TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte – In the persistent campaign against illegal drugs, a joint operation led by Tacloban City Police Office- City Drug Enforcement Unit yielded a successful buy-bust in Barangay 89 San Jose, Tacloban City, on December 11. Col. Noelito Getigan, city director said the operation led to the arrest of two high-value drug suspects known as “Clint,” 33-year-old self-employed male and “Ar,” 35-year-old unemployed male, both residents of Palo, Leyte. Getigan said, to ensure transparency and adherence to protocol, the operation was jointly conducted with the TCPO-CIU in coordination with Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 8, with the use of Body-Worn Cameras (BWC) and Alternative Recording Devices (ARD). The buy-bust was executed by a designated poseur-buyer, who was able to purchase from the suspect a substance suspected as ‘shabu’ worth P7,000.00. Following the transaction, the arresting officers apprehended the suspect and informed him of his rights in a language he understood. During a lawful search, several pieces of drug and non-drug evidence were confiscated from the suspect’s possession and control. These items were individually marked and inventoried in the presence of the suspect and witnesses from the local public office. The seized drug items were more or less 225 grams with an estimated Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) value of P1,530,000.00. Meanwhile, the actual weight of the confiscated drug items is yet to be determined by the Regional Forensic Unit (RFU) 8. Criminal charges for violation of Section 5&11, Article II if RA 9165 otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 is now being prepared against the suspect. “Congratulations to all involved in the success of this anti-illegal drug operation. This accomplishment manifests the dedication and teamwork of our operatives. This achievement is a significant step in our ongoing fight against crime and drug abuse,” stated Col.Getigan. He also encouraged the community and local government unit to work closely with the police by providing real-time information so that the problem with illegal drugs can soon end.

CAMP KANGLEON, PALO, LEYTE – The Police Regional Office 8 achieved significant progress in its anti-illegal drugs campaign in conducting 79 operations that led to the arrest of 91 individuals, including nine listed personalities, and the filing of 183 drug-related cases in November 2024 Throughout November, operations against illegal drugs yielded significant seizures, including 62,961.92 grams of shabu, 2,292.41 grams of marijuana, and 6.37 grams of cocaine, with an estimated total value of ₱428,141,826.19. Among the units, the Southern Leyte Police Provincial Office (SLPPO) recorded the largest confiscation, seizing 60,420.55 grams of shabu worth ₱410,859,720.55. Meanwhile, the Leyte Police Provincial Office (LPPO) conducted 31 operations, which led to the confiscation of 168.43 grams of shabu valued at ₱1,145,332.16. Significant contributions were also made by the Tacloban City Police Office, Biliran PPO, Samar PPO, and other units, reflecting the unified effort of law enforcement in combating illegal drugs. PRO 8 Regional Director, Brig.Gen. Jay Cumigad, commended the police force, stating, “These accomplishments demonstrate our officers’ commitment to eradicating illegal drugs and protecting our communities. The significant seizures and arrests highlight our determination to dismantle drug syndicates. We urge the public to stay vigilant and report suspicious activities to help create a safer, drug-free environment.” The Philippine National Police remains committed to its anti-illegal drugs campaign, assuring the public of continued, intelligence-driven operations to combat drug syndicates and maintain peace and order across the region.

By Bernadeth Lazaro   ZAMBOANGA CITY — The City Government under the administration of Mayor John Dalipe remains unrelenting in its commitment to support and assist the security sector, as it hands over 20 units of ADV 150 motorcycles to the Zamboanga City Police Office, on November 29. Mayor John Dalipe together with Majority Leader and District II Congressman Mannix Dalipe and some members of the City Council led the handover ceremony held at the City Hall grounds. The 20 motorcycles amounted to a total of P4.76M or P238K per unit. Funding for its purchase was taken from the City Peace and Order funds. Mayor Dalipe emphasized that the acquisition of the motorcycles aligns with his administration’s commitment to assist law enforcement agencies in their efforts to safeguard the city and increasing their effectiveness and mobility to sustain peace and order. The mayor expressed confidence that the vehicles will strengthen capabilities and enhance ZCPO’s mobility in responding to incidents, thereby ensuring public safety. City Police Director Col. Kimberly Molitas thanked the city government and Mayor Dalipe for constantly prioritizing security and safety of the Zamboanguenos.    

  Some 1,765 individuals incrisis situation were given financial assistance during payout spearheaded by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-9) in collaboration with the city government at the Mayor Vitaliano Agan Coliseum in Tetuan,on  November 28. Mayor John Dalipe together with Vice Mayor Josephine Pareja and some members of the City Council joined the distribution of the cash aid that formed part of DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program. The cash assistance amounted to P2,000 per individual that totaled P3.530M for the 1,765 beneficiaries, who also received a 5-kilo sack ofrice each, courtesy of the city government. The beneficiaries were from barangays Bolong (233), Boalan (49), Canelar (62), Culianan (160), Lanzones (64), Mercedes (70), Pasonanca (110), San Jose Gusu (95), Sta. Maria (105), Tumaga (51), and Talisayan (43). (Details: Bernadeth Lazaro)  

