Thursday, 21 May 2026

9,836 families of Veruela, Agusan Sur receive PBBM’s rice aid

By Kelvin Kennt R. Generalo

Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur (PIA) — The residents from the municipality of Veruela in the province of Agusan del Sur received rice assistance from the Office of the President (OP) through its Socio-Civic Fund Program, benefiting thousands of families across the town’s 20 barangays. 

As mandated by President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr., a total of 9,836 bags of rice weighing 25 kilograms each were distributed to households in the municipality through the P15-million worth of assistance granted to the local government unit (LGU) of Veruela on May 11.

The assistance was formally turned over through a Deed of Donation between the Office of the President and the municipal government led by Mayor Salimar T. Mondejar.

According to the LGU, the distribution aimed to provide immediate support and food assistance to families, ensuring that every household in Veruela received aid from the national government.

Beneficiaries from Veruela, Agusan del Sur, expressed their gratitude to the Office of the President and the LGU of Veruela for initiating the distribution of the rice incentive.

”I am very thankful to all who initiated the program due to rising prices of needs now in the market. It will help us to lessen our burden for the meantime and expend the rest of the income to other needs. They distributed the rice to everyone without choosing anyone that shows equal service to everyone,” said Mary Grace Tolentino, 30 years old and a resident from Barangay  La Fortuna.

Aside from the rice distribution, P500,000 from the total assistance fund was allocated for the procurement of construction materials for the new classroom building at Katipunan Elementary School. The initiative seeks to strengthen educational facilities and support community development in the municipality.

The municipal government said the program reflects the continued partnership between the national government and the LGU in delivering responsive and people-centered public service to the residents of Veruela. (KKRG, PIA Agusan del Sur with a report from LGU Veruela)

Thursday, 21 May 2026

Surigao Sur insurgents embrace gov’t peace agenda

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur (PIA) — The national government’s intensified peace and development campaign in Surigao del Sur continues to gain momentum as members of the communist terrorist group (CTG) voluntarily surrendered following the recent neutralization of a top rebel leader during a military operation in the province.

The 4th Infantry Division, through the 401st Infantry Brigade and its operating battalions, facilitated the surrender of CTG members in separate operations conducted in Surigao del Sur on May 15 and 16.

According to military reports, two CTG members affiliated with the Regional Operations Command of the Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee surrendered following joint efforts of the 4ID intelligence unit and the 75th Infantry Battalion. The surrenderers turned over one AK47 rifle, one rifle grenade, one scope, and three rifle magazines. 

Another CTG member also yielded to troops of the 75th Infantry Battalion and the 3rd Special Forces Battalion in Barangay Bayan, Marihatag, Surigao del Sur, and surrendered an R4 rifle along with ammunition. 

The surrender took place days after the armed encounter in Barangay Bayan, Marihatag, on May 11, which resulted in the neutralization of Edilberto Daval, also known by his aliases “Bong,” “Waco,” and “Bill,” who was identified as a commanding officer of the CTG operating in the region.

According to the 401st IB, the recent surrender indicates declining morale and operational capability among the remaining insurgents, as more rebel members begin to realize the futility of armed struggle.

In a press statement, Colonel Glenn Joy U. Aynera, acting commander of the 401st Infantry Brigade, said the surrenderers decided to return to the fold of the law after experiencing continuous setbacks within their organization. 

“We welcome their decision to abandon armed violence and choose the path of peace. This only shows that the government’s sincere efforts in addressing insurgency and helping former rebels start anew are working,” Aynera said.

He also encouraged remaining CTG members to surrender and avail themselves of government assistance programs designed to help former rebels rebuild their lives and reunite with their families and communities.

Meanwhile, Major General Marion T. Angcao emphasized that the continuing surrender of CTG members demonstrates the effectiveness of the national government’s whole-of-nation approach in addressing insurgency while advancing peace and development in conflict-affected communities.

He assured the public that the government remains committed to sustaining focused security operations alongside development interventions to end local communist armed conflict and achieve lasting peace in Surigao del Sur.

The government, as mandated by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.,  continues to strengthen reintegration programs for former rebels through livelihood assistance, social support services, and community-based development initiatives anchored on peace, security, and inclusive growth under the administration of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)

Thursday, 21 May 2026

LGU Butuan strengthens housing security, awards lots to over 500 families

By Mariesh F. Celedeña

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — For years, Mary Ann Figura lived with uncertainty and fear that her family could be evicted again at any moment from the land they occupied in Barangay Bancasi.

