BiliranIsland.com Staff
BiliranIsland.com
First Posted 20:00:00 12/03/2015

NAVAL, Biliran – Presidential candidate Mar Roxas received a warm welcome from the Biliran community during his visit to Naval town this afternoon.

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politics.com.ph

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales on Friday ordered the filing of graft charges against Caibiran, Biliran Mayor Eulalio Maderazo and two other officials in connection with the procurement of medicines without public bidding in 2010.

In a statement, Morales accused Maderazo, Municipal Treasurer Loreto Serdeña, Jr. and Officer-in-Charge of Accounting Department Rodolfo Baguna of violating Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

Morales said that respondents were found to have conspired in giving unwarranted benefit, advantage and preference to the supplier, Andrea Medi Center.

In August 2010, the Municipality of Caibiran purchased medicines worth P283,335.15 for the use of its rural health unit.

Morales said that investigators found out that the purchase did not pass through the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) and that payment was processed without supporting documents such as abstract of bids and minutes of BAC meeting.

Also, the Commission on Audit reported that the purchase had “no proper documentation.”

Morales said that Maderazo, Serdeña and Baguna are liable for unlawfully resorting to shopping as an alternative mode of procurement considering that the purchase price was beyond the P50,000-threshold allowed for a fourth class municipality.

“The supplier, Andrea Medi Center, was awarded the procurement contract without the benefit of a fair system in determining the best possible price for the government. The supplier was able to profit from the transaction without showing proof that their prices were the most beneficial to the government,” Morales said.

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Philippines News Agency

Tacloban City, Leyte – Eastern Visayas is threatened by what the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) described as the biggest red tide bloom that has not been seen in more than three decades here.

BFAR Eastern Visayas (BFAR-8) Regional Director Juan Alabaladejo blamed the prolong dry season this year and sudden downpour as the major factor that triggered the bloom in eight bays and coastal waters, considered as the region’s major source of shellfish.

“An aerial view of Samar Sea up to Biliran Sea will show you the color of water that has turned copper red with a depth of six to nine meters, stretching up to a kilometer from the shoreline. This is the most widespread occurrence (of red tide) since 1983,” Albaladejo said in a phone interview with the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

The discoloration of seawater is triggered by massive population growth of a type of toxin-producing algae.

Since mid-October, BFAR has raised an alert over Carigara Bay in Carigara, Barugo, San Miguel, Capoocan, and Leyte towns in Leyte province; Biliran Strait in Naval, Caibiran, Cabucgayan, Culaba, Kawayan, and Almeria in Biliran province; and coastal waters of Leyte, Leyte.

Red tide alert is also up over Cambatutay Bay in Tarangnan, Samar; Irong Irong Bay in Catbalogan City, Samar; Villareal Bay in Villareal, Samar; and Maqueda Bay in Jiabong, Catbalogan City, Motiong, Paranas, Pinabacdao, Hinabangan, San Sebastian, and Calbiga, Samar.

“The red tide occurrence has affected the livelihood of thousands of fishermen, but we have to strictly impose a ban on shellfish ban to safeguard public health,” said Albaladejo.

Since mid-November, the toxin found in shellfish harvested from contaminated bays has already killed a seven-year old boy and downed 22 others in Leyte and Biliran provinces, according to the Department of Health (DOH)

The boy from the coastal village of San Mateo in Carigara town passed away last Nov. 30 after consuming univalve shellfish harvested from the bay contaminated with algae.

Six other members of the boy’s family also manifested symptoms of paralytic shellfish poisoning but survived, according to DOH Eastern Visayas (DOH-8) Regional Director Minerva Molon.

In San Mateo village alone, red tide has downed 16 people. The nearby village of Minuhang in Barugo town has recorded four cases of poisoning with one victim still confined at the Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center in this city.

Two victims in Naval, Biliran were also downed last Nov. 28 or a week after BFAR issued a shellfish bulletin placing Biliran Strait as red tide-affected area.

All victims have experienced vomiting, dizziness, numbness of extremities, and paralysis.

Molon said one mortality is very alarming considering that there has been repeated warnings from BFAR.

“Some victims were not able to hear warnings. I think verbal announcements are not enough,” Molon said. “Announcements should be printed and posted in strategic areas.”

