DPWH-BDEO

The Department of Public Works and Highways – Biliran District Engineering Office (DPWH-BDEO) welcomes new District Engineer Ferdinand A. Briones in a turn-over ceremony on Monday, February 01, 2021.

DE Briones will assume the stewardship of Biliran DEO vacated by outgoing District Engineer David P. Adongay Jr. who in return will also assume the leadership of Northern Samar 2nd District Engineering Office in lieu of DE Briones.

“As a public servant and a good follower, if I may add, I would like to assure everyone that I come here to accomplish a mission mandated to me by our department,” said Briones.

Briones said that with the much-needed support and cooperation from Biliran DEO employees, he may be able to deliver his priorities as he begins his stint in the district.

According to Briones, aside from his priority to continue the programs and projects initiated by DE Adongay, he will also see to it that the proposed programs and projects of the district office for CY 2022 will be realized.

He also emphasized that he will enhance linkages with the agency’s stakeholders especially the Local Government Units (LGUs) through close coordination with the different local officials in order to support, prioritize and provide infrastructure development programs in the province.

The new district engineer also said that it is his priority to maximize manpower development both technical and non-technical to raise the bar of competence in program implementations and to practice the core values of the department which are Public Service, Integrity, Professionalism, Excellence and Teamwork.

Meanwhile, outgoing District Engineer Adongay has been awarded by Biliran DEO employees the plaque of appreciation in recognition, grateful acknowledgement and sincere appreciation for his eight years of dedicated services rendered to the agency as District Engineer.

The said ceremony was witnessed by Governor Rogelio J. Espina, Engr. Sandy T. Pua – Chief of Construction Division, Regional Office VIII, and Mr. Ritchie Garcia – District Head Officer at House of Representative on behalf of Congressman Gerardo J. Espina Jr.

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DPWH BDEO

Newly designated District Engineer Ferdinand A. Briones of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)- Biliran District Engineering Office (DEO) inspects major projects in Biliran on February 03, 2021.

Together with Section Chiefs and some technical personnel of Biliran DEO, DE Briones inspects projects along Naval-Caibiran Cross Country Road (NCCCR) starting with the on-going construction of Palanay Gymnasium in Caibiran town. This project is implemented in Phase 1 (Structural building) and Phase 2 (Roofing) under contract with BNL Construction amounting to P4.8M and P2.9M, respectively.

During the inspection, Briones talks with the contractors’ representative regarding some corrections that need to be done in the said project. According to Briones, this slight correction is important to make the roof strong to withstand the strongest typhoon. He instructed the contractor’s representative to review the plans and specifications and to closely coordinate with the project engineer for action. The completion of the project will provide a place for residents to hold different activities without being exposed to harsh weather conditions. This will also serve as an evacuation center for residents during calamities.

The second project inspected is the newly completed Cabibihan Bridge in Caibiran town funded by the Office of the President (OP) through the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) amounting to P15M. DE Briones suggested to Engr. Rosario B. Rosete, Chief of Planning and Design Section to request funds for the concrete paving of the bridge’s approaches and to construct flood mitigation structures along the river to protect the bridge against flooding.

The District Engineer also inspected two on-going projects- Emergency Repair of Damaged National Road with Slips, Slope Collapse and Landslide at Sitio Macalpi, Brgy. Cabibihan in the town of Caibiran amounting to P44.8M and P35M, respectively. These projects are essential for residents in the town of Caibiran and to its neighboring towns for faster access to the only Provincial Hospital and other basic essential services like banks and other financial institutions in the capital town of Naval.

Meanwhile, one road slope protection along Biliran Circumferential Road is also inspected funded under FY 2018 funds. The completed project provides safety to the travelling public.

DE Briones said that he will be regularly conducting project inspections to ensure that projects are in accordance with the approved plans and specifications and in order to familiarize himself with the different road sections in the Province. This is the first time that the new district engineer conducts project inspection since his assignment in this district office.

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By BiliranIsland.com Staff
Published 10:15 PM, February 26, 2021
BiliranIsland.com

Caibiran, Biliran— A construction foreman of a bridge being constructed to cut short the travel time from Brgy. Cabibihan to the town proper was arrested during a buy-bust by combined forces led by PDEA and the police about 11:10 in the morning on Thursday (Feb 25) at Brgy. Cabibihan of this municipality.D

PDEA Intelligence Officer 1 Hilbert R. Daan identified the suspect as Ruben Asentista, a.k.a “Bobet”, 34, with live-in-partner, foreman of MV Quirante Builders, a native of Liloy, Zamboanga del Norte, and presently residing at Sitio Tanghas, Bgry. Tomalistis, Caibiran, Biliran.

