BiliranIsland.com Staff BiliranIsland.com First Posted 03:18PM 5/03/2020
NAVAL, Biliran — The Local Government Unit of this capital town of the Province of Biliran has done something which is the envy of residents of other municipalities after the mayor and the municipal council agreed to extend one sack of rice to all families disqualified to receive the Social Amelioration Program Fund here.
Some 4,133 families each received a sack of commercial rice from the LGU since Saturday, as the LGU distributed the rice in all 26 political component barangays.
Naval, Biliran families disqualified from SAP receive rice from LGU
Mayor Gerard Roger Espina, in an interview by Biliran Island page, said that the budget used for the procurement of the commercial rice was taken from the one month Internal Revenue Allotment provided to them by the Department of Interior and Local Government with the existence of the COVID-19 problem.
He said the LGU has received P13 million for one month allotment and they utilized at least P9 million pesos from this fund for the rice distribution. He added that at present they still have more than P5 million left from their allotment that they can use if additional assistance for the residents of this town is needed.
Mayor Espina continued that the beneficiaries of the rice included those government employees who were disqualified to receive the SAP, like the Job Order employees in the municipality and the province, who only received a meagre salary but that because they are employees they cannot accept the SAP.
He said the rice recipients also included pensioners, girlfriends of foreigners, and even those mariners and working abroad. He added that this group of recipients were carefully decided by the council and him so that these people will not go hungry during these very critical times.
Because of the complaints of the inclusion of those with foreign boyfriends and mariners abroad, Mayor Espina explained that if the Navaleño girl is not married to his foreign boyfriend, then the money she received from him is not a salary but just an allowance.
He further explained that there are really some families of this town whose children or husbands are working abroad as seamen, but because of the COVID-19 there are plenty of seamen now that failed to send money to their families because they are stranded. Thus they also have the privilege to receive the sack of rice.
Yesterday, the distribution of the sacks of rice was conducted at Brgy. P.I. Garcia, located in the heart of the municipality.
RCD, BiliranIsland.com Staff
Photos by Ka Mhar
BiliranIsland.com
First Posted 10:37PM 5/05/2020
NAVAL, Biliran – A trisikad driver died on the spot after a single motorcycle hit him when he alighted from his driven trisikad around 6:30 p.m. today, May 5, along the National Highway in Brgy. Atipolo of this capital town.
Naval Chief of Police Major Eriprando identified the victim as Tradio Teradio y Montecillo, 48, single, a resident of Kansanok, Kawayan, Biliran. The suspect was identified as Erwin Helboy y Padoga, 33, married, driver and a resident of Sitio Butay, P. I Garcia here.
Initial investigation disclosed that the victim, who was driving his trisikad, was traversing the national highway when he suddenly stopped. The victim, according to witness Arsenio Catigbe, 59, alighted from his trisikad for unknown reason. But unknown to the victim, a single motorcycle a Honda RS 125 driven by the suspect and running at a fast speed suddenly appeared and hit the victim.
The impact slumped the victim to the concrete road head first, resulting in a broken skull. Rescue group of this town rushed the victim to the Rural Health Unit, but Dr. Fernando Montejo, RHU officer, declared the victim DOA.
The suspect, who was also injured was brought to the police station here after treatment. – BiliranIsland.com
BiliranIsland.com Staff
Photos by Kawayan PNP and Jalmz
BiliranIsland.com
First Posted 09:45PM 5/07/2020
KAWAYAN, Biliran — Depression led to an apparent suicide after senior citizen here turned positive (under DOH category of suspected case) during a rapid test for COVID-19 about 3:30 in the afternoon today, May 7, in Brgy. Tucdao.
Kawayan Chief of Police Lt. Ismael Corzon Jr. identified the victim as Diosdado Tancinco y Garcia, 66, married, a retired OFW and a resident of the said barangay.
Retired OFW commits suicide in Tucdao Kawayan, Biliran
Corzon, in a telephone interview, disclosed that the victim tested positive during rapid testing for COVID-19 last May 1 at the OSPA Hospital in Ormoc City. The victim was a dialysis patient of the said hospital in Ormoc.
Before a patient is subjected for dialysis, he would first undergo a rapid testing for the virus. But their money was not enough for emergency hemodialysis. This was why they were referred to the Biliran Provincial Hospital without being dialysed in Ormoc City.
On May 2 the victim underwent a swab test at the Biliran Provincial Hospital, but the result has not yet arrived.
The victim, who was also diagnosed with diabetes and kidney problem, underwent 14 day home isolation.
This afternoon, Lt. Corzon said they received a call from the neighborhood, informing their office about a man who was seen at their door and lying in a pool of blood.
He said they immediately responded to the area, and learned that the victim shot himself on his right temporal area, which caused his instantaneous death.
Corzon said that they also recovered a .357 caliber revolver, with serial number S274831, with live bullets inside.
Retired OFW commits suicide in Tucdao Kawayan, Biliran Retired OFW commits suicide in Tucdao Kawayan, Biliran
Dr. Christine Balasbas, the Municipal Health Officer of this town, declared the victim dead during post-mortem examination. – BiliranIsland.com
BiliranIsland.com Staff
BiliranIsland.com
First Posted 10:14AM 5/08/2020
Naval, Biliran – On May 7, 2020 at 11:30 a.m., five persons were arrested and many others eluded arrest in Brgy. PS Eamiguel for engaging in illegal cockfight amid this community quarantine.
Twenty five more persons were positively identified by the raiding personnel who arrested five suspects.
OIC Chief PMAJ Eriprando B. Castila of the Naval Police Station said that an informant reported the matter to the police. He then sent a team of operatives to check the illegal activity and caught the suspects in the act.
Photo by PNP Naval
Recovered from the scene were two fighting cocks with gaffs (one fighting cock with one gaff, dead, and the other fighting cock with two (2) gaffs, alive), seven wounded fighting cocks, one dead fighting cock, six pairs of slippers, and two bull caps.