Albaladejo said the reading for waters in Carigara Bay and in Biliran is 9,000 and 12,000 cells per liter, respectively. Such reading is way above the 10 cells per liter during normal situations.

The official has called on the public to heed government warnings not to harvest, transport, trade, and eat any kind of shellfish contaminated with algae.

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Rappler
December 05, 2015

Mayor Eulalio Maderazo of the municipality of Caibiran in Biliran and 2 others face charges for purchasing P284,000 worth of medicines without public bidding.

MANILA, Philippines – The Ombudsman has indicted Mayor Eulalio Maderazo of the municipality of Caibiran in Biliran for the procurement of P283,335.15 worth of medicines without public bidding.

Municipal Treasurer Loreto Serdeña Jr and accounting department officer in charge Rodolfo Baguna also face charges for conspiring with the mayor for allegedly favoring supplier Andrea Medi Center.

“The supplier, Andrea Medi Center, was awarded the procurement contract without the benefit of a fair system in determining the best possible price for the government. The supplier was able to profit from the transaction without showing proof that their prices were the most beneficial to the government,” reads the 11-page resolution signed by Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales.

Not long after the municipal government purchased the medicines in August 2010 for its rural health unit, complaints about the contract reached the Ombudsman. Field investigators found that the purchase was done without public bidding, and payment was made without supporting documents.

The Office of the Ombudsman said Maderazo, Serdeña, and Baguna unlawfully resorted to shopping as an alternative mode of procurement. The purchase price, it noted, was beyond the P50,000 threshold allowed for a 4th class municipality.

This was probable cause to charge them for violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, a statement from the Ombudsman said.

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by Aaron B. Recuenco
Manila Bulletin

Naval, Biliran— Governor Gerardo Espina, Jr. has vowed to make administration standard bearer Mar Roxas win here as a payback for what he described as an outpouring of projects in the province.

“And this is unusual because not only is Biliran a small province with a small voting population, President Aquino and Mar Roxas lost here during the 2010 elections,” he stressed.

Then presidential candidate Manny Villar and Vice President Jejomar Binay emerged as the top vote-getters here in the last presidential elections.

Espina admitted that he and the rest of local officials carried Villar during the 2010 elections.

“If we did that for Manny Villar, I do not see any reason why we could not do it for Mar Roxas,” said Espina.

He added that Biliran is just one of the three provinces where Villar got the most votes.

But Espina was quick to clarify that their all-out support is not about Roxas but for the continuity of the projects and programs, which he said, were felt by his constituents.

“It was already proven that national government support system was delivered to Biliran so why look for someone else?” he said.

In his speech before local officials here, Roxas, for his part, assured them that Biliran will get some P100 million every year if he is elected.

The monetary promise was based on what he calls “Walang Iwanan Fund” where each town will receive an annual fund from the national government equivalent to its population—which is P1,000 per person.

“The town of Naval has more than 40,000 population. That means it will be receiving P40 million every year from the national government on top of its IRA (Internal Revenue Allotment),” said Roxas.

But he was quick to clarify that the fund will not be distributed to the people but will be in the form of programs and projects which the local population would suggest. The fund will be supervised by local officials but will be monitored by representatives from various local sectors which include the local parish priest.

The province of Biliran has more than 100,000 registered voters.

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BiliranIsland.com Staff
BiliranIsland.com
First Posted 22:00:00 12/07/2015

NAVAL, Biliran – Power interruption in Leyte 7 DECEMBER 2015, NGCP MEDIA ADVISORY: NGCP is working to restore power transmission services to LEYECO 5’s Sambulawan Substation and to LEYECO 3, DORELCO & BILECO. Reports indicate the 69kV Tunga Feeder tripped at 7:12PM today.

 The line was re-energized at 7:19 PM but unbalanced voltage was observed. NGCP requested the affected customers to open breakers (disconnect) at their side. NGCP crew are inspecting the line to search for the cause of the unbalanced voltage.

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BiliranIsland.com

CAIBIRAN, Biliran – Two (2) candidates of The National People’s Coalition in the Municipality of Caibiran have withdrawn their candidacy for Town Councilor to give way to its younger generation members who are aiming to become effective leaders of the town.

  
Headed by its aspiring Mayor and former Councilor Edwin Pantas, the son of the late and Former Vice-Mayor of Caibiran, Juvencio Pantas, the coalition believes that Caibiran needs new young leaders that will shape the town into becoming a progressive, sustainable, and model town in Biliran Province.

