The Official Newsletter of PIA-8 and RTF-8 ELCAC
VOL II NO. 3
February 1-15, 2020
CASES FILED IN TACLOBAN CITY COURT VS 5 ARRESTED CTGS, 1 COMRADE WHO IS AT LARGE TACLOBAN CITY -- Cases were filed Monday afternoon (Feb. 10) at the Tacloban City Prosecutor’s Office City against six persons to include the five arrested during the raid of two CTG safe houses and another one who is at large but is the confirmed roommate of one of those arrested, Atty. Marlon Bosantog of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, informed the local media at the Panginsayod Ha PIA presscon late afternoon of February 10. He said that he was sent by the National Task Force- ELCAC to Tacloban to support the RTFELCAC8, to ensure that the tule of law is observed and that no human rights violation is committed. Atty. Bosantog said that all of the six respondents, Frenchie
By: PIA-8
Mae Cumpio, Marielle Alvez Domequil, Alexander Philip Dizon Abinguna, Rogelio “Jun” Berino (at large), Marissa Abayare Cabaljao, and Mira Dalla Destura Legion have been charged with illegal possession
Stop deceiving our children, mothers of NPA recruits cry TACLOBAN CITY – Three mothers of NPA recruits demanded to the NPAs, “stop deceiving our children.” Their call came after the arrest of the so called Tacloban 5 - the five young NPA recruits arrested in Tacloban for illegal possession of firearms and explosives. In a press conference at the PIA Regional Office 8, three mothers with their kids in varying degrees of involvement in the armed struggle turned emotional as they denounced the NPAs deceptive recruitment.
Annabelle Sabado Annabelle Sabado, a single mom to Christian aka Chan-chan recalled how happy they were when her son passed the exams at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP). Little did she know that Chanchan was getting active in the leftist organization. The mother noticed a change of behavior in her son. There was a time when Chan-chan merely addressed her as
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of firearms which is bailable with P120,000 while only four (minus Mira and Marissa) were charged with illegal possession of explosives which is non-bailable. The lawyer said, “The TFELCAC does not see the filing of cases against these young adult as a triumph but it is rather heartbreaking to see these young adults being charged with illegal possession of firearms, illegal possession of explosives.” He said if proven, illegal possession of firearms has a penalty of from 6 years to 20 years imprisonment while illegal possession of explosives has a penalty of reclusion perpetua. (PIA8)
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February 1-15, 2020
CTG high-ranking officer, 4 others, arrested in Tacloban City By: PIA-8/8CMO TACLOBAN CITY – Executive Order 70’s Joint AFP-PNP law enforcement operations led to the arrest of Frenchie Mae Castro Cumpio @PEN, 20 years old, Secretary, Regional White Area Committee - Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (RWAC-EVRPC) and four (4) others today, February 7, in Tacloban City. Report coming from the joint forces showed that at 2 a.m. of February 7, a simultaneous implementation of search warrants were conducted by joint AFP-PNP in two (2) identified Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) safe houses within Tacloban City. The warrants (SW No.202002-02 & No. 2020-02-03) for violations of R.A. 10591 or otherwise known as “An Act Providing for a Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunitions” were issued by Executive Judge Eligio P. Petilla of RTC 44, Tacloban City on February 3, 2020. The searched houses are located at Gumamela St., Bañezville II, Fatima Village, Brgy. 77, Tacloban City, Leyte (SW1 # 2020-02-02) and Calanipawan St., Brgy. 96 (Calanipawan), Tacloban City, Leyte (SW2 # 2020-02-02). Reports disclosed that these houses were being maintained by the CTGs of Eastern Visayas as their safe houses in Tacloban City. Incidental to the lawful search, the government security forces arrested the CTG personalities who were found to have an actual and/or constructive control
AN REHIYON OCHO YANA and possession of illegal firearms, ammunitions and other contraband items inside the searched houses. Aside from Cumpio, the simultaneous implementation of the said Search Warrant at Calanipawan Street, Brgy. 96, Calanipawan, Tacloban City, Leyte (SW1 # 202002-02) also resulted to the arrest of Marielle Alvez Domequil @Maye, 22 years old, a member of RWACEVRPC and Finance Officer of Rural Missionaries of the PhilippinesEastern Visayas (RMP-EV). Meanwhile, the implementation of the search warrant at Gumamela St., Bañezville II, Fatima Village, Brgy. 77, Tacloban City, Leyte (SW2 # 2020-02-02) resulted to the arrest of Alexander Philip Dizon Abinguna @Chakoy, 24 years old, a member of RWAC-EVRPC and Secretary General of Alyansa han Pagpanalipud han Tawhanon nga Katungod-Sinirangan Bisayas (KATUNGOD-SB); Marissa Abayare Cabaljao @Harupay, 33 years old, a member of RWAC-EVRPC and Secretary General of People Surge Alliance-Eastern Visayas (PSA-EV); and Mira Dalla Destura Legion @Lira, 21 years old, an EXECOM Member of KAGUMA-EV and Chairperson, Anak Bayan – Eastern Visayas. Seized items during the search and
seizure operation conducted in the safe house at Calanipawan Street, Brgy. 96, Calanipawan, Tacloban City, Leyte were: one (1) unit cal 45 pistol, Taurus with Serial Number 125373; one (1) unit cal 45 pistol, Colt with Serial Number 825631; two (2) magazine assembly for cal 45; fourteen (14) live ammo for cal 45; two (2) fragmentation hand grenades; oe (1) pc colored red flag with CPPNPA symbol; and cash amounting to Php557,360 for safekeeping as witnessed by barangay officials. On the other hand, seized items during the search and seizure operation conducted in the safe house at Gumamela St., Bañezville II, Fatima Village, Brgy. 77, Tacloban City, Leyte yielded two (2) Cal 45 pistols; one (1) KG9 rifle; one (1) improvised claymore mine; two (2) mag assay for cal 45; one (1) mag assay for kg9; fifteen (15) rounds live ammos for cal 45; and 17 round live ammos for 9mm. The CTG personalities were arrested for violation of RA 10591 or otherwise known as “An Act Providing for a Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunitions,” and for violation of RA 9516 for illegally possessing explosives. The arrested personalities and
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AN REHIYON OCHO YANA
February 1-15, 2020
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Raid of 2 CTG safe houses in Tacloban witnessed by brgy officials, covered by search warrants
By: PIA-8 and RTF 8-ELCAC Stratcom Cluster
Tacloban 6 arrest due to illegal possession of firearms, explosives, NTF ELCAC tells media By: Ninfa Barcena-Quirante TACLOBAN CITY -- The security forces of the region reiterated that the arrest of #Tacloban 6 was due to illegal possession of firearms and explosives and not because they are staunch critics of the Duterte administration. In PIA’s Panginsayod presscon, Atty. Marlon Bosantog, lawyer of the National Task Force End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC), faced the media and stressed that they were arrested via a search warrant that found a probable cause. “I was sent here to ensure that due process is observed, that no human rights violation was done,” the young lawyer told the local media. The lawyer said that it disheartens him that the suspects are so young and that they have committed a serious crime. The Tacloban 6 were named such because the six persons charged for illegal possession of firearms and explosives were arrested in Tacloban City. Charged with illegal possession of firearms and explosives were
Frenchi Mae Cumpio and Marielle Alvez Domequil. The crime for illegal possession of firearms is bailable for P120,000 but for illegal possession of explosives it is non- bailable. As to the other suspects, Alexander Philip Dizon Abinguna and Rogelio Jun Berino , their crime illegal possession of firearms and explosives is non-bailable. Mira Legion and Marissa Cabaljao were also charged with illegal possession of firearms and ammunitions, bailable for P120,000. The lawyer said he filed the case against the mentioned personalities and ensured that there was due process and that no human rights were ever violated. He alluded that the suspects are victims of radicalization and he is sad about the turn of events. The 8th Infantry Division Commander Pio Diñoso agreed , that he, too is not happy about the arrest. “Wala tayong dapat ikatuwa, ang mga magulang lungkot na lungkot, they did not know how deep
