ZAMBOANGA CITY — Mayor John Dalipe has strongly condemned the killing of a couple in Boalan and ordered the police to immediately arrest the perpetrators. Authorities said the couple – Fathie Bara Loong and his wife, Bairivalia were killed in a gun attack in Barangay Boalan shortly before 9:00 am of January 22. The couple’s four-year-old daughter who witnessed the gruesome murder, was unscathed. Police said the gunman approached and gunned down Fathie, who was inspecting the construction of their store, and later shot Bairivalia, who was sitting next to her daughter on the passenger seat of a delivery van. “This dastardly and cowardly act of violence has no place in Zamboanga City which continuously values and promotes peace among its culturally diverse communities,” Mayor Dalipe said in a statement posted on his facebook page. Dalipe ordered the Zamboanga City Police Office to immediately arrest and bring the perpetrators to justice. He likewise called on the security sector “to intensify stringent security measures in light of the existing gun ban due to the 2025 elections.” (CMO-PIO) (file photo)

The Penitential Walk with Mary and Traslacion 2025, part of the 460th Fiesta Señor celebration, was marked by a peaceful, solemn, and orderly atmosphere, as reported by the Police Regional Office7 (PRO7). A strong security presence, with around 2,163 personnel, partner agencies, and force multipliers, was strategically deployed along the procession route and at designated entry and exit points to ensure the safety of devotees. According to PRO7 Regional Director Police Brigadier General Redrico Maranan, the crowd estimate from the City’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office indicated that approximately 300,000 devotees participated in the procession, which began at 3 AM from Guadalupe Church in Barangay Guadalupe to the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu. General Maranan encouraged the public to continue collaborating, adhere to the implemented security measures, remain vigilant, and report any suspicious activities to the authorities. “This year’s religious event, attended by a large number of devotees, experienced no major incidents. I commend everyone involved for their efforts in making these events successful and orderly. Together, let us turn the Sinulog 2025 Festival into a display of our faith and a meaningful experience for everyone,” he said. The Traslacion follows the Walk with Mary foot procession, transferring the image of the Holy Child from the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño to the National Shrine of St. Joseph in Mandaue City, further emphasizing the significance of community and faith in this tradition. (PRO7-PIO)

Authorities in Mandaue City carried out a significant joint anti-drug operation resulting in the seizure of 1.5 kilograms of illegal drugs and the arrest of a high-profile drug suspect, according to the Police Regional Office (PRO) 7. The operation, which took place around 8:07 PM on January 8, 2025, at FE Zuellig Street in the North Reclamation Area of Barangay Subangdaku, was led by personnel from the Mandaue City Police Office’s City Intelligence Unit and City Drug Enforcement Unit, in collaboration with the Regional Special Enforcement Team from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office 7 (PDEA RO7 RSET MCO). During the operation, officers apprehended a 42-year-old high-profile drug suspect from Liloan, Cebu. They recovered several sachets of methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as “shabu”, weighing 1.5 kilograms, valued at P10.2 million. In addition to the drugs, authorities confiscated buy-bust money, a mobile phone, and a backpack used to conceal the illegal substances. PBGen Dionisio B Bartolome, Jr, Officer-in-Charge of PRO7, highlighted the importance of this operation. “This seizure marks the largest illegal drug bust recorded this week. We urge the public to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities. Together, we can enhance our efforts to ensure the safety and security of the Central Visayas community,” said PBGen Bartolome Jr. The illegal drugs that were seized have been forwarded to the Regional Forensic Unit for examination and analysis. The high-profile drug suspect remains in police custody as investigators prepare the necessary documentation to file charges under R.A. 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. (PRO7-PIO)  

PALO, LEYTE – The tracker team of the Palo Municipal Police Station, under the leadership of Maj. Gwen Alison Corregidor,officer-in-charge, successfully arrested an individual wanted for three counts of rape in Barangay Cavite East, Palo, Leyte, on January 8. The suspect, identified by the alias “Manny,” a 45-year-old pedicab driver and resident of the same barangay, was apprehended based on a warrant of arrest issued by the court on January 3, 2025. No bail was recommended for the charges. During the operation, the suspect was informed of the charges against him as well as his constitutional rights in a language he understood. He is now in the custody of the Palo MPS for documentation and subsequent legal proceedings. Corregidor highlighted the importance of law enforcement in ensuring public safety, stating, “This arrest demonstrates our unwavering commitment to holding individuals accountable for their actions and maintaining peace and security in our community. We encourage everyone to continue cooperating with law enforcement efforts.”  

