N. Samar Sangguniang Panlalawigan commends DAR

By CHRYSE GALLANO, DAR-8
February 16, 2026

CATARMAN, Northern Samar – The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Northern Samar recognized the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) office in the area for its commitment to inclusive growth, sustainable rural development, and empowerment of agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs), bringing pride and honor to this province.

During their January 12 regular session this year, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan adopted Resolution No. 05, series of 2026, sponsored by Board Member Nadia Bianca Nicollete Ong, commending DAR Provincial Office of Northern Samar following the recognition of the Allen Agrarian Reform Community (ARC) as the “Most Progressive ARC in the Visayas,” in last year’s Gawad Agraryo held in San Juan City.

Ong, chairperson of the Committee on Agrarian Reform, stressed in her resolution, that DAR Northern Samar Provincial Office, headed by Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Jose Balberde, “has consistently demonstrated unwavering dedication in implementing agrarian reform programs and nurturing the growth and resilience of ARCs across the province.”

With the recognition received at the national level, Allen ARC, situated in Allen, Northern Samar, become a model of agricultural productivity, innovation and cooperation, said Ong.

Chief of the Program Beneficiaries Development Division at DAR Northern Samar Provincial Office, Emerita Anabe, along with Allen Municipal Agrarian Reform Program Officer (MARPO) Myrna Berbon, received the excerpt of said commendation in behalf of Balberde, who was out of town, from the Vice Governor and Sangguniang Panlalawigan presiding officer, Atty. Clarence Dato, during their regular session on February 9 this year.

With this recognition, Berbon said, “This inspires and motivates us to continue serving and giving our best.”

PSA Eastern Visayas kicks off 36th Civil Registration Month with call to advance CRVS and strengthen data

By PSA-8
February 11, 2026

TACLOBAN CITY – The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Regional Statistical Services Office VIII formally opened the 36th Civil Registration Month (CRM) with an Opening Ceremony held at the 2nd Floor of Gaisano Real Capital, Tacloban City. With the theme, “Navigating the Future, Together: Advancing CRVS in Shaping the Global and Regional Data Ecosystem,” this year’s celebration underscores the vital role of Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) in delivering inclusive, reliable, and responsive public services.

The program commenced with a Thanksgiving Mass at 8:00 AM, followed by a motorcade around Tacloban City at 9:00 AM to raise public awareness on the importance of civil registration. Registration of participants was conducted at the Secretariat prior to the formal opening rites. The ceremony officially began with an audio-visual presentation of the National Anthem, followed by the acknowledgment of participants by Ms. Zonia C. Salazar, Supervising Statistical Specialist and Officer-in-Charge of the Civil Registration and Administrative Support Division (CRASD).

In her Opening Message, Regional Director Wilma A. Perante emphasized the continuing commitment of PSA to modernize civil registration processes and strengthen collaboration with stakeholders to ensure timely and accurate registration of vital events. She highlighted ongoing reforms and innovations aimed at improving service delivery and data quality across the region.

Updates on the National ID system, including the National ID Authentication Service (NIDAS) and system integration, were presented by Mr. Marife R. Molon, Registration Officer III. Meanwhile, Mr. Joselito C. Jornales, Administrative Officer IV and IT Project Supervisor, discussed developments on CRS-ITP2 operations and business rules, focusing on system enhancements that support efficient civil registry services. Ms. Salazar also presented the consolidated activities for the 36th CRM in Eastern Visayas, outlining month-long initiatives designed to promote birth registration, information dissemination, and stakeholder engagement.

The ceremony likewise featured the launching of the Search for the Most Outstanding Local Civil Registrar, presented by Mr. Jimmy M. Dagupan, Registration Officer IV, recognizing exemplary performance and best practices among local civil registry offices. The program concluded with closing remarks from Ms. Mae R. Almonte, Chief Statistical Specialist of the Statistical Operations and Coordination Division (SOCD), who reaffirmed PSA’s dedication to strengthening the civil registration system as a foundation for evidence-based planning and inclusive development.

Throughout February, PSA Eastern Visayas will conduct various activities to further promote awareness on the importance of registering vital events as a right and responsibility of every Filipino.

Three former CNTs lay down arms amid ongoing military operations

By SAMAR NEWS.COM
February 9, 2026

CATBALOGAN CITY – On February 4, 2026, three members of the Communist-NPA-Terrorists (CNTs) voluntarily surrendered to the 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division, ending years of armed struggle.