The authorities told the media covering the operation that the suspect has been listed as a Street Level Individual drug personality in the town of Caibiran several months after the construction firm he works with started constructing the short cut bridge. They said that after receiving information that the suspect was allegedly involved in illegal drugs activity in the area, they conducted surveillance on the suspect and after a month they learned he was indeed selling the illegal drugs of shabu to his fellow construction workers, especially those in night shifts.

Recovered from the possession of the suspect was one sachet containing white crystalline substance suspected to be shabu procured by an operative in the amount of P1000.

During body search in front of Chairman Nelson G. Corpin of Brgy. Brgy. Cabibihan, DOJ Representative Leonard Javinez and media personality Anthony Marlon C Mecaral, the searching agent recovered from the pocket of the suspect different coins followed by cash money in different denominations and a folded paper totaling P5,250. But two P500 bills bearing serial numbers AX752048 and FV477788 were marked money used for the operation. The folded paper when opened yielded 10 sachets containing white crystalline substance suspected to be shabu with an estimated value of P10, 000.

The searching cop also recovered one VIVO Redcellular phone from his pocket. The suspect denied owning the illegal drugs recovered from him, saying it was placed in his pocket by one of the people that arrested him. He said that ever since he did not bring these illegal items with him.

Charges of violations of RA 9165 are being readied by the arresting authorities against the suspect who is temporarily detained at the Caibiran Police Station.

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By Rodrigo S. Victoria
PIA Biliran

NAVAL, Biliran — The provincial government of Biliran started inoculation of health workers at the launching ceremony for the COVID-19 vaccination program at the Biliran Provincial Hospital (BPH) on March 10.

Some 20 health care workers of the Biliran Provincial Hospital were the first batch among the identified and submitted list of 215 BPH health care workers to DOH-8 for COVID-19 vaccination.

Some 100 Sinovac vaccines arrived in Biliran on March 10 for inoculation to the BPH health care workers. Inoculation of the Sinovac vaccines started on March 10 until March 12.

Dr. Nathaniel Borromeo, a BPH medical doctor, is the first Biliranon to receive the Sinovac vaccine.

Borromeo was followed by Dr. Joyce Pla-Caneja, BPH chief of hospital, with no less than Biliran Governor Rogelio J. Espina administering the injection of the Sinovac vaccine.

Some 215 doses of AstraZeneca vaccines are expected to arrive in the province on Friday, March 12, to be inoculated to the remaining BPH health care workers.

The inoculation of the AstraZeneca vaccines to the BPH health care workers will start on Saturday (March 13) until Monday (March 15).

The process of administering the COVID-19 vaccines in the province strictly followed the DOH vaccination processes such as registration, counseling, screening, vaccination, and post vaccination monitoring. (ldl/rsv/PIA Biliran)

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By Rodrigo S. Victoria
PIA Biliran

NAVAL, Biliran, — Some 16 farmers’ cooperatives and associations (FCAs) in Biliran province received 15 four-wheel tractors and 16 rice reapers during the turnover ceremony of the Agricultural Machinery Distribution for Region VIII under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund – Mechanization Program (RCEF) of the Department of Agriculture (DA) held at the Provincial Capitol Grounds on March 9.

The 16 FCAs of the province are recipients of the 2019 (2nd Batch) and 2020 (1st Batch) of the DA-8’s RCEF-Mechanization Program (RCEF).

The Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMec) in Science City of Munoz, Nueva Ecija, is the responsible office under the DA for the distribution of the modern farm machineries under the RCEF-Mechanization Program.

The distribution of farm machinery under RCEF is one component in the modernization of the industry under Republic Act (RA) No. 11203 or the Rice Tariffication Law signed in 2019 with Senator Cynthia Villar as principal author.

The following FCAs in the province of Biliran have received the modern farm machineries: Barangay Tamarindo Farmers Association, Barangay Tamarindo, Almeria Biliran with one (1) unit four-wheel tractor; Hugpa Farmers Association, Barangay Hugpa, Biliran, Biliran with one (1) unit four-wheel tractor and four (4) units rice reapers; Kasabangan-Balaquid Irrigators Association, Inc., Barangay Balaquid, Cabucgayan, Biliran with one (1) unit four-wheel tractor and two (2) units rice reapers; Sitio Guindulangan Farmers Association, Barangay Binohangan, Caibiran, Biliran with one (1) unit four-wheel tractor; and Binohangan Farmers Association, Barangay Binohangan, Caibiran, Biliran with one (1) unit four-wheel tractor.

Kawayan-Anas-Ungale Farmers Association, Inc., Barangay Anas, Kawayan, Biliran with one(1) four-wheel tractor; Talustusan Farmers Association, Barangay Talustusan, Naval, Biliran with one (1) unit four-wheel tractor and six(6) units rice reapers; Culaba Farmers Association, Barangay Virigina, Culaba, Biliran with four (4) units rice reapers; Victory Irrigators and Farmers Association, Barangay Victory, Caibiran, Biliran with one (1) unit four-wheel tractor; and Nagkaisang Magsasaka ng Caibiran (NAMACA) Cooperative, Barangay Victory, Caibiran, Biliran with one (1) unit four-wheel tractor.

