Camp Kangleon, Palo, Leyte – The Police Regional Office 8 marked a significant milestone with the ceremonial blessing of the PRO8 Command Center and the inaugural launch of the Permit to Carry Firearms Outside of Residence (PTCFOR) Secretariat Satellite Hub.  The event was graced by the Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP),General Rommel Francisco Marbil, held at the PRO8 Grounds, Camp Ruperto Kangleon, Palo, Leyte,on July 30, 2024. The ceremony commenced with a ribbon-cutting and marker unveiling, led by the Chief PNP and assisted by PRO 8 Director BGen.Reynaldo Pawid.  Following this, Rev.Father Maj.Rhey Dollesin,regional pastoral officer, officiated the blessing of the new facilities. In his message, Marbil emphasized the commitment to professionalism and service towards the public. “Let us wear our uniform with pride and honor. As committed police officers, we safeguard communities and uphold the values of integrity and courage. Together, we embody the essence of public service and strive to improve as public servants,” he said. Notably, the establishment of the PTCFOR Secretariat Satellite Hub represents a significant development for firearm regulation in the Philippines.  As the first PTCFOR satellite office in the country, this hub will streamline the processing of applications for the Permit to Carry Firearms Outside of Residence for all licensed firearm holders in Region 8 and nearby regions.  This new facility is expected to enhance the efficiency and accessibility of firearm permits, contributing to improved public safety. Simultaneously with the PTCFOR Hub launch, the PRO8 Command Center was officially blessed and inaugurated.  It was constructed under the Trust Receipt Fund CY 2023 with a budget of Php5,127,290.00 through the Office of the Directorate for Comptrollership, Camp Crame Quezon City dated August 15, 2023. This state-of-the-art facility will be the central coordination hub for all regional police operations, enhancing public safety and security, particularly during emergencies and natural disasters. It ensures seamless communication and collaboration among various units and agencies, coordinating swift rescue and relief efforts during emergencies. Moreover, the Command Center includes a War Room designed for strategic planning and operational deployment, featuring a short-throw projector for clear and concise displays.  Additionally, the Central Operations Area, managed by regional tactical and technical personnel, boasts a large LED wall that provides real-time feeds, maps, and data from body cameras, CCTV, and drones. This area also includes a TV monitor dedicated to vehicle tracking, all of which support proactive responses and efficient resource deployment. Pawid, expressed his gratitude to the Chief PNP for the support in establishing the projects, he stated, “The establishment of both the PTCFOR Secretariat Satellite Hub and the PRO8 Command Center marks a new chapter in PRO8’s advancement of public safety and operational efficiency. These new facilities will play a crucial role in enhancing law enforcement and emergency response capabilities across the region.”

Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), the Philippines’ leading carrier, is set to resume direct flights between Iloilo and Hong Kong in October, offering a faster and more affordable way for travelers from the City of Love to visit one of Asia’s popular shopping and foodie paradise. Starting October 27, CEB will operate flights from Iloilo to Hong Kong four times weekly — every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. Hong Kong to Iloilo flights will also operate four times weekly, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. “With the resumption of flights to Hong Kong, CEB will be the only airline to operate international flights from Iloilo. We hope this will also make air travel even more affordable and accessible for a wider range of passengers in the Visayas region,” said Candice Iyog, CEB Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer.   Previously, passengers from Iloilo had to book connecting flights from Manila and spend up to 12 hours traveling to reach Hong Kong with layovers. With CEB’s direct international flights from Iloilo, passengers don’t need to pay more for an additional stop or wait at another airport during their layover. From Iloilo, passengers may now reach Hong Kong in less than three (3) hours and save up to nine (9) hours in travel time. Passengers from Iloilo may also save up to 20% on round-trip air fare compared to booking connecting flights to Hong Kong. To make the route resumption more exciting, from July 26 to 31, 2024, CEB passengers may book flights from Iloilo to Hong Kong for as low as PHP 1 one-way base fare, exclusive of fees and surcharges. The travel period will run from October 27, 2024 to March 29, 2025.   With CEB’s international flights from Iloilo made much more convenient and affordable, more Filipino travelers may now indulge in local delicacies from the Temple Street Night Market or embark on a magical adventure at Hong Kong Disneyland. CEB currently flies to 35 domestic and 25 international destinations spread across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. Passengers may use their existing Travel Funds to book flights and avail of other add-ons. CEB also offers other payment options, including credit or debit cards and e-wallets.  

SOUTH COTABATO — Hope and relief filled the air in SOCCSKSARGEN Region as the offices of Senators Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano brought much-needed assistance across the provinces of Sarangani and South Cotabato from July 16 to 26, 2024. Benefitting at least 10,000 individuals, the Cayetano team provided aid to farmers, fisherfolk, persons with disabilities (PWD), women’s groups, solo parents, and youth in the municipalities of Alabel, Malapatan, Malungon, Maitum, Kiamba, and Glan in Sarangani, and in Surallah, South Cotabato. One of the beneficiaries, Richel Nacion Buday from Alabel, shared her heartfelt gratitude. “Malaking tulong ito sa amin na galing kila Senador Pia at Alan Peter Cayetano. Barangay official ang husband ko. Malaking tulong ang natanggap namin pambili ng gamit ng mga bata [para sa darating na pasukan],” Buday said during the distribution event at Alabel Municipal Gymnasium on July 16, 2024. A teary-eyed Connie Odron from South Cotabato, who has been a health worker for eight years, also expressed her appreciation. “Minsan medyo pagod lang, pero kailangan magsikap para sa pang-araw araw… Gagamitin ko ito pang bayad ng check-up at pang gamot,” Odron shared during the event held at Surallah Municipal Gym on July 23, 2024. More Sarangans – almost 1,600 – will be given vital assistance on Monday, July 29, in the municipality of Maasim. All these events were made possible in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (DSWD AICS) Program, with the help of DSWD 12 Regional Director Loreto Cabaya. Former You Against Corruption and Poverty (YACAP) Partylist (now LUNAS) Representative Carol Lopez, together with local leaders Malapatan Mayor Salway “Jun” Sumbo Jr., Malungon Councilor Zusima Del Rosario, Kiamba Mayor George Falgui, and Surallah Mayor Pedro “Cano” Matinong also played key roles in this initiative, ensuring that timely aid reached those in need.   Numbering in the thousands in this aid distribution, solo parents are among the target beneficiaries of Senator Pia Cayetano and Rep. Carol Lopez, who played significant roles in the signing into law of the Solo Parents Act in 2000. The law now benefits at least 15 million individuals, most of whom are women. With their combined efforts, Senators Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano have not only delivered essential support but also rekindled hope and resilience within the SOCCSKSARGEN communities.