Eastern Samar
REPORTER
VOLUME 3 No. 39 JANUARY 10-16, 2010
One soldier wounded in
encounter at Oras village
• Army believes
they killed one, and
wounded two on the
enemy side
Catbalogan City- One soldier
from the  14th Infantry Battalion (IB)
was wounded in an encounter at Sitio
Tugop, Barangay Rizal, Oras,  East-
ern Samar. The soldier was identified
as Pfc Ramon Entico who was hit on
his right leg.
The spot report forwarded to
PIA Samar by Col. Armand Rico stat-
ed that a group of armed men, around
ten people, attacked the troops led
by Lt Antonio Dayag while on com-
munity work at the abovementioned
place. The soldiers’ attackers are
believed to be members of the New
People’s Army, Southeast Command
of the Eastern Samar Party Commit-
tee, Eastern Visayas Regional Party
Command .
Government soldiers, on the
other hand, believe that they have
killed at least one rebel and wounded
two more, based on the trail of blood
they saw on the site of the encoun-
ter.
The 14th IB team recovered M
16 rifle, one rifle grenade, two back-
pack with voluminous subversive
documents, one bandolier w 3 mag
ammo, med kit I detonating cord with
blasting cap
Major General Arthur Tabaque-
ro instructed Lt Col Jaime Hidalgo,
commanding Officer of the battalion
to continue pursuit operations and
intensify security operations in the
area.
In related development, the 8th
Infantry Division through Col. Ar-
mand Rico, said that the army in the
past year acquired a significant lead
over the rebels due to the different
activities conducted.
Rico reported that the govern-
ment has conducted some 6,371
security operations where they had
70 encounters and in the process,
killed 12 enemies. They were also
able to capture/apprehend some 26
suspected rebels.
As they rounded off nooks
and crannies of the rebels’ lair, some
159 surrendered and 145 firearms
recovered.
The army, the report said, as a
staunch supporter of the peace pro-
cess has enticed 208  Rebel Returnees
where 109  of them have applied for
cash rewards and other livelihood
benefits to the Social integration
Program.
see SOLDIER p. 3
Borongan City, Eastern Samar P 10.00
CIDG Eastern Samar chief Sr. Insp. Nelson Llaneta with two fishermen who turned over to his unit around 620 grams
of cocaine that they reportedly found.
Former prov’l police director proud of achievements,
says he has disbanded most crime groups except one
Borongan City – Former Phil-
ippine National Police (PNP) Pro-
vincial Director Sr. Supt. Prudencio
Ancheta De la Cruz leaves Eastern
Samar fully confident that the prov-
ince would be at peace after he and
his men had neutralized the robbery
hold up gangs in the area during his
stint.
This, de la Cruz said in his talk
during the turnover ceremony held
last week at the PNP Provincial Head-
quarters, Camp Asidillo. The reins of
the PNP provincial office were given
to the new PD, Sr. Supt. Felixberto
Marudo Castillo.
“Except for one last group in
Borongan, which I admit has yet to
be handcuffed, I am proud to say that
I have done my homework  in taking
to pieces these menace of society,
specifically the highway robbers,”
he said.
He divulged that this one last
group, which once in a while disrupts
the peace and quiet of Borongan
populace, is very slippery. He said
they easily elude arrest whenever the
police are out on an operation against
them. He added that the group is
headed by one Cris Parena who used
to be a member of the New People’s
Army (NPA), but later became a mili-
tary and police asset. But, De la Cruz
is hopeful the days of this Parena
group are now coming to end.
website: www.evmailnews.com
Gov. Ben Evardone thanks PD dela Cruz for his crusade against brigands,
and welcomed to Eastern Samar his new replacement.
The outgoing PNP director
also was proud to report  that he
likewise was able to dismantled the
so-called untouchable drug pushers
in Quinapondan town, Oras, Guiuan
and Borongan; it can be recalled that
he and his teams in 2008 successfully
raided and arrested a family  in Oras
town which used to enjoy trading the
illegal drug.
In addition, shortly before he
finished his term in the province, de
la Cruz with his policemen was able
to recover about 200 kilos of high
grade cocaine in the seas of Arteche,
San Policarpo, Dolores, Borongan,
Maydolong and Llorente.  Police
estimated the volumes of cocaine to
cost billions.