“It is about time that Caibiranhons vote for leaders who have the heart to serve Caibiran first before anyone,” Pantas said. According to him, Caibiran need young people to bring to the table their visions and mission for the town.

The 2 candidates who filed their candidacy in October and have withdrawn this November and December were former Town Councilor Gil Mocorro Sr. and Elprecio Gaza. They were substituted by Jessica Vermug, and Cherryl Mocorro. The 2 new candidates, both in their 30s, studied at the University of Santo Tomas, and Our Lady of Fatima University in Metro Manila respectively. They are alumni of Manlabang National High School (MNHS) in Caibiran, graduating with Honors in their respective classes. Both young candidates announced their candidacy days before the deadline of the substitution of candidates for political parties with candidates withdrawing from the election poll.  

“Pagod na tayo sa mga tradisyonal na politiko (TraPo). Sana bigyan natin ng pagkakataon ang mga baguhan nating kandidato. Yong mga kandidatong alam nating walang bahid ng pagnanakaw sa kaban ng bayan at hindi bumibili ng boto para maluklok sa pwesto. Yong mga kandidatong handang magbusisi kung saan napupunta ang pondo ng bayan at kung anung programa at proyekto ang kailangan. Kung may mga younger Councilors, at mga babae like CheChe and Jessica, magandang kumbinasyon ito sa local government of Caibiran,” the Coalition said in their statement.

Other candidates for Councilor of the opposition include Clothilda Maderazo, Eusebio Ponferrada, and Salvador ‘Intoy’ Rosaupan. Gracia Baribe is the coalition’s candidate for Vice-Mayor.

The substitution after the withdrawals of the two (2) candidates of The National People’s Coalition is in accordance with the rules of the Commission on Election Resolution No. 9984 Section 19, which states that any withdrawal of candidate can be substituted by another candidate provided that the new candidate (substitute) is nominated by the political party or coalition by December 10, 2015. No substitution is allowed for Independent candidate.

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BiliranIsland.com Staff
BiliranIsland.com
First Posted 12:55:00 12/11/2015

BILIRAN, Biliran – With the unrelenting campaign of police authorities in Biliran town to stamp-out the proliferation of illegal drugs in town, a known personality allegedly involved for quite a time in the illegal drug trade was arrested in a buy-bust operation early morning today, Friday, December 11.

Esteve Talacay, 33, of Barangay San Isidro, Biliran, Biliran was arrested by Biliran town police in a buy-bust operation at around 6:30 am in the Crossing area of Barangay Hugpa, this town.

Seized from the Talacay were the following items: two (2) pieces small heat sealed transparent plastic sachets containing white crystalline substance believed to be shabu and one (1) piece Five Hundred Peso bill (mark money).

Talacay was arrested for violation of Secs.5 & 11 of Art. II of RA 9165.

Based on information gathered from the community, Talacay was originally engaged in the business of ambulant bread vending to barangays in Biliran town but at the same time was also engaged secretly in selling shabu.

He was included in the watch list of drug personalities of the Biliran town police station who is under surveillance for quite a time.

Some informant reported that Talacay stayed in Manila after making big money in a drug deal in Biliran town.

The informant added that he went back to Biliran town after his stay in Manila and return to selling shabu.

A police relative of Talacay had already warned him to stop selling illegal drug but did not listen, the informant further said.

It was even speculated that his police relative has helped in the buy-bust operation conducted that lead to his arrest. – BiliranIsland.com

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by: Mary Lailani Pitao-Tupaz

NAVAL , Biliran (PIA) – It’s an all systems go for Biliran steering committee for the Philippine Red Cross-Million Volunteer Run3 (PRC-MVR3) set on Sunday, December 13, 2015.

Flordeliza Trani, Biliran Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer and Board of Director of PRC-Leyte Chapter, presided the final meeting of the steering committe on December 10, 2015 to iron out challenges in the preparations as well as other problems that might pop up during the activity.

A nationwide activity dubbed as the country’s biggest run for humanity, the PRC-MVR3 is coordinated among the provincial and municipal local government units (LGUs), Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, Army Reserve Command, Department of Education, Department of Public Works and Highways, Naval State University, Philippine Information Agency, Naval Water District, sports enthusiasts of Biliran, and other concerned agencies and organizations.

