By DPAO, 8ID PA
December 26, 2025

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – The 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division conducted a send-off ceremony on 23 December 2025 to formally recognize and honor the 74th Infantry (Unbeatable) Battalion for its valuable contributions in the campaign against the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC) and in securing communities within its areas of responsibility.

Since 17 February 2023, the 74th Infantry Battalion has been deployed in the Division’s area of responsibility. Under the 803rd Infantry Brigade’s operational control, the Battalion operated in the municipalities of Mapanas, Palapag, Gamay, and Lapinig in Northern Samar. On 08 November 2025, the Battalion’s area of operations shifted to the Provinces of Leyte and Southern Leyte. In its expanded area of operations, the 74th Infantry Battalion was placed under the 802nd Infantry Brigade operational control where it continued to enhance the Division’s operational effectiveness and contribute to peace and security across Eastern Visayas. Throughout its deployment, the Battalion consistently demonstrated professionalism, discipline, and determination while conducting sustained combat, intelligence, and civil-military operations in support of the 8ID’s peace, security, and nation-building efforts.

Among its notable accomplishments was the neutralization of 164 Communist-NPA-Terrorists (CNTs) through combined focused military operations, intelligence operations, and localized peace engagements. The Battalion also seized 69 firearms, recovered 37 improvised explosive devices, and dismantled 37 enemy hideouts.

Living up to its moniker “Unbeatable,” these achievements reflect not only the Battalion’s strong tactical capabilities but also its ability to gain the trust of local communities, and help foster lasting peace and security in the Region. The 8ID further noted that its current operational gains would not have been possible without the dedication, professionalism, and sacrifices of the Officers and Enlisted Personnel of the 74th Infantry Battalion.

With the successful completion of its mission in Eastern Visayas, the 74th Infantry Battalion will return to its mother unit under the 2nd Infantry Division to assume new assignments and continue its service to the nation.

The 8th Infantry Division likewise extended its gratitude to the Officers, Enlisted Personnel, and families of the 74th Infantry Battalion for their steadfast service and unwavering support, emphasizing that the bonds forged through shared missions endure beyond redeployment.

CARD-PCPD Medical Center opens BestHealth Clinic; Offers loanable healthcare services for CARD clients

By JIREH PEARL CASIONAN
December 26, 2026

SAN PABLO CITY – CARD-PCPD Medical Center Inc., a new institution of CARD Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (CARD MRI) in partnership with the Philippine Center for Population and Development (PCPD), officially opened the BestHealth Clinics and Diagnostic Center on December 1, 2025, in Brgy. San Antonio 1, San Pablo City, Laguna. With the facility situated in the barangay, residents of San Antonio 1 and nearby communities can access affordable medical services without needing to travel to the town proper. The clinic also offers loanable health service packages for CARD members and clients, further expanding access to essential healthcare in the community.

Established to bring health services closer to underserved areas, the facility ensures that residents can get immediate consultations, diagnostics, and urgent care at the newly opened clinic. CARD members and clients can enjoy additional benefits, including discounted services and the option to loan medical packages to manage health expenses better.

“As part of our mission to eradicate poverty through healthcare empowerment, we have brought CARD’s health program closer so it can serve as a center for distant communities,” said Dr. Jaime Aristotle B. Alip, Founder and Chair Emeritus of CARD MRI. “Ito po ay para sa inyo… Ito po ay nilaan para sa inyo (This is for all of you… This belongs to all of you),” he added, affirming the clinic’s purpose of serving far-flung areas.

Mr. Arcatomy Guarin, Executive Director of the Philippine Center for Population and Development (PCPD), highlighted the significance of the partnership. “This collaboration brings together the best of two worlds—CARD MRI and PCPD. Together, we aim to drive transformation grounded in the shared belief that healthcare and wellness are rights for all. This is the beginning of a healthier future.”

The clinic offers a wide range of services such as medical consultations for general healthcare, pediatrics, OB-Gyne, internal medicine, and minor surgery. It also provides laboratory and X-ray services, as well as minor surgical procedures. The clinic also houses BotiCARD Pharmacy to provide patients with the necessary medical supplies.

“Hindi lang paggamot; aalagaan rin kayo. Dito po ang pinakamagandang pag-aalaga (It’s not just about treatment; you will also be cared for. Here, you will receive the best health care),” said Dr. Roderick Belen, President of CARD-PCPD Medical Center Inc., implying the meaning behind the clinic’s name “BestHealth”. He expressed excitement that, after years of research, the clinic is finally opening, but emphasized that this is only the first step of expanded healthcare services.