Alias “Norry” and his wife “Dada,” residents of Barangay San Roque, Matuguinao, Samar, turned over an M16 rifle along with other war materiel. They explained that sustained military pressure and close coordination with local communities had steadily limited their mobility and resources, leaving them with no viable means to continue fighting.

A third surrenderer, alias “Ongbak” from Barangay Deit de Turag, Silvino, Lobos, Northern Samar, admitted that dwindling mass support was decisive in his decision. Communities that once lived in fear have increasingly rejected the violence, coercion, and extortion of Communist-Terrorist Groups (CTGs), thanks to effective military operations and partnerships with local government units.

Faced with isolation, disillusionment, and separation from their families, the three realized that their cause no longer reflected the will of the people. What remained was only hardship and uncertainty in the mountains.

Their surrender underscores the growing success of the 8ID’s holistic strategy, which combines focused military action with strong community engagement to encourage peaceful reintegration of former rebels.

In its statement, the 8th Infantry Division emphasized that its mission goes beyond defeating armed groups. It expressed sympathy for those who have recognized the deception of their former organization, affirming that government forces remain open to welcoming them back into society with the belief that every Filipino deserves a peaceful and better life.

DAR-Biliran opens "ARBOs Shelf"

By JOSE ALSMITH L. SORIA
February 7, 2026

NAVAL, Biliran – In its desire to increase the sales of agrarian reform beneficiaries organizations’ (ARBOs) products, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Biliran Provincial Office launched on Monday the “ARBOs Shelf.”

“ARBOs Shelf” is literally a shelf where products produced by the different ARBOs across the province are displayed for sale.

Maryvic Cempron, chief of the Program Beneficiaries Development Division (PBDD) at DAR Biliran, disclosed that Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II (PARPO II) Thelma Alba provided a corner near the office’s entrance for this purpose, to be visible for everyone, particularly visitors. A first in Eastern Visayas.

“This is one way of helping our ARBOs promote and market their products,” said Cempron. “Anyhow, it was we, in cooperation with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), who helped them develop those products for their livelihood,” she added.

Initially, products that are currently available in the “shelf” are: coco vinegar produced by Villaconsuelo Tree Planters Agriculture Cooperative, sapin-sapin (Imelda Agrarian Reform Cooperative), banana chips (Lico Agrarian Reform Cooperative), romblon bags (Looc Cabucgayan Agrarian Reform Cooperative), atsara, plain and spiced vinegar (Balaquid Agrarian Reform Cooperative), and other products within the agrarian reform community (ARC) areas.

During the opening day alone, the “shelf” was able to register P5,495 in sales from employees and clients.

Last year, ARBO products in said province were able to generate P2,758,458.40 through orders, trade fairs and by linking them to institutional buyers.

This year, Cempron stressed that DAR Biliran is looking forward to hit the P3-million mark by December. To achieve this, DAR-Biliran will soon be going online in marketing ARBO products.

Cempron’s division find ways to identify the necessary support services that would help agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) improve their quality of life through increased production and higher income. Every ARB is encouraged to join ARBO where various government assistance are being poured.

8ID troops foil CTG extortion, recover firearm in Samar clash

By SAMAR NEWS.COM
February 5 2026

CATBALOGAN CITY – Soldiers from the 3rd Infantry Battalion, operating under the 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division, seized a firearm, explosives, and other war materiel after an armed skirmish with remnants of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in Barangay Cagtoto-og, San Jorge, Samar on February 2, 2026.

The clash erupted during a combat patrol launched in response to reports from residents about armed men extorting farmers. As troops advanced toward the area, they heard gunfire and quickly moved to engage.

According to initial accounts, CTG members had fired at a civilian suspected of cooperating with authorities. Government forces pursued the retreating group, resulting in a short firefight. The armed men abandoned a caliber .45 pistol, several explosives, and assorted war materiel as they fled.

The 8th Infantry Division has since intensified pursuit and security operations to prevent the regrouping of CTG elements and safeguard communities. The Command reaffirmed its adherence to International Humanitarian Law and its resolve to deny armed groups any foothold in Eastern Visayas, while urging remaining CTG members to lay down their arms and take advantage of the government’s Amnesty Program and Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

PSA strengthens National ID advocacy during Araw Ng Mga Kasambahay celebration 2026

By PSA-Leyte
February 4, 2026

ORMOC CITY – The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) actively participated in the Araw ng mga Kasambahay Celebration 2026 held on January 30, 2026 at the Ormoc City Hall. The activity was organized by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) with the participation of partner government agencies, as part of the government’s continuing efforts to recognize the invaluable contribution of household workers and to bring essential services closer to them.