Other recipient organizations are: Tucdao-Anas Farmers, Irrigators Association, Inc., Barangay Tucdao, Kawayan, Biliran with one (1) unit four-wheel tractor; Mapuyo Farmers Irrigators Association, Barangay Mapuyo, Kawayan, Biliran with one (1) unit four-wheel tractor; Magbangon, Libertad, Bunga (MALIBU) Irrigators Association, Inc., Barangay Magbangon, Cabucgayan, Biliran with one (1) unit four-wheel tractor; Balaquid cabucgayan Agri-Farmers Association (BACAFA), Barangay Balaquid, Cabucgayan, Biliran with one (1) unit four-wheel tractor; Binongto-an Farmers Association, Barangay Binongto-an, Culaba, Biliran with one (1) unit four-wheel tractor; and Culaba Farmers Association, Barangay Virginia, Culaba, Biliran with one (1) unit four-wheel tractor.

Biliran Congressman Gerardo J. Espina Jr., who was present during the turnover ceremony, said that the province is fortunate for being chosen as one of the 57 provinces in the country which received said modern farm machineries.

Biliran Governor Espina, who was also present, requested for additional funding for the implementation of the Rice Tariffication Law from P10-B to P100-B to further improve the lives of rice farmers not only in the province but of the whole country. (ldl/rsv/PIA Biliran)

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By Lailani P. Tupaz
PIA Biliran

NAVAL, Biliran — Starting March 15, 2021, a modern and comfortable bus will start its regular trip from Naval to Tacloban and vice versa.

The Visayas Liner, owned by the Visayas Ventures Inc. from Leyte, aims to provide safe and comfortable ride with its two-seater column with 37-seater capacity.

During a presscon in Ormoc City, Rainier Mancera, president of the Visayas Ventures Inc., said the bus has sa TV, Wi-Fi, charger, a comfort room, and manned by trained drivers and conductors.

Aside from entertainment, the bus has a global positioning system (GPS) for the operator to monitor its travel particularly the speed of the bus, Mancera said.

Coping with the pandemic to avoid frequent close contacts, shortchanging in paying fares, and in compliance to the national government’s PUV modernization program, Visayas Liner is into a cashless transaction using the TRIPKO card.

For Naval riding public on its first regular trip on Monday, March 15, a ticketing station is installed at the Naval Terminal where free TRIPKO cards are provided. Passengers may load for a minimum of P300 to a maximum of P5,000.

The TRIPKO card is not only valid for the Naval-Tacloban trip of Visayas Liner but is also valid for use in all other modern public utility vehicles all over the country.

Free TRIPKO cards are also available at Robinsons Marasbaras Terminal and Robinsons Place Ormoc Terminal, according to Mancera.

Ormoc-Tacloban and Tacloban-Ormoc trips also start regular trips on March 15 with the following schedules: Ormoc to Tacloban and Tacloban to Ormoc – 5 a.m., 8 a.m., 11 a.m., 2 p.m, and 5 p.m.

The Naval to Tacloban and Tacloban to Naval trip schedules are as follows: 5 a.m., 9 a.m., 1 p.m., and 5 p.m.

Visayas Liner was officially launched in Ormoc City on March 12, 2021, and in Naval on November 13, 2020. (ldl/mlt/PIA8 Biliran)

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By BiliranIsland.com Staff
Published 09:30 PM, March 16, 2021
BiliranIsland.com

Naval, Biliran— After 14 years of hiding from justice, the No. 1 Most Wanted Person of this province finally fall to the hands of the law after he was arrested about 10: 30 in the evening last Saturday (Mar 13) at Mabuhay 2000 Subdivision Paliparan 2, Dasmariñas City, Cavite.

Naval COP Police Major Michael John Astorga, identified the suspect as Danny Pigon, legal age and a native of Caibiran, Biliran.

The suspect was arrested by virtue of a Warrant of Arrest Robbery with Homicide and Carnapping under CC no. N-2483 and N-2484 issued by Hon. Bienvenido M. Montalla; Presiding Judge RTC, 8th Judicial Region, Branch 16, Naval, Biliran; dated June 13, 2013 with No Bail recommend.

The said arrested suspect was reportedly the leader of the delisted Camero Criminal Gang of Biliran Province whose modus operandi includes free-lance Private Armed Groups of local politicians, Gun for Hire, Robbery, and Carnapping.