The provincial and municipal LGUs take charge of the registration of participants; PNP, BFP, and ARESCOM serve as marshal, sweepers, and pacers during the fund run; DedEd and NSU for the warm-exercises and Zumba before the run; PIA for documentation; NWD for the water stations installed in every kilometer distance; and the sports enthusiasts group for the briefing before the run.

The five-kilometer fund run starts at 4:00 o’clock in the morning for the briefing and warm-up exercises at the provincial capitol compound. The run starts at 5:00 o’clock from the capitol grounds to P. Inocentes and Castin Streets going to Brgy. Atipolo highway as its turning point and back to the capitol grounds for a short program.

Congressman Rogelio Espina of the lone district of Biliran is expected to shot the starting gun to signal the start of the run.

Runners and hikers are expected to be at the finish area at 7:00 o’clock.

More than a hundred volunteers have already registered with the Biliran PSWDO to join the run, Trani informed.
Being the umbrella chapter, representatives from PRC-Leyte chapter are also expected to join the run in Naval, Biliran, and orient Biliran participants on the significance of the Philippine Red Cross, as its member, volunteer, and donor.

Proceeds of the PRC-MVR3 in Biliran province goes to the PRC-Leyte Chapter fund where Biliran currently attached. The money generated from the run on Sunday, December 13 becomes part of the fund readily available to respond to communities and people in distress. # (PIA 8 Biliran)

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BiliranIsland.com Staff
BiliranIsland.com
First Posted 14:30:00 12/12/2015

Biggest superstore opens in Naval

Prince Superstore Naval finally opened it’s doors to Biliranons.

Located on Caneja St. Naval, Biliran.

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BiliranIsland.com Staff
BiliranIsland.com
First Posted  18:22:00 12/13/2015
Last Update  06:00:00 12/14/2015

Signal No. 3 in Biliran for Tyhoon Nona, according to Severe Weather Bulletin # 8 of PAGASA.

SEVERE WEATHER BULLETIN No. 08
FOR: TYPHOON “#NonaPH”
TROPICAL CYCLONE: WARNING
ISSUED AT 5:00 AM, 14 DECEMBER 2015
(Valid for broadcast until the next bulletin to be issued at 11 AM today)

TYPHOON “NONA” HAS MAINTAINED ITS STRENGTH AS IT CONTINUES TO THREATEN SAMAR-SORSOGON AREA.

• Estimated rainfall amount is from heavy to at times intense within the 300 km diameter of the typhoon.
• Flashfloods and Landslides is expected over areas under signal # 2 and 3.
• Expected to pass very close to Northern Samar by early afternoon today.
• Will make landfall over Sorsogon early tonight then cross Albay Province towards Burias Island.
• Storm surges of up to 4 meters are possible over the areas under PSWS #2 and #3.

Location of eye/center: At 4:00 AM today, the eye of Typhoon “NONA” was located based on all available data including Guiuan Radar at 205 km East of Catarman, Northern Samar (12.5°N, 126.5°E).

Strength: Maximum sustained winds of 150 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 185 kph.

Forecast Movement: Forecast to move West at 17 kph.
Forecast Positions:
• 24 hour (Tomorrow morning): In the vicinity of Burias Island, Masbate
• 48 hour (Wednesday morning): 140 km West of Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro
• 72 hour (Thursday morning): 210 km West of Coron, Palawan
• 96 hour (Friday evening): 300 km Northwest of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
• 120 hour (Saturday evening): 600 km West of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan (Outside PAR)

Public Storm Warning Signal No. 03
(121-170 kph Expected in 18hrs.)

LUZON: Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Sorsogon, Albay including Ticao Island

VISAYAS: Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Biliran and Samar
Impacts of the wind

• Heavy damage to high–risk structures;
• Moderate damage to medium- risk structures;
• Light damage to low-risk structures
• Increasing damage (up to more than 50%) to old, dilapidated residential structures and houses of light materials. Majority of all nipa and cogon houses may be unroofed or destroyed
• Houses of medium strength materials (old, timber or mixed timber-CHB structures, usually with G.I. roofing’s); some warehouses or bodega-type structures are unroofed.
• There may be widespread disruption of electrical power and communication services.
• Almost all banana plants are downed
• Some big trees (acacia, mango, etc.) are broken or uprooted,
• Dwarf-type or hybrid coconut trees are tilted or downed.
• Rice and corn crops may suffer heavy losses
• Damage to shrubbery and trees with foliage blown off; some large trees blown down.
Ocean Wave Height: (Open Sea) > 14.0 meters Storm surge may reach up to 4.0 meters