The suspects were brought to the Naval Police Station and will be properly charged. – BiliranIsland.com
BiliranIsland.com Staff
BiliranIsland.com
First Posted 11:51PM 5/13/2020
SEVERE WEATHER BULLETIN #14
FOR: TYPHOON #AmboPH (VONGFONG)
TROPICAL CYCLONE: WARNING
ISSUED AT 2:00 PM, 14 May 2020
(Valid for broadcast until the next bulletin to be issued at 5 PM today)
“AMBO” HAS MADE LANDFALL OVER SAN POLICARPO, EASTERN SAMAR AND MOVING TOWARDS NORTHERN PORTION OF SAMAR PROVINCE.
• “Ambo” has made landfall over San Policarpo, Eastern Samar at 12:15 PM today.
• The eyewall of Typhoon “Ambo” is bringing violent winds and heavy to intense rains over the northern portion of Eastern Samar. Northern portion of Samar and southern portion of Northern Samar will be affected by the eyewall in the coming hours.
Heavy Rainfall Outlook:
• Today (14 May): Heavy to intense rains over Samar Provinces, Masbate, Sorsogon, and Catanduanes. Moderate to heavy with at times intense rains over Albay, Camarines Sur, and the rest of Eastern Visayas.
• Tomorrow (15 May): Heavy to intense rains over Bicol Region. Moderate to heavy with at times intense rains over Northern Samar, Quezon, Aurora, Marinduque, and Romblon.
• Residents in these areas are advised to take appropriate measures, coordinate with local disaster risk reduction and management offices, and continue monitoring for updates, especially the local rainfall or thunderstorm advisories and heavy rainfall warnings from PAGASA Regional Services Divisions (PRSD). Flooding and rain-induced landslides may occur in highly to very highly susceptible areas during heavy or prolonged rainfall.
Coastal Water Conditions and Storm Surge Information:
• Within 24 hours, storm surge of 2.0 to 4.0 meters may be experienced over the coastal areas of Northern Samar, Eastern Samar (east coast), Samar (west coast), Sorsogon, Albay, Catanduanes, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Quezon, and Aurora. Along with large swells, this storm surge may cause potentially life-threatening coastal inundation.
• Sea travel is risky for all types of seacrafts over the seaboards of areas under TCWS.
Location of eye/center: At 1:00 PM today, the eye of Typhoon “AMBO” was located based on all available data including those from Guiuan Doppler Radar in the vicinity of Oras, Eastern Samar(12.2°N, 125.4°E).
Strength: Maximum sustained winds of up to 155 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 190 km/h.
Movement: Moving West at 15 km/h.
Forecast Positions
• 24 Hour (Tomorrow morning): In the vicinity of Lopez, Quezon (13.8°N, 122.4°E)
• 48 Hour (Saturday morning): In the vicinity of Tineg, Abra (17.9°N, 120.9°E)
• 72 Hour (Sunday morning): 75 km Northeast of Basco, Batanes (21.0°N, 122.4°E)
• 96 Hour (Monday morning):780 km Northeast of Basco, Batanes (24.7°N, 128.0°E)
• 120 Hour (Tuesday morning):1,915 km Northeast of Basco, Batanes (OUTSIDE PAR) (30.9°N, 137.2°E)
TROPICAL CYCLONE WIND SIGNAL
TCWS #3 (121-170 km/h winds prevailing or expected in 18 hours)
Sorsogon, Albay, Masbate including Ticao and Burias Islands, Catanduanes, and southern portion of Camarines Sur (Cabusao, Libmanan, Pasacao, Pamplona, Canaman, Magarao, Bombon, Calabanga, Camaligan, Gainza, San Fernando, Milaor, Naga, Tinambac, Siruma, Pili, Goa, Lagonoy, Garchitorena, Minalabac, Caramoan, Presentacion, Bula, Ocampo, Tigaon, San Jose, Balatan, Nabua, Baao, Sagnay, Bato, Nabua, Iriga, Buhi)
Northern Samar, the northern portion of Eastern Samar (Jipapad, Arteche, Maslog, Dolores, Oras, San Policarpio, Can-avid, Taft, Sulat, San Julian, Borongan City, Maydolong), the northern portion of Samar (Calbayog City, Sta. Margarita, Gandara, Pagsanghan, San Jorge, Matuguinao, San Jose de Buan, Catbalogan, Jiabong, Motiong, Paranas, Tarangnan, San Sebastian, Hinabangan), and Biliran
Areas under TCWS #3 will experience strong to destructive typhoon-force winds during the passage of the typhoon.
TCWS #2 (61-120 km/h winds prevailing or expected in 24 hours)
Camarines Norte, rest of Camarines Sur, the southern portion of Quezon (Mauban, Sampaloc, Lucban, Sariaya, Tayabas City, Lucena City, Pagbilao, Atimonan, Padre Burgos, Plaridel, Agdangan, Unisan, Gumaca, Pitogo, Macalelon, Lopez, Caluag, General Luna, Catanauan, Perez, Alabat, Quezon, Tagkawayan, Guinayangan, Buenavista, San Narciso, Mulanay, San Andres, San Francisco), and Marinduque
The northernmost portion of Leyte (Calubian, San Isidro, Tabango, Leyte, Capoocan, Carigara, Barugo, San Miguel, Babatngon, Tunga, Alangalang, Sta. Fe, Palo, Tacloban City, Jaro), the rest of Samar, and the rest of Eastern Samar
Areas under TCWS #2 will experience strong to damaging gale/storm-force winds during the passage of the typhoon.