Like many families struggling to secure a place they could truly call their own, Figura endured the painful experience of displacement after the owner of the land they previously occupied decided to get the property. But through the city government’s housing program, her family was given a new opportunity to rebuild their lives.

Now, more than 500 beneficiaries from 14 barangays and various relocation communities and subdivisions across Butuan City officially received their Certificates of Lot Award (CoLA) during the Committee on Lot Awards Meeting and Mass Awarding Ceremony held on May 12 in Barangay Doongan.

“I am so happy that the city government saw our struggles and difficulties. Our previous house was demolished when the landowner wanted to use the property. The city government allocated a 120-square-meter lot to us on June 2, 2021, and after five years of waiting, I am finally holding our Certificate of Lot Award,” Figura shared.

“I am very grateful to the City Mayor, the City Housing and Homesite Development Department, and everyone who helped make this possible,” she added.

The CoLA serves as an official document confirming beneficiaries as legitimate awardees of government-provided lots. It is also the basis of securing a tax declaration and eventually processing the property’s title.

For these beneficiaries, the CoLA is not just a simple piece of paper they received – it symbolizes more than land ownership, as it represents security, dignity, and the fulfillment of a long-awaited dream of finally having a place and land to call their own.

In his message, Lawrence Lemuel H. Fortun assured residents that the city government remains committed to expanding housing opportunities for qualified Butuanons.

“The city government of Butuan will continue striving to ensure that families in need of homes and lots will be provided with them, as long as proper protocols are followed,” Mayor Fortun said.

He also reminded beneficiaries to comply with responsible payment schemes, emphasizing that through the CHHDD, the city will continue to implement an orderly and fair system of lot distribution to protect the rights of qualified beneficiaries, giving Butuanons a safe and secure housing environment.

With the continued support of partner agencies, the city government also aims to further strengthen and develop more than 100 relocation communities across the city, reinforcing its commitment to providing safer and more secure communities for Butuanons. (MFC, PIA Caraga with a report from Butuan City PIO)

Thursday, 21 May 2026

Gov’t peace campaign gains ground as key rebel leaders fall in Surigao Sur

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur (PIA) — Government forces continue to intensify peace and security operations in Surigao del Sur, following a series of successful military actions that resulted in the neutralization and capture of key members of communist terrorist groups (CTGs) in the province. 

The sustained anti-insurgency campaign supports the peace and development agenda of the administration of Ferdinand Marcos Jr., which aims to end local armed conflict, protect vulnerable communities, and promote lasting peace and inclusive development in conflict-affected areas nationwide. 

On May 11, joint operating troops from the 75th Infantry Battalion and the 3rd Special Forces Battalion, under the operational control of the 401st Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army, engaged members of the CTG in an armed encounter in Sitio Casting, Barangay Bayan, Marihatag, Surigao del Sur. 

The operation resulted in the neutralization of Edilberto Daval, also known by his aliases ‘Bong, Waco, and Bill,’ who was identified by the military as the second deputy secretary and commanding officer of the Regional Operations Command (ROC) of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC). Another CTG member, identified as Jaymark Bada Lamela alias ‘Miggy/Migz,’ was captured during the encounter. 

Government troops also recovered firearms, ammunition, and other war materials from the encounter site.

According to Colonel Glenn Joy U. Aynera, acting commander of the 401st Infantry Brigade, the successful operation reflects the continued weakening of the CTG’s leadership structure and operational capability in the Caraga region.

He emphasized that the accomplishment demonstrates the government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding communities, preserving public safety, and sustaining peace efforts in areas previously affected by insurgency activities. 

In a press release issued by the 401st Infantry Brigade, the military reported that the successful operation also prompted a significant visit from Major General Marion T. Angcao, Commander of the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, to the 401st Infantry Brigade headquarters on May 12. 

The visit marked the first unit that Angcao visited during his stint as Division Commander, underscoring the military leadership’s recognition of the recent operational accomplishment in Marihatag, Surigao del Sur.

During the press conference at the brigade headquarters, military officials highlighted the significance of the successful operation, reaffirming the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ commitment to sustaining peace, security, and stability of the region through intensified operations against remaining CTG elements. 

“Stay focused on the mission, maintain constant readiness, strengthen coordination with local government, enforce peace and build lasting peace,” Angcao said, as quoted in the 401st Infantry Brigade press statement.

The 4ID commander also commended the soldiers for their dedication and reminded them to remain steadfast in protecting communities and preserving peace in the Caraga Region.