Public Storm Warning Signal No. 02
(61-120kph Expected in 24 hrs.)
LUZON: Masbate including Burias Island, Camarines Norte, Marinduque, Romblon, Southern Quezon
VISAYAS: Leyte
Impacts of the wind:
• Light to Moderate damage to high risk structures;
• Very light to light damage to medium-risk structures;
• No damage to very light damage to low risk structures
• Unshielded, old dilapidated schoolhouses, makeshift shanties, and other structures of light materials are partially damaged or unroofed.
• A number of nipa and cogon houses may be partially or totally unroofed.
• Some old galvanized iron (G.I.) roofs may be peeled or blown off.
• Some wooden, old electric posts are tilted or downed.
• Some damage to poorly constructed signs/billboards
• In general, the winds may bring light to moderate damage to the exposed communities. Most banana plants, a few mango trees, ipil-ipil and similar types of trees are downed or broken
• Some coconut trees may be tilted with few others broken
• Rice and corn may be adversely affected
• Considerable damage to shrubbery and trees with some heavy-foliaged trees blown down.
Open Sea Wave Height: 4.1-14.0 meters Storm surge possible at coastal areas

Public Storm Warning Signal No. 01
(30-60kph Expected in 36 hrs.)

LUZON: Metro Manila, Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro including Lubang Island, Batangas, Cavite, Rizal, Laguna, Rest of Quezon including Polillo Island

VISAYAS: Southern Leyte, Northern Cebu including Bantayan and Camotes Islands, Aklan, Capiz, Northern Negros Occidental
MINDANAO: Dinagat province and Siargao Island
Impacts of the wind:
• Very light or no damage to low risk structures,
• Light damage to medium to high risk structures
• Slight damage to some houses of very light materials or makeshift structures in exposed communities. Some banana plants are tilted, a few downed and leaves are generally damaged.
• Twigs of small trees may be broken.
• Rice crops, however, may suffer significant damage when it is in its flowering stage.

Wave Height (Open Sea): 1.25-4.0 meters
The public and the disaster risk reduction and management council concerned are advised to take appropriate actions and watch for the next Severe Weather Bulletin to be issued at 11 AM today.

Typhoon Tracks from JMA, JWTC, Weather Philippines

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BiliranIsland.com Staff
BiliranIsland.com
First Posted 20:20:00 12/13/2015
Last Updated: 08:39:00 12/14/2015

#WalangPasok Refresh this page for updates.

Some classes will be suspended in some Biliran towns today, Dec 14 2015 due to Typhoon Nona.

Just in. Dec. 14, 2015 6:12 am ‪#WalangPasok Mrs. Nenita Sereño, Naval State University OIC University President, informed that classes in all levels of the university will be suspended today, December 14, 2015 due to Typhoon Nona.

Naval: Pre-school, Elementary and Secondary
Biliran: All levels
Kawayan: All levels
Culaba: All levels
Cabucgayan: All levels
Caibiran: All levels
Maripipi: Pre-school, Elementary
Almeria: All levels

Cathedral School of La Naval (CSN) : All levels

Naval State University (NSU): All levels

Cabucgayan National School of Arts and Trades (CNSAT): All levels

Lightbringer: All levels

Sources: Mayor Eulalio G. Maderazo, Mayor Gemma G. Adobo, Mayor Grace Casil, Mayor Susan V. Parilla, Lorenzo A. Reveldez, Jr., Uldarico P. Macorol, Mayor Rudy Espina, Sr. Mary Angela P. Vergara, RSM., Mayor Doming Agahan,  Mrs. Nenita Sereño.