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TACLOBAN CITY -- The two separate and simultaneous raids at the two CTG safe houses in Tacloban were legal, the PNP-AFP joint task force informed. The joint task force said the raids were covered by search warrants issued on February 3, 2020 by Hon. Judge Eligio P. Petilla, Executive Judge of Regional Trial Court Branch 44, Tacloban City. The raiding teams composed of CIDG RFU8, PNP PRO-8 and AFP were also accompanied by two barangay kagawad in each location where search warrants were served. The two barangay officials in each raid signed as witnesses and attested to the orderly conduct of the search, the joint task force teams added. To recall, two simultaneous raids were conducted around 2:30 a.m. of February 7 in Tacloban City. One was conducted at Calanipawan Road, Barangay 96, while the other one was conducted at Bañezville, Fatima Village, Barangay 77. The searched houses are located in Gumamela St., Bañezville II, Fatima Village, Brgy. 77, Tacloban City, Leyte (SW1 # 2020-02-02) and Calanipawan St.,
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February 1-15, 2020
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Cases to be filed vs high-ranking CTG official, 4 others in Tacloban City By: PIA8/RTF-ELCAC8 Stratcom
TACLOBAN CITY -- The five CTGs who were arrested in two separate raids early morning of February 7 in Tacloban City, will be formally charged before the City Prosecutors Office. Inquest proceedings were completed late afternoon of February 7. Two cases to be filed against them are violation of R.A. 10591, an Act providing for Comprehensive law on firearms and ammunition, and violation of R.A.9516 for the recovery of explosives. The Joint CIDG RFU8, PNP PRO8 and AFP operatives served the search warrant issued on Feb. 3, 2020 by the Executive Judge Eligio Petilla of the RTC Branch 44 of the Hall of Justice in Tacloban City. The respondents, who are now detained at the Palo BJMP for security reasons, include: 1. Frenchie Mae Castro Cumpio @PEN, 20 years old, secretary, Regional White Area Committee - Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (RWAC-EVRPC); 2. Marielle Alvez Domequil @ Maye, 22 years old, a member
of RWAC-EVRPC and Finance Officer of Rural Missionaries of the Philippines-Eastern Visayas (RMP-EV); 3. Alexander Philip Dizon Abinguna @Chakoy, 24 years old, a member of RWAC-EVRPC and Secretary General of Alyansa han Pagpanalipud han Tawhanon nga Katungod-Sinirangan Bisayas (KATUNGOD-SB); 4. Marissa Abayare Cabaljao @ Harupay, 33 years old, a member of RWAC-EVRPC and Secretary General of People Surge AllianceEastern Visayas (PSA-EV); and 5. Mira Dalla Destura Legion @ Lira, 21 years old, an EXECOM Member of KAGUMA-EV and Chairperson, Anak Bayan – Eastern Visayas. Seized items during the search and seizure operation conducted in the safe house at Calanipawan Street, Brgy. 96, Calanipawan, Tacloban City, where Cumpio and Domiquil were arrested, were: one (1) unit cal 45 pistol, Taurus with Serial Number 125373; one (1) unit cal 45 pistol, Colt with Serial Number 825631; two (2)
Insurgency in Leyte is under control, Army official says By: Ninfa Barcena-Quirante
TACLOBAN CITY -- An army official on Wednesday declared that insurgency in Leyte is under control. “Kokonti nalang sila, kaya natin i-control,” (trans: They are but a handful, we can easily control them.) BGen Lope Dagoy, battalion commander of the 802nd Brigade in Ormoc City told the media at Panginsayod ha PIA on February 5. He said that for the past years there had been a few encounters. “Talagang konti nalang sila,” (Their number has really gone down.) he reiterated. He also talked of the massive surrender of more than a thousand rebels which President Rodrigo Roa Duterte witnessed on January 23 in San Isidro, Leyte. But he said they still have something to do. “We are still trying to address the problems in some areas, especially the white areas where recruitment is being done,” said Dagoy. The official could not hide continued on page 14 his contempt as he talked of the recruitment of some minors to join in the mass protests that some leftist are doing. “Sobra na yung panlilinlang nila, minors na isasali sa rally, once na mainvolve yung minors, ibang usapan nayan,” (Their recruitment is too much, they drag along minors to mass protests, that is a different story, altogether.) Dagoy said. The official also talked of how they tried to pursue rebels relentlessly that the masses would
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AN REHIYON OCHO YANA
February 1-15, 2020
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190 new candidate soldiers pledge to serve the country
Leyte PTF-ELCAC continues to make government care felt in the barangays By: PIA8 ABUYOG, Leyte -- A day before Valentines Day, the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communists Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) Leyte headed by Hon. Leopoldo Dominico L. Petilla, Chairman, brought a Valentines gift to the students and teachers of Gabaldon Central School, Brgy Buntay, Abuyog, Leyte. PTF-ELCAC Chair, Governor Petilla turned over a two-storey building with eight classroom to the delight of the grateful students and teaching force who have been wishing and in dire need of additional classrooms In the blessing and turnover, Gov. Petilla was accompanied by members of the Leyte PTF-ELCAC Carlo P. Loreto, Vice Governor, Province of Leyte in collaboration of Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF-ELCAC) Abuyog, Leyte headed by Hon. Lemuel Gin K. Traya, Municipal Mayor; and 78th Infantry (Warrior) Battalion led by Lieutenant Colonel Roberto B. Obaob, Commanding Officer. This active collaboration and synergy efforts of PTF-ELCAC and MTF-ELCAC Abuyog, Leyte have provided the students and teachers of the said school with basic social services, improve the quality of education and capacitate them to become conflict-resilient communities. (PIA8/78th IB/RTFELCAC8 Stratcom Cluster)
By: Golda Meir T. Tabao
CATBALOGAN City – A total of 190 new candidate soldiers of the Philippine Army took their oath of duty on Friday, February 7, at the Army’s 8th Infantry Division Grandstand in Catbalogan City. The oath taking ceremony was immediately followed by the opening of the Philippine Army Candidate Soldier Course Class 633 – 2020. In his welcome message, Col. Perfecto P. Peñaredondo, chief of staff of 8ID said, “We were fair, firm and friendly in our selection so that as they embark in the next six months of training, they will be transformed from boys to men of honor, duty and patriotism.” Meanwhile, Gov. Reynolds Michael T. Tan, in his inspirational message said, “I am one with you in all the endeavors of the Philippine Army. We have always been and we will always be one with you especially now that EO 70 is in place. We should work together - the local leadership, the local government unit and the Army. “We should all strive to end communist insurgency here in
Samar,” Tan added. On the other hand, Brig. Gen. Ramil M. Bitong AFP, Assistant Division Commander of 8ID and keynote speaker said that being enrolled in the Philippine Army Candidate Soldier Course is a once in a lifetime event. “Today you are to leave your previous lifestyle, your comfort zones and learn to live with the level of discipline and courtesy expected from a soldier,” BGen Bitong added. He also reminded them that the process won’t be easy and far from the life they have been accustomed to. He also stressed that one must be bold, courageous and persistent in joining the Philippine Army. The 190 candidate soldiers came from different provinces all over the country, 135-Samar; 43-Leyte; 1-Iloilo; 2-Cebu; 1-Negros Oriental; 2-Luzon and 6 from Mindanao. After completing and passing the rigid training, the Candidate Soldiers will then be enlisted into the Philippine Army with the rank of Private. (GMT/PIA-Samar)
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February 1-15, 2020
AN REHIYON OCHO YANA
Participatory Coconut Planting ProjectELCAC, PCA’s contribution to RTFELCAC 8 By: PIA-8 PALO, Leyte -- The Philippine Coconut Authority’s (PCA) contribution to the regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict in Region 8 (RTFELCAC 8) is the Participatory Coconut Planting Project - ELCAC implementation. This was disclosed by Engr. Erwin Abonales during the January 31 meeting of the Association of Government Information Officers in Region 8 (AGIO-8) held at the DOST Regional Office. The PCPP-ELCAC involves the giving of cash incentives to qualified farmer participants at P85 for every good seedling produced and stabilized in the field. In 2019, PCA-8 was able to plant 286,000 coconut seedlings through PCPP-ELCAC. These were implemented in the 38 priority areas of RTF-ELCAC 8. For 2020, Engr. Abonales disclosed that PCA-8 will implement the project in 75 priority barangays in Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Samar, Leyte, NorthWest Leyte and Southern Leyte. For each barangay, there will be 10 participants, 10 hectares area to be planted with 1,430 coconut seedlings. This will entitle each participant to get P121,550. The budgetary requirement for the 75 barangays is P9,116,250. For Eastern Samar, it will be
