Bilang bahagi ng pagpapalakas ng pagtugon sa mga kalamidad, inilunsad ng Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF) ang Project Resilient Emergency Communications for Enhanced Disaster Response (Project REACHED) sa Catanduanes. Ang proyekto ay isang kolaborasyon ng PDRF at ng Australian Government, na layong mapabuti ang komunikasyon at mabilisang pag-responde sa oras ng sakuna. Ipinahayag ni Mr. Joshua V. Frilles, Procurement and Finance Officer ng PDRF, ang mga resulta ng kanilang mga aktibidad sa isang pagpupulong kay Gov. Joseph C. Cua ngayong araw. Binanggit nito ang matagumpay na pagsasagawa ng Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis (RDANA) Training sa mga opisyal ng barangay sa Dugui Too, Dugui Wala, at Dugui San Isidro. Layunin ng pagsasanay na matutunan ng mga lokal na opisyal ang tamang pamamaraan ng pag-assess ng pinsala at pagkolekta ng mga pangangailangan matapos ang isang kalamidad. Dagdag pa rito, nakatanggap ang tatlong barangay ng Dugui ng Starlink internet services upang matugunan ang kakulangan ng internet connectivity sa kanilang lugar, na magpapadali sa mga aktibidad at komunikasyon sa oras ng kalamidad. Sa kasalukuyan, isinasagawa ang Emergency Communication Training at Radio Operator Licensing mula Pebrero 6 hanggang 7, 2025. Ang mga pagsasanay ay isinasagawa kasama ang PDRRMO Catanduanes, MDRRMO ng Virac, Baras, at Bato, pati na rin ang Office of Civil Defense R5, sa mga barangay ng Dugui. Ang mga hakbang na ito ay bahagi ng patuloy na pagsisikap na maghanda at magbigay ng agarang tugon sa mga kalamidad sa lalawigan ng Catanduanes.    

Camp BGen Efigenio C. Navarro, Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro – The Police Regional Office MIMAROPA (PRO MIMAROPA), led by Brig.Gen. Roger Quesada, continues its intensified anti-illegal drug campaign, arresting 35 drug suspects and confiscating 146.98 grams of shabu worth nearly P1 million in the first 29 days of 2025. According to data from the PNP Drug-Related Data Integration and Generation System (DRDIGS) of the Regional Operations Division, PRO MIMAROPA conducted 31 successful anti-drug operations from January 1 to 29, 2025. The latest arrests are part of  ntensified anti-drug strategy, launched upon assuming office in December 2023, which led to a significant increase in enforcement effort. In 2024, PRO MIMAROPA conducted 402 operations, resulting in 475 arrests and the confiscation of 15,391.57 grams of illegal drugs worth PhP101.6 million, compared to 339 operations, 388 arrests, and 3,041.86 grams of illegal drugs worth PhP8.57 million in 2023. “These accomplishments reflect the tireless dedication of our operatives and our strong partnerships with various PNP units in keeping our communities safe,” said Quesada. One of the most recent operations resulted in the apprehension of alias “Volter,” a 56-year-old suspected street-level drug dealer, in Purok Pagkakaisa 2, Brgy. Panacan 1, Narra, Palawan, on January 29, 2025. In a joint operation conducted by the Narra Municipal Police Station and the Palawan PPO Drug Enforcement Unit, authorities seized 7.73 grams of suspected shabu worth PhP35,000, along with buy-bust money and drug paraphernalia. Undercover officers posed as buyers during the operation, purchasing a sachet of shabu worth PhP1,000 from the suspect before making the arrest. “Volter” is now in police custody and faces charges for violating Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Quesada commended the dedication of law enforcement personnel and reaffirmed PRO MIMAROPA’s commitment to its intensified anti-drug campaign. “Our success in these operations is a testament to the dedication and bravery of our personnel. We recognize their relentless efforts and assure them of PRO MIMAROPA’s full support in the fight against illegal drugs.” The MIMAROPA top cop assured the public that PRO MIMAROPA remains committed to enhancing operational strategies, expanding intelligence-driven operations, and strengthening collaborations with various agencies. “We are continuously refining our enforcement strategies, increasing community engagement, and utilizing advanced technology to strengthen our anti-drug operations. We will not stop. Our campaign against illegal drugs will continue, and we will remain relentless in our pursuit of a safer MIMAROPA,” Quesada added.      

Tinatayang mahigit 3,000 pamilya mula sa mga bayan ng San Miguel at Caramoran ang muling nakatanggap ng 10-kilong NFA rice noong Enero 24, 2025, bilang bahagi ng programang early recovery efforts ng Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Catanduanes. Sa ilalim ng nasabing hakbang, 2,197 pamilya mula sa pitong barangay ng Caramoran at 974 pamilya mula sa apat na barangay ng San Miguel ang nakinabang mula sa pamamahagi ng bigas. Ayon sa lokal na pamahalaan, isang araw bago ito, namahagi rin sila ng parehong halaga ng bigas sa bayan ng Panganiban bilang bahagi ng patuloy na programa ng tulong sa mga naapektuhan ng kalamidad. Ang nasabing early recovery response ay inaasahang magpapatuloy sa mga susunod na araw upang matulungan ang mga pamilyang labis na apektado ng mga kalamidad at mapabilis ang kanilang pagbangon. (Catanduanes PIO)      

By AJEspiritu, Albay PIO   LEGAZPI CITY — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD Field Office 5-Bicol) has extended immediate aid to families affected by two fire incidents in Legazpi City, Albay. Two Family Food Packs (FFPs) and other non-food items, totaling over P9,000, were provided to the affected family in Purok 5, Barangay Rawis, Legazpi City. Additionally, the family will receive financial and funeral assistance through DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) after losing two family members in the tragedy. Meanwhile, similar relief items valued at nearly P14,000 were also provided to the victims of a fire incident in Barangay 17, Ilawod, Legazpi City. Three establishments, including a boarding house, were destroyed in the fire, which resulted in the death of a 19-year-old tenant. The family of the deceased is set to receive assistance, including funeral aid, from the agency. Currently, DSWD Bicol is working closely with the Local Government Unit of Legazpi and other concerned offices to further assist the bereaved family.  

By EDumlao, Albay PIO   LEGAZPI CITY, Albay — Patuloy ang abiso ng Provicial Tourism,Culture (PTCAO) sa mga ipinagbabawal na aktibidad malapit sa bulkang Mayon. Ayon kay Dorothy F. Colle, Albay Provincial Tourism Officer, pinagbabawal ang mga aktibidad na gaya ng summit trekking o ang pag-akyat malapit sa aktibong bulkan. Ito ay dahil sa mga naitatala pa rin na rockfall event mula rito. Samantala, ang mga aktibidad lamang sa Mayon Skyline Viewdeck at Mayon SkyDrive ATV Adventure ang maari sa kasalukuyan.  

Operatives from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Cavite Provincial Field Unit, in coordination with the Cavite Maritime Police Station and Donsol MPS, conducted a police operation that led to the apprehension of “Michael” in Barangay  Bororan, Donsol, Sorsogon, on December 21. According to CIDG Acting Director Brig.Gen. Nicolas D. Torre III, Michael is tagged as the No. 6 Most Wanted Person (Regional Level) of PRO 4A and was arrested by virtue of two Warrants of Arrest for Homicide issued by RTC Imus City, Cavite. One warrant was issued by Hon. Eduardo Cruz Solangon Jr., Presiding Judge of RTC Branch 125, dated November 13, 2024, with a recommended bail of P120,000.00, while the other was issued by Hon. Amabel Borbe Robles-Buenaluz, Presiding Judge of RTC Branch 20, dated August 24, 2024, with a recommended bail of P40,000.00. Michael is known as a notorious serial killer, implicated in several heinous crimes, including the stabbing death of Domingo, a resident of Phase 1 B8 L4 Mary Cris Subd., Barangay Bucandala III, Imus City, Cavite, on November 2, 2015, following a heated argument during a drinking spree. He was also the prime suspect in the murder of Elisio in San Ramon, Donsol, Sorsogon, on September 11, 2012. Along with an accomplice, Micheal entered the victim’s bedroom, stabbing him multiple times and slashing his neck, which resulted in the victim’s death. Furthermore, Michael was involved in the stabbing and slashing of the necks of two victims, Ryan and Orlando , on October 15, 2023, at Barangay Alapan 1A, Imus, Cavite. The victims were sitting outside their house when Michael appeared and, without provocation, attacked them, leading to their deaths. After committing the crime, Michael went into hiding in his hometown of Donsol, Sorsogon. Chief PNP PGen. Rommel Francisco D. Marbil, commended the CIDG’s efforts “This operation demonstrates the PNP’s unwavering commitment to apprehending fugitives and ensuring public safety. The arrest of Michael sends a clear message that no criminal can evade justice. We remain steadfast in our fight for the peace and security of our nation.”        