TCWS #1 (30-60 km/h winds prevailing or expected in 36 hours)
Aurora, the southern portion of Nueva Ecija (General Mamerto Natividad, Palayan City, Cabanatuan, Santa Rosa, Jaen, San Isidro, San Antonio, Cabiao, Bongabon, Gabaldon, General Tinio, Laur, San Leonardo, Peñaranda, Gapan City), Bulacan, Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, the rest of Quezon, Romblon, Bataan, and Pampanga
The rest of northern portion of Leyte (Villaba, Kananga, Matag-ob, Palompon, Ormoc, Merida, Isabel, Ormoc City, Albuena, Pastrana, Dagami, Tanauan, Tabontabon, Tolosa, Barauen, Julita, Dulag), the northeastern portion of Capiz (Pilar), the northeastern portion of Iloilo (Carles, Balasan, Estancia, Batad), and Northern Cebu (Medelin, Daanbantayan, Madridejos, Bantayan, Santa Fe)
Areas under TCWS #1 will experience strong to near gale-force winds during the passage of the typhoon.
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 5 PM today.
NAVAL, Biliran — Returning Biliranons, particularly Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and local residents affected by the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) lockdowns, are required to undergo 21 days quarantine at designated municipal isolation areas upon arrival in the province.
This is based on a memorandum issued by Governor Rogelio J. Espina to all the eight municipal mayors dated May 6, 2020.
The “Guidelines on the Implementation of the Balik Probinsya Balik Probinsya Scheme for Biliranons Wanting to Go Home” harmonizes the procedures by which returning residents and local government units follow in collaboration with relevant national government agencies with oversight functions in COVID-19 related activities, the memo stated.
LGUs are mandated to prepare a database of their respective constituencies who are OFWs caught in lockdowns in areas under ECQ specifically data on countries visited prior to arrival in the country, main port of entry, home address, address where mandatory quarantine upon arrival to the country was completed, COVID-19 tests undertaken and results, classification whether sea-based or land-based.
LGUs are also required to conduct listing of local residents including their data on home address, temporary address in ECQ areas, livelihood/employment status, and reasons for being caught in lockdown.
Returning OFWs are only allowed entry provided they are officially listed by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and/or other relevant labor coordinating agencies as undergoing the government’s repatriation program, and are officially endorsed by said agency to the Provincial Governor for issuance of Authority to Enter; with health clearance from competent DOH authority, a negative PCR testing result conducted by competent DOH testing laboratory; transport of said OFWs are arranged in coordination between OWWA regional offices from port of embarkation to point of local entry, where entry shall be allowed in designated local ports of arrival in the province; and OFWs not included in the OWWA listing for repatriation but need the same assistance maybe considered in a case-to-case basis, taking into accounts permits to travel and cost of the same.
Returning local residents shall inform their home barangay of their plan to go home and request a certification attesting proof of residency. Only actual residents are allowed entry, as validated in the list of each LGU.
Two days before the expected date of arrival, arrangement shall be made by the Punong Barangay to the MHO and MDRRMO, and the latter shall inform the Border for proper screening and endorsement to LGU isolation facility.
In coordinating arrivals, proper deliberation shall be made so that arrivals are arranged in batches preferably in-between 21 days to avoid overwhelming of local isolation facilities and maximize usage of LGU vehicles should there be need to transport the same from border to community isolation facility arises.
In addition, issuance of Authority to Enter by the Provincial Governor requires proof of booking of a transportation passage from the area under ECQ towards the home province.
The memo also stated that returning Biliranons shall be tested using the RT-PCR COVID-19 confirmatory test within 24 hours upon arrival at the LGU isolation facility, applying the PCR Testing Algorithm approved by the Provincial COVID-19 Task Force.
The provincial government of Biliran will also provide a one-time financial support of P3,000 to procure essential needs to qualified local residents stranded in ECQ areas subject to adjustment of on the cash availability.
Local residents who are stranded in ECQ areas for the following reasons such as studying or participating in any academic-related activities, applying for work or working as daily wage earner/non-regular status, on-going hospitalization or other medical-related procedures, and other cases except being a permanent or long-time resident of the area under ECQ, may be provided with cash assistance to procure essential needs provided they are validated by their respective Punong Barangays as bona fide actual residents. (ldl/rsv/PIA-8 Biliran)
BiliranIsland.com Staff
BiliranIsland.com
First Posted 03:00PM 5/26/2020
Kawayan, Biliran — Death comes to a fighting cock caretaker after another caretaker from another farm was fed up with his bullying and led to a stabbing and hacking incident that caused the alleged bully’s death about 7:00 in the evening on Monday (May 25) at Brgy. Poblacion here.
Kawayan COP Police Lt. Ismael Corzon identified the suspect as Soloven Damayo, 49, married, and a resident of Brgy. Boyo here.
The victim was identified as Harold Jay Olaer, 42, married, and a resident of Brgy. Poblacion here.
The police said witnesses saw the two protagonists speeding on a chasing mode on board single motorcycles from Brgy. Kansanok going towards the Poblacion, with the victim ahead while being chased by the suspect. The police said that upon reaching the place, the victim immediately alighted from his single motorcycle and ran towards a nipa hut in the fighting cock farm. But the suspect, after arriving at the area, also ran towards where the victim was, and who tried to run to the grassy portion at the back of the Nipa Hut.
When the victim was outrun, the suspect stabbed him in different parts of his body and caused him to fall to the ground.
When the victim was on the ground, the suspect hacked the neck of the victim, nearly mutilating it.
The suspect surrendered to the police this morning, after his farm owner-master told him to surrender.
The police said that based on their interrogation, it seems the suspect had become fed up with the bullying from the victim. The night before, the police said the victim challenged the suspect to a fistfight, which prompted the latter to pull out a long bolo from the scabbard to threaten the victim.
But he said he lost control of himself, and when the victim showed of from his bolo, he chased him until he the crime was committed.
Lt. Corzon said that they are preparing charges of murder against the suspect, who is temporarily languishing at the lock-up cell of the Kawayan Police Station. – BiliranIsland.com
BiliranIsland.com Staff BiliranIsland.com First Posted 10:34PM 5/26/2020
Caibiran, Biliran — A farm laborer was stabbed to death by a fellow farm laborer during a misunderstanding after drinking too many about 9:45 in the evening on Monday night (May 25) in Brgy. Union here.
Caibiran COP Police Lt. Vic Viros identified the victim as Arnold Pilapil y Dialino, 38, married, farm laborer and a resident of the said barangay. The suspect was identified as Jesus Corpin y Rosete, of legal age, farm laborer and a resident of the said barangay also.