Do not be deceived by empty promises of the NPA, Army official says By: Ninfa Barcena-Quirante
TACLOBAN CITY - Once more, security forces have warned the youth to stay away from the enticing ways of the leftist movement. In a presscon on February 7, 802nd Brigade Commander Lope Dagoy talked extensively of how the leftists lure minors into their fold. “Lolokohin nila or dadayain nila ang mga minors,” Dagoy said in a presscon posted at the 802nd Infantry Bde. social media account. This came after the arrest of some young members of the white party committee on February 7. The joint forces through a warrant of arrest, apprehended Frenchie Mae Castro Cumpio, 20 years old, Secretary of the Regional Area White Committee-Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee and four others in Tacloban City on February 7. While the students and other left-leaning members decry the arrest, claiming they are merely student activists, Dagoy believes otherwise. “Kadre ito, kadre, nag recruit ng kabataan including continued on page 14 panlilinlang nila na kunwari may
program para sa kabataan.” (These are cadres, recruiting the youth, mostly minors, claiming they have programs for the youth.) “Pinapalutang kasi nila na legal sila, hindi tutuo yun. Sila ay mga kadre.” (They are claiming they are the legal front, but it is not true.) Others arrested were identified as Marissa Abayare, 33, a member of the RWAC-EVRPC and Secretary General of the People Surge Alliance-Eastern Visayas, Mira Dalla Destura Legion , 21 years old, an EXECOM Member of KAGUMA-EV and Chairperson Anak-Bayan-Eastern Visayas. Earlier, in another presscon at PIAs Panginsayod on February 5, Dagoy sternly warned the youth about the deceitful ways of the left. “Sobra na yung panlilinlang nila, minors na isasali sa rally, once na mainvolve yung minors, ibang usapan nayan,” (Their recruitment is too much, they drag along minors to mass protests, that is a different story, altogether.) Dagoy said. The suspects have been under surveillance for sometime
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AN REHIYON OCHO YANA Tacloban City preschoolers join simultaneous nationwide toothbrusing day By: PIA-8
TACLOBAN CITY -- About 55 preschoolers of Dr. A. P. Bañez Memorial Elementary School here participated in the first simultaneous nationwide toothbrushing day held at exactly 9:30 in the morning, February 3. This is in connection with the National Dental Health Month celebration this month of February. On behalf of Mayor Alfred S. Romualdez, acting City Health Officer Dr. Gloria Fabrigas graced the event along with Executive Assistants Grace Gozo and Dale Ortega. National Toothbrushing Day aims to promote the importance of oral hygiene not only to children but also to all sectors of society. Apart from the simultaneous toothbrushing, a lecture on good tooth brushing habits, proper technique and emphasis on the need to brush for two minutes thrice a day, and the launching of the Dental Hygiene and Wash Project were also
highlighted. The said activity, spearheaded by the Philippine Dental Association (PDA), is in coordination with the Rotary Club of Kandaya and City Government of Tacloban. PDA Leyte Chapter President Dr. Philfa De la Cruz, Schools Division Superintendent Mariza S. Magan and Public Schools District Supervisor Dr. Bernardita Arceño attended the activity. (PIA8/CIO, photos by CIO)
February 1-15, 2020
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Catbalogan City inducts new PWD Association Officers
By: Golda Meir T. Tabao Catbalogan City -- Catbalogan City Mayor Dexter Uy inducted into office the new set of elected officers of Persons with Disability (PWD) Association on January 20 at the Sangguniang Panlungsod, Catbalogan City. The officers will be serving a term of two years. Ms. Helen Robine, president-elect, said, “My administration will focus on the programs that should be fully implemented especially the services and privileges that should be availed of by PWDs.” She likewise emphasized that importance of transparency to ensure accountability of the officials. Mayor Dexter Uy, on the other hand said, “The PWDs are among the vulnerable sector of our society and that they should be given importance.” “We in the city LGU are very much willing to help our PWDs,” he assured them. Meanwhile, Mr. Bernardito Dante, Persons with Disability Affairs Officer of Catbalogan hopes that the new set of officers will carry out their duties whole-heartedly. “Our priority right now is to register all PWDs here in Catbalogan so they can avail the rights and privileges afforded to them. We are also looking into the possibility of providing them skills training this February to better help them with their livelihood,” Dante added. The induction of officers is one of the requirements for SEC registration to which the association is currently working on. (nbq/GMT/ PIA-Samar)
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AN REHIYON OCHO YANA
JFebruary 1-15, 2020
Eastern Visayas remains novel coronavirus- free, DOH-8 official says
By: Consuelo B. Alarcon
PALO, Leyte -- The Eastern Visayas region remains novel coronavirus-free, according to Assistant Regional Director Dr. Exuperia Sabalberino of the Department of Health Eastern Visayas Center for Health Development (DOH-EVCHD) in a press conference held on Monday. Latest situational report from DOH dated February 10, 2020 revealed that a cumulative of fifteen individuals considered patients under investigation were recorded in the region. Out of the said figure, nine were already discharged from hospital. Six PUIs were discharged following a negative laboratory results for 2019 Novel Coronavirus Acute Respiratory Disease (nCoVARD) while the three patients
were also discharged after the 14-day observation period. They too have been declared in good condition. The nine PUIs who were earlier discharged from the hospital due to negative results are the American national who was recorded as the first PUI, the 2nd PUI, a 30- year old Filipina, a native of Leyte with history of travel from Hongkong and Macau; the 4th PUI, a 22- year old female from Samar; the 5th PUI, a 7- month old baby and the 6th PUI, the mother of the baby and the 7th PUI, the sister- in- law of the 6th PUI, the 10th PUI and 14th PUI are both from Eastern Samar and the 15th PUI is from Northern Samar which was managed as a case of pneumonia and treated with antibiotics. Although there is no confirmed case yet, DOH is still urging everyone to be vigilant and do
Tacloban City creates Task Force nCoV, sets in place measures to prevent entry of the virus By: PIA-8
TACLOBAN CITY -- The Tacloban City Task Force Novel Coronavirus was officially organized
on February 4 through a meeting with the City Health Office, Tacloban City Hospital, CDRRMO,
precautionary measures to avoid the virus such as hand-washing, covering nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing, boost the immune system by eating healthy foods such as vegetables, fruits, taking vitamin C and enough rest. Dr. Sabalberino also called on those who have history of travel to countries with confirmed case of nCov-ARD to report and coordinate with health officials especially if flu-like symptoms occur. She likewise appealed to the public to refrain from posting or sharing fake news or unverified information on all social media platforms to avoid panic and misinformation to the public. “We urge the public to believe or accept only verified information from authorities like the Department of Health or the World Health Organization,” Sabalberino said. “The office is on top of the situation and doing its best to prevent the spread of this new disease,” Dr. Sabalberino said. To date, six PUIs are still admitted and isolated at the hospital. (nbq/ CBA/PIA 8) City Veterinary Office, Bureau of Immigration, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, Bureau of Quarantine, Aviation Security, and other concerned to put in place strategies to ensure that the disease will not enter Tacloban and Eastern Visayas. One of the measures is to set up quarantine at the Tacloban City DZR Airport. CAAP started to set up a table with sanitizer and tissue papers for arriving international passengers, today. As the City Health Office will check the temperature of passengers, CAAP prepared its Conference Room as holding room for those with high temperature while the City Health Office is being contacted.