By AJEspiritu, Albay PIO   LEGAZPI CITY,Albay — Namahagi ng food packs ang Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office para sa mga pamilya ng kababaihang Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) sa lalawigan. Laman ng bawat food pack ang limang kilong commercial rice, dalawang lata ng 175g na corned beef, dalawang lata rin ng 170g na meat loaf, at isang 300g pack ng gatas. Ang mga ito’y tinanggap ng siyam na PDLs ng Albay Provincial Jail  para sa kanilang pamilyo, noong Disyembre 23. Ito’y bahagi ng nagpapatuloy na aksyon ng Pamahalaang Lokal ng Albay sa pangunguna ng PSWDO para bigyang suporta ang mga kababaihang PDLs. Matatandaang namahagi rin ang naturang opisina ng mga hygiene kit, storage box, at foam sa 16 na women PDLs noong Marso 2024 bilang parte ng selebrasyon ng Women’s Month.

By Jayson de Lemon-CamSur-PIO   LEGAZPI CITY — Limang parangal ang naiuwi ng Camarines Norte Provincial Tourism Operations Office sa BICOL TOURISM STARS: RECOGNITION & CELEBRATION NIGHT 2024, na ginanap sa La Venezia Hotel, Legazpi City, noong Disyembre 13. Ang okasyon ay bahagi ng Year-Ender Recognition Activity ng Department of Tourism (DOT) – V, ngayong taon. Kinatawanan ni Tourism Operations Officer II si Ms. Genelyn David ang tanggapan ng turismo ng Camarines Norte sa nasabing gabi ng pagkilala. Ang mga parangal ay ibinigay bilang pagkilala sa kanilang natatanging pagganap at malaking ambag sa industriya ng turismo sa buong rehiyon ng Bicol. Narito ang mga parangal na natanggap ng Camarines Norte: Leading Province in Local Tourism Development Planning 2024 Statistical Progress Achievement 2024 (Provincial Level) Most Active Province Participating in Travel and Trade Fairs for CY 2024 Bukod dito, ang mga munisipyo ng Daet at Basud, na kinatawanan ng kanilang mga Municipal Tourism Officers na sina Jocelyn Cruz-Sarical (Daet) at Ariane Rodrigueza (Basud), ay tumanggap ng Certificate of Recognition, dahil sa kanilang naaprubahang Local Tourism Development Plan o LTDP. Ang LTDP ay mahalaga para sa patuloy na paglago ng turismo at ang positibong epekto nito sa ekonomiya sa susunod na mga taon. Nakakuha rin ng indibidwal na pagkilala ang dating Provincial Tourism Operations Officer na siMariano “Bong” Palma kung saan iginawad sa kanya ang Dedication and Service Excellence Award. Ipinahayag ng Camarines Norte Provincial Tourism Office ang kanilang taos-pusong pasasalamat sa DOT Region V, sa pangunguna ni RD Herbie Aguas at ARD Maria Salee Mora, sa lahat ng mga parangal. Nagpasalamat din sila sa 12 Municipal LGUs & Municipal Tourism Officers, Provincial Government of Camarines Norte sa pangunguna ni Gov. Dong Padilla, Vice Governor Engr. Joseph Villaverde Ascutia, Sangguniang Panlalawigan Board Members, at higit sa lahat, sa mga Tourism Stakeholders para sa kanilang patuloy na suporta. Patuloy na magsisikap ang tanggapan ng turismo ng Camarines Norte para sa ikabubuti ng kanilang minamahal na probinsya. Photo Courtesy: Cam Norte Provincial Tourism Office

LEGAZPI CITY — The Provincial Government of Albay (PGA) is set to receive the Gawad Kalasag (GK) Seal for Excellence in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) and Humanitarian Assistance for Calendar Year 2024, from the Office of the Civil Defense Regional Office 5 (OCD 5) in recognition of its exemplary disaster risk reduction and management efforts. The award will be conferred to Albay along with seven other local government units (LGUs) during a ceremony on December 12, 2024. Albay has been recognized under the “Fully Compliant LGUs” category, along with Tabaco City and the municipalities of Polangui, Daraga, and Sto. Domingo. Meanwhile, Camalig and the cities of Legazpi and Ligao are included in the “Beyond Compliant LGUs” category. The Gawad Kalasag is one of the most prestigious awards given to LGUs nationwide, acknowledging their outstanding achievements in disaster risk reduction and management, effective calamity response, and the successful implementation of disaster mitigation efforts within their jurisdictions. Albay holds a historic distinction as the first province in the country to receive this prestigious honor since the establishment of the Gawad Kalasag in 1998. In 2012, it was declared a Hall of Famer after winning three consecutive awards.