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  The 117-year old Zamboanga City Hall lights up blue to mark World Pneumonia Day Tuesday, November 12. Organized by the Philippine Pediatric Society- Southwestern Mindanao and the Philippine College of Physicians – Western Mindanao Chapter, theWorld Pneumonia Day celebration in Zamboanga City coincided with similar events worldwide where monuments and iconic landmarks were illuminated in blue to underscore the importance of education and prevention to reduce deaths due to pneumonia, the leading infectious killer of adults and children globally. Mayor John Dalipe in his message reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fight pneumonia and other infectious diseases through various health programs to include vaccination, information drive, access to health care, as well as tree planting and coastal clean-up campaigns. Dalipe highlighted the efforts of doctors and people in the medical field to sustain the fight against pneumonia. “Thank you very much for your efforts in treating and preventing this disease. Your commitment to public health is well appreciated.” With the slogan “Pneumonia Affects Everyone,” the Worldwide Pneumonia Awareness Campaign – Pneumolight is intended to increase the visibility of pneumonia, to educate the public and spread scientifically-proven data on this disease. The event kicked off with a Zumba Dance and was highlighted by the Info Talk and Panel FAQs and a video presentation on pneumonia advocacies.  

CAMP GOV. BANTUG, Maasin City – Authorities intercepted a large drug haul discovered in an abandoned vehicle during a port interdiction operation at the Liloan Ferry Terminal, Barangay San Roque, Liloan, Southern Leyte, early morning on November 8. At around 12:15 a.m, a composite team from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Southern Leyte Maritime Group (SLMG), Liloan Municipal Police Station (Liloan MPS), Regional Intelligence Unit (RIU) 8, Provincial Intelligence Unit and Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) conducted a routine inspection of vehicles arriving from the MV Fast Cat M17, which had traveled from Surigao City, Surigao Del Norte. During the inspection, the team found an abandoned virgil grey Mitsubishi Montero with its engine running in the port’s marshalling area. Anticipating that the vehicle may be loaded with explosives, the interdiction team requested the assistance of the PCG K9 unit. The initial search for explosives, conducted in the presence of barangay officials from San Roque, Liloan, and employees of FastCat, yielded negative results. However, at around 1:50 a.m, PDEA agents conducted a thorough inspection of the vehicle’s interior and found three large bags in its compartment. A Narcotic Detection Dog indicated a positive alert for illegal drugs. Upon further examination, authorities confiscated a total of 57 large packs containing suspected illegal substances, estimated to weigh approximately one kilogram per pack. A follow-up investigation into the identity and whereabouts of the driver, based on the bill of lading, revealed that the driver is from Surigao, while the registered owner of the vehicle is from Carmen, Surigao del Sur. The joint team is currently conducting follow-up operations, backtracking the vehicle’s movements and, if necessary, initiating a hot pursuit of the driver. Col. Hector Enage, provincial director of the Southern Leyte Police Provincial Office, lauded the composite interdiction team for promptly executing the port operations as agreed upon during the Transit Guard meeting on September 25, 2024. “I am pleased to report that the team has successfully removed approximately 57 kilograms of illegal drugs from our streets,” he stated. “This significant seizure represents our commitment to protecting our communities and ensuring a safer environment for all.”        

CAMP KANGLEON, PALO, LEYTE – The Police Regional Office 8 successfully apprehended the second-ranked provincial most wanted for rape in Barangay Mercedes, Catbalogan City, earlier today, November 5, 2024. Brig.Gen.Jay Cumingad, regional director said joint operatives led by the Provincial Intelligence Unit-Samar Police Provincial Office (PIU-SPPO), with support from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Western Samar Provincial Field Unit and the Catbalogan City Police Station, arrested alias “ML,” a 24-year-old male and resident of Barangay Mercedes, Catbalogan City, Samar. The suspect ranked as second most wanted person at the provincial level, was arrested based on a warrant for rape, with no bail recommended. Following his arrest, the accused was immediately brought to the Catbalogan CPS for documentation and proper disposition. Cumingad commended the coordinated efforts of the involved units, noting the importance of such operations in ensuring justice and community safety. “This arrest underscores the commitment of law enforcement agencies to actively pursue individuals wanted for serious crimes and reinforces public confidence in the criminal justice system,” he added.                  

PAMBUJAN, NORTHERN SAMAR – In a successful joint operation, elements of the 2nd Northern Samar Provincial Mobile Force Company (NSPMFC), under the supervision of Lt.Col.Edwin Oloan,Jr., Force Commander, together with operatives from 8ID PA, PNP SAF and Palapag MPS, successfully apprehended wanted CTG (Communist Terrorist Group) personality for kidnapping and illegal detention in Barangay Tambangan, Palapag Northern Samar on October 28, 2024. The suspect, identified as alias “Maye” female, 29 yrs old, with common law husband, and resident of Gamay, Northern Samar, NPSR Listed and affiliated as Member of FC 15, SRC ARCTIC, EVRPC. The arrest was made by virtue of a warrant for Kidnapping and Serious Illegal Detention issued on February 17, 2020, by RTC Branch 21, Laoang, Northern Samar with no bail recommendation. During the arrest, the suspect was informed of her constitutional rights and was immediately brought to Palapag MPS for proper documentation prior turn over to the court of origin. The operation also utilized an alternative recording device for transparency. Oloan, reiterated the unwavering resolve of the police to bring perpetrators of crime to justice. “Our police force remains committed in delivering justice to victims of violence and criminality. We will continue to intensify our law enforcement efforts to apprehend other criminals who’s in flee.”