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AN REHIYON OCHO YANA
February 1-15, 2020
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No need to panic on 2019 nCovARD, says DOH Samar official By: Golda Meir T. Tabao
CATBALOGAN CITY -- Mr. Santiago Gloria, Development Management Officer IV of the Provincial Department of Health Office (DOH) of Samar said that the public need not panic with the 2019 nCov Acute Respiratory Disease. In his guesting at the Huruhimangraw ha PIA Radio Program, he advised everyone to practice proper hygiene, observe healthy lifestyle, get enough rest and avoid crowded places as precautionary measures against the disease. He also disclosed that their offices conducted an ocular inspection and found out that face masks are already sold out from all pharmacies in Catbalogan City. However, Gloria said, “There is no need to wear a mask unless the person is sick, immuno-compromised, exposed to sick persons or a health worker.” He also reminded the listeners the proper usage of masks and that one should avoid touching the mask as it may be exposed to respiratory droplets. As to the Person Under Investigation (PUI) from Samar, Gloria assured the Samarnons that they need not be worried as the PUI is under quarantine for 14 days. “One reason why we did not disclose the specific location of the patient is to avoid panic among the populace. The PUI has undergone laboratory tests and
No case yet of 2019 nCoV Acute Respiratory Disease in Tacloban, DOH-8 chief says By: Consuelo B. Alarcon
PALO, Leyte -- As the cases of 2019 nCoV Acute Respiratory Disease continue to climb in other parts of the world, there is no case yet in the city of Tacloban, as announced by the Department of Health Eastern Visayas Center for Health Development in a press conference held on Monday. DOH-EV Regional Director Minerva P. Molon confirmed that two persons were considered under patient under investigation (PUI) by health authorities. The first PUI was a-36 year old foreigner who worked in Wuhan, China and arrived in the Philippines on January 16 and a day after came to Tacloban, was admitted in an isolation room at a hospital due to cough and colds but was discharged on February 1, or after 14 days of quarantine. “Let us be thankful that in his nine days confinement at the hospital he was asymptomatic plus the laboratory result was negative,” Molon said. According to Director Molon, the American nationcontinued on page 15 al whose identity was withheld
turned out to be negative of the virus following a laboratory result from Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) Manila while the second PUI who is a 30 year old Filipina from Leyte is still under quarantine. Said Filipina with history of travel to Hongkong and Macau arrived in the Philippines on January 21 and developed symptoms of cough and sore throat five days after arrival. Thus, she was confined at a hospital to complete the 14 days isolation guidelines in handling PUI. Samples were also collected from her for confirmatory test and the result is expected to be released in the coming days. However, on her third day at the referral hospital, the lady is in normal condition with no fever, colds and her vital signs are stable but still under observation. In response, DOH EV CHD declared a white code alert status to activate all health units to immediately respond if there are
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February 1-15, 2020
AN REHIYON OCHO YANA
DILG Biliran issues guides to action vs. 2019 nCoV By: Rodrigo S. Victoria
NAVAL, Biliran -- The provincial office of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) here in Biliran, has issued an advisory as guides to action against the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (nCoV). The DILG Biliran advisory on the 2019-nCoV dated February 5 signed by Provincial Director
Jesus P. Naquila is addressed to the provincial governor, all municipal mayors, all punong barangays, all municipal local government operations officers (MLGOOs), all municipal health officers, all chiefs of police and all other concerned. The DILG Biliran advisory advised all local government units (LGUs) to create their respective
P235-M PAMANA-funded MondragonSilvino Lobos road construction ongoing
By: Ailene N. Diaz CATARMAN, Northern Samar 421 calendar days,” Briones added. -- The Department of Public Works The project has long been awaited and Highways – Northern Samar by the commuters and residents Second District Engineering Office of the town of Silvino Lobos being (DPWH-NSSDEO) reported 57.08 isolated from the mainland because percent work completion of the of its inaccessibility. Mondragon-Silvino Lobos road “The livelihood of the construction. people of the town will definitely This was learned from Mr. improve, economy will rise, and Rey Orsua, DPWH-NSSDEO infor- opportunities for growth will come mation officer. at hand if the road to Silvino Lobos “This P235 million road will be completed,” Briones said. project was funded under the Office “But most important, aside of the Presidential Adviser on Peace from development, this will cerProcess PAMANA (PAyapa at tainly bring peace not only in the MAsaganang PamayaNAn) prolocality but to the whole province gram, started on August 31, 2018 as well,” said Briones. (nbq/ADiaz/ programmed for completion after PIA-Northern Samar)
Coronavirus Task Forces to implement the Department of Health (DOH) protocols and guidelines. LGUs are further advised to extend full cooperation to the DOH and other government agencies to abort the spread of the 2019 -nCoV Acute Respiratory Disease, the advisory stated. Specifically, the DILG Biliran advisory advised local chief executives including the punong barangays to effectively intensify information education campaign on the 2019-nCoV, its prevention, containment and control, in coordination with the DOH and the Philippine National Police. Based on the advisory, the MLGOOs are advised to cause the immediate and widest dissemination, discuss within their respective field assignment the DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2020-018, dated January 31, 2010, entitled “Guides to Action Against Coronavirus.” The MLGOOs are further advised to ensure the reorganization/reactivation of the Barangay Health Emergency Response Teams (BHRETs). Under par. 5.1.2.2 of the DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2020-023 dated February 6, 2020, entitled “Amended Guide to Action Against the 2019 Novel Coronavirus Acute Respiratory Disease,”a BHRET is organized at the minimum ratio of one team for every 5,000 population, and mobilize them to help implement prevention and mitigation, preparedness and
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AN REHIYON OCHO YANA
February 1-15, 2020
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Borongan City creates TF on 2019 Novel Coronavirus By: Samuel D. Candido
BORONGAN CITY -- The City Government of Borongan through the acting City Mayor, Vice Mayor Emmanuel T. Tiu Sonco convened the newly created Novel Coronavirus Task Force on February 3, at the Sanguniang Panglungsod Session Hall, this city. He advised that all persons with travel from China, Hongkong, and Macau will have self-isolation at home for 14 days upon arrival. He also said that the ESPHO will post official number of cases periodically, including confirmed cases and PUI. “Please avoid posting or sharing any unverified reports of n-CoV cases in Eastern Samar,” Delgado said. Dr. Delgado emphasized the DOH reminder of some of the everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses like 2019-nCoV. Just remember W-U-H-A-N, wash your hands; use mask properly; have temperature checked regularly; avoid large crowds; never touch your face with unclean hands and no beso-beso. Dr. Delgado added that ESPHO has already an Isolation Ward which will be used for admitted cases of suspected 2019 N-COV in the province. ESPHO will also establish a Triage area to screen patients with fever, cough and colds to rule out 2019-nCov infections. “If you have a fever, cough, and colds (even without a history of travel), please proceed to the triage area at the Eastern Samar Provincial Hospital (ESPH) or to your nearest Rural Health Units (RHUs),” Dr. Delgado added. Meanwhile, the Provincial
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Southern Leyte reactivates BHERTs to help address COVID-19