A witness identified as Jefferson Mangubat, legal age, during initial investigation conducted by the local police disclosed that the suspect and the victim along with several other farm laborers namely Primo Toleroso, and Mario Verutiao and the witness himself were planting rice seedlings at the rice paddy owned by Nickie Verunkie. After receiving the payment for their labor in the planting about 4:00 in the afternoon on Monday, the group decided to have a drinking spree at the house of the suspect and consumed 3 bottles of Mallorca and 2 bottles of Siok Tong. The witness said that at 5:00 in the afternoon they transferred their drinking session at the house of the victim.
The witness Mangubat remembered that at the midst of their drinking session the suspect opened his problem about her 17 yr old daughter who was brought to Manila by the daughter of the victim to look for a job. But the witness believed that after the victim drinks too many he seems to be not listening to the story of the suspect that got his ire.
At 9:30 Toleroso and Verutiao left the house of the victim and went to their respective houses also followed by the suspect leaving the already sleep victim and the witness rested on the opposite stall from where the victim sleeps.
Mangubat continued that about 9:45 in the evening, the suspect returned to the house of the victim bringing with him a long bolo that later pulled this out from the scabbard and without any hesitation hit the victim several times in different parts of his body.
Mangubat told police that he was shocked to see the suspect hacking the victim causing him to fell from where he was sleeping. The witness told police that he tried to move away and ask the suspect what had the victim done to him?
But the suspect told him not to intervene because you have a family.
The suspect immediately fled from the crime scene and eluded arrest.
The local police is conducting a manhunt operations against the suspect who is reportedly hiding in the hinterlands of this town.
BiliranIsland.com Staff
BiliranIsland.com
First Posted 2:55PM 5/27/2020
Naval, Biliran—A KTV worker working girl was found lifeless at the in front of the warehouse of a courier company by one of its employee about 7:00 in the morning today (May 27) in Brgy. Santissimo Rosario here.
Naval COP Police Major Eriprando Castila identified the victim as Michelle Flores a.k.a Princess Mae Flores, 24, single, a resident of Sitio Tubod Brgy. Tabing, Tabango, Leyte and a staying at V&C compound, located at Castin St., Brgy. Sto Niño here.
The police said that Romeo Barili, 37, a delivery van driver of courier company LBC reported to their station after finding a female person apparently lifeless in front of their warehouse. Upon receipt of the report the local police immediately responded into the area and found the victim lying in her back naked bathing in her own blood and apparently lifeless.
The Rural Health Unit of this town immediately responded to the area and retrieved the body of the victim and brought this to their office where she was declared Dead on Arrival and a post mortem examination followed.
CCTV footage from the LBC showed that the victim along with an unidentified companion more than 20 yrs of age wearing sleeveless shirt and short pants without face mask entered the premises about past 1: 30 in the morning today.
The footage showed that a commotion between the two occurred with the suspect smashing the head of the victim to the floor several times then undresses her with the suspect immediately did the carnal act to the victim who was lying in the concrete floor. After the suspect did his thing he smashed again the head of the victim to the floor before leaving her apparently dead.
Post mortem examination conducted by RHU Officer Dr. Fernando Montejo, stated that the probable cause of the death of the victim was probably intracranial hemorrhage secondary to multiple skull fracture secondary traumatic blunt head injury secondary to mauling incident.
The local police is conducting an investigation for the identity of the suspect for his arrest. – BiliranIsland.com
BiliranIsland.com Staff
BiliranIsland.com
First Posted 4:30PM 5/27/2020
Biliran, Biliran — The reported No. 5 in the drugs watch list in the Province of Biliran was apprehended during a buy bust by joint forces of the PDEA Biliran Field Unit and the local police here about 12:50 in the afternoon on Tuesday (May 26) at Brgy. Hugpa here.
Biliran Chief of Police Captain Romeo Q. Sudario identified the suspect as Ijun Renola y Bolotsoy, 39, carpenter tagged as the No. 5 in the drug watch list of the Province of Biliran and a resident of the said barangay.
Recovered from his possession was one plastic sachet containing white crystalline substance suspected to be shabu procured by a poseur buyer agent in the amount of P500. During body search in front of barangay officials and media the searching personnel recovered the P500 bill with serial number AY180260 which was used in the buy bust operation.
The suspect in an interview with local media denied owning the illegal drugs recovered from him, He said he lived a simple life with his family and him as a carpenter.
Charges of Violation of Sec (5) selling illegal drugs of RA 9165, the Comprehensive Law against Illegal Drugs of 2002 is being readied by the arresting officers against the suspect who is temporarily languishing at the lock up cell of the Biliran Municipal Police station.
BiliranIsland.com Staff
BiliranIsland.com
First Posted 1:20PM 5/28/2020
Naval, Biliran — A remorseful suspect in the rape slay of a KTV bar employee said in an interview that he will face the consequences of what he did to the victim, who he claimed to be his girlfriend for a year.
The suspect identified as Clinton Villarin y Sanchez, aka Bebe, 19, single, laborer, a resident of Sitio Bliss, Brgy. Calumpang, Naval, Biliran was arrested about 11:40 in the evening of Wednesday. He admitted to the killing of Michelle Saludo y Flores, 24 a KTV bar employee, and a resident of Sitio Tubod, Brgy. Tabing, Tabango, Leyte.
The suspect identified as Clinton Villarin y Sanchez, aka Bebe.
Police Chief Master Sergeant Jimmy Delima, of the Naval Police Station, who led the arrest of the suspect, said that last night while conducting patrol of the entire town, Chairman Jonnel Quilaneta of Brgy. Santissimo Rosario reported to their station and averred that his uncle Avelino Puso, of Brgy. Tamarindo, Almeria, Biliran, is the step father of the suspect. Quilaneta said that the suspect was willing to surrender provided that he will be escorted by police.