Looking ahead, Dr. Alip also shared plans, including the opening of a dialysis center targeted for April 2026 and the establishment of a full hospital before the end of next year. He likewise envisions building the CARD-MRI Development Institute (CMDI) in the area, which will offer nursing and health-related degree programs for aspiring medical professionals.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was led by Dr. Alip and Dr. Belen, together with Mr. Aristeo Dequito, Managing Director of CARD MRI; Dr. Dolores M. Torres, and Dr. Lorenza dT. Bañez, Senior Management Advisers of CARD Bank, Inc.; Mr. Arcatomy Guarin, Executive Director of PCPD; Dr. Mike Llanto, CEO of CARD Care Network; and Barangay Chairman Rexon Banaag of Brgy. San Antonio 1. Mrs. Paz P. Arazena, a 91-year-old CARD pioneer member and one of its eldest members, also joined them in the symbolic ribbon-cutting.

Father Rizaldy Urgena of St. Francis Parish Church officiated the blessing of the clinic building and ambulance. The staff and nurses of the new clinic were also introduced during the ceremony to ensure they can be easily recognized and approached by future patients.

Also present during the event were Dr. Edzel A. Ramos, President of CMDI Inc.; Ms. Angela A. Poonin, Chief Operating Officer of Mga Likha Ni Inay, Inc.; Ms. Rosenda P. Aquino, President of CARD MRI Astro Laboratories; Mr. Raul S. Dizon, Chairman of CMIT Inc.; Mr. Vicente P. Briones Jr., Executive Director of CARD Inc.; Mrs. Jocelyn Dequito, CEO of CARD MBA; Ms. Maida B. Decano, President of CARD Property Management Inc., Ms. Lyneth L. Derequito, President of CARD RBI, and the staff of CARD Care Network together with the barangay officials of Brgy. San Antonio 1. CARD members and the pioneer members also witnessed the ceremony to celebrate the milestone.

8ID neutralizes 2 CNTs, seizes firearms in an armed encounter in Las Navas, N. Samar

By DPAO, 8ID PA
December 19, 2025

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – Troops of the 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division neutralized two armed Communist-NPA-Terrorists (CNTs) and seized three high-powered firearms in a decisive encounter in the hinterlands of Barangay Bulao, Las Navas, Northern Samar, earlier today, December 19, 2025.

The encounter transpired when troops acted on reports from the farmers about the presence of armed CNTs in the area. They have been coercing the farmers to yield portions of their harvest and have been extorting money from civilians.

In response, government troops launched focused military operations to locate and verify the presence of the suspects. As the operating forces advanced through the area, they were fired upon by the CNTs believed to be members of the Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) ARCTIC of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC). Government troops retaliated, resulting in a brief firefight that led to the death of two CNTs.

Three M16 rifles were seized at the encounter site, further validating the civilians’ reports of extortion and intimidation activities.

The 8th Infantry Division emphasized that the operation supports the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ mandate to protect civilians, particularly farmers who depend on peace and security for their livelihood.

The Division also highlighted the critical role of public cooperation in sustaining peace and preventing armed groups from influencing communities. The civilians’ timely reporting prevented further harm and exploitation of innocent residents.

Government forces remain on heightened alert in the area to prevent the regrouping of armed elements and to ensure the safety of local communities.

From screen to spotlight: Southeast Asian community filmmakers shine at the 2025 SineMaya Community Short Film Festival

By EDRIAN B. BANANIA
December 19, 2025

SAN PABLO CITY – The 2025 SineMaya Community Film Festival, organized by BENTE Productions, the multimedia arm of CARD MRI, culminated in an awarding ceremony on December 15, 2025, at SM City San Pablo. The festival celebrated short films that embodied the official theme, “PAMANAON: Stewards of the Future,” highlighting the importance of legacy, responsibility, and collective action.

This year’s festival brought together filmmakers from diverse communities who used filmmaking as a platform to explore social realities, cultural heritage, and hope, while also embracing innovation through emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. By combining storytelling with innovation, the event showcased how film can be both an artistic and transformative medium.

Reaffirming the festival’s vision, CARD MRI Founder and Chair Emeritus Dr. Jaime Aristotle B. Alip highlighted the transformative power of storytelling, saying, “Through SineMaya, filmmakers were encouraged to craft stories that reflect how the choices and actions of today shape the lives and opportunities of future generations.” He also praised the participants for creating works that go beyond entertainment. “Their courage, creativity, and purposeful narratives demonstrate how art can help shape a more compassionate and responsible world,” he added.