By: Ma. Rebecca G. Cadavos MAASIN CITY -- The province that residents within their areas of of Southern is now reactivating responsibility are all accounted for the Barangay Health Emergency and should be informed about the Response Teams (BHERTs) ) to help corona virus,” she said. the government address the crisis If there will be any emerbrought by Corona Virus Disease gencies, the BHERT members 2019 (COVID-19). should immediately report to proper Based on the Department authorities, she added. of Interior and Local Government “Each of us must prepare (DILG) Memorandum Circular for any possible COVID-19 case 2020-023, all barangays nationwhich will take place at the barangay wide must form or reactivate their level where any untoward case may BHERTs, Department of Health occur,” Fernandez said. (DOH) Representative Dr. Verna Meanwhile, the Provincial Fernandez said. Task Force for the Management As for Southern Leyte of Emerging Infectious Diseases province, the BHERTs in all 500 is chaired by Gov. Damian G. barangays throughout the province Mercado, co-chaired by Provincial were already formed and “it will be Health Officer II Dr. Feliciano John reactivated,” she said. Matibag, Jr. and Board Member “This is to protect the com- Napoleon Regis as the vice-chair. munity-residents from COVID-19 Members of the said task entry in the province,” Fernandez force include the Provincial Disaster said.. Risk Reduction and Management Fernandez, who is one of the Officer, PNP Provincial Director, members of the Provincial Task DOH-Rep, Philippine Red Crossfor the Management of Emerging So. Leyte Chapter, Tourism Officer, Infectious Diseases, disclosed that Bureau of Fire Protection, DILG BHERT members will serve as Provincial Director, Department of watchdogs in their barangays and Education, Philippine Coast Guard, will monitor residents and visitors Philippine Ports Authority, among coming in and out from their areas. others. (nbq/rgc/PIA8-SoLeyte) “They should make sure
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February 1-15, 2020
AN REHIYON OCHO YANA
NEDA-8: Significant drop in E. Visayans who are poor in 2018 due to improved labor market conditions, other reforms By: Consuelo B. Alarcon and Leonilo D. Lopido TACLOBAN CITY -- The remarkable reduction in poverty incidence in Eastern Visayas in 2018 can be largely attributed to the improved labor market conditions and other institutional reforms that increased incomes of the households, according to OIC-Regional Director Meylene Rosales of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA-8) in reaction to the official poverty statistics for 2018 released by the Philippines Statistics Authority 8 in a forum held at the Summit Hotel in this city, Jan. 31. Director Rosales cited factors which contributed to the significant improvement in the region’s poverty incidence among population over the course of three years from 41.22 percent in 2015 to 30.86 percent in 2018, and the poverty incidence among families from 32.95 percent to 23.99 percent. The substantial decrease is attributable to the significant cuts in poverty incidence in all six provinces of the region with Biliran having the lowest poverty incidence among population at 19.75 percent followed
by Southern Leyte, Leyte, Samar, Northern Samar, and Eastern Samar. PSA Regional Director Wilma Perante has reported that the number of poor families in the region in 2018 has declined to 253,900 in 2018 from 324,900 in 2015, comprising 8.5 percent of the three million poor families in the country. Institutional Reforms Among the reforms cited during the forum include the income tax adjustments in the implementation of TRAIN Law, minimum wage increase in 2017 and 2018, Salary Standardization Law; and the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act. “The notable shift in the economy’s labor composition from the informal to formal sector is another contributory factor as the formal sector provides a more stable source of income,” Rosales said. Rosales added that employment in the service and industry sectors during the same period rose by 9 percentage points and 2 percentage points, respectively while
unemployment rate was kept at low levels from 5.4 percent down to 4.2 percent. “Remarkably, underemployment rate decreased from a high 31.7 percent to 21.4 percent or by 10.3 percentage points which translates to an additional quality jobs in the region generated, more have been hired resulting in more households getting higher disposable incomes,” she said. Other contributory factors include sustained implementation, expansion and enhancement of social protection programs such as the sustainable livelihood program, social pension program, and the
continued on page 19 “CTG high ranking officer..” continued from page 2 the seized illegal items are now under the custody of PNP Regional Office, Palo, Leyte for documentation and proper disposition. Police Brigadier General Ferdinand Divina, PRO-8 regional director expressed elation on the successful joint operations. Meanwhile, Major General Pio Q. Diñoso III, Joint Task Force Storm Commander in his message said, “Ang pagkakaaresto kay Frenchie Castro Cumpio at ng kanyang mga kasamahan ay resulta ng ating pagtutulungan – impormasyon mula sa ating mga kababayan, teamwork ng ating security forces at suporta ng ating local na pamahalaan at mga ahensiya.” “Sinasabuhay na po natin ang whole-of-nation approach. Ipagpatuloy lang po natin ito at siguradong marami pa tayong mahuhuli at ma-neu-neutralize na miyembro ng Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) at sama-sama nating ma-aaccomplish ang ating mission to end local communist armed conflict dito sa Eastern Visayas,” Diñoso added. (PIA8, 8CMO, PRO8, CIDG8, RTFELCAC8 Stratcom Cluster)
AN REHIYON OCHO YANA DICT-8 training readies EV NGAs, LGUs to migrate to gov’t web hosting service By: Leonilo D. Lopido
TACLOBAN CITY -- Some 33 participants from National Government Agencies (NGAs), and Local Government Units (LGUs) in Eastern Visayas completed the 3-day Training of Trainers for web implementation using WordPress Content Management System (CMS) conducted by the Department of Information and Communications Technology 8 (DICT-8) at their office here on Feb. 5-7. According to Claire Fernandez, DICT-Leyte provincial officer, the training is in line with the government-issued Administrative Order 39, mandating government agencies to migrate to the government web hosting service (GWHS). “The activity aims to train and equip the participants in developing websites using the Government Web Template and WordPress Content Management System and become part of DICT’s pool of trainers,” Fernandez said. IT participant Jake Reymond Togonon from LGU Hinunangan, Southern Leyte, who received an award being the best in website output presentation, said the training will serve as a venue for the possible implementation of a website for their municipality which he believes will contribute a
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February 1-15, 2020
EV wage income earners to receive 2nd tranche wage increase
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By: Rodrigo S. Victoria NAVAL, Biliran -- Wage income ten employees and below will earners in the Eastern Visayas receive P295 per day, Valuis made Region including here in Biliran the clarification. province, will receive another She added that wage inround of wage increase come come earners working in the cotFebruary 18 this year, said a tage/handicraft and in agriculture, DOLE official in a radio program. will receive an increase making DOLE Biliran Field Office their daily wage at P295 effective Provincial Director Fe Norma February 18 also. D. Valuis, informed January 30, The DOLE Biliran provincial in her radio appearance at the chief also reported that DOLE 8 PIA Biliran’s “Pulong-Pulong ng also imposed the new minimum Bayan” at Radyo Natin-Naval wage rates for domestic workers or FM Station, that minimum wage Kasambahays working as househearners receiving P315 in the 1st elp in Eastern Visayas effective tranche of the wage increase will January 1, 2020. receive another P10 increase in the She cited that kasambaha2nd tranche making it P325 per ys only receive a minimum wage day effective February 18, 2020. of P2,500 under Wage Order No. However, Valuis clariRBVIII DW-01 for chartered cities fied that only those wage income and first class municipalities, and workers working in a private P2,000 for other municipalities in establishment classified as non-ag- the region. riculture and retail/ service estab- Under the new minimum lishments with employees numwage rates, kasambahay working bering 11 and above is included in in the chartered cities and first the granting of increase of P325 class municipalities will receive per day. P4,500, and P4,000 for other mu Private establishments nicipalities, Valuis further said. classified as non-agriculture and Valuis also said that exemptions retail/service establishments with continued on page 15