Earlier, on April 17, government troops also neutralized two members of the New People’s Army (NPA), including Lucy Canda, also known by the alias ‘Luis/Madi,’ who reportedly served as finance officer of the NEMRC.

Military officials said the series of operations highlights the sustained collaboration among security forces, local government units, and national government agencies in addressing insurgency, while ensuring the safety and welfare of residents. 

With intensified security operations and strengthened community-based peace programs, government forces remain optimistic that Surigao del Sur will continue moving toward lasting peace, stability, and sustainable development for future generations. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)

Thursday, 21 May 2026

Thousands of Caraganons benefit from PhilHealth’s YAKAP, GAMOT

By Nora L. Molde

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — A total of 824,913 members and dependents across the Caraga region have already availed themselves of healthcare services under the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) Caraga’s YAKAP or “Yaman ng Kalusugan Program,” as of April 30, 2026.

This reflects the Marcos administration’s continuing directive to strengthen preventive, accessible, and community-based healthcare services under the Universal Health Care (UHC) program.

According to Jocelyn E. Cañete, chief of the Field Operations Division of PhilHealth Caraga, in an interview with the Philippine Information Agency, (PIA) Caraga, Surigao del Sur recorded the highest number of beneficiaries who availed themselves of services with 387,829, followed by Agusan del Sur with 297,397; Agusan del Norte with 124,581; Surigao del Norte with 123,875; Butuan City with 44,515; and the Province of Dinagat Islands (PDI) with 19,532.

Cañete also reported that PhilHealth Caraga has already registered 885,282 members and dependents under the YAKAP program across the region in support of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to expand healthcare coverage and bring government health services closer to communities.

Among the registered members and dependents, Surigao del Sur posted the highest number with 315,718, followed by Agusan del Sur with 250,290; Surigao del Norte with 130,424; Butuan City with 52,828; Dinagat Islands with 22,665; and Agusan del Norte with 13,357.

To further expand healthcare accessibility, PhilHealth Caraga accredited 134 YAKAP clinics across the region, supporting the national government’s push to ensure healthcare services reach even remote and underserved areas.

These include 38 clinics in Surigao del Norte, 32 in Surigao del Sur, 24 in Agusan del Sur, 20 in Agusan del Norte, 13 in Butuan City, and seven in Dinagat Islands.

Cañete also said that there are already 58 fully validated GAMOT (Guaranteed and Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment) providers in Caraga, aligned with the administration’s priority of ensuring affordable access to essential medicines and outpatient healthcare services for Filipinos.

The validated GAMOT providers include 15 in Agusan del Sur; 12 each in Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur; nine in Butuan City; and five each in Agusan del Norte and Dinagat Islands.

PhilHealth Caraga continues to intensify the implementation of the YAKAP and GAMOT programs through healthcare caravans, on-site registration, member empanelment, free medicine distribution, and strengthened partnerships with local government units and healthcare facilities across the region in support of the administration’s whole-of-government approach in delivering public health services.

In Agusan del Norte, the Local Health Insurance Office (LHIO)-Butuan City conducted the “YAKAP para sa Manggagawa” activity at SM City Butuan in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and other stakeholders, supporting President Marcos Jr.’s directive to improve healthcare access and social protection for workers and their families.

In Agusan del Sur, PhilHealth conducted YAKAP orientations and caravans in Bunawan town and launched the GAMOT Program in Loreto town during the 61st Araw ng Loreto and 21st Umajam Festival celebration as part of the continuing implementation of Universal Health Care at the grassroots level.

Also, the agency conducted the YAKAP + GAMOT Fun Run in San Francisco, Agusan del Sur, and Surigao City to further strengthen public awareness, preventive healthcare, and wellness promotion among communities.

Meanwhile, in Surigao del Sur, PhilHealth joined the Barangayanihan Program and conducted YAKAP service caravans in the towns of Lingig, Barobo, and Bayabas, where residents availed registration services, consultations, first patient encounters, and free medicine dispensing. 

PhilHealth Caraga also continues to strengthen partnerships with local government units and healthcare providers in the Province of Dinagat Islands to ensure wider access to consultations, medicines, and social health insurance benefits for island communities.

Among the beneficiaries was Josie, a mother of four whose husband works as a tricycle driver, who expressed gratitude for YAKAP + GAMOT after receiving free consultation and medicines from one of the accredited clinics in Butuan City. She said the assistance helped ease their family’s financial burden, especially amid rising daily expenses. 

Through these initiatives, PhilHealth Caraga reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the healthcare agenda of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. by bringing healthcare services closer to communities and promoting accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare for all Filipinos. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte)