The Celebrity Hound struck again

PAO Chief Persida Rueda-Acosta was in Calbayog last Thursday (January 17). As expected, the celebrity hound made sure he had his picture taken with the PAO chief.

from the Vera Files: Ex-UP Collegian editor at NKI on conditional release

FORMER University of the Philippines Collegian Editor Ericson “Eric” Acosta, political prisoner under the democratically elected Aquino administration, flew back safely to Manila early Friday after close to two years of detention at a Samar sub-provincial jail.

He was immediately taken to the National Kidney Institute for renal treatment in Quezon City.

Up to late the Thursday night in Calbayog City, the office of Gov. Mila Tan and provincial jail warden Victor Templonuevo tried to delay the conditional release of Acosta.

The same warden tried to also stall the release by first demanding that two more jail guards escort Acosta to the NKI.. Then he demanded that the accompanying party wait for proper travel and mission orders for the escorts to come from Catbalogan, which is 72.5 kms away.

Chief Persida Rudea Acosta (not related to the detainee) of the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) scolded Templonuevo over the phone, reminding him that the the judiciary is above any local government executive or a military commander. Thus, the ruling in favor of Acosta could not be overturned by a governor or even a general. (read more . . . )

Meeting the PAO Chief

As I have reported in an earlier blog post, PAO Chief Persida Acosta was in Calbayog. After a press conference at the Ciriaco Hotel my media colleagues took time to pose for some pix with the PAO Chief. Shown with me and the PAO Chief are (l-r) Ian Baldomaro, Jovan Ramonida and Aimee Catalan.

from the Vera Files: The Ericson Acosta story: Running home, almost free

Two unrelated Acostas (Eric and Persida) confer about his illegal possession of explosives case (photo courtesy of the Vera files)

CALBAYOG CITY, Samar—Political prisoner Ericson “Eric” Acosta, who had long stopped counting the days he had spent in jail at this city’s sub-provincial jail in Western Samar, was sprung an unanticipated pre-Valentine gift on Thursday: The court allowed the poet-composer and former Philippine Collegian editor to leave jail on early Friday to fly to Manila on humanitarian grounds.

(Acosta is expected to arrive in Manila at 8:15 a.m. on Friday at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3.)

Chief Public Attorney Persida Rueda-Acosta (not a relative of the accused) quickly moved for Acosta’s temporary release before the Gandara regional trial court after a medico-legal consultant of the Public Attorney’s Office examined him and found he has nephritis, a condition characterized by blood in the urine (hematuria), lower back pains, high fever and painful urination (dysuria), all of which require urgent confinement. (read more . . . )

Covering Persida Acosta in Calbayog

Public Attorney's Office (PAO) Chief Persida Acosta is in Calbayog. We had a chance to interview her earlier tonight at Ciriaco Hotel. Among the issues discussed was the case of the former U.P. Collegian editor Ericsson Acosta.

PAO Chief Persida Acosta with (l-r) Elizabeth Lolarga of the Vera Files, Aimee Catalan of FilProducts and Dr. Erwin Erfe

Pili Tree Planting Program officially launched

Pili Tree Planting in Calbayog. Mayor Ronaldo Aquino (in black shirt) as he took time to pose with some stakeholders during the official launching of the Pili Tree Planting Program of Calbayog. The said program which was launched in Barangay Migara is a joint undertaking of LGU-Calbayog, DepEd Calbayog and the Barangay Officials and PTA Officers and members of selected barangays in the Happy Valley area. It is aimed at both for environment protection and to provide livelihood to the barangay folks in the said area. In photo with Mayor Aquino are (l-r) Tomasa Antivo (DepEd Calbayog District III Supervisor), Antonio Eloja (Palayamanan President), Arnold Jaraba (DepEd Calbayog EPS for TLE and EPP), Adela Ocenar (City Agriculturist), Atty. Fiel Almendra (DepeEd Calbayog SDS), Marto Calamayo (3D CUPS Ass't Director), Lorenzo Ras (OIC of CENRO) and the parent leaders from the Happy Valley area.

SILG Roxas to grace signing of elections peace covenant in Samar

CAMP RUPERTO KANGLEON, Palo, Leyte, Jan 11 (PIA) -- At the very start of the election period, a signing of a peace covenant has been scheduled in the considered election “priority area” in Eastern Visayas.

Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas will witness the signing of the peace covenant among the police, church leaders, and local candidates in Samar. (Read more . . . )

A BFP award for LGU-Calbayog

Calbayog. Mayor Ronald Aquino beams with smile as he received from Calbayog City Fire Marshal Insp Romeo Jaca the Plaque of Recognition which the Bureau of Fire Protection awarded to LGU-Calbayog City for its active involvement and constant support for the improved delivery of fire safety service in Calbayog. The LGU was cited during the 39th BFP Fire Service Recognition Day. In photo with Mayor Aquino are City Administrator Rosario Gonzaga, SFO2 Diosdado Callosa and SFO1 Walter Magbutay.

Happy Golden Wedding Anniversary Mano Enteng and Mana Sisang

The Jubilarian with me and my wedding staff

Retired Judge Clemente Rosales and Mrs. Basilisa Rosales will celebrate their Golden Wedding Anniversary today.

The anniversary celebration was held a day earlier with Bishop Isabelo Abarquez presiding over the Eucharistic Celebration at the Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral. Reception was held at the Calbayog City Convention Center.

from the LSDE: PNP-8 to delpoy more cops in Samar Province

Tacloban City - Close to 100 policemen will be deployed to Samar Province, identified as one of the hot spot areas in the country relative to the forthcoming May 13, 2013 midterm election. (read more ...)

from the LSDE: No. 5 in PDEA Calbayog city's watchlist falls

Calbayog City - Elizabeth De Guzman Lejera, a smoked fish helper / vendor and a resident of Brgy. Matobato, Calbayog City evidently did not consider her husband's arrest on drug peddling charges a few months back as a lesson and wake-up call, but instead opted to inherit nefarious trade. (read more ...)

from the LSDE: PAG leader in Samar slain

Tacloban City - A leader of a notorious partisan armed group (PAG) in the province of Samar was killed by elements of the Regional Special Operations Task Group (RSOTG) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Eastern Visayas, according to an official. (read more ...)

from the LSDE: Samar guv finds it 'favorable' that her province is identified as potential hot spot

Tacloban City - Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan said that she finds it "favorable" with her province identified as one of the potential hot spot areas in the country relative to the conduct of the 2013 midterm elections. (read more ...)

The Morning After

Happy New Year! It's the first day of 2013. Just like the previous 1st of January, I took time to take some pictures in the commercial area of Calbayog. The area is deserted and quiet only two days of the year - on Good Friday and today.

The primera calle aka Senate President Jose Avelino. The portion from Umbria Street to the Rosales Bridge.

Portion of Nijaga Park along Gomez street

The public market as seen from Navarro street. 

And over there at the area where the Island Town Terminal is, this is how the firecracker vendors left their stalls after raking it in on New Year's eve.