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February 1-15, 2020
“Cases to be filed..” continued from page 4
magazine assembly for cal 45; fourteen (14) live ammo for cal 45; two (2) fragmentation hand grenades; oe (1) pc colored red flag with CPP-NPA symbol; and cash amounting to Php557,360 for safekeeping as witnessed by barangay officials. On the other hand, seized items during the search and seizure operations conducted in the safe house at Gumamela St., Bañezville II, Fatima Village, Brgy. 77, Tacloban City, Leyte yielded two (2) Cal 45 pistols; one (1) KG9 rifle; one (1) improvised claymore mine; two (2) mag assay for cal 45; one (1) mag assay for kg9; fifteen (15) rounds live ammos for cal 45; and 17 round live ammos for 9mm. (PIA8/ RTF-ELCAC8 Stratcom)
AN REHIYON OCHO YANA
“Insurgency in Leyte..” continued from page 4 discourage the partylists from entering the barangays. “Huwag kayong magtagal, darating si Dagoy,” he quoted them. Dagoy who is retiring in March
“Participatory...” continued from page 6 implemented in Can-Avid’s three barangays, Pandol, Boco and Balagon. In Northern Samar, it will be implemented in Barangays Magsaysay, Quirino, San Antonio, San Francisco and Perez in Las Navas town; Barangay Carry in Lope de Vega; San Jose in Mapanas town; and Barangay Cagmanaba in Mondragon. In the province of Samar, it will be implemented at Barangay Macatindog in Calbayog City; Barangays Bulungan, Beri, Banangaran, Daligan, Sinalangtan,
Canbagtic, Guinbanga, Caambungan, Hindang, Antol and San Mariano, Laya, Parog and Manaing in Calbiga town; and in Barangays Mabini, Loog, Maa and Canoolum in Basey town. In the province of Leyte, the project will be implemented in 4 barangays of Burauen, 3 barangays in MacArthur and 1 barangay in Lapaz. For Northwest Leyte, it will be implemented in 10 barangays in Albuera, 5 in Mahaplag, 5 in Hilongos, 2 in Hindang, 3 in Inopacan and 4 in Baybay. In Southern Leyte, the project will be implemented in 4 barangays in Bontoc and 3 in Sogod town. (PIA-8)
this year has issued a statement in past interviews that the year 2020 will signal the total neutralization of the NPAs in the province of Leyte. (nbq/PIA 8)
“Do not be deceived...” continued from page 6 and that firearms, 14 live ammunitions, hand grenade and a red flag with CPP NPA symbol and over half a million pesos were recovered with their arrest. “Hindi yan tutuong may planong kabutihan sa youth, hindi nila aaminin yan, nag report na community doon na ka duda duda gawain nila,”(It is not true that they have good plans for the youth, they will not admit it, but the community reported their suspicious acts.) Dagoy said. Republic Act 11188 or the Special Protection in Situations of Armed Conflict signed on January 10, 2019 by President Rodrigo Duterte declares children as zones of peace and prohibits violence against recruitment of children into armed groups. (PIA 8)
AN REHIYON OCHO YANA “Tacloban City creates” continued from page 8
“No case yet..” continued from “DICT training readies..” page 9 continued from page 13
more cases. DOH-8 through its regional epidemiology surveillance unit (RESU) is in close coordination with concerned agencies, local government units and hospitals all over the region. She assured the public that strict infection control measures are being implemented in hospital with PUI as he enjoined every“No need to panic..” continone to refrain from sharing and ued from page 9 posting unverified information DOH is continuously monitoring through social media that may the person’s health status.” cause panic to netizens. He also stressed that a PUI She likewise informed the is not a confirmed case of nCov public to practice preventive meaand that laboratory tests have been sures such as proper hygiene, and conducted (GMT/PIA-Samar) observe cough etiquette. “EV wage earners..” continued In the Philippines, DOH has reported that as of 12 noon of from page 9 February 3, some 80 persons are to the implementation of the new considered patients under inveswage increase for wage income tigation (PUI) for the 2019 nCoV earners applies to private estabAcute Respiratory Disease. lishments adversely affected by Of the said figure, 67 are natural calamities, and those still admitted and isolated while establishments classified under 10 people were already discharged the Barangay Micro Business under strict monitoring. Two were Establishments (BMBEs). tested positive with one death, However, she said that Molon said. (nbq/cba/PIA8) these establishments will still undergo several processes before being granted with the exemption. Valuis assured wage income earners and the domestic workers in Biliran province that the new wage increases provided by the new wage orders will be fully implemented. She reminded employers to follow the new wage orders for wage income earners and for the domestic workers or kasambahays, to avoid facing penalties in accordance with the labor law. (nbq/ RSV/PIA-Biliran) Another strategy is for the passengers coming from foreign countries to fill up a Health Declaration Check List for contact tracing if needed in the future. Earlier, the Department of Health in Eastern Visayas has requested CAAP to ask airlines to make announcements re nCoV. (PIA-8)
February 1-15, 2020 15
lot in the promotion of the many developments in their town and providing relevant information such as advisories, programs, projects, and services for the people of Hinunangan. “Malaki ang contribution nito (website development) sa tourism namin kasi maipapakita namin ang tourism attractions ng Hinunangan,” the young Togonon added. DICT-8 has also conducted a 5-day Training of Trainers (ToT) in August last year with participants from SUCs, NGAs and LGUs. Fernandez further said that some of the LGU participants were those who availed of the eBusiness Permits and Licensing System (eBPLS) from DICT. eBPLS is a cloud-based software for business application and processing online. The DICT official was hopeful that the participants will soon finalize their websites and avail of the iGov Phil services such as web hosting, DNS hosting and web services, .gov.ph DNS registration, updating of GWHS account information, among others. (LDL/ PIA-8)
AN REHIYON OCHO YANA Provincial caravan serves around 3,800 households
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February 1-15, 2020
By: Golda Meir T. Tabao Project Management Office and in partnership with the Junior Chamber International (JCI) conducted a Provincial Caravan at Brgy. Canlapwas and Brgy. Guinsorongan, Catbalogan City on February 4 and 6, 2020. Around 3,800 households availed the medical and dental services, haircut, seed distribution, rice distribution and feeding program. In the said caravan, Governor Reynolds Michael Tan said that the activity was actually initiated by the late Governor Milagrosa Tan. He likeGov. Reynolds Michael Tan said that even wise said that he and Congresswoman if the caravan was initiated by the late govSharee Ann Tan will continue this ernor Mila Tan, they will continue bringprogram. ing the services closer to the Samarnons. (PIA-Samar) Ms. Monaliza Basa, representative of the Provincial Health Office, CATBALOGAN CITY -- The on the other hand gave an update Local Government Unit of Samar on the 2019 nCov Acute Respiratory together with its Provincial Health Disease. She reminded everyone Office, Provincial Agriculture not to panic instead practice proper Office, Provincial Tourism Office,
LGU Hinunangan acquires new ambulance for disaster response