The Police Regional Office 7 (PRO7) has shown a strong commitment to enhancing the safety and security of the Central Visayas community throughout the past year. PRO7 is proud to highlight its achievements as it reflects on its efforts, focusing on its unwavering dedication to serving the people of Central Visayas and fostering a peaceful, thriving region under the strategic leadership of Brig.Gen. Roy B. Parena, Officer-In-Command of PRO7. From January 1 to December 31, 2024, PRO7 initiated an active campaign against illegal activities, successfully conducting 7,557 anti-illegal drug operations. These efforts led to the apprehension of 8,772 drug offenders and the confiscation of 231,025.63 grams of illegal drugs, valued at P1,570,974,284.00, along with marijuana plants valued at P7,150,442.40. Additionally, 1,055 ampules of nubain were seized, with a total value of P121,325. In the fight against illegal gambling, our dedicated team arrested 12,624 individuals through 7,592 targeted operations, seizing cash totaling P1,361,385.75. Regarding loose firearms, PRO7 made significant progress, arresting 1,013 individuals and recovering 4,127 firearms, 148 explosives, and various types of ammunition through 3,942 targeted operations. Our commitment to locating wanted persons resulted in 7,259 operations, leading to the apprehension of 905 individuals on the most wanted list, as well as 6,354 others with court-issued warrants. In terms of crime statistics in Central Visayas, there was a notable reduction in index crimes, decreasing from 4,013 in 2023 to 3,662 cases in 2024, representing an 8.75 percent decline. Parena noted that the deployment of PRO7 personnel to places of convergence, the establishment of checkpoints, increased police visibility in crowded areas, and relentless anti-criminal operations contributed significantly to the notable reduction in focus crimes. Additionally, for the calendar year 2024, PRO7 recorded a 99.24 percent clearance efficiency and an 89.07 percent solution efficiency for the Peace and Order Indicator, attributed to the aggressive efforts and the diligence of investigators in ensuring that appropriate cases are properly referred or filed in courts of jurisdiction. “As we continue to fulfill our mandated tasks of preventing crime, maintaining peace and order, and ensuring public safety, PRO7 has made meaningful progress in Central Visayas through our effective anti-crime strategies. I commend each police officer for their unwavering commitment and integrity in serving the Central Visayas community. Let’s continue this work together!” said Parena. (PRO7-PIO)    

The Police Regional Office 7 (PRO7) reported that the New Year celebrations across the Central Visayas region were peaceful. PRO7 Officer-in-Command PBrig.Gen. Roy B. Parena emphasized that thorough inspections, increased vigilance from law enforcement officers, and the meticulous preparation of the police force played a significant role in maintaining safety and order during the celebrations, ensuring a smooth transition into the new year. As part of the ongoing safety initiative “Ligtas PAskuhan 2024,” incident monitoring from December 31, 2024, to January 1, 2025, revealed only four firecracker-related incidents during the festive period. Among these incidents, three separate injuries were reported in Barangay Looc, Mandaue City; Babag 2, Lapu-Lapu City; and Balisong, Argao, Cebu and one casualty in Asturias, Cebu. A 23-year-old individual succumbed to injuries sustained from a firecracker explosion in Barangay San Roque, Asturias, Cebu, shortly after midnight. The victim ignited a firecracker known as a “bombshell,” which failed to explode initially. When he returned to check on it, the firecracker suddenly exploded, causing injuries to his face. He was taken to an infirmary clinic but was pronounced dead on arrival by the attending physician. Furthermore, PRO7 documented three incidents involving the illegal sale and use of prohibited firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices in Danao City and Lapu-Lapu City on December 31, 2024. “The New Year celebrations in Central Visayas were peaceful, largely due to the strategies implemented by PRO7, along with local support. These actions included thorough inspections and the distribution of safety guidelines to the public, which helped maintain peace in the region,” said Parena. He also noted that this approach serves as a benchmark for enhancing safety at future events. (PRO7-PIO)        

In its ongoing efforts to ensure safety and order in the Central Visayas community as the New Year celebrations and Sinulog festivities approach, the Police Regional Office 7 announced significant weekly police operations. These initiatives led to the confiscation of illegal drugs valued at PHP 36.3 million and the arrest of 385 individuals for various offenses throughout the region. From December 22 to December 28, 2024, law enforcement officials seized 5.3 kilograms of illegal drugs worth P36,339,460, along with drug-related paraphernalia, resulting in the arrest of 140 drug offenders. During the same period, enhanced measures against illegal gambling resulted in the confiscation of P11,849 in betting money, which led to the apprehension of 156 individuals. Additionally, eleven of the most wanted suspects and 61 other wanted individuals were arrested through the implementation of court-issued warrants. The operations also led to the seizure of 60 unregistered firearms, three explosives, and various types of ammunition. “We have been extensively preparing and have adjusted our security strategies in anticipation of the New Year celebrations and the upcoming Sinulog festivities. PRO7 is committed to maintaining the highest standards of service and professionalism in our mission to protect the people of Central Visayas,” said PRO7 Officer-In-Command PBGEn Roy Parena. All suspects are currently in police custody and will face the charges in court.