On July 9, 2006 at around 1:30 AM, Subject Pigon led an inside-job robbery at Biliran Electric Cooperative carting away more than P3 million in cash money, killing one of the security guards, and also wounding another. Records show that on their way to escape, they carnapped one of BILECOs staff car and uses this as their get-away vehicle.

Presently, aforesaid accused is now under the custody of Dasmariñas CPS while awaiting transfer to this province where he will face his charges in court here. – BiliranIsland.com 

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By BiliranIsland.com Staff
Photos by Agustin Lemuel
Published 10:36 PM, March 16, 2021
BiliranIsland.com

Almeria, Biliran— A septuagenarian driver died while being treated at a private hospital in Ormoc City while two other persons on board another single motorcycle were treated for injuries at the Biliran Provincial Hospital in Naval, Biliran after figuring a road mishap that also involved a private car about 8:50 in the morning today (Mar 16) along the national highway in Sitio Daro, Brgy Poblacion, Almeria, Biliran.

Police Lt Edwin Simbajon, COP Almeria Police Station identified the fatality as Exequiel Beltran, 74, married a resident of Brgy. Jamorawon, Almeria, Biliran and the two injured were identified as Bernard Corto, 54, Brgy Treasurer and his cousin Nestor Corto, legal age, all residents of Brgy Matanggo, Almeria, Biliran. While the driver of a private car involved in the mishap was identified as Nelson Espuerta, 52, married a resident of Brgy. Pili, Almeria, Biliran.

Case Investigator Police Corporal Luke Mark A. Astorga in a telephone interview disclosed that Beltran was driving a Honda wave110 single motorcycle color black, with Plate number 0939212 and was on his way to the town of Almeria. While the Skygo SG 125 color white and black driven by the Barangay Treasurer with back rider Nestor Corto, with Plate number 080104 and the Suzuki Celerio-MT, color red, with Plate number HAB-9030 driven by Espuerta were on their way to Naval town coming from the town of Almeria.

Cpl. Astorga said that upon reaching the place of occurrence, the Suzuki Celerio overtook the Skygo motorcycle, failing to notice the Honda Wave was crossing the national highway heading Almeria, Biliran proper while coming out from a gasoline station. Cpl. Astorga disclosed that the Suzuki Celerio and the Honda Wave figured in a head-on collision resulting in severe injuries of the motorcycle driver Beltran and damages to both vehicles involved.

The impact from the collision causes the Honda wave to bounce towards the Skygo motorcycle that caused the two riders of the motorcycle to fall to the road incurring injuries to the two riders and damages of their vehicle also. The injured persons were immediately brought by Almeria Ambulance to Biliran Provincial Hospital for immediate medical assistance.

But because of the severity of the injuries incurred by Beltran was transferred to the Ormoc Sugarcane Planters Association Family Medical Center (OSPA-FMC) in Ormoc City where he died while he was treated in the said hospital.

The local police are preparing charges of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide against Espuerta who is temporarily detained at the Almeria Police Station. While the remains of Beltran is still in the Ormoc Hospital and is being readied to return home. – BiliranIsland.co

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By BiliranIsland.com Staff
Photos by Agustin Lemuel
Published 10:24 PM, March 17, 2021
BiliranIsland.com

Kawayan, Biliran—The alleged Top 5 inthe drug watch list of PDEA in the Province of Biliran was arrested by the combined forces of the primary anti-drug agency and the Station Drug Enforcement Team (SDET) of the local police during a buy bust operation about 5:40 in the afternoon today (Mar. 17) at Brgy. Tabunan here.

Intelligence Officer I Jerum Chiquillo identified the suspect as Romeo Ebajan, 51, married, construction worker, and a resident of the said barangay. The suspect was adrug surrenderee of Oplan Tokhang in 2016 as a drug user.

Recovered from thepossession of the suspect was one sachet containing white crystalline substance suspected to be shabu procured by an agent in the amount of P500.

During bodysearch in front of Hon. Chairwoman Bernadette S. Asubar, Media Representative Anthony Marlon Mecaral, and DOJ Representative Reyna G. Colis, the searching agent recovered from the pocket of the suspect a plastic container and 1 pc P500cash. During the opening of the plastic container this yielded four more sachets containing the same white crystalline substance suspected to be shabu with an estimated value of P2000.

On the other hand the one pc P500 bill bearing serial number MK586297 was marked money used in the buy bust operation.

The suspect did not issue any comments when asked by the media about the illegal items recovered from him. Charges of violations of RA 9165 are being readied by the arresting authorities against the suspect who is temporarily detained at the Kawayan Municipal Station. – BiliranIsland.com

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By Rodrigo S. Victoria
PIA Biliran

NAVAL, Biliran — It’s more fun this summer season in the island town of Maripipi where the famous Sambawan Island is located as the local government unit will be relaunching the island tourism industry by next month.

“We will relaunch the tourism industry of the island on April 16,” said Maripipi Mayor Joseph Canonoy Caingcoy in an interview.