By: Erna S. Gorne MAASIN CITY -- The local govvehicle which contains oxygen tank, ernment of Hinunangan recently stretchers, resuscitation vest, cabiacquired a state of the art ambunets, among others. lance to effectively respond in times He said the ambulance of disaster in the community. which costs P2.9 M is sourced According to Hinunangan from the Disaster Risk Reduction Mayor Reynaldo Fernandez, the Management (DRRM) fund allocanew ambulance is equipped with tion of the local government coffers. various emergency equipment such (esg/PIA8 SoLeyte) that it is likened to a little clinic while transporting victims to hospital facilities for further medication. “This ambulance unit is like a small clinic as it is equipped with several emergency kits,” he said. Mayor Fernandez showed to the media group the newly acquired
hygiene and healthy lifestyle. She also said that one should be cautious with the rumors and misinformation about the 2019 nCoV ARD and only believe in health advisories released by medical experts or authorities. The caravan also featured the Spark Samar Tourism Advocacy. Mr. Marvin Piczon, provincial tourism officer, highlighted the importance of the growing number of tourist spots in Samar. “The Spark Samar Campaign provided jobs to the Samarnons. An example of this is in Brgy. Tenani, Paranas wherein a people’s organization was formed. The organization will provide services to the tourists to which they earn income in return,” Piczon explained “This campaign started in Basey, Marabut, and Paranas and is now being reciprocated in Calbiga, Jiabong and other municipalities,” he added. This caravan will also be conducted in barangays 11, 12, 13, Bunuanan, San Andres, San Vicente, and Maulong of Catbalogan City, and the municipalities of Jiabong, Paranas, Calbiga, Pinabacdao, and Pagsanghan. (GMT/RR/PIA-Samar)
AN REHIYON OCHO YANA PDA-E. Samar Chapter joins nationwide simultaneous Tooth Brushing Day By: Samuel D. Candido after their oral health, refrain from BORONGAN CITY -- The eating sweets like candies, and Philippine Dental Association chocolates instead eat fruits and (PDA) – Eastern Samar Chapter vegetables. joined the very first National Also, she discouraged the Tooth Brushing Day on February school canteen to sell soft drinks. 3 at Brgy. Can-abong Elementary Members from the different PDA School, Borongan City. Dental Chapters of E. Samar According to Dr. Katrina joined the said activity. Anacta-Sadac, Chairman of PDA “We will spearhead some – E. Samar Chapter, the said activ- activities in different schools provity is to boost oral health awareince-wide, “ the dentist said. ness among school children as “We will go to Can-avid, well as help lower the dental caries Maydolong, and San-Julian to index prevalence in the different promote oral health awareness schools of Eastern Samar. the need to brush for two minutes and do fluoride application to the children,” Sadac added. twice a day. One of the highlights Some 180 pupils of Canof our activity for the month of abong Elementary School joined February is the first-ever Bubble the activity from Day-Care to Run, Run for Healthy Smiles on Grade VI pupils. The chapter chairman said February 22, 2020, at the Capitol that the PDA approach is more on Grounds. Aside from the usual prizprevention through oral awarees for the winners in the 1K, 2K ness, instead of the usual activity, and 5K run, there are also special extracting of the tooth. prizes like first three finishers, the “We want to change the mental attitude of people, so this is most number of family members running, youngest runner, oldest runner, more on prevention,” Sadac said. lover’s award, and barkada awards. Sadac encouraged pupils to look
February 1-15, 2020 17
Dr. Katrina Anacta-Sadac, Chairman of PDA – E. Samar Chapter talks about good tooth brushing habits, proper tooth brushing technique, and emphasis on the need to brush for two minutes twice a day, at the Brgy. Cabong Elementary School in Borongan City on Feb 3, 2020. (Photo by Abbie Odejerte)
“I am inviting you to join the fun run, it is not only for fun run purposes but for oral health awareness,” the lady dentist said. The proceeds of the fun run will go to the construction of designated tooth brushing area and hand washing area in selected schools. The National Tooth Brushing Day aims to promote the importance of maintaining good oral health for all ages and all sectors of society. (nbq/SDC/PIA-E. Samar)
“Borongan City creates ..” continued from page 11 Government of Eastern Samar through Governor Ben P. Evardone have purchased 100 boxes of regular masks and N95 masks; 100 boxes of gloves; two (2) sets of complete Personal Protective Equipment stationed at ESPHO, while the City Government of Borongan has Purchased Requests (PRs) for surgical masks. (SDC/PIA-E. Samar with report from Penelope B. Pomida, DYES, Radyo Pilipinas)
The Philippine Dental Association (PDA) – Eastern Samar Chapter joined the very first National Tooth Brushing Day on February 3 with school children at Brgy. Can-abong Elementary School, Borongan City. (Photo by Abbie Odejerte)
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February 1-15, 2020
AN REHIYON OCHO YANA
Tacloban media are in full force to ask questions about the arrest of Tacloban 6 at PIAs Panginsayod on Feb. 10 at the PIA Regional Office 8 in Tacloban City. (photo: Raul Tiozon)
“Raid of 2 CTG..” continued from page 3 Brgy. 96 (Calanipawan), Tacloban City, Leyte (SW2 # 2020-02-02). Reports disclosed that these houses were being maintained by the CTGs of Eastern Visayas as their safe houses in Tacloban City. Incidental to the lawful search, the government security forces arrested the CTG personalities who were found to have an actual and/or constructive control and possession of illegal firearms, ammunitions and other contraband items inside the searched houses. Arrested was Frenchie Mae Cumpio@PEN, 20 years old, Secretary, Regional White Area Command- Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (RWAC EVRPC). Aside from Cumpio, the simultaneous implementation of the said Search Warrant at Calanipawan street, Brgy. 96, Calanipawan, Tacloban City, Leyte (SW1 # 202002-02) also resulted to the arrest of Marielle Alvez Domequil @Maye, 22 years old, a member of RWACEVRPC and Finance Officer of Rural Missionaries of the PhilippinesEastern Visayas (RMP-EV). Meanwhile, the implementation of the search warrant in Gumamela St, Bañezville II, Fatima Village, Brgy 77, Tacloban City, Leyte (SW2 # 2020-02-02) resulted
to the arrest of Alexander Philip Dizon Abinguna @Chakoy, 24 years old, a member of RWAC-EVRPC and Secretary General of Alyansa han Pagpanalipud han Tawhanon nga Katungod-Sinirangan Bisayas (KATUNGOD-SB); Marissa Abayare Cabaljao @Harupay, 33 years old, a member of RWAC-EVRPC and Secretary General of People Surge Alliance-Eastern Visayas (PSA-EV); and Mira Dalla Destura Legion @Lira, 21 years old, an EXECOM Member of KAGUMA-EV and Chairperson, Anak Bayan – Eastern Visayas. Seized items during the search and seizure operation conducted in the safe house in Calanipawan street, Brgy. 96, Calanipawan, Tacloban City, Leyte were one (1) unit cal 45 pistol, Taurus with Serial Number 125373; one (1) unit cal 45 pistol, Colt with Serial Number 825631; two (2) magazine assembly for cal 45; fourteen (14) live ammo for cal 45; two (2) fragmentation hand grenades; one (1) pc colored red flag with CPP-NPA symbol; and cash amounting to Php557,360 for safekeeping as witnessed by barangay officials. On the other hand, seized items during the search and seizure operation conducted in the safe house in Gumamela St, Bañezville II, Fatima
Village, Brgy. 77, Tacloban City, Leyte yielded two (2) Cal 45 pistols; one (1) KG9 rifle; one (1) improvised claymore mine; two (2) mag assay for cal 45; one (1) mag assay for kg9; 15 rounds live ammos for cal 45; and 17 round live ammos for 9mm. The CTG personalities were arrested for violation of RA 10591 or otherwise known as “An Act Providing for a Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunitions,” and for violation of RA 9516 for illegally possessing explosives. The arrested personalities and the seized illegal items are now under the custody of PNP Regional Office, Palo, Leyte for documentation and proper disposition. Inquest proceedings were conducted late afternoon of Friday, it was learned. (PIA8/RTFELCAC Stratcom Cluster)