CAMP DADIZON, NAVAL, BILIRAN – The Biliran Police Provincial Office, under the leadership of Provincial Director Col. Erwin Portillo, successfully conducted a four-day province-wide focused police operation achieving a remarkable total of 295 accomplishments from December 19–23, 2024. “This successful operation serves as a strong testament to the unwavering commitment and relentless efforts of the BPPO in combating criminality and ensuring public safety across the province,” Portillo stated. Among the highlights of the operation was the arrest of a high-value drug personality listed in the Regional Priority Target List during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Rosario, Naval, Biliran, on December 22. Additionally, another initiative facilitated through the “Tokhang” program was the voluntary surrender of one Person Who Uses Drugs (PWUDs). In the campaign against illegal logging, one suspect was arrested and apprehended 57 violators in the anti-illegal fishing drive. Through the “Kontra Boga” initiative, BPPO recovered a seven De Holen firearms and one improvised shotgun while the “Bilang Boga” campaign also resulted in the confiscation of one caliber .45 pistol. Furthermore, enforcement efforts had resulted to the apprehension of 217 violators of local ordinances for various infractions. Eight motorists were cited for violations of RA 4136 (Land Transportation and Traffic Code), while one individual was apprehended for violating RA 8750 (Seatbelt Use Act of 1999). Portillo commended the dedication and efficiency of BPPO personnel, emphasizing their collaborative efforts as evidence of the office’s steadfast commitment in maintaining peace and order. He assured the public that police operations will persist relentlessly until all lawbreakers are held accountable, reaffirming BPPO’s mission to ensure a safer and more secure environment for all residents of Biliran.                  

Hedcor, the renewable energy asset manager of AboitizPower, has turned over P5,140,167.01 in royalty shares to Indigenous Peoples (IP) communities in Bukidnon for 2022-2023. These funds directly benefit the host communities of Hedcor’s Manolo Fortich 1 and 2 hydroelectric power plants, advancing inclusive growth and sustainable development. The royalty shares were distributed to five IP organizations including Santiago Tribal Community (SANTRICO), Inc. who received P1,401,529.47; Impakibel, Apo Man Asilan Tribal Association with P1,401,529.47;  Lumikapaw Ka Guihean Tribal Council of Elders with P935,578.60; the Guilang-Guilang Apo Datu Nanikunan Association, Inc.with P935,578.60; and the Buklod Kayantang Tribal Association, Inc. who received P465,950.87. These funds will support initiatives identified by the IP communities themselves, including livelihood assistance, skills training to strengthen economic resilience, scholarships for Indigenous youth, and elder care programs. The projects will also help empower women entrepreneurs, preserve traditional practices, and advance environmental efforts such as reforestation. Bae Priscilla Cariaga, President of Buklod Kayantang Tribal Association, Inc., expressed gratitude for the turnover, “Ang pagtinabangay uban sa Hedcor nagpalambo sa among komunidad. Ang mga pondo makatabang sa pagpreserba sa among kultura, pagtubag sa mga kinahanglanon, ug paghimo og mga oportunidad para sa umaabot nga henerasyon (Working together with Hedcor has developed our community. The funds help preserve our culture, address our needs, and create opportunities for future generations).” Implemented in close coordination with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Region 10, the program ensures that projects align with cultural preservation and ancestral domain protection. “Through joint efforts, we achieve meaningful progress for Indigenous Peoples, safeguarding their heritage while promoting development,” said Atty. Dexter B. Precioso, NCIP Regional Legal Officer IV. Hedcor Vice President for Corporate Services Noreen Vicencio noted, “This turnover is more than just meeting our obligations—it reflects our commitment to a meaningful partnership. We are privileged to support the initiatives the IP organizations have chosen to advance their livelihood, education, and cultural heritage. By working side by side, we help ensure a lasting, positive impact that strengthens their communities and enriches their future.” By returning these royalty shares to the communities, Hedcor continues to advance renewable energy while strengthening communities, protecting cultural identities, and fostering long-term growth and opportunity.