Caingcoy clarified that the relaunching, specifically at Sambawan Island, will now be managed by the local government unit and no longer by the former developer of the island resort.

He dubbed the new tourism campaign brand as “Sambawan Resort Maripipi Island” for easy name recall of the island town with Sambawan.

The relaunching of the island tourism is expected to be attended by regional officials of the DOT in Eastern Visayas, some top officials of Biliran province, local media, and other invited guests and visitors.

The first termer mayor who instituted rapid progress and development of his hometown in the areas of health, infrastructure, social, economic, and eco-tourism anchored on his leadership brand “USWAG Maripipi,” informed that the tourism industry of the island town is open to the public starting April 17.

He informed that all tourists going to the island shall first drop at the town’s RoRo Port for health screening in compliance to Covid-19 minimum public health standards.

Payment of P20 environmental fee and P80 entrance fee will also be done at the RoRo Port, he added.

He also said that based on IATF guidelines, the number of tourists to be accepted in a day is 200 persons only.

Caingcoy said that the LGU will be posting advisories on how to get there, fare rates, and other information before the date of the relaunching for information and guidance of tourists. (ldl/rsv/PIA Biliran)

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DPWH Biliran

A new and a modern state of the art Municipal Building will soon rise in the town of Caibiran as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)- Biliran District Engineering Office (BDEO) kicks off the construction of the building.

Caibiran Mayor Rhodessa D. Revita and Vice Mayor Linda V. Baleyos led the groundbreaking ceremony on Monday March 15 together with Congressman Gerardo J. Espina Jr., Governor Rogelio J. Espina, DPWH-BDEO District Engineer Ferdinand A. Briones, Assistant District Engineer Alfredo L. Bollido and Mr. Warlito B. Alagao of W.B. Alagao Construction.

According to Briones, the 3-storey municipal building has a modern structural design with a total floor area of 2,377.8 sq.m. and will rise in a 33×26 meter-lot area.

“Maganda po ang soil dito (site), the stability of the building is fair enough to sustain the 3 floors of the structure,” said Briones.

Briones added the new Municipal Building has a complete civil, electrical, plumbing and sanitary works including air conditioning and other wall finishes. The said project has an appropriation amount of P30M under contract with Chu Construction.

DE Briones revealed that this project will be completed by the early part of January or February of 2022.

When completed, the new municipal building will provide a spacious and a convenient workplace for the LGU employees which in return will give hassle-free transactions and a more quality service for their fellow Caibiranons.

Mayor Revita, in her speech, expresses her gratefulness to Congressman Gerardo Espina Jr. and Governor Rogelio Espina for their strong support in the realization of this project.

According to the Mayor, the said project is a dream come true for the people of Caibiran. She encouraged her constituents to continue delivering good public service to attain its vision for a more vibrant and revitalize Caibiran.

Aside from the new Municipal Building, DPWH-Biliran DEO will also implement a total of P8M for the construction of a new legislative building and P41M Water Supply System in Caibiran town under FY 2021 implementation.

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By BiliranIsland.com Staff
Published 04:33 PM, March 26, 2021
BiliranIsland.com

Naval, Biliran — An inmate facing rape charges languishing and at the Biliran Provincial Jail while waiting for the hearing of his case was reported to have escaped from the said jail facility about 12:45 in the morning today (Mar 26) at the Capitol Ground, Brgy Calumpang, Naval, Biliran.

Naval Chief of Police Major Michael John Astorga identified the escapee as Simion Combate, 30, a resident of Sitio Lupa, Brgy Calumpang, Naval, Biliran.

Naval police said that a certain Donabelle Cuevas, Jail Guard of Biliran Provincial Jail, called Naval MPS and reported that one of their Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) escaped from their custodial facility.

Major Astorga said that upon receiving the said report he immediately dispatched Police Corporals Cecile Ray Ceniza and Jerson Banghal and Pat. Jilton Lagado to conduct an investigation at the said jail facility.

Initial investigation conducted by the disclosed that the said escapee faces the crime of rape, and gained his exit by climbing the perimeter fence at the rear side of the building.

A manhunt operation is being conducted by the Naval, Biliran police for the possible arrest of the suspect. – BiliranIsland.com

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By BiliranIsland.com Staff
Published 11:11 PM, March 26, 2021
BiliranIsland.com

Caibiran, Biliran —- Three sachets containing white crystalline substance suspected to be shabu were recovered by joint forces from the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit, PDEA, and the Station Drug Enforcement Team about 1:56 in the afternoon today (Mar 26) at Brgy. Palanay here.

Caibiran COP Police Lt. Vic Viros identified the suspect as Anthony Visbal, a.k.a “Nognog”, 44, married, laborer, and a resident of the barangay. The suspect is listed in the drug personalities by the police of this town.