The celebration gathered kasambahays, employers, and stakeholders to provide access to information, legal guidance, and government programs designed to protect and uplift household workers. In support of this initiative, PSA conducted a comprehensive orientation on the National Identification System, emphasizing the importance of the National ID as a primary and foundational proof of identity.

The NID orientation was led by Marife R. Molon, Registration Officer III of PSA RSSO VIII who discussed the National ID Application Details and System (NIDAS) and System Integration. She explained the National ID registration process, the importance of accurate data capture, and how system integration allows the National ID to be recognized and accepted by various government and private institutions, thereby ensuring efficient service delivery.

Meanwhile, Mr. Marvin U. Cabido Registration Kit Operator of PSA-NID Leyte Ormoc Team presented the National ID Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and updates, addressing common concerns raised by participants. His discussion focused on registration status inquiries, correction of demographic information, acceptable supporting documents, and the use of the National ID in availing government services and benefits.

In addition to the orientation, PSA personnel distributed information materials and provided on-site assistance to participants, responding to questions related to National ID registration, correction of entries, and ID utilization.

Through its participation in this activity, the Philippine Statistics Authority reaffirms its commitment to promoting inclusive identity systems and empowering every Filipino, especially workers in the informal sector, through accessible and reliable registration services.

4.29 million registered: Eastern Visayas pushes forward with National ID Program

By SAMAR NEWS.COM
January 31, 2026

CATBALOGAN CITY – The rollout of the National ID in Eastern Visayas remains in full swing in 2026, underscoring the region’s dedication to establishing a secure, inclusive, and accessible identification system for all Filipinos.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority – Regional Statistical Services Office VIII (PSA RSSO 8), as of November 2025, 4.29 million residents in Eastern Visayas have successfully registered under the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys).

This achievement highlights the ongoing collaboration between PSA, local government units, and community partners to make National ID services more accessible. Starting 19 January 2026, registration continues through PSA’s Fixed Registration Centers (FRCs) across the six provinces, complemented by mobile registration teams reaching remote and underserved municipalities.

Efforts are particularly directed toward unregistered individuals such as senior citizens, persons with disabilities, low-income families, and residents in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas, ensuring that the program leaves no one behind.

Beyond registration, PSA’s Fixed Registration Centers also provide vital PhilSys services, including updating personal details, correcting demographic records, replacing lost or damaged IDs, and assisting in tracking the delivery of issued IDs.

Ongoing coordination with local government units further strengthens grassroots registration initiatives and enhances public awareness.

The PSA urges all unregistered residents of Eastern Visayas to avail themselves of these services. The National ID serves as official proof of identity and facilitates easier access to government programs, social services, and financial transactions.

CARD RBI opens 41st branch in Bago City

By JOSEPHINE M. RAMOS
January 30, 2026

SAN PABLO CITY – CARD MRI Rizal Bank Inc. (CARD RBI) marks another milestone as it opened its 41st branch located in Bago City on January 26, 2026, to meet the growing needs of the micro-entrepreneurs in the area.

“This expansion is an opportunity to widen the bank’s reach and extend our services to more clients. By opening new branches, we can serve a greater number of clients and help more Filipinos improve their businesses and uplift the quality of their lives,” said CARD RBI President and CEO Lyneth Derequito.

CARD RBI management strategically positioned its new branch location near neighboring provinces where the bank already operates branches and branch-lite units (BLUs). Its location near the center of Negros allows the bank to tap into existing market opportunities while strengthening its presence nationwide. Establishing another branch in Visayas will allow the bank to manage the corresponding risk of geographical diversification.

The Bago branch is expected to serve more than 3,500 clients in the cities of Bago, Bacolod, Talisay, Silay, and Victoria and the municipalities of Murcia and Valladolid in Negros Occidental, further strengthening the bank’s commitment to making financial services more accessible to the people it serves.

CARD RBI is one of the financial institutions of CARD Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (CARD MRI), established to widen financial services for underserved communities. Founded in 1996, the bank has remained committed to empowering women and improving the well-being of their families while actively promoting the values of hard work and discipline. CARD RBI offers a wide range of services, including loans, savings, and remittances tailored to clients' needs.

The newest branch is located at Gen. Luna St., Brgy. Poblacion, Bago City, District 1.

