Camp Kangleon, Palo, Leyte – Through the region’s unwavering commitment to eradicating illegal drugs, the Police Regional Office 8, under the leadership of Brig.Gen. Reynaldo Pawid, carried out a series of successful buy-bust operations which resulted in the arrest of two Regional Priority Target List (RPTL) and three other drug suspects on July 14. The Regional Drug Enforcement Unit (RDEU) 8 together with the Regional Intelligence Division (RID) and Palompon Municipal Police Station apprehended the region’s top 2 drug personalities together with other two  High-Value Individuals (HVIs) in Brgy. Mazawalo, Palompon Leyte. Accordingly, the suspects were identified as “Oliver”,42, ranked 2 in the Regional Priority Target List (RPTL); “Nel”,41 and “Go”,32, all are residents of Palompon, Leyte. Seized from the suspects were one heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet of suspected shabu (subject of sale), twenty-four heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets of suspected shabu, one .38 caliber without serial number (power custom), one unit .38 without serial number (storm), one rifle grenade with ball trap, one M67 grenade, and buy-bust money. In a separate anti-drug operation, the joint elements of Eastern Samar Police Provincial Office – Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit, San Policarpio Municipal Drug Enforcement Unit, 1st Eastern Samar Provincial Mobile Force Company (ESPMFC), and the 801st Maneuver Company – Regional Mobile Force Battalion-8(RMFB), arrested the Top 9 drug personality and another drug suspect in Barangay Alugan, San Policarpio, Eastern Samar. Operatives identified the suspects as alias “Zaldy”,57, a fisherman listed as rank 9 RPTL and “Nene”,53, a businesswoman, both residing in San Policarpio, Eastern Samar. Confiscated during the operation were one heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet of suspected shabu (subject of sale); six  small heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets of suspected shabu; one (1) heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet of suspected shabu (possession of alias “Marie”), and a buy-bust money. Meanwhile, an onsite marking and inventory of the seized evidence were conducted in the presence of invited witnesses and the suspects. The actual weight and the value of confiscated suspected shabu are yet to be determined by the Regional Forensic Unit (RFU) 8. The filing of criminal charges for violation of Section 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165, known as “Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of 2022” will be filed against the suspects. Pawid lauded the relentless efforts of the operatives in their campaign against illegal drugs. “I commend the exerting efforts of our line units in countering the operations of illicit drugs in the region. This is a testament of our intensified efforts in combating these illegal activities. Let us remain steadfast in our commitment as public servants, aiming to keep our communities safe and free from unlawful activities,” he said. He praised the hard work of the officers involved behind the successful operations. “I commend the dedicated efforts of our teams in stopping drug operations in our region. This shows how hard we’re working to fight these crimes. Let’s stay committed to keeping our communities safe and free from illegal activities.”

MALAYBALAY, Bukidnon — A total of 180 beneficiaries received livelihood opportunities from the offices of Senators Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano during a two-day distribution of assistance in the provinces of Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental. This distribution, held from July 10-11, 2024, was conducted under the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) of the two senators in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). With the support of Malaybalay Mayor Jay Warren Pabillaran, the distribution took place on the first day at the Municipal Hall of Malaybalay, Bukidnon. During this event, 150 individuals, including laborers and those who are unemployed, received assistance. “Binigyan kayo ng tulong ng gobyerno para umunlad ang inyong mga buhay. Baguhin na natin ang ating isip, may responsibilidad din tayo sa ating mga sarili,” Mayor Pabillaran said in his message to the beneficiaries. The mayor also extended his thanks to the sibling senators for their help, saying he will be happy if the beneficiaries use this assistance in the proper manner to improve their lives. According to the beneficiaries, the support would significantly help them as it could serve as start-up capital for those wishing to start small businesses and aid in covering their everyday expenses. The social welfare initiative continued on the second day in Claveria, Misamis Oriental, where 30 more beneficiaries were provided with livelihood assistance to engage in business ventures. This distribution was made possible through coordination with the 58th Infantry “Dimalulupig” Battalion, 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army. The Cayetanos have been collaborating with the DSWD and local government units across the country to extend help to vulnerable sectors, aiming to boost livelihoods and expand economic opportunities.

