TACLOBAN CITY- Police have arrested an alleged drug personality in Ormoc City during a sting operation on June 10.
Authorities identified the suspect as Lito Gonzalo, 34, single, and a resident of the city, who was caught in possession of a piece plastic sachet suspected to contain shabu with a street value of P500.
A police personnel who acted as poseur buyer was able to purchase from Gonzalo the suspected shabu.
Aside from shabu, seized from the suspect were two cellphones and cash in the amount of P10,000.
The suspect is now in the custody of Police Station 3 and cases for violation of Section 5 and 11 of RA 9165 are being readied against him.
(RONALD O.REYES)
Alleged drug pusher nabbed in Ormoc City
Cops nab 10 most wanted persons and 46 others in a 9-day operations across the region
CAMP RUPERTO KANGLEON, PALO, Leyte-At least 10 most wanted persons (MWPs) and 46 others were nabbed by police from the region during a nine-day simultaneous police operations from June 1-9, 2019 under the flagship of Eastern Visayas Police Director, Police Brigadier/Gen. Dionardo Carlos.
Leyte Police Provincial Office (LPPO) nabbed 5 MWPs for the crimes of rape, homicide and violation of section 5 of Article II of R.A. 7610, respectively.
LPPO also arrested 14 other wanted persons for the crimes of theft, attempted rape, estafa, less serious physical injuries, frustrated murder; and for violations of Sec.261 of the Omnibus Election Code as amended by R.A. 7166 in relation to Comelec Resolution No. 10446; PD 449; Sec.2 of B.P. BLG. 33 as amended by P.D.1865; and P.D.1602.
Also nabbed were nine illegal drug personalities and confiscated from them were 21 pieces heat-sealed transparent plastic suspected to be shabu; a total of P2,700 as marked money; 1 unit cal.38 and 3 live ammunitions.
Southern Leyte Police Provincial Office (SLPPO) nabbed four other wanted persons for the crimes of malversation of funds, estafa, and rape and for violation of section 7 under R.A. No 9175.
Also nabbed was an illegal drug personality and confiscated from him were a total 9 pcs. of heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet suspected to be shabu; 1 unit revolver loaded with 5 cartridge cases; 1 ammunition; 2 pcs empty shell; 1 unit Kawasaki Rousser; and cash of P 4,783.
Eastern Samar Police Provincial Office (ESPPO) nabbed 1 MWP for the crime of arson and 10 other wanted persons for the crimes of direct assault and less serious physical injuries and for violation of the ban on deadly weapon; R.A.9175; P.D. 1602; and R.A. 8550.
Samar Police Provincial Office (SPPO) nabbed 1 MWP for violation of R.A. 7610 and 5 other wanted persons for the crimes of murder, frustrated murder and estafa and for violation of Sec 5 of R.A. 7610.
Also nabbed was an illegal drug personality and confiscated from him were 4 pcs. heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet suspected to be shabu; 1 unit cellphone; and P500 as marked money.
Northern Samar Police Provincial Office (NSPPO) nabbed 1 MWP for the crime of murder and 9 other wanted persons for the crimes of rape,murder,attempted homicide,violation of Sec. 68 of P.D 705; Sec. 88 of R.A 8550; and illegal possession of firearms.
Also nabbed was an illegal drug personality and confiscated from him were a total of 6 pcs heat-sealed plastic sachet suspected to be shabu; improvised tooter, 1 pc lighter; 1 pc black Sandugo back pack; 1 pack cigarette; 1 pc. small container; 1 pc small sling bag; 1 pc bamboo stick; 1 pc ballpen; 1 pc scissor and P500 as marked money.
Biliran Police Provincial Office nabbed 1 other wanted person for the crime of theft.
Tacloban City Police Office (TCPO) nabbed 1 MWP for attempted murder and 2 other wanted persons for violation of Sec 5 of R.A.9262 and for illegal fishing.
Also nabbed were four illegal drug personalities and confiscated from them were a total of 13 heat-sealed plastic sachet suspected to be shabu; and P1,500 as marked money.
Ormoc City Police Office (OCPO) nabbed 1 MWP for violation of Sec. 5 of R.A 7610 and 1 other wanted person for the homicide.
“We are working 24/7 to ensure the safety and security region-wide. Our police will continue to patrol in their respective area of responsibilities for the community to feel secured and to those who violate the law, we will run after them,” PB/Gen.Carlos said. (PR)
Red tide up in Irong-Irong Bay in Samar
TACLOBAN CITY- The regional office of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) reported that the Irong-Irong Bay in Catbalogan City is positive of the red tide toxin.
Thus, the residents living along the coast are prohibited to gather and eat all types of shellfish to avoid getting poisoned.
Based on the examination conducted by the provincial marine biotoxin laboratory of BFAR based in Catbalogan City, the water samples collected along the Irong-Irong Bay are positive of pyrodinium bahamense variety compressum, a toxic microorganism that causes paralytic shellfish poisoning, as they were beyond the normal level of 10 cells per one liter of water.
“To safeguard human lives, while waiting for the result of confirmatory test of shellfish samples sent to BFAR Central Marine Biotoxin Laboratory in Manila, we are issuing a warning as a precautionary advice to the public to refrain from gathering, selling, and eating all types of shellfishes and Acetes sp. locally known as “alamang or hipon” from the said areas to avoid possible shellfish poisoning,” BFAR said of its advisory.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
Tacloban slates International Jetski Race
TACLOBAN CITY- As part of the month-long Sangyaw Festival celebration, the Tacloban International Jetski Race 2nd leg will rev up the shores of Patio Victoria Baluarte, San Jose on June 13-15.