Delima said that together with Chairman Quilaneta, and Puso, along with policemen from Almeria, they went to Tamarindo and arrested the suspect there. He alleged that he and the victim were on for a year, but that the just took advantage of him.
During interview with the suspect at the police station here, he narrated that he came from a drinking session with four other friends and after their session they decided to adjourn. But while going somewhere, he saw the victim along the way and immediately went to her to talk.
But a light from a coming garbage truck illuminated them and made him pull victim toward the entrance of the warehouse of LBC.
Hidden by a parked vehicle of the warehouse, he alleged that the victim wanted to end up their relation, which irritated the suspect. He said that she was kicked by the victim when he made sexual advances to her, prompting him to choke the victim with his hands. He added that because of this, the victim told her that if he wants her body he can have it while pleading not to kill her.
The suspect claimed that the victim undressed herself and he also undressed himself and they made sex.
But the suspect claimed that he was so irritated with the victim when she wanted to end their relationship, which prompted him to choke her.
Not satisfied, he smashed the head of the victim on the concrete floor several times, which resulted in the victim bathing in her he own blood.
After the incident, he left the area and went to his friend’s house.
In that house, he said somebody has already suspected that he was involved in the killing of the victim. This made him decide to return home to Almeria, where his step father made him surrender to the authorities.
The Naval Police is preparing charges of rape with homicide against the suspect, who is languishing at the detention cell of Naval Police Station. – BiliranIsland.com
DOH-Eastern Visayas reports three (3) new COVID-19 case in the Region 8. Bringing the total to 43.
The new confirmed cases are:
Patient EV-41, 43-year old, male, from Burauen, Leyte. No history travel, no contact from confirmed cases.
Patient EV-42, 35-year old, female, from Abuyog, Leyte. An OFW who arrived on May 27, 2020 via AirAsia Z2-A331 flight.
Patient EV-43, 32-year old, female, from Baybay City who arrived from Manila on May 25, same flight with positive cases from Tanauan and Hilongos.
The Province of Leyte now has 11 confirmed cases of #COVID19.
PATIENT EV-1, 51-year-old, Female, from Catarman, Northern Samar, Filipino
History of travel to Japan and Manila
Status: Fully Recovered (Case Closed)
PATIENT EV-2, 63-year-old, Male, from Calbayog City, Samar, Filipino
History of travel to Manila
Status: Fully Recovered (Case Closed)
PATIENT EV-3, 56-year-old, Female, from Tarangnan, Samar, Filipino
History of exposure to PATIENT EV-2
Status: Discharged but under home quarantine for 14 days
PATIENT EV-4, 32-year-old, Female, from Tarangnan, Samar, Filipino
History of exposure to PATIENT EV-2
Status: Discharged but under home quarantine for 14 days
PATIENT EV-5, 58-year-old, Female, from Burauen, Leyte, Filipino
History of travel to Guam and Manila
Status: Discharged but under home quarantine for 14 days
PATIENT EV-6, 60-year-old, Female, from Tarangnan, Samar, Filipino
History of exposure to PATIENT EV-3 and PATIENT EV-4
Status: Admitted and Stable
PATIENT EV-7, 25-year-old, Female, from Burauen, Leyte, Filipino
History of exposure to PATIENT EV-5
Status: Admitted and Stable
PATIENT EV-8, 28-year-old, Male, from Tarangnan, Samar, Filipino
History of exposure to PATIENT EV-6
Status: Admitted and Stable
PATIENT EV-9, 45-year-old, Female, from Tarangnan, Samar, Filipino
History of exposure to PATIENT EV-6
Status: Admitted and Stable
PATIENT EV-10, 29-year-old, Female, from Tarangnan, Samar, Filipino
History of exposure to PATIENT EV-6
Status: Admitted and Stable
PATIENT EV-11, 72-year-old, Female, from Tarangnan, Samar, Filipino
History of exposure to PATIENT EV-6
Status: Admitted and Stable
PATIENT EV-12, 27-year-old, Male, from Tarangnan, Samar, Filipino
History of exposure to PATIENT EV-6
Status: Admitted and Stable
PATIENT EV-13, 30-year-old, Male, from Tarangnan, Samar, Filipino
History of exposure to PATIENT EV-6
Status: Admitted and Stable
PATIENT EV-14, 54-year-old, Female, from Catbalogan, Samar, Filipino
History of exposure to PATIENT EV-2
Status: Admitted and Stable
PATIENT EV-15, 38-year-old, Male, from Tarangnan, Samar, Filipino
History of exposure to PATIENT EV-13
Status: Admitted and Stable
PATIENT EV-15, 38-year-old, Male, from Tarangnan, Samar, Filipino
History of exposure to PATIENT EV-13
Status: Admitted and Stable
PATIENT EV-16, 46-year-old, Female, from Tarangnan, Samar, Filipino
History of exposure to PATIENT EV-9,12,13
Status: Admitted and Stable
PATIENT EV-17, 51-year-old, Female, from Tarangnan, Samar, Filipino
History of Exposure to PATIENT 11
Status: Admitted and Stable
PATIENT EV-18, 28-year-old, Female, from Tarangnan, Samar, Filipino
History of exposure to PATIENT 13
Status: Admitted and Stable
PATIENT EV-19, 66-year-old, Female, from Tarangnan, Samar, Filipino
History of exposure to PATIENT 13
Status: Admitted and Stable
PATIENT EV-20, 29-year-old, Female, from Tarangnan, Samar, Filipino
History of exposure to PATIENT 13 and 18
Status: Admitted and Stable
PATIENT EV-21, 42-year-old, Male, from Tarangnan, Samar, Filipino
History of exposure to CONFIRMED CASES in Community
Status: Admitted and Stable
PATIENT EV-22, 63-year-old, Male, from Tarangnan, Samar, Filipino
History of exposure to CONFIRMED CASES in Community
Status: Admitted and Stable
PATIENT EV-23, 18-year-old, Female, from Tarangnan, Samar, Filipino
History of exposure to CONFIRMED CASES in Community
Status: Admitted and Stable
PATIENT EV-24, 21-year-old, Female, from Tarangnan, Samar, Filipino
History of exposure to CONFIRMED CASES in Community
Status: Admitted and Stable
PATIENT EV-25, 52-year-old, Female, from Tarangnan, Samar, Filipino
PATIENT EV-26, 48-year-old, Female, from Tarangnan, Samar, Filipino
PATIENT EV-27, 16-year-old, Male, from Tarangnan, Samar, Filipino
History of exposure to PATIENT EV-26
Status: Admitted and Stable
PATIENT EV-28, 44-year-old, Male, from Tarangnan, Samar, Filipino
History of exposure to PATIENT EV-13
Status: Admitted and Stable
PATIENT EV-29, 54-year-old, Female, from Tarangnan, Samar, Filipino
History of exposure to PATIENT EV-28
Status: Admitted and Stable
PATIENT EV-30, 26-year-old, Male, from Tanauan, Leyte, Filipino
From “Balik Probinsya Program”
Status: Admitted and Stable
PATIENT EV-31, 28-year-old, Male, from Baybay City, Leyte, Filipino
From “Balik Probinsya Program”
Status: Admitted and Stable
PATIENT EV-32, 12-year-old, Female, from Tarangnan, Samar, Filipino
PATIENT EV-33, 26-year-old, Male, from Tarangnan, Samar, Filipino
PATIENT EV-34, 59-year-old, Female, from Tarangnan, Samar, Filipino
PATIENT EV-35, 8-year-old, Male, from Tarangnan, Samar, Filipino
PATIENT EV-36, 31-year-old, Male, from Hilongos, Leyte, Filipino
An OFW working on a cruise ship who arrived in Tacloban City via plane last May 25, 2020.