Rances assumes top post at DAR Leyte

By PAUL NIKKO M. SANTOS
January 28, 2026

TACLOBAN CITY – Officials from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Regional Office VIII formally installed Roderick Rances as the new Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II (PARPO II) of DAR Leyte on Tuesday, January 27 this year, marking a new chapter for the agency’s operations in the province.

The installation was carried out at the DAR Provincial Office of Leyte pursuant to Special Order No. 24, series of 2026, issued by Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III. The same directive reassigns outgoing DAR Leyte OIC-PARPO II, Atty. Daniel Pen, to DAR Southern Leyte, where he assumes the post of OIC-PARPO II.

Assistant Regional Director for Administration (ARDA) Ronelo Jose K. Zamora and Assistant Regional Director for Operations (ARDO) Atty. Bryan A. Lassiter, representing Regional Director Atty. Robert Anthony Yu, led the said installation.

In his acceptance message, PARPO II Rances anchored his leadership on the advocacy of Secretary Estrella. He reminded the workforce that their mission goes beyond targets.

“The ultimate goal of our program portfolio is to bring the national government to the people, to bring the national government closer to the agrarian reform beneficiaries,” Rances stated, echoing the Secretary's directive.

He acknowledged, however, that fulfilling this mandate is rarely straightforward. Rances noted that in the course of implementation, the agency inevitably encounters “various issues and concerns,” but assured the staff that measures are being established to address these problems.

Building on this reality, Rances called on the DAR Leyte workforce to adopt a mindset of resilience.

“Sa ato pagpanaw, duna na juy ato gitawag na hindering factors,” (In our journey, there are indeed what we call hindering factors), Rances remarked. He urged the personnel not to be stopped by these obstacles, but rather to shift their perspective.

“Adunay hulga, ato himoon nga hagit,” (If there is a threat/hindrance, let us turn it into a challenge), he declared. He urged the personnel to meet recurring issues with solutions, aiming to establish a harmonious relationship within the office to ensure the efficient delivery of agrarian justice.

The transition was marked by a strong pledge of support from the DAR Leyte leadership. Speaking on behalf of the Division Chiefs, Chief Legal Officer Atty. Patrecia A. Ramos formally welcomed Rances “with optimism and confidence.” She emphasized that while leadership transitions are natural, the office's core mission remains steadfast.

“Leadership may change, our commitment does not. We remain dedicated to serving our farmers with integrity, respect, and hard work in every season and every day,” Ramos stated.

She further assured the new PARPO of the division chiefs' active assistance in managing stakeholder relations. Recognizing the complexities of the field, Atty. Ramos pledged that the chiefs would be there to help in the “pag-istorya ngan pakig-huruharampang” (dialogue and open engagement) with agrarian reform beneficiaries, landowners, and non-governmental organizations.

In response, Rances expressed deep gratitude for this assurance. He noted that the Division Chiefs’ offer of “tiunay ug tim-os nga pagtabang” (genuine and sincere help) allayed his initial apprehensions about the transfer, setting a collaborative tone for his tenure.

The installation comes at a critical time for the agency. Zamora and Lassiter reminded the body of the urgency of Project SPLIT (Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling), noting that the region faces a target of 76,000 hectares for 2026, with the bulk of the accomplishment expected from Leyte province.

“Change is crucial and should serve as an opportunity for us to grow,” Zamora noted, challenging the workforce to unite behind the new leadership to meet these time-bound goals.

Also present to witness the activity were Regional Chief of Legal Division, Atty. Jerome L. Paderes, RCAO Ma. Elsa M. Veloso, Regional CARPOs Felix Dante Espina and Engr. Joel M. Encina, with Consultant for Special Project Renato Badilla, alongside DAR Regional and Provincial Adjudicators, Atty. Pacito Canonoy Jr. and Atty. Florenz Hipe, respectively.

In the afternoon following the ceremony, Rances conducted courtesy calls to the various divisions and sections of the provincial office, signaling the immediate commencement of his official duties.

Philippine Coast Guard acquires 1,666 locally-made RD4 assault rifles

By SAMAR NEWS.COM
January 26, 2026

CATBALOGAN CITY – Armscor Global Defense, a Filipino arms manufacturer, has secured a significant milestone with its RD4 5.56mm assault rifle, after the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) awarded a contract for 1,666 units complete with optical sights. This marks the first major entry of the RD4 into the country’s security forces.

The acquisition forms part of the PCG’s Fiscal Year 2025 modernization program, aimed at strengthening its firepower and replacing outdated or damaged weapons. Through its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), the PCG opened bidding for the Caliber 5.56mm M4 Rifle with Optical Sights Acquisition Project, funded under the FY2025 General Appropriations Act.