– The Sun Life 5150 Bohol and Go for Gold Sunrise Sprint makes its annual return in Bohol for the  seventh staging on Sunday, July 14, 2024. – Close to 800 athletes will be in racing in the tropical paradise, possibly the biggest Olympic  distance field in the country PANGLAO, Bohol – The Sun Life 5150 Bohol and Go for Gold Sunrise Sprint will again  take place on the white sand beaches of Bellevue on July 14, 2024. Entries have reached capacity  and have closed for new registrations weeks before the event day, showing that the triathlon  community is growing, with first timers vying to cross the multisport finish line in what is known to be  the most welcoming course of the short-distance tri in the region. The 5150 Bohol consists of a 1.5-kilometer swim, a 40-kilometer bike ride, and a 10-kilometer run,  and will see almost 800 triathletes in action. What is commonly known as the ‘Olympic distance  triathlon’, will start at the shores of the Bellevue Resort in Bohol, then exiting towards the straight forward bike course onto Dauis-Panglao Road and Fonacier Circumferential Road. Going back to  the Bellevue Resort for the run leg, the course is relatively flat with paved roads and some country  roads. For the past years, Sun Life Philippines has partnered with The IRONMAN Group in bringing the 5150  events to Cebu and Bohol.   “At Sun Life, we are committed to empowering Filipinos on their health  and wellness journey,” said Carla Gonzalez-Chong, Chief Client Experience and Marketing Officer of  Sun Life Philippines. “We believe that a healthy lifestyle is the key to living a fulfilling life, and we’re  dedicated to providing Filipinos with the resources and support they need to achieve their wellness  goals.” Sun Life Ambassadors Piolo Pascual, Matteo Guidicelli & Kyle Echarri will be joining the  athletes in the triathlon race in Bohol to demonstrate the rewards of living healthy, sporty lives. The Bellevue Resort has been 5150 Bohol’s partner since 2014. “As triathlon continues to be one of  the largest and most popular sports in the country, we are proud to continue to host what  participants look forward to as the race-cation venue of the year,” said Dustin Chan, Managing  Director, The Bellevue Resort. “We are honored to work with the organizers and our partners to bring  an amazing IRONMAN-brand race experience to athletes from beautiful Bohol.” Along with the 5150 Triathlon, the Sunrise Sprint welcomes both competitive and non-competitive  athletes alike. Go for Gold has supported the sprint course over the years, seeing the likes of Matthew Hermosa and Nicole del Rosario take part. “Sprint races represent more than just a race; it embodies our commitment to promoting a healthy,  active lifestyle and fostering a sense of community among all participants,” Powerball Vice  President for Marketing, Jeremy Go, says of the event.   Go For Gold Philippines is a sports foundation  and sponsorship program of the Powerball Marketing and Logistics Corp., supporting Filipino  athletes and national representatives competing in triathlons. “The Sun Life 5150 Bohol and Go for Gold Sunrise Sprint has been one of the races that participants  and even the local community look forward to. With a massive registration turn-out for a short distance triathlon, it shows that the demand for multisport events is still on the rise,” Ms. Princess  Galura, President of The IRONMAN Group and Sunrise Events said. “The courses here in Bohol are accessible to participants of different skill levels and have a distinct vibe of being a friendly, yet  competitive race.” The Sun Life 5150 Bohol is supported by Sun Life, and Go for Gold Sunrise Sprint is supported by Go  for Gold. Venue Host is The Bellevue Resort Bohol, and the Province of Bohol. Bike and Run Course Partners Municipality of Dauis and Municipality of Panglao, Supported by Santé. Official Registration Partner Active, Media Partners Manila Bulletin and Tempo.   Contact details: Sai Aliman-Mayol Philippine Events, IRONMAN Group APAC sai.mayol@ironman.com Dan Berglund Vice President, Global Communications dan.berglund@ironman.com Craig Heydon Director, PR & Communications, APAC craig.heydon@ironman.com