Latest Update from PAGASA:

Pagasa raises Storm Warning Signal No. 3 over BILIRAN ISLAND, N. Samar, E Samar and Samar ‪#‎NonaPH‬

iCyclone: 7:30 am Monday: Typhoon MELOR (NONA) is headed for shore– with the powerful core only hours away from NE Samar. The good news: the cyclone has weakened a little– now a Cat 3 with winds of 110 knots (125 mph) (that’s Cat 4 on the Oz scale). As I suspected (in the previous post), the cyclone went through an eyewall replacement cycle, yielding a larger eye and slightly weaker winds. But it’s still dangerous. MELOR will scrape the N coast of Samar during the afternoon, then come ashore in the Sorsogon province of the Bicol Region tonight. Members in N Samar, Sorsogon, and Albay may experience the typhoon’s full force, so rush preparations to completion NOW. Members in the rest of Bicol, CALABARZON, and MIMAROPA are along the typhoon’s path and may experience typhoon conditions as MELOR moves through the islands and weakens.

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BiliranIsland.com Staff
BiliranIsland.com
First Posted  09:00:00 12/14/2015

SIGNAL NO. 3 IN BILIRAN FOR TYHOON NONA, ACCORDING TO SEVERE WEATHER BULLETIN # 8 OF PAGASA.

BILECO Advisory: 8:30 am Dec. 14 2015 Biliran Island is already under Storm Signal No. 3. BILECO has launched Oplan Task Force Nona in preparation for the typhoon. ANY TIME today, power might be out due to strong winds and rains when Typhoon Nona makes landfall in Biliran Province. Please charge all chargeable equipment such as emergency lights, cellphones, radios, etc., while power is still up.

7:30 am Monday: Typhoon MELOR (NONA) is headed for shore– with the powerful core only hours away from NE Samar. The good news: the cyclone has weakened a little– now a Cat 3 with winds of 110 knots (125 mph) (that’s Cat 4 on the Oz scale). As I suspected (in the previous post), the cyclone went through an eyewall replacement cycle, yielding a larger eye and slightly weaker winds. But it’s still dangerous. MELOR will scrape the N coast of Samar during the afternoon, then come ashore in the Sorsogon province of the Bicol Region tonight. Members in N Samar, Sorsogon, and Albay may experience the typhoon’s full force, so rush preparations to completion NOW. Members in the rest of Bicol, CALABARZON, and MIMAROPA are along the typhoon’s path and may experience typhoon conditions as MELOR moves through the islands and weakens. – iCyclone

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BiliranIsland.com Staff
BiliranIsland.com
First Posted 12:30:00 12/16/2015

NAVAL, Biliran – Police elements of Naval on Tuesday, December 15, arrested a certain Thomas Peanar, a resident of Barangay Agpangi, a coastal barangay of this town for violation of Section 5 of RA 9165.

The order of arrest was issued by Judge Bienvenido M. Montalla, Branch 16, Regional Trial Court on November 11, 2015 against Karen Joy Amador and Thomas Peanar docketed under Criminal Case No. N-3209. (Read: 26 years old woman arrested in buy bust)

Peanar was arrested at around 11pm on December 15, 2015 at Barangay Agpangi, Naval, Biliran. – BiliranIsland.com

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BiliranIsland.com Staff
BiliranIsland.com
First Posted 23:00:00 12/16/2015

NAVAL, Biliran – A jail guard of the Biliran provincial jail intercepted a concealed delivery of shabu intended for a female inmate from a visitor.

The concealed delivery of three pieces of heat sealed transparent plastic sachets containing white crystalline substance believed to be shabu was intercepted by an augment Biliran provincial jail guard named Manolo Delda at around 12:00 noon today, Wednesday, December 16, 2015.

Delda reported to the Naval police station that he and in the presence of other jail guards recovered/seized the three pieces of heat sealed plastic sachets containing white crystalline substance believed to be shabu which were wrapped with sister napkin wrapper from one inmate named Cheryl Ejorcadas.

The shabu delivery put inside the sister napkin wrapper was intercepted by Delda after checking it from a visitor named Crisanto Vicera, a resident of Barangay Sto. Nino, a coastal barangay of Naval.

Ejorcadas was detained at the Biliran provincial jail for violation of Sections 5 and 11 of RA 9165. – BiliranIsland.com

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by: Mary Lailani Pitao-Tupaz

NAVAL, Biliran (PIA) – Under the Philiipine Red Cross (PRC)-Leyte Chapter, the province of Biliran held its lead off activity in joining the PRC-Million Volunteer Run3 (MVR3) introducing the principle of volunteerism among Biliranons as it prepares for a separate chapter.

Over 300 participants from the different national government agencies, local government units, non-government organizations, and private establishments registered in its maiden step.

The five-kilometer fund run started at 5:00 o’clock in the morning of December 13, (Sunday) at the Biliran provincial capitol grounds in Brgy. Calumpang, Naval to P. Inocentes and Castin Streets to Brgy. Atipolo Higway as its turning point and back to the capitol grounds.

Sangguniang Panlalawagian Member Gerard Espina shot the ceremonial start gun to signal the start of the fund run.

To draw more participants and awareness of PRC’s entry in Biliran province, the PRC-MVR3 steering committee held a raffle for all registered participants and awarded winning participants in the competitions.

Winners in the fastest male finisher category were Dov Weinman (US Peace Corps Volunteer) – 1st Place; Lorenzo Daniela – 2nd Place; and Arianne Rosales – 3rd Place.

For the fastest female category, the winners were Ariana Nelsen (US Peace Corps Volunteer) – 1st Place; Elaine Paghubasan – 2nd Place; and Darlene Zafra – 3rd Place.

Both Weinman and Nelsen donated their cash prizes to the Philippine Red Cross-Leyte Chapter.

The oldest male finisher was Vic Bracamonte from Biliran, Biliran, and Lolita Darantinao of Naval as the oldest female finisher.

Randrew James Joson Guevarra, 12 years old, was awarded the youngest male finisher while the youngest female finisher was awarded to Janea Tupaz Pequeno, 5 years old, both of Naval, Biliran.

Philippine National Police (PNP) Regional Office 8 OIC Regional Director Cedric Train joined Biliran in the nationwide simultaneous PRC-MVR3 and Jennylind Daya representing PRC-Leyte Chapter.

Flordeliza Trani, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer and Board of Director of PRC-Leyte, who also leads the Biliran PRC-MVR3 steering committee thanked all those who registered, volunteered and donated in the activity.

She also encouraged other kind-hearted individuals who have not joined in the lead off activity to share their time, talent, and treasure in the coming years especially when Biliran becomes a separate and independent PRC chapter.

The Red Cross organization is a worldwide institution sharing equal duties and responsibilities in helping communities and people in emergency situations regardless of race, nationality, religious beliefs, or political opinions, that they may be given access to care, food, shelter and hope in the spirit of volunteerism and generosity of donors. # (PIA 8 Biliran)

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Reuters 

By Roslan Khasawneh and Keith Wallis

SINGAPORE (Reuters) – Six crew members are still missing after a general cargo freighter sank in the Singapore Strait following a collision with a chemical tanker at 8:14 p.m. (1214 GMT) on Dec. 16.

The 10,385 deadweight tonne (dwt) cargo freighter Thorco Cloud, operated by Danish shipper Thorco Shipping and registered in Antigua and Barbuda, had a crew of 12.

Singapore’s Police Coast Guard, supported by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), rescued five of the crew members, while the chemical tanker picked up a sixth, the MPA said. The rescued seamen were sent to Singapore General Hospital for observation, it said.

Search and rescue operations continued for the six missing crew members, said an MPA spokesman in an update.

To ensure shipping safety, the MPA deployed a buoy tender and a hydrographic survey vessel to cordon off the area. So far there have been no shipping disruptions, the spokesman said.

The incident, which took place in Indonesian waters six nautical miles northwest of Batam, left the Cayman Islands-registered chemical tanker Stolt Commitment with minor damage and in stable condition, said the MPA.

The 37,438 dwt tanker is owned by Stolt Tankers, part of Norwegian bulk liquid transportation and storage company Stolt-Nielsen Ltd.

Indonesian authorities have also commenced search and rescue operations and Singapore is ready to render assistance if required, the MPA said.

The sunken cargo freighter was carrying 560 metric tonnes of bunker fuel.

“While there are currently no reports of any oil spill, MPA has also put on standby anti-pollution craft,” the spokesman said.

