Kuta Kankabato, San Jose, Tacloban City — A total of 97 individuals were arrested during a one-day Simultaneous Anti-Criminality Law Enforcement Operation (SACLEO) conducted province-wide from 8:00 AM on September 26 to 8:00 AM on September 27, 2024. Col Dionisio DC Apas,Jr., provincial director said, among those apprehended was a regular member of the New People’s Army (NPA) from the Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB)/Buhawi Platoon, who surrendered along with a homemade “paltik” handgun and 13 rounds of ammunition. Alias “RJ,” a former BHB/Buhawi Platoon member who operated in various municipalities in Leyte, Northern Samar, and Sorsogon, surrendered at the 2nd LPMFC Headquarters in Brgy. Cristina, Calubian, Leyte, on September 26, 2024. He decided to return to the fold of the law and reaffirm his allegiance to the government. In addition, two Most Wanted Persons were arrested during the SACLEO operations. The Top 7 Provincial-Level Most Wanted Person was apprehended in Baybay City for Acts of Lasciviousness and Sexual Assault, while the Top 2 City-Level Most Wanted Person was arrested in Inopacan, Leyte, for violating Section 3 of RA 10883 (Anti-Carnapping Law) and Theft of a Motor Vehicle. For other wanted persons, 16 operations were conducted, resulting in the arrest of 16 individuals across multiple municipalities: three in Barugo, three in Palo, two in Alangalang, and one each in Babatngon, Inopacan, Jaro, Javier, Matalom, Pastrana, and Tunga. Regarding violations of RA 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002), six operations were carried out, leading to five arrests in Alangalang, Albuera, Baybay, Isabel, and Matalom. One individual remains at large in Villaba. In connection with PD 1602 (Anti-Illegal Gambling), three operations were conducted, resulting in the arrest of nine individuals—three each in Capoocan, Matag-ob, and Tabango. For PD 449 (Cockfighting), one operation was conducted, resulting in the arrest of one person in Leyte. In an operation against illegal fishing, two violators were apprehended in Tanauan, Leyte. Under Oplan Katok, two firearms were voluntarily surrendered—one in Isabel and one in Merida. Additionally, the 1st LPMFC reported the surrender of one explosive device. For violations of traffic ordinances, 57 individuals were fined: 14 in Baybay, 4 in Dulag, 4 in Mahaplag, 3 in Sta. Fe, and 2 each in Abuyog, Babatngon, Carigara, Isabel, Javier, La Paz, MacArthur, Palompon, San Isidro, San Miguel, and Tabango. There was also 1 fine each in Albuera, Bato, Burauen, Jaro, Hilongos, Mayorga, Merida, Tabontabon, Tolosa, and Villaba, Leyte. Apas lauded all troops for the successful conduct of the operation, stating, “This accomplishment is the result of our unyielding efforts and relentless campaign against all forms of criminality. I commend everyone for a job well done, and let us continue to be more aggressive in our campaigns so that we can achieve a progressive, peaceful, and drug-free Leyte Province.”

CAMP KANGLEON, PALO, LEYTE – The Police Regional Office 8 under the leadership of Brig.Gen.Reynaldo Pawid, awarded PCpl Michael S Maquilan of the Leyte Police Provincial Office, a PNP Commendation Medal for being named First Runner-Up in the Singing Cops Philippines 2024 competition, held on September 27, 2024, at the Music Museum in San Juan City, Metro Manila. Maquilan represented PRO 8 at the national level, competing against nine other contestants from various Police Regional Offices. He showcased his vocal talent with a powerful rendition of Wency Cornejo’s song “Habang May Buhay.” Before announcing the competition results, PNP Chief General Rommel Francisco Marbil stated that he would double the prizes for the winners. Consequently, Maquilan received a cash prize of P150,000 along with a trophy. Pawid extended his heartfelt congratulations to Maquilan, commending his exceptional singing talent. He emphasized that Maquilan’s victory would greatly benefit fellow officers undergoing cancer treatment. “PRO 8 celebrates the exceptional talent of Maquilan, who has brought honor and recognition to our office during the recent PNP Singing Cops competition. This demonstrates that PRO 8 personnel are not only combat-ready but also possess remarkable talents that enhance our regional headquarters’ reputation. I fully support the CPNP’s initiative to make this singing competition a platform that supports all our personnel facing life-threatening illnesses. PRO 8 will continue to support such initiatives,” he stated. Meanwhile, PRO 5 was awarded the Grand Champion title, and PRO 11 secured the Second Runner-Up title. The “Singing Cops 2024 for a Cause” initiative is a project of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in collaboration with the PNP Officers Ladies Club Foundation, Inc., aimed at providing assistance to PNP personnel facing serious illnesses like cancer.