Following a rigorous judging process of all 18 SineMaya finalists, where each entry was carefully assessed for storytelling, technical skill, creativity, and social relevance, the winning films emerged as works that inspired, moved, and touched the audience.

Top honors were awarded to “Alab” by Paroy Film Productions, which received Best Film for the AI-Powered Film category, and “Light by the Sea” by Light by the Sea Productions, which won Best Film for the Legacy Lens category. Both films also earned special recognition through the Legacy Awards, with “Alab” receiving the CARD MRI Managing Director’s Choice Award, and “Light by the Sea” being named one of the recipients of the CARD MRI Founder’s Excellence Award, alongside “Pamaon” by ShotUp Productions. These recognitions underscored the films’ ability to merge artistic excellence with strong messages of service, resilience, and intergenerational responsibility – values closely aligned with the festival’s theme.

Outstanding achievements in performance, direction, and technical craft were also recognized. The Acting Awards honored Rosalie Castillo as Best Supporting Actor in a Female Role for her portrayal of Nanay Riya in “Pag-alala” of Balik-Tanaw Productions, and Ken Laurence Ante as Best Supporting Actor in a Male Role for his role as Arvin in “Liham” by Bikolanong Lagalag Productions. The Best Actor in a Female Role was bagged by Jorlyn Ledesma for her performance as Lira in “Binhi sa Kaugmaon” by Kanlaon Film Productions, while Nel Estuya received Best Actor in a Male Role for his portrayal of Tatay Fernando in “Saan Aabot Ang Singkwenta Ni Tatay?” filmed by Kisapmata Film Productions.

Technical excellence was likewise celebrated, with Best Editing awarded to Jhon Lorenz Jegillos for “Liham” and Best Cinematography to Jimuel Sohitado for “Binhi sa Kaugmaon”. Meanwhile, Dang Thi Hanh was named Best Director for the visually and emotionally compelling “Light by the Sea”.

Innovation took center stage in the AI-lamat Category, where “Alab” emerged as a dominant force, winning multiple awards, including Best AI-Powered Visual Effects, Editing, and Cinematography, as well as Excellence in AI-Enhanced Directing for Christian Laurence Jegillos. Meanwhile, “Damay: Mangagaway” by Dangshin Productions received Best Lifelike AI Characterization, highlighting how technology can be harnessed to deepen storytelling while maintaining emotional authenticity.

Special awards recognized creativity and audience impact, with “Ang Huling Punla” by Dos-T Productions winning Best Musical Scoring; “Saan Aabot Ang Singkwenta Ni Tatay?” by Kisapmata Film Productions earning both Best Screenplay and the People’s Choice Award; and “Damay: Mangagaway” by Dangshin Productions taking home Best Trailer.

The festival also underscored its commitment to social advocacies through the Community Development Awards. Honorees included “Hope in the Rain” by Catalyst Productions for Agriculture; “The End of the Sky” by CanhDieuVanh Productions for Gender Equality; “Pamana” by Liwayway Films for Education; “Ang Huling Punla” by Dos-T Productions for Environmental Protection; “Hangarin” by Kumatha Productions for Disability Representation; and “Pag-alala” by Balik-Tanaw Productions for Youth Empowerment. Additional recognitions went to “Tao Rin Ako” by Panangaawat Productions, which received the Inclusive Service Award, and “Pamanaon” by ShotUp Productions, honored with the Young Filmmaker Award.

The success of the festival was made possible through the guidance and leadership of key figures who continue to champion community development through the arts. “SineMaya is more than a film festival. It is a shared journey of storytelling where every film becomes a mirror of our values and a bridge to the future we want to build together, " said Ms. Marilyn M. Manila, BENTE Productions President.

Before the awarding ceremony, all 18 SineMaya finalists were simultaneously screened at SM Cinemas in Iloilo City, Davao City, and Manila on November 22, 2025. This nationwide screening allowed audiences from different regions to experience the stories firsthand and actively participated in determining the People’s Choice Award.

SineMaya Community Film Festival is a platform dedicated to empowering grassroots and community filmmakers to tell stories that promote social development, inclusion, and shared responsibility. Anchored in the belief that cinema can be a tool for education, advocacy, and transformation, SineMaya encourages narratives that reflect lived experiences, highlight community issues, and inspire positive action.