Recovered from the possession of the suspect was one sachet containing white crystalline substance suspected to be shabu procured by an operative in the amount of P1000. During body search in front of SBM Ramonito R. Martos, of Brgy. Palanay, media representative Anthony Marlon Mecaral and Leonard Javinez from the Department of Justice the searching operative recovered from his waist a folded piece of paper that once spreaded contained two more sachets containing white crystalline substance suspected to be shabu with an estimated value of P2000.

Also recovered was a P1000 cash bill bearing serial number MK160515 which is marked money used for the operation.

The suspect did not issue any statement when asked about the recovery of illegal items from him.

Charges of violation of RA 9165, the Comprehensive Law against illegal drugs of 2002 was being prepared by the arresting officers against the suspect who was temporarily detained at the Caibiran Police Station. – BiliranIsland.com

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By BiliranIsland.com Staff
Published 06:15 PM, March 28, 2021
BiliranIsland.com

Naval, Biliran— The Person Deprived of Liberty (PDL) who escaped insidethe Biliran Provincial Jail at dawn yesterday was caught by the local police andresidents at a rice field about 11:30 in the morning today in Brgy. Sto. Niño hereand is back at the jail he escaped.

Naval COP Police MajorMichael John Astorga, identified the escapee as Simion Combate, 30, farmer, aresident of Sitio Lupa, Brgy Calumpang, Naval, Biliran.

The suspect is facing charges of rape for abusing a minor and was arrested on May 19, 2020 at the farm he was working by the local police. The police said that while conducting a continued manhunt for the escapee led by Police Master Sergeant Raul Monterola received a text message from an informant the escapee was seen at the riverside in Brgy.Sto. Niño. Monterola and his group immediately proceeded to the area where the chance to meet a group of rice workers whom they asked if they found a person who acted strangely.

When the police gave the description of the escapee the rice workers told the police that they noticed a man that passed at the rice field that acted strangely and pointed to the area where the escapee was last seen. The local police and the rice workers proceeded to the area and found the escapee crawling at the rice paddy and they immediately got hold of the escapee who came with them peacefully. The police recovered from the escapee was one kitchen knife. The escapee was immediately brought back to the Biliran Provincial Jail after he was rearrested.

In an interview the PDL said that he escaped because there is no hearing of his case. He said that he was alone when he planned to escape at the jail and one outside hid at a coconut tree till the morning. He said that there is no reason to be remorseful for what he did and added that he was lucky he was not harmed by the arresting cops. – BiliranIsland.com

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By BiliranIsland.com Staff
Published 02:00 PM, March 29, 2021
BiliranIsland.com

Naval, Biliran—
A Priority Target Listed person of the local police in their drive against illegal drugs was collared during a buy bust operation about 6:10 in the evening on Saturday (Mar 27) at Sitio Lupa, Brgy Calumpang, Naval, Biliran.

Naval COP Police Major Michael JOHN Astorga identified the suspect as Jaymark Panabla aka “Mark Dela Cruz” aka “Ugok”, 20, single, jobless, a resident of Brgy Guindapunan, Culaba, Biliran.

Recovered from the possession of the suspect was one sachet containing white crystalline substance suspected to be shabu procured by an operative in the amount of P500. During body search in front of Hon Felly Obispo, DOJ Rep Leonard Javinez and Media representative Marlon Anthony Mecaral, the searching cop recovered Five pieces One Hundred Peso bills with Serial Nos. ZS 723723, DL 005185, LW 605049, HJ 876604 and XE 311538, which are marked monies for the said operation. Also recovered from the possession of the suspect were three sachets containing white crystalline substance suspected to be shabu with an estimated street value of P1500 and a .38 caliber snub nose revolver without serial number with three live ammos.

The suspect admitted owning all the illegal items recovered by the police from him.

Charges of violation of RA 9165, the Comprehensive Law against Illegal Drugs of 2002 is being readied by the arresting authorities against the suspect who is temporarily detained at the Naval Police Station. – BiliranIsland.com

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The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) proposes for the construction of a bridge that would connect Biliran to the mainland of Leyte. This is due to the poor condition of Biliran Bridge which can no longer accommodate large tonnage of vehicles/ cargoes.

District Engineer Ferdinand A. Briones revealed that the proposed bridge will be constructed parallel to the existing old Biliran Bridge.

“The redundant structure such as parallel or twin bridge will not only provide an alternate route but also augment the carrying capacity by effectively adding more tonnage and lanes for traffic.,” said Briones.

According to the District Engineer, the Bridges Management Cluster (BMC)- Unified Project Management Office (UPMO) of DPWH Central Office has already conducted site validation of the proposed bridge on Thursday, March 25.