The rifles, chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO and based on the M4 design, will be deployed for various missions, including special operations and ship boarding. While technical specifications were withheld for security reasons, tender participants received detailed requirements. Interestingly, despite the PCG’s existing stock of Israeli-made IWI Galil ACE rifles with Meprolight optics, the bid specifically called for M4-type platforms. This may reflect Israel’s current limitations in exporting firearms due to its own defense needs.

Currently, the PCG’s inventory includes older AR-type rifles such as the M16A1 and CAR-15, which are now relegated to secondary roles due to age.

The Notice of Award was issued on 24 November 2025 and formally received by Armscor on 17 December. The contract was signed and the Notice to Proceed released on 23 December 2025. Armscor has been given 120 days to deliver the rifles, with completion expected by late April 2026.

4 CTG members abandon armed struggle in Northern Samar

By DPAO, 8ID PA
January 23, 2026

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – Four former members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) voluntarily returned to the fold of the law through the 78th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Siljagon, Mapanas, Northern Samar on 20 January 2026, marking another positive development toward peace and stability in the province.

The individuals were identified as alias Gabriel, who turned over one M16 rifle, assorted ammunition, and other war materiel, and alias Reden, alias Mati, and alias Boy. They were previously members of Squad 1, Sub-Regional Guerrilla Unit (SRGU) Laysan, under the Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Arctic of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC).

Lieutenant Colonel Francis Rosales, Commanding Officer of the 78th Infantry Battalion, said that their decision to abandon armed struggle reflects the effectiveness of the government’s whole-of-nation approach in addressing insurgency.

“Their choice to leave the armed movement shows that more individuals are realizing that violence and deception offer no future. As they return to the fold of the law, they become partners in our shared pursuit of peace and development,” Lt. Col. Rosales said.

Meanwhile, the 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division, Philippine Army, emphasized that this development reflects the continuing erosion of support for the armed movement and the growing confidence of communities in government institutions.

The Division noted that sustained focused military operations, complemented by localized peace engagements, community support, and development initiatives, continue to weaken CTG influence in Northern Samar.

The 8th Infantry Division reiterates its call for remaining CTG members to abandon violence and choose the path of peace, unity, and development, assuring that the government remains ready to assist those who sincerely renounce armed struggle and commit to a lawful, productive life.

GABRIELA condemns travesty of justice in conviction of Frenchie Mae Cumpio and Maye Domequil: A dark day for press freedom and human rights

Press Release
January 22, 2026

QUEZON CITY – GABRIELA, the national alliance of Filipino women, expresses its gravest indignation and strongest condemnation over the unjust conviction of community journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio and activist Marielle “Maye” Domequil. Today’s verdict is a gross miscarriage of justice that rewards the state’s machinery of lies and validates the systematic persecution of those who dare to speak truth to power. It also sets a dangerous precedent that threatens the work of fellow activists and human rights defenders.

For nearly six years, Frenchie and Maye were subjected to the cruelty of the Tacloban 5 office raids – a hallmark of the Duterte-era crackdown that utilized planted evidence and perjured testimonies to paralyze dissent. By upholding these trumped-up charges, the court has effectively validated the criminalization of dissent and state terrorism.

“This conviction sends a chilling message: that in the Philippines, telling the truth is treated as a crime. Furthermore, the verdict ignores the documented pattern of judicial harassment used to neutralize activists who seek to empower the marginalized,” declared Cora Agovida, GABRIELA Deputy Secretary General and herself a survivor of a similar “raid and plant” operation in 2019. She pointed out that the conviction relied on a narrative manufactured under the framework of tyrant Duterte’s Executive Order 70 and Memorandum Order 32 – policies that continue to haunt activists under the current administration.

GABRIELA further emphasized how the state targets women human rights defenders with particular vitriol to intimidate families and push women back into a culture of submission: “It is a double injustice that while women bear the brunt of the economic crisis, the state responds to their advocacy with handcuffs. Frenchie and Maye have spent their youth behind bars for the ‘crime’ of serving the people. Even inside the Tacloban City Jail, they led the struggle for the rights of fellow PDLs, proving that the spirit of a woman human rights defender cannot be broken by state terror.”

GABRIELA vows that this legal setback will not stop the movement for justice. The group remains steadfast in its demand for their release, including Alexander “Chakoy” Abinguna, and all political prisoners currently languishing in Philippine jails on fabricated charges.