Meanwhile, Governor Ben
Evardone referred to de la Cruz as an
“action man”.
“In behalf of the province, I
would like to personally thank Supt.
De la Cruz for helping us in Eastern
Samar maintain peace as we moved
see DIRECTOR p.
30 more cocaine
bricks turned over
to PDEA
With a report from
NILO BORDIOS
Tacloban City – Police Senior
Superintendent Rey Lañada of the
Police Regional Office 8 turned over
another thirty (30) cocaine bricks to
the Philippine Drug Enforcement
Agency in Region 8 on January 11.
This is part of the continuous
recovery efforts of the cocaine bricks
believed to have been thrown at the
shores of the Samar Islands.
The turnover which was held at
the Conference Room of PNP 8 this
week was attended by no less than the
Officer In Charge of PDEA 8 Julius
R. Navales who accepted the cocaine
bricks from the PNP 8 Director.
After the short rite which was
also attended by the PDEA 8 per-
sonnel anfd the personnel from the
PNP Crime Lab, the assistant city
Prosecutor, members of the academe
and media representatives, a press
conference took place.
Director Lanada directed all
police stations along the shorelines
of the Region to monitor any similar
recovery of cocaine bricks by the lo-
cal fishermen.
He also called for the mobi-
lization of the Bantay Dagat teams
of the concerned municipalities and
neighboring areas to monitor and help
inform the public to turn over to the
Philippine National Police recovery
of similar items.
Earlier, about 218 cocaine
bricks were turned over by the
Philippine National Police under
then Police Director Mario Rupinta
Sandiego to PDEA on December 29.
This brings the number of cocaine
bricks turned over to the PDEA to
248, said to be worth P5-billion in
its street value.
The cocaine bricks were first
recovered by fishermen in a coastal
barangay of Maydolong, which then
spread to other areas. After the first
batch, joint elements of the Eastern
Samar Police Provincial Office with
the 4th Alpha Coy of the Philippine
Army and 52nd IB Delta Coy made
a concerted effort to recover more
along the shores of the municipalities
of Balangkayan, Maydolong, San
Policarpo and Llorente, all in Eastern
Samar and in Catarman, Northern
Samar.
3 COCAINE p. 3
see
PAGE 2 Eastern Samar REPORTER JANUARY 10-16, 2010
Trees that Wood
Once there were three trees on a hill in the woods.
They were discussing their hopes and dreams when the
first tree said, “Someday I hope to be a treasure chest.
I could be filled with gold, silver and precious gems. I
could be decorated with intricate carving and everyone
would see the beauty.”
Then the second tree said, “Someday I will be a
mighty ship. I will take kings and queens across the
waters and sail to the corners of the world. Everyone will
feel safe in me because of the strength of my hull.”
Finally the third tree said, “I want to grow to be the
tallest and straightest tree in the forest. People will see
me on top of the hill and look up to my branches, and
think of the heavens and God and how close to them I
am reaching. I will be the greatest tree of all time and
people will always remember me.”
After a few years of praying that their dreams would
come true, a group of woodsmen came upon the trees.
When one came to the first tree he said, “This looks like
a strong tree, I think I should be able to sell the wood
to a carpenter” ... and he began cutting it down. The
tree was happy, because he knew that the carpenter
would make him into a treasure chest.
At the second tree a woodsman said, “This looks like
a strong tree, I should be able to sell it to the shipyard.”
The second tree was happy because he knew he was
on his way to becoming a mighty ship.
When the woodsmen came upon the third tree, the
tree was frightened because he knew that if they cut
him down his dreams would not come true. One of the
woodsmen said, “I don’t need anything special from my
tree so I’ll take this one”, and he cut it down.When the
first tree arrived at the carpenters, he was made into a
feed box for animals. He was then placed in a barn and
filled with hay. This was not at all what he had prayed
for. The second tree was cut and made into a small fish-
ing boat. His dreams of being a mighty ship and carrying
kings had come to an end. The third tree was cut into
large pieces and left alone in the dark. The years went
by, and the trees forgot about their dreams.
Then one day, a man and woman came to the
barn. She gave birth and they placed the baby in the
hay in the feed box that was made from the first tree.