The said site validation was headed by Engr. Arvin D. Sanchez, BMC-UPMO together with Engr. Patrick James F. Supan, BMC-UPMO and Engr. John Lemuel A. Pica from DPWH Regional Office VIII in coordination with Engr. Gene F. Delfin, DPWH Biliran DEO Bridge Management System (BMS) District Coordinator.

Delfin revealed that the proposed bridge is already included in the FY 2022 Regional Budget Proposal (RDP) with an estimated amount of P500M.

“However, based on the site validation, the BMC-UPMO will still conduct thorough planning if the bridge will be constructed in two lanes or four lanes,” said Engr. Delfin.

As per site validation, Delfin revealed that the parallel Biliran Bridge will be constructed on the right side of the existing Biliran Bridge (Biliran side) because the problem on Road-Right-of-Way (RROW) is lesser.

She added that the preparation of Detailed Engineering Design will be conducted by the BMC-UPMO in the 2nd semester of 2021 and possibly be implemented under the FY 2023 National Expenditure Program (NEP).

Delfin revealed that there is also a possibility of constructing a bridge at the Nasunugan Spillway which is also considered a critical link to Biliran Bridge.

The existing Biliran Bridge which was inaugurated in 1976 is already showing deterioration, thus a construction of parallel bridge is recommended.

The Biliran Bridge is considered a major bridge because this is the only link of the Province by land not only in going to Leyte and Samar but to the other parts of the country.

The post DPWH PROPOSES FOR A CONSTRUCTION OF A PARALLEL BILIRAN BRIDGE appeared first on Biliran Blogs.

BiliranIsland.com Staff
BiliranIsland.com
First Posted 10:30:00 03/31/2021
Photos courtesy of Byahewithpaa and Biliran Island contributors

Capoocan, Leyte – Twenty-five passengers that included 10 minors, on board two motorized bancas were rescued when one of the motorized banca capsized after being dragged by another boat passed 6:00 in the evening yesterday Tuesday (Mar 30) along the seawater off Capoocan, Leyte.

Police reports disclosed that at around 7:00 in the evening yesterday Capoocan police received a phone call from Cabucgayan, Biliran police informing that a motorized banca capsized in their area. Capoocan police immediately responded the said report and conducted seaborne patrol to the area to verify the veracity of the report.

Initial investigation revealed that three motorized banca were navigating from an island in Capoocan going home to Cabucgayan after having a birthday celebration. Accordingly, one of the motorized banca owned by Renato Makirang with more or less 14 passengers dragged the other motorized banca skippered by Bertram Enriquez due to engine malfunction. The investigation added that the dragged motorized banca skippered by Bertram accidentally capsized due to heavy waves.

The responding rescuers from the Capoocan Municipal Police and the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Office rescue group conducted seaborne rescue operation which resulted in the successful retrieval of said persons.

The rescued passengers were brought to Rural Health Unit of Cabucgayan, Biliran for immediate physical assessment. The rescue operation ended with no casualty reported.

The survivors were indentified as 1. Renato Makirang, 30 y/o, res. of Brgy Libertad, Cabucgayan, Biliran; 2. Maria Prices Ann Makirang, 4 y/o, res. of Brgy Libertad,Cabucgayan, Biliran; 3. Bebelyn Inriquez, 18 y/o, res. of Brgy Libertad, Cabucgayan, Biliran; 4. Evelyn Valles, 17 y/o, res. of Brgy Libertad, Cabucgayan, Biliran; 5. Richard Carbo, 27 y/o, res. of Brgy. Baso, Cabucgayan, Biliran; 6. Margie Agang, 16 y/o, res. of Brgy Libertad, Cabucgayan, Biliran; 7. Vedalyn Inriquez, 16 y/o, res. of Brgy Libertad, Cabucgayan, Biliran; 8. Erica Cacharo, 18 y/o, res. of Brgy Bunga Cabucgayan, Biliran; 9. Rose Ann luna, 18 y/o, res. of Brgy Magbangon, Cabucgayan, Biliran; 10. Angelica Niñada, 16 y/o, res. of Brgy Bunga, Cabucgayan, Biliran;
11. Christian Tequillo, 18 y/o, res. of Brgy Bunga, Cabucgayan, Biliran; 12. Mary Jane Cacharo, 23 y/o, res. of Brgy Bunga, Cabucgayan, Biliran; 13. Jerlyn Gala, 17 y/o, res. of Brgy Julita, Biliran, Biliran; 14. Eerly Cris Tequillo, 26 y/o, res. of Brgy Bunga, Cabucgayan, Biliran; 15. Edito Tequillo, 28 y/o, res. of Brgy Bunga, Cabucgayan, Biliran; 16. Elremark Tequillo, 22 y/o, res. of Brgy Bunga, Cabucgayan, Biliran; 17. Romel Palconit, 22 y/o, res. of Brgy. Baso, Cabucgayan, Biliran; 18. Aira loquez, 19 y/o, res. of Brgy Bunga, Cabucgayan, Biliran; 19. Geralyn Moncada, 17 y/o, res. of Brgy Bunga, Cabucgayan, Biliran; 20. Daisy Tibes, 18 y/o, res. of Brgy Baso, Cabucgayan, Biliran;
21. Eugene Cabia, 17 y/o, res. of Brgy Balaquid, Cabucgayan, Biliran; 22. Cherry Lungcayana, 17 y/o, res. of Brgy Bunga, Cabucgayan, Biliran; 23. Jessa mae Loquez, 17 y/o, res. of Brgy Bunga, Cabucgayan, Biliran; 24. John Mark Barcelona, 17 y/o, res. of Brgy Balaquid, Cabucgayan, Biliran; and 25. Jonathan Sanico, 25 y/o, res. of Brgy Libertad, Cabucgayan, Biliran. – BiliranIsland.com