The Singapore Strait, one of the world’s busiest commercial shipping routes, is a 105-km long, 16-km wide passage between the Strait of Malacca to the South China Sea. (Editing by Tom Hogue)

AIS recreation via Vesselfinder.com:

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Ralph Arvic T. Arcenal, BiliranIsland.com Staff
BiliranIsland.com
First Posted 03:38:00 12/25/2015
Last Updated 09:21:00 12/25/2015

9:20 A.M. Dec.25, 2015: M/B Jeramay List of survivors from the capsized pump boat: 16 rescued

1. Kagawad Elma Tumangan
2. Leonarda Tumangan
3. Rosalinda Ahina
4. Jimmy Ahina
5. Rosalinda Verdida
6. Ernesto Verdida, Sr.
7. Maeden Ahina
8. Rosalie Solis
9. Allan Bogabil
10. Aljun Bogabil
11. Alvin Bogabil
12. Ronald Bogabil
13. Ronald Asis
14. John Ronald Asis
15. Leonardo Vergara
16. Rami Pintuan

Update. We would like to inform that all passengers of the reported motor banca that capsized near Maripipi have been rescued and are safe! They are now at RHU-Maripipi after being brought to the nearest barangay, Calbani.

Update. 16 passengers in the ill-fated boat. Six rescued so far, 4 females and 2 males. The 10 others are still in midsea in Corpus, Masbate. Search and rescue operation is ongoing.

MARIPIPI, Biliran – Celebrating Christmas is far different for the survivors of the sea mishap.

The said incidence was reported on the eve of Christmas,December 24 at around 9 o’clock, by one of the survivors who happened to ask for rescue from PNP Culaba and the latter channeled it to PNP Maripipi.

The name of the motorboat is M/B Jeramay from Pio V Corpuz, Masbate enroute to Culaba, Biliran with 16 passengers on-board who are going to attend a wedding.

Search and rescue operation was immediately conducted by Maripipi team.

According to Maripipi Mayor Uldarico Macorol, ‘out of the 16 passengers on-board, seven were rescued and currently brought to RHU Maripipi for medical attention’.

The following are the seven passengers rescued first : Elma Tumanan,50 ; Rosalina Veridida, 45; Rosalie Solis, 34; Rosalinda Ahina, 41; John Ronald Asis, 9; Ronald Asis, 34; and Maydin Ahina, 51. The remaining survivors are still being rescued. – BiliranIsland.com

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By: Joey A. Gabieta, December 25th, 2015 12:01 PM
Inquirer.net

TACLOBAN CITY-Sixteen passengers were rescued by local fishermen past 7 a.m. on Christmas Day, about 10 hours after their motorized pumpboat capsized in the waters between Masbate and Sambawan Island, Maripipi town in Biliran province.

They were brought to the rural health unit in Maripipi town where they recovered.
“They were all okay although they were still in a state of shock,” said Inspector Ramon Obispo, police chief of Maripipi.

The group left the port of P. Corpus early evening of Christmas eve and was headed to Culaba town in Biliran to attend a wedding which was scheduled for Saturday.

Culaba is about two hours away on board a pumpboat.

Obispo said the weather was fine when they left the port.

But he said the boat could be sailing against the current or was hit by a series of waves which caused the pumpboat to capsize about 9 p.m.

For 10 hours, they hung on to the capsized pumpboat until they were rescued about 7 a.m. on Friday by local fishermen.

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BiliranIsland.com Staff
BiliranIsland.com
First Posted 10:30:00 01/02/2016

Update: 4:33 PM January 2, 2016: Padayon pa ang imbetigasyon sa BFP Naval sa hinungdan sa sunog sa School Bus nga nahitabo ganihang alas 09:50 sa buntag.

Kining mga school bus napalit kini pinaagi sa paningkamot og sa panahon sa kanhi Cong. Atty. Glenn Chong. Sa pagkakaron kining mga school anaa nakaparada sulod sa Naval Municipal grounds og tapad sa barangay hall sa Brgy. P.I. Garcia. Aduna usab kauban nga mga school bus na didto na nahimutang duol sa Naval municipal garbage site sa may Sitio Kube, Brgy. Lucsoon.

Dako ang pasalamat sa mga lumulupyo sa lungsod sa Naval nga walay nanga-angol sa nahitabong sunog

Update: Please tune in to 101.7 DYLN tomorrow, 7-8 am for the reaction of Former Cong. Glenn Chong re the burning incident of the two school buses.

NAVAL, Biliran – Fire struck the two school buses acquired during the term of Rep. Glenn Chong at the Naval municipal hall. Partly gutted was the roof of the barangay hall of P. I. Garcia. This happened at 10 am.

lnvestigation of school bus fire in Naval is ongoing. Firefighting teams from Naval and Almeria responded. – BiliranIsland.com

Video

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