The man wished that he could have made a crib for
the baby, but this manger would have to do. The tree
could feel the importance of this event and knew that
it had held the greatest treasure of all time. Years later,
a group of men got in the fishing boat made from the
second tree. One of them was tired and went to sleep.
While they were out on the water, a great storm arose
and the tree didn’t think it was strong enough to keep
the men safe. The men woke the sleeping man, and
he stood and said “Peace” and the storm stopped. At
this time, the tree knew that it had carried the King of
Kings in its boat.
Finally, someone came and got the third tree. It was
carried through the streets as the people mocked the
man who was carrying it. When they came to a stop,
the man was nailed to the tree and raised in the air to
die at the top of a hill. When Sunday came, the tree
came to realize that it was strong enough to stand at
the top of the hill and be as close to God as was pos-
sible, because Jesus had been crucified on it.
The moral of this story is that when things don’t
seem to be going your way, always know that God has
a plan for you. If you place your trust in Him, He will
give you great gifts. Each of the trees got what they
wanted, just not in the way they had imagined. We
don’t always know what God’s plans are for us. We just
know that His ways are not our ways, but His ways are
always best.
Treasure Box
By ROSE LEE SEGURA
WHICH VITAMINS
DO YOU REALLY NEED
Presently, there are different vitamin and mineral
supplement products on the market that are rising each year.
Health officials set recommended dietary intakes (RDIs) for
vitamins and minerals that men and women of various ages
require to maintain good health.
VITAMIN E. Studies showed that vitamin E may boost
the immune system, and slow the progression of Alzheimer’s
disease. There are also evidences that vitamin E may promote
heart health by reducing the oxidation of LDL(bad) cholesterol
that can cause atherosclerosis, and also acting as anticoagulant.
At supplemental doses above 1000iu per day, vitamin E may
cause an increased tendency to hemorrhage, as an anticoagu-
lant, those who have bleeding or clotting disorders should
consult a doctor before taking vitamin E supplement.
VITAMIN C. There’s little evidence that vitamin C can
prevent colds, but it indicates that taking doses each day at
the onset of a cold, it lessens the symptoms and shortens its
duration. Doses over 200mg. a day result in limited intestinal
absorption. Regularly taking more than 2000 mg. of vitamin C
daily can cause abdominal cramps, nausea and diarrhea.
B VITAMINS. Folic acid (the synthetic form of the B vita-
min folate), B12 and B6 can protect our hearts, prevent birth
see VITAMINS p.
OPINION SECTION
The Faces of Loyalty
LOYALTY, SIMPLY defined, is faithfulness. National-
ism is the burning love of country. To quote the late President
Manuel L. Quezon, “My loyalty to my (political) party ends
where my loyalty to my country begins.” Let’s take note that
before a government worker assumes office he first swears in
an Oath (or pledge) of Loyalty, to the country, in general, and
to the constitution, in particular. Section 5, Article XVI of the
1987 Constitution provides as follows, “(1) All members of the
armed forces shall take an oath or affirmation to uphold and de-
fend this Constitution. (2)The State shall strengthen the patriotic
spirit and nationalist consciousness of the military, and respect
for people’s rights in the performance of their duty.”  That is the
reason why they undergo a series of lectures on Human Rights
and are made aware that although it is not the Revised Penal
Code and the different special penal laws that apply to them in
a court martial proceedings but the Articles of War (Provided
that two (2) circumstances- (1)a military status (his name is in
the “plantilla”) and (2)the act for which he is being accused of is
service connected, are present.), because Article III of the 1987
Constitution contains the Bill of Rights which is the source of
human rights. The Constitution, by the way, is considered as a
contract entered into between the government and the people,
wherein the latter surrender their rights to the Government which
is the defender and protector of the people.    ritory.” The first sentence is (made) realized by the fact that the
Loyalty is akin to a magnetic force that pulls one’s actions
and decisions to support, uphold and protect the entity to which
he is loyal. Needless to state, there is no place for betrayal. There
is a so called loyalty check. Did you know that a lifestyle check
is actually a test of loyalty to one’s pledge to live a frugal life
and observe integrity and honesty in the performance of his
duties? Have you heard of the so called loyalty test firing? It is
quite risky because, from a distance, a soldier is made to shoot
an object placed on top of the head of his comrade-in-arms. The
Armalite rifle to be used is first zeroed (the bullet hits to where
the aligned rear and front sights point), but there’s a lot of factors
that increase the risk of a misfire (unintentionally hitting the hu-
man being) which includes the strength of the wind, mechanical
malfunction and nervousness of the firer, to mention some.