PATIENT EV-37, 21-year-old, Female, from Tarangnan, Samar, Filipino
PATIENT EV-38, 21-year-old, Male, from Jaro, Leyte, Filipino
PATIENT EV-39, 32-year-old, Male, from Tolosa, Leyte, Filipino
An OFW who arrived last May 25, 2020 via plane PR 4981.
PATIENT EV-40, 30-year-old, Female, from Tanauan, Leyte, Filipino
A returned OFW who arrived last May 25, 2020 via flight PR 4987. Same flight with Hilongos confirmed case.
BiliranIsland.com Staff
BiliranIsland.com
First Posted 11:29AM 6/04/2020
Biliran Province has recorded its first case of the coronavirus disease
NAVAL, Biliran – The Department of Health (DOH) -Eastern Visayas reported on Wednesday, June 3, the first confirmed case of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) in Biliran Province.
The patient is a 19-year-old male, student, from Brgy. Calumpang, Naval, Biliran and localy Stranded Individual (LSI). Per initial report, EV-45 travelled from Baguio City to Manila on May 9, 2020 and has been isolated in a quarantine facility in Manila on May 9 – 24, 2020.
On May 25, 2020, Patient EV-45 travelled to Catbalogan City with six (6) other passengers via private car, and then travelled to Tacloban City on the following day and arrived in Naval, Biliran on May 27 with a companion via passenger van.
He is currently on strict isolation, according to the Municipal health department in Naval.
Eastern Visayas has 47 confirmed COVID-19 cases as of Wednesday.
BiliranIsland.com Staff
BiliranIsland.com
First Posted 05:38PM 6/11/2020
NAVAL, Biliran – A power interruption lasting up to 11 hours is scheduled in parts of Biliran Island early Friday, the Biliran Electric Cooperative advised.
The cooperative said the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines will implement the power interruption from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. on June 12.
NGCP attributed the expected power outage to the replacement of insulators, correction and armoring of conductors.
Scheduled maintenance activities in parts of Leyte and in Biliran Province on Friday, 12 June
Time: 6AM- 5PM
Facility: Lemon-Biliran 69kV line
Affected: LEYECO V & BILECO (whole day), DORELCO & LEYECO III (30 mins in the morning during isolation)
Reason: Maintenance works along Lemon-Biliran 69kV line
BiliranIsland.com Staff
BiliranIsland.com
First Posted 06:10 PM 6/14/2020
Last Updated 08:25 PM 6/14/2020
Naval, Biliran— Gov. Rogelio J. Espina has appealed to all Punong Barangays to make sure that returning residents are actual resident of the barangay and not close friends.
The appeal came after the reported second COVID-19 positive case in the province from the Municipality of Almeria, is not a resident of the said town.
The DOH on June 13 issued COVID-19 positive results stating that 36 yrs old female LSI from the Municipality of Almeria was the second positive in the province, but EV-132 is a male.
He came from all the way from Manila on board a private van with 8 other passengers and after the profiling and swab test in Palo, he boarded another private van to Biliran.
Gov. Espina on his post on Friday stated that the individual named EV-132 is not from the said municipality but from the Municipality of Mahaplag, Leyte.
According to Salangi, Almeria Punong Barangay Isidro Sumaya, said that the brother in law of EV-132 acquired the Certificate of Acceptance in his office claiming the patient works here and the husband of her sister. He said that they were only surprised when the news came that the second COVID-19 positive came from their town and was later learned to be in their barangay. He said that after learning the identity of the patient they immediately locked down the house where they lived and does not allow the family to come out from their abode.
Gov. Espina went on to say that Provincial Government wholly depends on issuance of Barangay Certification of actual residence by our Brgy. Captains before we release a Certificate of acceptance. He said that they are in a state of Pandemic where anyone can be a carrier of the virus and may infect our communities. He added that this Almeria case must be investigated to prevent other Barangay Officials from releasing False Certifications in the near future.
“Barangay Officials may be misled by a few returning residents to issue such certificate in favor of non residents of the province due to personal reasons.” Gov. Espina stressed.
A contact tracing is already on going with the persons who was with the private van that they boarded from Palo to Biliran. Four of his co passengers were from Brgy. Iyusan and 2 from Brgy. Salangi while one was from the capital town of Naval.
