Government Launches Joint Operation for Safety on Leyte–Eastern Samar Routes

Posted on Apr. 1, 2026 at 5:39 am

GUIUAN, Eastern Samar — A joint task force comprising multiple agencies conducted a thorough inspection of sea and land transport operations on March 26 to enhance compliance with labor, safety, and transport regulations.

The operation focused on two passenger vessels and two major land transport cooperatives operating in the Leyte–Eastern Samar corridor, a crucial route for mobility and commerce in the region.

Led by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Provincial Head Salvacion A. Yepez, the inspection involved the participation of the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Land Transportation Office (LTO), the Philippine National Police Maritime Group, Pag-IBIG Fund, and the local government unit of Guiuan.

Inspectors evaluated adherence to labor standards, occupational safety and health regulations, maritime and land transport guidelines, and social protection laws. The inspection covered numerous maritime workers and around 150 public utility drivers.

Key officials in attendance included Municipal Administrator Atty. Jovan S. Aboga-a, MARINA Guiuan Officer-in-Charge Jovanni L. Badocdoc, Guiuan Integrated Transport Terminal Head Donato Pabello, Coast Guard Sub-Station Commander ENS Ericson B. Pocon, LTO representative Lowel Mark Lucero, PNP Maritime Group officer PMSg Leonardo T. Hombria, and Pag-IBIG representative Jean Desuloc-Labro. DOLE labor inspectors Neil D. Moraleta and Judith Aboy also took part in the inspection.

Authorities emphasized that the collaborative inspection underscores the government’s dedication to safeguarding worker welfare, passenger safety, and regulatory compliance, particularly along critical transport routes linking Leyte and Eastern Samar.

(Photo Courtesy: DOLE-8)