Loyalty is applicable everywhere. It is usually applicable
between a superior and a subordinate(s) wherein the latter should
be loyal to the former. In return, the subordinate is given rewards,
or at least, the benefits and privileges to which he is entitled to
are given to him intact by the superior who has control of them.
Loyalty is also applicable in business, in politics and even in re-
ligions. By the way, in an old issue of the Lawyers’ Digest, there
was one article which states that seniority is applicable in three
institutions, namely, (1)the military, (2)the judiciary and (3)the
clergy. In the military there is the so called “chain of command”,
which, according to a Supreme Court decision, such Doctrine
does not apply to civilians. Section 6 of Article XVI of the same
Constitution provides as follows, “The State shall establish and
maintain one police force, which shall be national in scope and
civilian in character, to be administered by the national police
commission.” There was one Supreme Court case wherein the
appointment by the president of the then PNP Director General
Lastimoso was being questioned because, according to them,
the Constitution provides that a presidential appointment in the
defects and keep us mentally sharp as we age. All three are
possible to lower the incidence of heart disease, because they
help return to normal the blood levels of a substance called
HOMOCYSTEINE. Elevated homocysteine levels are linked to
an increase risk of heart disease and other vascular disorders.
Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause fatique, nerve damage and
dementia. The main sources of B12 rich foods are found in
meat,fish and chicken.
CALCIUM. We need plenty of this mineral to maintain
strong teeth and bones and reduce our risk of osteoporosis.
The recommended daily intake of calcium is 1000 mg for adults
age 50, and 12000 mg og ages 51 and older- equivalent to 3 or
4 glasses of skim milk a day.
More than 2500 mg of supplemental calcium per day may
cause constipation and lead to kidney problems.
VITAMIN D. “Sunshine Vitamin,” which enables the body
to absorb calcium and phosphorus. Sources of vitamin D are
milk, butter, eggyolks and fortified breakfast cereal. Daily
doses of 1000-2000iu over time may cause nausea, headache,
fatique and heart irregularities.
LALAINE MARCOS-JIMENEA
Publisher
NILO BORDIOS
Editor/Bureau Chief
NITA BAGAS
Marketing Executive
3
website: www.evmailnews.com
military establishment from the rank of full pledge colonel to
the rank of full pledge general needs the confirmation by the
Commission on Appointments. The highest Court of the land
decided that there is no need for such confirmation in the case at
bar because the PNP
is not military, but IN THIS
civilian in character.
Let us take note that CORNER
it is more favorable By BRUNO COLICO RUBIO JR.
to the people at large
because the police
forces are made more accountable to the people that they are
serving and protecting. Furthermore, such a situation enhances
mutual loyalty. Take note that in a criminal case what is stated is
“People of the Philippines versus…(name of the accused)” Ac-
cording to my former law professor, Atty. Artemio Apostol, “In
one American case, after the accused heard of the phrase “People
of the United States versus…” he remarked, thus: “What a vast
majority!”  By the way, Section 3 of Article II of the Constitu-
tion provides, as follows: “Civilian Authority is, at all times,
supreme over the military. The Armed Forces of the Philippines
is the protector of the people and the state. Its goal is to secure
the sovereignty of the State and the integrity of the national ter-
Commander in Chief  (the President) of all the Armed Forces of
the Philippines has a civilian status. Regarding the last sentence
thereof, a Senator at one time commented that in the event of
an external aggression, the Armed Forces of the Philippines will
surrender in less than 24 hours. But I recall one defense secretary
making a statement that in case the disputed Spratley Islands were
invaded, “Certainly, the response shall be there.” By the way,
here is also one measure of loyalty by the Filipino people to the
“Call of the Motherland.” Section 4 of Article II of the Constitu-
tion provides as follows, “The prime duty of the Government is
to serve and protect the people. The government may call upon
the people to defend the State and, in the fulfillment thereof, all
citizens may be required, under conditions provided by law, to
render personal, military or civil service.”
The true measure of loyalty to the people is the immedi-
ate effect/s of an individual’s and/or a group’s activities to the
people. We should also look at the medium term and the long
term effects, if any, of our activities to the welfare of the people.
On the other hand, blind loyalty disregards the consequences.
To quote Carl Schurz: “My country right or wrong; when right,
to keep her right, when wrong, to put her right.” Love is another
face of loyalty. According to a song, “Learning to love yourself
is the greatest love of all.”
There are also some faces of loyalty that would be put
to test in the upcoming elections. Before the day of judgment
comes (what) May 10, 2010, the loyalty of the voters would
be tested whether to vote because of the “Hukip [who keep]”
(grease money given to voters) or for good governance. On the
other hand, by the time the winning candidates start exercising
power in their respective positions, they would undergo a test
of loyalty whether to enact laws/ordinances and/or implement
them either in favor of the sovereign Filipino people or the busi-
nessmen/contractors and other sectors (or forms) of kingmakers
(whose personal interests are usually in conflict with public
interest) who had helped them and/or contributed (so much) to
their election campaign funds.
One nice therapy to get the people’s loyalty is for one to
presume that he would run in an elective position someday, so
that he would always try to do good, look good and feel good.
In the process, he would become people-oriented. This also ap-
plies to our faith and belief in the existence of the Almighty God
and in life after death. It makes a difference because it makes
us God-fearing since one day we shall be judged accordingly.
To quote a passage from the Holy Bible: “What does it profit a
man to enjoy all the wealth on earth and suffer eternally in hell?”
By this moment, you should have already put your loyalty in
the proper place and you are now worthy to be considered an
asset and wealth to the Motherland. Otherwise, with misplaced
loyalties, you remain to be a burden and a liability.
Advertise with the
EASTERN SAMAR REPORTER
Call: 560-9670
Contributors:
Lance Alberto Clarito Acampado• Boyboy Evite
• KC Collado • PIA – Eastern Samar • Jo Fabile•
Louie Guarin • Vic Apura • Atty. Reymund Boco
Gunda • Jose Sanro Jimenea • Lirio Baldestomo
Office Address:
Brgy. Balud I, Borongan, Eastern Samar
Tel. No. (055) 560-9670
JANUARY 10-16, 2010 Eastern Samar REPORTER PAGE 3

Eastern Samar police registers zero gun confiscation on first day of Gun Ban
Eastern Samar Police
Provincial Office was happy to
office on January 10 after
they were ordered to establish
the checkpoint and inspection
continues until the last day
rangay chairman of Campesao,
aired his reaction over Caloy
DIRECTOR ... from p. 1
report that the first day of Gun COMELEC checkpoints and of election period in June 7, Capito’s DYES radio pro- to progress.  He is an action tively for the PNP Provincial
Ban implementation did not police visibility in connection but random checkpoints and gram, in his effort to belie the man as he would perform Headquarters will soon be built
record any violation of Com- with Gun Ban. inspection can be expected in report. pronto a task requested even inside Camp Asidillo. With
mission on Elections (COM- “No firearm nor deadly the next few weeks of imple- “That is an unfair report,” only through text messages,” the help of the local leaders,
ELEC) Resolution #8714. weapon was confiscated from mentation ,” he added. Mr. Dulfo a.k.a. Akling’s rebuttal Evardone said. the new buildings which will
Police Superintendent our plying motorists, so far Early on, Senior Supt. fumed on air. “I hope, the report “Goodbye Supt. De la house police and non-uniform
Mario Cristino Lucero, Assis- on the first day of the Gun Felixberto Marudo Castillo is not in any way a form of condi- Cruz and welcome Supt. Cas- personnel will ground break
tant PNP Provincial Director Ban, and we are happy about had cautioned the public on air tioning the public to justify future tillo,” the Governor closed. this January to replace the
reported that two teams con- this and ofcourse thankful to over Radyo ng Bayan DYES deployment of armed men in Finally, de la Cruz age-old one-storey office that
ducted the 24-hour inspection our policemen in the field,” not to be bringing along even the province,” he cautioned. beamed likewise with pride the Provincial Command is
of all the municipal police the young Officer said. “But toy guns nor air-soft guns lest According to Man Ak- when he announced that two occupying at present. By Alice
police authorities spot them ling, Eastern Samar is rela- new buildings costing P10- Nicart/PIA
Two alleged security guards and face a problem. tively peaceful so why include million and P5-million respec-
Total gun ban only al- it in the list of election hot
arrested for violation of gun ban lows authorized personnel spots? SOLDIER ... from p. 1
to bring their issued firearms Supt. Lucero however Just this year, some Kalayaan sa Barangay Program (KBP)
On January 12, 2010 at around 1:00 in the afternoon, (FAs)..even PNP and military mentioned of five munici- Projects were also completed in barangays that the army believes
elements of the Salcedo municipal police led by Insp. Brigido men are required to be in palities in the province which are NPA influenced.
Malate Tingzon, together with PO3 Edencio Duraneo Felicen proper uniforms when they are COMELEC placed under Elec- The army engineers also constructed some nine farm to
and PO2 Manuel Felix Mike, while conducting routinary supposed to carry, with appro- tion Watch List; the towns of market roads, 55 school buildings, ten barangay water system,
patrol at the vicinity of Brgy. Cagaut, apprehended/arrested priate documents at hand. Dolores, Taft, Arteche, Can- 44 health centers and has provided eight barangays in Samar
one Cidez Duarte and Alex Mulo, all of legal ages, for having As to previously report- avid and Oras, and hot spots with electricity.
in their possession unlicensed firerarms. ed election hot spots which and watch list may connote As the army also supports DENR in ‘bantay gubat’ with
The firearms were a Cal. 9mm Berretta with serial was flashed over the TV lately, two different meanings. PIA- some 11,964 board feet of logs confiscated; government soldiers
number Me05681Z, a 12 gauge Armscor shotgun with serial that referred Eastern Samar Eastern Samar have also continuously planted trees. As to their socio-civic
number A6485471, Colt cal. 45 pistol with SN 568259 and as one, Mr. Aquilino Dulfo, a activities, the army has also extended medical/dental services
another 12-gauge Armscor shotgun with Serial No. 10488451. former long-time serving ba- to some 12,250 patients all over their area of responsibility. By
The two suspects alleged that they were security guards em- Ninfa Quirante/PIA
ployed at Terrestrial Mining Corp. situated at aforesaid place,
but failed to present pertinent documents pertaining their
COCAINE ... from p. 1
allegation as security guards and to support the legitimacy The International Police afternoon of January 9 at the
of the their firearms. Additionally, suspects were in civilian said the cache is part of some town of San Policarpo.
attires when arrested. By Nilo Bordios 1,500 bricks of cocaine be- The items were volun-
lieved to have been thrown to tarily turned over to the CIDG
sea by a group of drug smug- by Mateo Ongaya, 40, single,
Republic of the Philippines glers who were being pursued a fisherman and Isagani Caspe,
Local Civil Registry Office by Hongkong police. 38, married, both residents of
Province: Eastern Samar The PDEA has also is- Brgy. 5, San Policarpo.
City/Municipality: Borongan
sued a stern warning to persons According to their infor-
NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION
In compliance with Section 5 of R.A. Act No. 9048, a notice who want to profit from finding mants, the cocaine was part of
is hereby serve to the public that RIC B. BALIBALOS has the bricks of cocaine, to turn those thrown into the sea.
filed with this Office a petition for change of first name from it over to them immediately The turnover was wit-
“GERIEL” to “GERIEL MOSES” in the Birth certificate of or face the stiff sanctions of nessed by Brgy. Captain Lour-
GERIEL GAVILAN BALIBALOS who was born on 20 Janu-
the law. dio T. Nicart.
ary 1994 at Borongan, Eastern Samar and whose parents are
RIC B. BALIBALOS and LOURDES D. GAVILAN. In a related development, It is not clear at this point
Any person adversely affected by said petition may the Criminal Investigation and in time if the two would be
file written opposition with this Office not later than 18 Jan Detection Group here headed charged for possession as the
2010. by Sr. Insp. Nelson Llaneta whether they kept the drugs
(Sgd.) MA. LUISA AZUL- ALIDO III
recovered some 620 kilograms for profit or was just waiting
Civil Registrar
ESR Jan. 3- 9, & 10- 16, 2010 of suspected cocaine in a buy for the opportune time to turn
bust operation they did on the it over to the police was not
PAGE 4 Eastern Samar REPORTER JANUARY 10-16, 2010