One of the biggest problems noted by the officials was that only one cellular phone was being used by the two quarantined persons. The cellphone is owned by the LSI who turned COVID positive, which was always borrowed by another LSI who is a lady. They rode the same van from Manila to Palo, then to Biliran. They are now isolated in the quarantine facility of the baranggay.
Very quiet Brgy. Salangi, Almeria, Biliran, after one returnee turned out to be Covid positive, the first for the town. Two returnees are now quarantined in their isolation facility. Photo by Jalmz
In a Facebook post, Mahaplag Mayor Daisy Tan Abuyabor confirmed that the said COVID positive patient is not from Almeria but from their town, Mahaplag, Leyte. The 36- year old man was able to acquire a certification from the Punong Baranggay of Salangi, Almeria through his supposed brother in law who claimed that the man is an LSI who is working in Salangi. The patient borded a private van from Manila with 8 others. After undergoing profiling and SWAB test in Palo, Leyte, he borded another van to Almeria. According to the Mayor, there was no coordination from the patient with the MDRRMO Mahaplag. It was later on gathered through reports and social media posts that the patient is not actually married to a resident of Salangi, they are still lovers.
BiliranIsland.com Staff
BiliranIsland.com
First Posted 06:17 PM 6/17/2020
Kawayan, Biliran — Mayor Rodolfo Espina Sr. of this municipality announced this afternoon in a Biliran Island Facebook live that one of the two COVID-19 positives from his town announced by the DOH on Tuesday night had already passed away about 1:00 a.m. last Sunday June 14.
Mayor Rudy Espina
Mayor Espina Sr. said that patient KB-1 was a 65 year old male who was immediately buried at the local cemetery about 5:00 p.m. that day, with all the people that assisted from the cleanup of his cadaver up to the burying of his remains wearing PPEs.
He said that the family KB-1 were allowed to witness the burial, but were ordered to wear full PPEs, while relatives who witnessed the burial were placed in a far distance to avoid infection.
Mayor Espina Sr. said that the family arrived at the border of Biliran last June 11 on board a private van from Manila.
KB-1 was among the high risk passengers of the private van consisting of three senior citizens, two minors aged 2 and 7, and an adult female that composed the 6 passengers who were identified as Locally Stranded Individuals that were allowed to return home.
Mayor Espina Sr. continued that upon arrival at the border, the family were escorted by local policemen to Brgy. Inasuyan, where they were ordered to have home quarantine. He said that five of the LSIs are high risk persons because three were senior citizens and two were minors ages 2 and 7, with the senior citizens already showing various health problems.
He added that swab tests were taken from the 6 LSIs about 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, June 14. But at 1:00 a.m. on the same day KB-1 passed away.
Mayor Espina Sr. went on to say that last night, about 8:00 p.m., he received information from the DOH about the persons who tested positive of COVID-19 from the family of 6 that were swab tested. He said that KB-1, the patient that died last Sunday, and KB-2, the wife of KB-1 who is a 65 year old senior citizen also, both tested positive.
Immediately, Mayor Espina Sr. added that the tracing team of the municipality immediately went to the house where the 5 lived and picked up KB-2 and quarantined her at their Isolation Facility while the rest of the family remained on home quarantine.
Mayor Espina Sr. disclosed that all closed contacts of the family are all quarantined now. He said that this morning the Municipal Inter Agency Task Force convened to come up with immediate measures to contain the case.
The mayor Espina then issued the temporary lockdown of Brgy. Inasuyan starting 6:00 in the evening today, June 17, up to 6:00 tomorrow, June 18. This can be extended, so that is why he appealed to the residents of the barangay to stay at home.
The mayor also appealed to other barangays not to come out of their homes unless they are going to buy essentials. He also appealed to his constituents to observe basic health protocols like wearing of face mask, observe physical distancing and always have a good hygiene. He also appealed to all his constituents to maintain calm and not to panic.
BiliranIsland.com Staff
BiliranIsland.com
First Posted 05:17 PM 6/19/2020
Caibiran, Biliran — The Sangguniang Kabataan Chairman of one of the barangays here is presently jailed after he was arrested for illegal possession of unlicensed firearm about 4:15 p.m. on Tuesday, June 16 near the shoreline of Brgy. Looc here.
Caibiran COP Police Lt. Vic Viros identified the suspect as Allen Llorono y Montajes, 20, single, elected SK Chairman, and a resident of Brgy. Bariis, Caibiran, Biliran.
Initial investigation disclosed that a call from a concerned citizen to the police station about a commotion in the said place was responded to by the local police. The responding Caibiran Police led by Police Chief Lt Viros, Master Sergeant Juanito Geronimo, Police Staff Sergeant Romeo G. Dedil Jr, Police Corporal Jerson T. Elorde, Police Corporal Alex R. Elorde, Police Corporal Rommel R. Gervacio and Police Corporal Ronald C. Cesora immediately arrested the suspect who was under the influence of intoxicating liquor and creating trouble.
During the arrest, the police noticed a firearm was tucked at the back of Llorono’s waist, which was subsequently seized by the apprehending officers. The police asked the suspect if he has legal documents for carrying the firearms, but suspect failed to present any. This prompted the police to read to the suspect the Miranda Doctrine about his constitutional rights.
Recovered from the suspect’s possession was a cal .38 revolver with marking SMITH & WISSON with Serial No. 69388, loaded with five (5) unfired cartridges of the same caliber.
Charges of violation of RA 10591 the amended law against illegal possession of firearms, ammunition and explosive was filed against the suspect at the Provincial Prosecutors Office last Wednesday. – BiliranIsland.com
BiliranIsland.com Staff
BiliranIsland.com
First Posted 09:20 PM 6/19/2020
Biliran, Biliran— “I won’t sacrifice the livelihood of my constituents just because one person in town is COVID-19 positive.”
This was the reaction of Mayor Grace Casil of this town, during an interview this morning when asked if she would declare a lockdown after one of her constituents tested positive for COVID-19.