CEBU CITY — A private sector-driven travel sales mission to Singapore is scheduled from August 26-28, 2024. This initiative is spearheaded by the Hotel, Resort & Restaurant Association of Cebu (HRRAC) and the Cebu Association of Tour Operation Specialists (CATOS). The three-day mission will involve interactive sessions with top-producing travel agents, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) and leisure organizers, and tour wholesalers in Singapore. The highlight of the mission will be a full-day product presentation and business-to-business (B2B) session in a vibrant travel mart atmosphere. “Singapore is a big potential market for Cebu. It is currently the biggest source of our arrivals from ASEAN and we hope to build it up further,” explained Alfred Reyes, president of HRRAC. “There are three airlines operating no less than 21 flights a week as of today between our two cities,” added Reyes. “That speaks a lot by itself. We need to further promote our destination to the Singaporeans.” “The Cebu product of sun and sand, diving and adventure, food and shopping has always been an attraction, based firmly on our heritage and culture,” said Alice Quiblatin, president of CATOS. “Today, we have several new products from theme parks to state of the art convention facilities and an integrated entertainment resort. This opens up more markets for us and we know Singapore’s family leisure and MICE market is very strong,” added Quiblatin. The mission aims to showcase Cebu’s diverse offerings, including its pristine beaches, vibrant dive sites, adventurous activities, culinary delights, and rich cultural heritage. Special focus will be placed on Cebu’s new attractions, high-tech convention centers, and integrated entertainment resorts, all designed to appeal to Singapore’s robust family leisure and MICE market. The cities of Cebu, Mandaue, and Lapu-Lapu, along with the Department of Tourism Region 7, have been invited to support and participate in this sales mission. This collaboration aims to strengthen Cebu’s tourism appeal and establish it as a premier destination for Singaporean travelers. Participants from the hospitality and travel industry are welcome on a first-come, first-served basis, as space is limited for the business sessions. Interested parties can contact Ms. Hannah Paler at hannah.selrahco@gmail.com or the HRRAC Joey Osmeña at hrracinfo@gmail.com.

ILOILO CITY — Hinimok ni Senador Alan Peter Cayetano ang mga kabataang pinuno na magkaroon ng isang malinaw na layunin sa kanilang buhay lingkod-bayan para malabanan ang mga bagay na makakagulo sa kanilang serbisyo. “I want to warn you na now na pumasok na kayo sa mundo ng pulitika, lahat ng temptations nandyan sa inyo. Let your purpose guide you,” mensahe ng senador sa daan-daang kabataang opisyal na dumalo sa Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Iloilo Chapter Provincial Congress,noong Hulyo 8.   Wika ni Cayetano, na nagsimula sa gobyerno bilang isang SK official, pangkaraniwang pagsubok sa isang youth leader ang maudyokan na magbisyo o bumarkada. Aniya, maiiwasan ang mga it kung laging isasaisip ng isang tao ang “higher purpose.” “‘Yun ang mahirap sa pulitika, kasi you need everyone,” aniya. “[Pero] kung y’ung leader mismo ay mawawalan ng purpose, sama-sama [kayong walang mararating] at barka-barkada nalang [ang mangyayari].” Hinamon niya ang mga dumalong SK official na magkaroon ng iisang “vision” para sa kanilang probinsya. “Twenty years from now, ano ang itsura ng Iloilo? Ano ang [magiging legacy] ng batch niyo?” ani Cayetano. “The future of Iloilo is bright because ang SK na batch niyo has a good sense of purpose,” dagdag niya

As Cebu City prepares to host the prestigious Palarong Pambansa 2024, NUSTAR Resort and Casino projects the Philippine flag onto the façade of its hotel towers using architectural lighting. With the flag lighting from July 8 to 15, 2024, NUSTAR aims to inspire a sense of pride and unity among Filipinos, celebrating the spirit of the Palarong Pambansa and the achievements of the country’s young athletes.