Jetski enthusiasts coming from different locations from around the Philippines and other countries are expected to join the annual event according to the organizing team.
The Jetski Association of the Philippines chose Tacloban City for the second leg of the Jetski Competition.
According to the organizing team, Jetski racers as young as 13 years old can participate in the event provided all requirements are met.
In fact, Enzo Pontino, the youngest racer from General Santos City who won in the Novice Ski Lites division last year is expected to rumba again the seas for this year’s race.
In a post by the Tacloban Annual Jetski Competition Facebook Page, the following were mentioned as the categories for this year’s race: Novice 2 Stroke Mod Lites, Novice Ski Limited, Novice Ski Stock, Amateur Ski GP, Amateur Ski Stock, Novice Women’s Ski Limited, Pro/Am Runabout Open, Beginners Runabout Stock, Novice Runabout Stock, Novice Runabout Stock 1100, Novice Runabout Limited, Amateur Runabout Limited, Amateur Runabout Stock, Novice Runabout 1100 Limited, Novice Women’s Runabout Limited, Masters Runabout Limited, 2 Stroke Open Runabout and Expert Ski 2 Stroke Open,
Dual Cooling modifications are allowed for these categories as per careful consideration from the Board. Also, Yamaha EXR model skis are allowed for the Runabout 1100 categories, added the post.
Justin Lee, a well-known international race director from Singapore, is directing the race.(J.M.A/SPES)
KAPA members express shock, dismay over Tacloban office closure
TACLOBAN CITY- Rey Rosendal was supposed to have his ‘blessing’ in the amount of P15,000 from the Kappa Community Ministry International(Kapa)-Tacloban Branch on Tuesday(June 11) only to discover that the office was already closed and appeared to have been abandoned.
On Monday (June 10) afternoon, members of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and Philippine National Police raided the Kappa office which was already abandoned by its staff and only managed to obtain several documents and certificates.
“I came here to get my money. I did not know that it was closed already though my son told me that he heard about it,” the 55 year old man from Barangay Cabalawan, this city, said.
It was learned that members of the Kapa described their invested money as a ‘donation’ and a ‘blessing’ if they are to receive the monthly interest of their money.
Rosendal has invested a total amount of P25,000 starting on March 22 of this year.
On Tuesday, he was to receive P15,000 as his blessing.
“I hope they will still operate and have my money back which I was supposed to use for the repair of my house,”he said.
A woman who is from Pinabacdao, Samar was also scheduled to receive her blessing in the amount of P45,000, covering for three months of supposed interest, on Tuesday.
She made an investment of P50,000 March of this year.
She, too, was shocked that the Kapa office in Tacloban, located along Marasbaras District, was closed.
“It’s supposed to be my first blessing. I hope I can still receive it,” the 32-year old woman, who declined to give her name, said.
It was learned from her that she was encouraged to join the Kapa by her employer who plunk in P100,000 and was able to receive his monthly interest.
Another woman, who resides just within the area where the Kapa office is located, was also supposed to join it but discovered that it was also closed.
“I just thought that they are late in opening their office,” she said.
The woman, who also declined to give her name, said that she heard a lot of ‘good news’ from her friends about the Kapa and how their money grew fast.
Asked if she will still put her money in an investment-scheme, the woman just smile.
The Kapa was said to first operate in Tacloban January of this year with more than 10,000 members from different parts of Eastern Visayas.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has ordered for the closure of Kapa, among others, for practicing pyramiding scheme.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
Gov. Petilla supports Pres. Duterte’s move to revive ROTC in school
TACLOBAN CITY- Leyte Governor Leopoldo Dominico Petilla expressed his support on the move to have the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) revived as mandated by President Rodrigo Duterte.
According to the governor, the planned revival of ROTC is timely as the country faces ‘threat’ not only from within but even from outside forces.
“The idea is good. The more that we need to with the ongoing threat,” Petilla said during the interview after he led the provincial ceremony of the 122th Philippine Independence Day held at the provincial capitol building, this city.
Petilla, who chairs the Provincial Peace and Order Council, made mention on the ongoing dispute between the Philippines and China on the West Philippine Sea as a reason why he supports the revival of the ROTC.
“Anyway, it’s only in case of emergency. Today is Independence Day, it’s better if we will show our love for our country,” he added.
Pres. Duterte had earlier certified a bill for the revival of the ROTC as urgent saying it is needed for the Filipino youth ‘to invigorate their sense of nationalism and patriotism necessary in defending the State and further promote their role in nation-building.’
Those who are required to take the ROTC are students who are in Grade 11 and Grade 12.
Petilla said that during his visit in the barangays, he asked the people if they are ‘willing’ to sacrifice for the country’s sake.
“I asked them if they are willing to sacrifice and they told me, that they were willing to fight. But the problem, they should be equipped. It’s really good if they are to undergo training, even at least how to handle a gun,” the governor added.
Petilla said that just like the case of South Korea where all its male citizens between 18 and 28 are to undergo military training for about two years, depending on the military branch.
He, however, acknowledge that parents may just raise their objection for this could cause additional cost for their students as those who will undergo ROTC classes will need to have a uniform.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)