PALO, Leyte – A 29-year-old government employee was arrested on Saturday evening, April 19, 2025, after authorities seized suspected marijuana and shabu from his possession during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Arado,this town.

The suspect, identified only by the alias “EJ,” is considered a high-value individual (HVI) by authorities. He resides in Palo with his common-law wife.

The operation was conducted by the Palo Municipal Drug Enforcement Unit in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

Police reported that the estimated weight and value of the confiscated illegal drugs are still being determined as of press time.

All seized evidence was properly marked and inventoried at the site of the arrest in the presence of required witnesses, in compliance with legal procedures.

Criminal charges are currently being prepared against the suspect.

(RONALD O. REYES)

CATARMAN, Northern Samar – The Department of Public Works and Highways Northern Samar 1st District Engineering Office (DPWH-NSFEDO) has completed the construction of road with Drainage Canal Phase I in Brgy. Daganas, Catarman, Northern Samar.

The 436-meter-long project features drainage canal structures and 17 Single Arm Roadway Lighting installations, which increase road safety and visibility.

DPWH-NSFDEO District Engineer Alvin A. Ignacio said that the newly-paved road costing Php 14.84 million, now alleviates the travel burdens of residents in the said area.

Residents now enjoy safer and more convenient travel thanks to the project’s completion. It is now possible to get to schools, government buildings, medical centers, and other business centers with ease,” DE Ignacio stated.

A local revealed in an interview that since the road repair was completed, their everyday activities have significantly improved. The resident clarified that it used to be difficult to go outside, particularly during the rainy season, because the area was muddy and filthy. But now that the project is finished, it is much more convenient.

The project was funded through the Basic Infrastructure Program under General Appropriations Act (GAA) for FY 2024.

(dpwh8/nsfdeo/aap)

TACLOBAN CITY – Authorities arrested a 41-year-old driver on April 16, 2025, after seizing around 15 kilos of suspected shabu from his vehicle along Maharlika Highway in Barangay New Mahayag, Catbalogan City.

The suspect, identified only by the alias “Toper,” is a resident of Barangay Lote, Naga City, Cebu.

Colonel Antonietto Eric Mendoza, director of the Samar Police Provincial Office (SPPO), praised the coordination among law enforcement agencies, calling the operation “a solid example of inter-agency teamwork leading to a major blow against the illegal drug trade.”
“This arrest and the confiscation of 15 kilos of suspected shabu reflect our relentless commitment to keep Samar safe from the drug menace. We will not back down in our fight against illegal drugs,” Mendoza said.

The seized contraband was said to have a commercial value of more than P100 million.
The operation was spearheaded by the Samar Provincial Highway Patrol Team under Lieutenant Joel Camagong and supervised by Lieutenant Colonel Davin Brillantes of the Regional Highway Patrol Unit–Eastern Visayas.

The operation was carried out in coordination with the Provincial Intelligence Unit and Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit led by Lieutenant Colonel J-rale Paalisbo; Catbalogan City Police Station under Lieutenant Colonel Daryll Chua; the Samar Provincial EOD and Canine Unit led by Chief Master Sergeant Peter Jerome Mendoza; the Philippine Coast Guard K9–Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group; and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

(RONALD O. REYES)

TACLOBAN CITY– A 45-year-old man survived a shooting incident on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds while riding his motorcycle along the national road in Sitio Hicgop, Barangay Caridad.

The victim, identified only by the alias “Rob,” is a resident of Ormoc City. According to the Police Regional Office–Eastern Visayas, he was shot by two men on a motorcycle at around 5 a.m.

“Rob” sustained two gunshot wounds to the abdomen and one to the right arm. He was rushed to a hospital where he remains in stable condition.

Investigators recovered two empty shells of an undetermined caliber from the scene, along with the victim’s personal belongings.

Police from Baybay City said the suspects fled in the direction of Ormoc City following the shooting. One of the suspects was identified as “Rich,” a resident of Ormoc, while the other remains unidentified.

Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the motive behind the attack and to locate the suspects.

(RONALD O. REYES)

TACLOBAN CITY– A newborn baby was found dead by the roadside along the diversion road in Barangay Atipolo, Naval, Biliran on the evening of April 14, 2025.

Responding officers from the Naval Municipal Police Station discovered the infant’s body and immediately coordinated with the Provincial Forensic Unit–Biliran to process the scene.
Initial findings from the Naval Municipal Health Office suggest the baby may have suffocated due to a membrane covering his face at birth.

“There is a strong possibility that the mother gave birth without assistance, which may have led to the membrane not being removed, resulting in suffocation,” an official said, as quoted in a report from the Police Regional Office–Eastern Visayas.

Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the circumstances behind the incident and to identify the person responsible.

(RONALD O. REYES)