“Tacloban 6 arrest...” continued from page 3 the involvement of their children had been,” Diñoso said. He said he noticed that they are so young, he blames the NPA who gravely radicalized them. “We cannot say that they use the firearms but these were in their possession,” he said. When one media alleged that the security forces just “planted” the evidence, the lawyer was quick to say that suspects’ standard defense is that ‘evidence is planted.’ “It is easy for them to say that, but they will have their day in court to prove their innocence.” He also welcomes them, if the lawyers of the suspects will file a case against the arresting officers. “It is their right, but whether it is meritorious, will depend.” “Kung gusto nila mag-file ng kaso sa police, then the police will have their chance to prove their innocence.” (nbq/PIA-8/RTF ELCAC-8 Stratcom Cluster)
AN REHIYON OCHO YANA “NEDA-8: Significant drop...” continued from page 12
institutionalization of the Pantawid Pamiyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). Rosales added that poverty reduction could also be partly attributed to the implementation of labor enhancing and income-enriching agricultural interventions through social preparation and livelihood interventions of the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) program of the Department of Agriculture. “The program, which covers the three provinces of Samar Island belonging to the top 20 poorest provinces of the country, has been expanded to cover all provinces in the region intended to reduce poverty among the marginalized sectors in agri and fishery,” she said. Rosales said, however, that the region ranked third poorest nationwide after ARMM and Region 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula) adding that it also failed to hit the Eastern Visayas Regional Development planned target
for 2018 in terms of poverty incidence among population by 2.08 percentage points. Way Forward “Despite this shortfall, latest data indicate that Eastern Visayas in on track of bringing down poverty incidence to 22.26 percent targeted in 2022 and eventually attain its twin regional goals of robust and sustained economic growth and reduce poverty and inequality in all dimensions,” Rosales said. Meanwhile, Assistant Secretary and Deputy National Statistician Daniel Ariaso Sr. of PSA, who attended also during the forum hopes that the poverty statistics they released will be “understood and reach the target users.” Rosales also hopes that the recent improvement on the poverty situation of the region will inspire and remind everyone to remain steadfast and work together towards achieving a matatag, maginhawa at panatag na buhay para sa lahat. (LDL/CBA/PIA-8)
February 1-15, 2020 19
“DILG Biliran issues ..” continued from page 10
response measures for the nCoV ARD. Each BHRET shall be composed of an Executive Officer, a Barangay Tanod and two Barangay Health Workers, one of whom is preferably a nurse or midwife, and all are appointed by the Punong Barangay. Some functions of the BHRET is to conduct home visits in every person arriving from a country with a 2019-nCoV confirmed cases; list down the names and other important information about all persons known to have been in contact with the Persons Under Investigations (PUIs); require arriving resident/s to check and record their body temperature at least three times a day for the duration of a 14-day voluntary quarantine period; and to check on the condition of the arriving resident/s daily from a distance of not less than one meter when not wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment. (nbq/ RSV/PIA Biliran)
16th Bulig Kablas Medical Mission helps over 4,000 Estehanons By: Samuel D. Candido
BORONGAN CITY – The Bulig Kablas Medical Mission (BKMM), now on its 16th year helped more than 4,000 Estehanons. The said medical mission, a tripartite initiative of the Diocese of Joliet in Illinois, USA, the Diocese of Borongan, and the Provincial Government of Eastern Samar, was done from January 27 to February 06, 2018 at the Eastern Samar Provincial Hospital (ESPH) this city. For this year, the medical team from Joliet, Illinois, United States of America (USA) composed of 46 specialists of Eyes, Ears, Nose, and Throat (EENT), Obstetrician Gynecologists (OBGYNE), general surgeons, neurologists, internal medicine, anesthesiologist, and pediatricians
offered the medical and dental services. Dr. Jessica Sabalbarino, OIC, Chief of Hospital, reported that some 1,917 outpatients availed free consultations, 1,722 outpatients from Salcedo, Guiuan and Borongan availed dental procedure and were given free medicines, and 214 optometric services were also given free eyeglasses. The Provincial Government of Eastern Samar through the leadership of
Governor Ben P. Evardone allocated P2.8-M for the said activity. The BKMM is a tripartite initiative of the Diocese of Joliet in Illinois, USA, the Diocese of Borongan, and the Provincial Government of Eastern Samar. (nbq/SDC/PIA-E. Samar)
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February 1-15, 2020
“Stop deceiving...” continued from page 1
Annabelle, adding “pare-pareho na tayo.” She added that her son lost love and respect for her mom. She alleged that her son has become disobedient. “Sa samahan nila, inaalis ang pamilya, inaalis ang Diyos sa puso’t isipan nila.” (In their org, they seem to cut-off their families, God, in their hearts and mind.) “Hindi na sila nag-aaral, gusto nalang nilang lumaban.” (They do not want to go to school, they just want to fight.) Chan-chan went up the mountains. The mother almost gave up on him, but one day, he came home, they talked where he learned that her son wanted to leave the org for good. But soon after, her comrades caught up with him again and prevailed. In October 2019, security officials arrested
AN REHIYON OCHO YANA her son and the same authorities informed her of her son’s situation. She flew to Las Navas, Northern Samar to reconcile with her son. Presently, she said she came to Tacloban for the arraignment of her son and chanced upon the issues of Tacloban 5. Gemma Labsan Gemma’s only daughter was a senior high at UP Diliman, like Chan-chan she was unwittingly hooked up with the protest rallies of her youth organization. “Ipaglalaban ko siya dahil binuhos ko ang pagmamahal sa kanya, dahil nag-iisang anak ko siya.” (I have loved her so much, she is my only child, I will fight for her.) Visibly holding back her tears, she recalled too how her child, got mad with her close guarding. Her child, she said was always in a bad mood, throwing tantrums, when not allowed to join government protests. In July, last year, during the SONA, somehow, the girl managed to escape and joined her comrades in the rally. It was there when she said, “nabawi ko ang aking anak.” Despite that her daughter is with her, she remains almost a stranger, ignoring her, a far-cry from being her loving daughter before. But Gemma said she is not giving up on her, that is why she wants to reach to every parent who may have the same
experience. “Kahit na isinumpa ako, pipigilan ko sya dahil kaisa-isang anak ko siya.” (Even if she hates me, I will still love her.) To the legal front of the NPAs, she begged them to stop deceiving children to join their ranks. To the parents, “Ginagawa na guerilya ang mga anak natin, ayaw naming maranasan ninyo ang sakit ng mga nangyari sa amin.” (They are turning our children into warriors, we do not want you to suffer our pains.) “Angpagigingaktibistaayhindi masamangunithuwagsananilangpahawakinngbarilatgawingteroristaangmga bata.”(Beinganactivistisnotatallbad,but pleasedonotarmthem,donotturnthem intoterrorists.) ElvieCaalaman Elvie’sdaughteristheAteofher threeyoungersiblings. ElviesaidthatherdaughterLory hasbeenrecruitedbytheKabataanpartylist. LikeGemma,Elviealsolookedfor herdaughterattherallyduringtheSONA in2019,butshesaidradicalizationmayhave deeplyseepedinherdaughterthatsheleft homeforgood. To this day, she is still looking and longing for her daughter to come home. Three Mothers and Hands Off Our Children The three mothers who are all officers of the “Hands Off Our Children Movement” have bonded with the parents of other children who have also been recruited. They all defy and condemn what they brand as ‘deceptive recruitment.’ At the highly populated Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) in Tacloban City, the three mothers appeared and talked to more than 500 students and renewed their appeal of not falling prey to the deceptive leftist recruitment. Gemma said that their battlecry will continue to reach more areas in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. “Please do not touch our children, set them free, allow them to finish their education and live normal lives, hands-off our children!” (nbq/PIA-8)