Biliran Mayor Grace Casil
Mayor Casil said that she won’t allow a lockdown because she does not want to hamper the living of her constituents and she does not want to give fear to the people of the town. She continued that life in Biliran is normal as if nothing happened.
But she added that the residents should keep on praying that the pandemic will end soon and hopes too that no other case will follow. Still they expect the worst, but she assured that the LGU Biliran is very much ready.
Mayor Casil said that no less than the Regional Director of the Department of Health Dr. Minerva Molon informed her yesterday that a local resident here was tested positive for COVID-19 after a swab test was taken from the patient. She said that the patient from Brgy. San Isidro is a Locally Stranded Individual (LSI) from Manila. The 27 yr old male patient arrived at the Biliran border from Manila on board a private van about 2:00 p.m. on June 11.
The mayor disclosed that Municipal Health Officer Dr. Jonathan Antonio met the patient at the border and directly brought him to the isolation unit. She said that contact tracing was ocompleted last night and Dr. Antonio informed her about their accomplishment in this activity. tracing.
Contact tracing in Biliran town.Contact tracing in Biliran town.
Mayor Casim added that after the report of Dr. Antonio was submitted, they met with MDRRM Officer Emmanuel Nierras and Myra Morales about their preparation should another resident in the municipality will become positive with the virus. They adjourned at 1:00 a.m.
Dr. Antonio disclosed that among those that they conducted contact tracing were the two persons who were with the positive patient at the isolation unit. The two continue to stay in isolation and, like the positive patient, they are asymptomatic.
Dr. Antonio went to say that one of the positive patient’s companion in the van going to Naval is from Brgy. Burabod, but is currently asymptomatic and turned out negative in the RT-PCR test. He further disclosed that the patient’s other companions at the van from Manila were one driver, three passengers from Saint Bernard, Southern Leyte, two from Leyte, Leyte and two from Biliran.
Meanwhile, Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Officer Emmanuel Nierras told media that they are presently preparing moderate bed isolation facilities in every barangay. He said that due to the influx of Balik Probinsya returnees, other quarantine facilities in the municipality have been overwhelmed.
He added that last June 16, as recommended by their MHO, they have temporarily closed several facilities and stopped accepting LSIs, like the facilities in San Isidro, San Roque, Pinangumhan and Busali, which are now full of persons under quarantine.
Nierras continued that when the 14 day quarantine of the LSI returnees in the said facilities will be completed, they will start to accept again on June 29.
“Wag tayong manlumo kasi ganito talaga ngayon. Hindi lang dito sa atin kundi itong epidemya na ito, this is for the entire nation,” Mayor Casil stressed, as she explained that this is not only happening in Biliran.
The mayor also asked her constituents to keep on praying, to face the consequences and be ready. – BiliranIsland.com
BiliranIsland.com Staff
BiliranIsland.com
First Posted 3:18 PM 6/25/2020
DEVELOPING STORY ON THE JAMORAWON VEHICULAR ACCIDENT
ALMERIA, BILIRAN – The vehicular accident along the National Highway in Brgy. Jamorawon, Almeria that led to the death of the motorcycle driver Jairo Estrada, 31 years old, of Salvacion, Culaba, Biliran, is now in the office of Prosecutor Richard Japson for inquest proceedings.
Charged with Reckless Imprudence Resulting to Homicide is Alexis Geo Dagalea, 18 years old, student, resident of Brgy. Calumpang, Naval, Biliran.
According to the Spot Report of the Almeria Police Station, as received by Biliran Island, the Toyota Hilux Pick Up Truck with Plate No. HAB 1516, driven by Dagalea, was heading to Naval while the Kawasaki Rouser RS 200 with Plate No. 083102, driven by Strada, was heading north towards Poblacion Almeria.
In a testimony stated by a witness, Mr. Roy Cabañas, who was also driving a motorcycle, he was tailing the motocycle driven by Estrada when the Toyota Pick Up truck overtook a Sedan type vehicle, which was also traversing towards Naval and encroaching the lane of the motorcycle driven by Estrada. Thus the head-on collision between the Pick Up truck and the motorcycle happened.
Mr. Estrada was pronounced dead on the spot. As of this writing, Mr. Dagalea is still in the custody of the Almeria MPS.
In cases like vehicular accidents, Biliran Island heavily relies on the official statements like Police Reports and Blotters in presenting its news.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)- Biliran District Engineering Office achieved 47.64% accomplishment of its CY 2020 implementation as of May 31, 2020.
David P. Adongay Jr., District Engineer (DE) reported that out of the 35 projects under CY 2020 General Appropriations Act (GAA) comprehensive release, Biliran DEO has completed eight while 28 are on-going.
DPWH-Biliran DEO has been allotted P1.08B under 2020 GAA for the implementation of 75 infrastructure projects. However, DE Adongay said that 40 of these were categorized as “For Later Release” (FLR) by the department, which means that the release of fund for the said projects are withheld.
“Because of COVID-19 situation, these FLR projects will not be released in full,” revealed DE Adongay.
The DE said that the office is already programming those FLR projects which can be completed this year and only the funds for that projects will be released.
“FLR projects which will not be funded this year will be included and prioritized in our CY 2021 listing,” DE Adongay said.
As of May 31, 2020, the district office has completed the P20M rehabilitation of Mapula Flood Control, P5M construction of multipurpose building, Brgy.Villa Vicenta, P2M construction of barangay road, Brgy. Victory, P1.17M construction of road, Ibanez St., Brgy. Palanay, P2.6M construction of road, Santiago St., Brgy. Palenque and Palanay and P1.2M construction of road, Mocorro St., Brgy. Palenque, all in the town of Caibiran.
Biliran DEO has also completed the P10M construction of Cabadiangan Flood Control in Naval town and P3M construction of seawall, Brgy. Baso, in the town of Cabucgayan.
According to DE Adongay, construction of infrastructure projects in Biliran is continuous following DPWH construction safety guidelines amidst COVID-19 health crisis
DPWH-Biliran DEO targets to finish all CY 2020 projects within the year as mandated under the new cash-based budgeting system of the department.