The post 25 passengers of motorized banca coming from a birthday celebration survive sea mishap appeared first on Biliran Blogs.

BiliranIsland.com Staff
BiliranIsland.com
First Posted 11:10:00 04/01/2021

Naval, Biliran – The local police in the capital town in the Province of Biliran are conducting a thorough investigation over the alleged shooting to death of a Norwegian National inside their house about 10:25 in the evening last night Wednesday (Mar 31) in Sitio Kahukaw, Brgy. Villa Caneja here.

Naval COP Police Major Michael John Astorga identified the victim as Svein Hakonse y Ingar, 63, married, a Norwegian National who is temporarily residing in the said place with his wife, child, parents and sibling.

The police said that Chairwoman Juanilla Monchedora, of Brgy. Villa Caneja has called their station reporting about a shooting incident in the barangay. Acting on the said report the local police immediately responded and went to the house of the victim which is isolated from the barangay proper and located in the mountainous area. Upon arrival at the house of the victim, the responding police found that the victim was lying lifeless inside his house with a gunshot wound on his jaw.

The police have requested SOCO operatives to process the crime scene.

Meanwhile, Chairwoman Juanilla Monchedora, in an interview said that the wife of the victim went to their house last night informing them of what happened. But she said did not asked anything about the incident because she immediately reported the incident to the police. She added that she learned that the couple has built a house in the isolated part of the barangay but it has a road in front of the house.

Chairwoman Monchedora continued that the couple did not inform the barangay about their building of a house, but they always saw them passing at the barangay hall riding their vehicle.

She added that aside from the couple’s siblings and parents they also hire a security guard.
The local police are conducting a hot pursuit to people they considered as person of interest. – BiliranIsland.com

The post Norwegian national found dead appeared first on Biliran Blogs.

BiliranIsland.com Staff
BiliranIsland.com
First Posted 07:00:00 04/05/2021

Cabucgayan, Biliran — A 9 year old boy who went out with friends to swim at the seawall was found lifeless about 5: 30 in the afternoon of Sunday (Apr 4) at Sitio Basud, Brgy. Balaquid.

Cabucgayan Chief of Police Lt. Teofilo Gervacio identified the victim as Sedrick Sagaya, 9, Grade III pupil and a resident of the said barangay.

Initial investigation conducted by the local police disclosed that the victim along with his cousin and friends were swimming at the sea wall of the said place in the afternoon.

The police in an interview with a 10 year old cousin of the victim said that while they were busy swimming with other friends at the seawall, he did not notice the whereabouts of his cousin whom he knew did not know how to swim, thinking that he went home ahead of them.

A certain Rodney Lamoste, 24, single, a resident of the said barangay told police in an interview that his attention was called by a certain Maureen that there was a body of a person lying with his belly under the sea bed a meter distance from the seawall.

Lamoste said that he immediately jumped to the seawall and recovered the body of the victim. He said that they immediately rushed the victim to the Rural Health Unit of Cabucgayan for immediate medical attention, but was declared Dead on Arrival by attending Physician Dr. Julieta C. Tan. The victim’s cadaver was brought to a local funeral parlor before bringing this to their home.

The post 9 yr old boy drowned to death appeared first on Biliran Blogs.

BiliranIsland.com Staff
BiliranIsland.com
First Posted 04:34:00 04/06/2021

Biliran Gov. Rogelio J. Espina, signed and issued Local Executive Order No. 10 on Tuesday, April 6, 2021. An order implementing new Travel Requirements and Quarantine regulations for travelers coming from outside Eastern Visayas ( Region 8 ) into The Province of Biliran in response to increasing Covid19 Cases.

All incoming travelers to Biliran Province coming from outside Region 8 are required a negative RT-PCR test result taken 48 hrs prior to arrival.

The EO will take effect on April 7 2021 until lifted.

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