ORMOC CITY— A 37-year-old driver was arrested during a buy-bust operation conducted by local police in Barangay Pangi, Bontoc, Southern Leyte on Monday morning, April 24, resulting in the seizure of suspected shabu.

The suspect, identified by police as alias “Danny,” is a resident of the said barangay and is listed as a street-level individual in the drug watchlist.

According to Bontoc police chief PLT Candelario Dalogdogan, the operation was carried out at around 8:05 a.m. by the Station Drug Enforcement Unit. An undercover operative was able to purchase one sachet of suspected shabu worth P1,000 from the suspect.

A subsequent body search, conducted in the presence of required witnesses, led to the recovery of a cigarette pack labeled “Mighty” containing two more sachets of suspected shabu, along with the marked P1,000 bill used in the operation.

Authorities said the total weight of the confiscated substance was approximately 3.91 grams, with an estimated value of P26,588 based on Dangerous Drugs Board standards.
The suspect was informed of the nature of his arrest and his constitutional rights in a language he understands.

Charges for violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, have been filed against him. He is currently detained at the Bontoc Municipal Police Station.

(ROBERT DEJON)

ORMOC CITY-The towns of Sogod, Southern Leyte, and Calbiga in Samar have been declared under Stable Internal Peace and Security Condition (SIPSC), marking a significant improvement in the peace and order situation in their respective areas.

Sogod’s declaration was formalized through a resolution passed by the Sangguniang Bayan, affirming the municipality’s transition to a more secure environment. Local officials said the milestone could pave the way for economic growth and strengthen the town’s bid for cityhood.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government in Southern Leyte noted that sustained peace is expected to boost investor confidence, but emphasized that continuous governance and development efforts remain crucial to prevent the resurgence of insurgency.

In Samar, Calbiga—previously identified as an insurgency-affected area—also achieved SIPSC status following years of government interventions, including infrastructure projects aimed at improving access in remote communities.

Mayor Red Nacario credited the support of the provincial government and partner agencies, and called on remaining members of armed groups to surrender and avail of government reintegration programs.

The Philippine Army 8th Infantry Division welcomed the development, describing it as a result of sustained collaboration among local governments, security forces, and communities in promoting lasting peace and development.

(ROBERT DEJON)

ORMOC CITY — A three-year-old child was killed while several members of different families were injured after a vehicle rammed into pedestrians in Barangay Imelda, Tolosa on the evening of April 24, 2026.

The fatality, identified as MLD, 3, of Barangay Cabuynan, Tanauan, was declared dead on arrival at the hospital. Among those injured were “Mel,” 28, and MJC, 7, who are also from the same barangay and belong to the child’s family. Their father later reported to authorities that he also sustained minor injuries.

Other victims included “Hel,” 40, of Barangay Malbog, Tolosa; “Ger,” 32; AGT, 1; JTD, 10; SMD, 9; and KTD, 5 — all residents of Barangay Capangihan, Tolosa. Another individual later reported to police that they had also been injured in the incident. Most of the victims were from family groups.

Police identified the vehicle involved as a silver/green Mitsubishi Adventure driven by “Tony,” 55, a resident of Barangay Balao, Burauen.

Initial investigation by the Tolosa Municipal Police Station said the incident occurred at around 7:55 p.m. along Imelda Lane, near the town plaza, where officers were conducting foot patrol and visibility operations. Responding officers found several victims lying on the ground, while the vehicle had crashed into the stairs of the Tolosa Town Plaza.

Authorities said the vehicle was heading toward the national highway when the driver reportedly lost control, swerved toward an ukay-ukay stall, and struck the pedestrians.
The injured were rushed to the Governor Benjamin T. Romualdez General Hospital and Schistosomiasis Center and the Leyte Provincial Hospital with the assistance of the Tolosa Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office rescue team.

The driver and the vehicle are now in police custody as authorities continue their investigation into the incident.

(ELVIE ROMAN ROA)

TACLOBAN CITY — All 43 examinees from Eastern Samar State University (ESSU) in Borongan City passed the April 2026 Midwives Licensure Examination, making it the top-performing school nationwide.

Eastern Samar Lone District Rep. Christopher Sheen Gonzales lauded the graduates for achieving a 100 percent passing rate, calling it a testament to their dedication and commitment to the profession.

He also commended graduate Graceil Rado Dacuno for placing 10th in the exam with a 92.2 percent rating.

Data from the Professional Regulation Commission showed that 901 out of 2,124 examinees passed the exam nationwide, or a 42.4 percent passing rate.

Among schools with at least 30 examinees, ESSU ranked first, followed by the University of the Philippines School of Health Sciences and Tagoloan Community College in Misamis Oriental.

Gonzales emphasized the crucial role of midwives in delivering maternal and child healthcare, particularly in underserved communities.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY— A minor killed in an armed encounter in Samar was laid to rest on Saturday, April 25, as his grieving mother called for justice and condemned the group she said recruited and abandoned her child.

The victim, identified as alias John Paul, died during a clash on April 17, 2026. His burial was facilitated through the assistance of the local government of San Jose de Buan.
His mother, Jessa, expressed gratitude to the local government for helping provide her son a proper burial, but also voiced anger toward the armed group she blamed for his death.
“An akon gad la ginsasakitan han buot kay ngano ira la ginbabyaanan, waray la nira atamana. Ira gin-inupod mahingada [engkwentro] pero waray nira atamana, ginpahamak la nira,” she said, questioning why her son was left behind during the encounter.

She urged members of the group to surrender to avoid suffering the same fate, and made an emotional appeal to a relative still involved in the movement to return home.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns over the recruitment of minors into armed group, a violation of national and international laws protecting children in conflict.

The Philippine Army 8th Infantry Division condemned the continued involvement of minors in armed struggle and reiterated its commitment to programs focused on community awareness and youth protection.

Authorities also urged families and communities to remain vigilant and report any attempts to recruit children into armed groups.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA, ROEL T. AMAZONA, ROBERT DEJON)