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Ormoc City, PRO-8 sign pact to boost disaster preparedness and crime prevention

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AGREEMENT. The city government of Ormoc and the Police Regional Office signed an agreement that aims to bolster campaign on criminality and disaster preparedness. (PRO-8)
AGREEMENT. The city government of Ormoc and the Police Regional Office signed an agreement that aims to bolster campaign on criminality and disaster preparedness. (PRO-8)

TACLOBAN CITY — The Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8) and the Ormoc City government have formalized a partnership aimed at strengthening disaster preparedness and crime prevention efforts at the community level.

The collaboration was sealed through a memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the Ormoc City Police Office and the Ormoc City government, following the approval of Resolution No. 2026-045 by the 17th Sangguniang Panlungsod.

The agreement supports the implementation of Operation Plan Joint Community Action for Preparedness and Safety (OPLAN J.C.A.P.S.), a program designed to improve coordination between the police and local government in responding to emergencies, maintaining peace and order, and promoting public safety.

Ormoc City, one of the largest urban centers in Eastern Visayas, has faced both natural disasters and security challenges in the past, including devastating floods and typhoons. Strengthening coordination between law enforcement and local officials is seen as crucial in ensuring faster response during crises and preventing criminal activities in communities.
Under the agreement, the police and the city government will jointly carry out structured programs focused on disaster readiness, community patrols, and grassroots crime prevention. The initiative also reinforces the mandate of local government units to preserve peace and order within their jurisdictions.

PRO-8 Regional Director Jayson Capoy welcomed the partnership, describing it as a model of strong cooperation between the police and local government.

“By working together, the police and the community can achieve safer neighborhoods, better disaster response, and a more secure environment for all residents,” Capoy said.
Ormoc Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez and members of the city council expressed support for the initiative, emphasizing the need for sustained collaboration to ensure that safety programs reach down to the barangay level.

Officials said the partnership is expected to enhance police visibility, improve emergency coordination, and create a more organized framework for protecting lives and property in Ormoc City.

(LIZBETH ANN A.ABELLA)

Barangay kagawad, cohort arrested in Kananga drug bust; high-value target escapes

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KANANGA, Leyte— A high-value drug personality eluded arrest during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Poblacion, Kananga, Leyte, early Wednesday morning, February 11, while two of his cohorts, including a local barangay official, were apprehended, authorities reported.

Police identified the fleeing suspect as alias “MIL,” 44, unemployed, married, and a resident of Brgy. Poblacion. The arrested cohorts were alias “Rex,” 22, unemployed, single, from Brgy. Lonoy, and alias “Nelson,” 49, a Sangguniang Barangay Member of Brgy. Tongonan, Kananga.

The operation, led by the PNP Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG) together with the Station Drug Enforcement Team (SDET) of Kananga MPS, resulted in the seizure of approximately 24 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of P163,200.

Authorities recovered from alias “Rex” one sachet of suspected shabu purchased by an operative for P5,000, two larger sachets of suspected shabu, and one .9mm caliber automatic firearm loaded with three live rounds. Buy-bust money totaling P5,000, including a court-subscribed bill, was also recovered. From alias “Nelson,” police seized three sachets of suspected shabu.

Police confirmed that both arrested suspects were informed of the nature of their arrest and advised of their constitutional rights in a language they understood.

Charges of violating RA 9165, the Comprehensive Law Against Illegal Drugs of 2002, have been filed with the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office in Ormoc City.

Alias “Rex” also faces a separate charge for violation of RA 10591, the law governing illegal possession of firearms, ammunition, and explosives. Both suspects are temporarily detained at the Kananga MPS lockup pending court proceedings.

(ROBERT DEJON)

Father, son hurt as car overturns in MacArthur town

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ORMOC CITY — A father and his son were injured after the car they were riding overturned and crashed into an electric post along the national highway in MacArthur, Leyte on Saturday afternoon, February 9.

The accident happened around 2 p.m. in Barangay Tuyo, MacArthur. Police said the vehicle involved was a gray Suzuki Swift driven by the son, who was accompanied by his father and another passenger.

In a report to the Police Regional Office 8, the MacArthur Municipal Police Station said a concerned citizen reported the incident at the police station, prompting officers to immediately respond to the scene.

Initial investigation showed that the vehicle was traveling from MacArthur toward Mayorga when it reportedly skidded upon reaching Barangay Tuyo, overturned, and slammed into an electric post. The impact left the driver and his passenger with bruises and other injuries, while the vehicle sustained damage.

Responding rescue personnel administered first aid before the victims were transported by the MacArthur Rural Health Unit ambulance to the Eastern Visayas Medical Center in Tacloban City for further medical treatment.

The damaged vehicle was later towed to the MacArthur Municipal Police Station for proper disposition and further investigation.

(ROBERT DEJON)

Biliran’s No. 10 most wanted arrested in Quezon City

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ORMOC CITY– Authorities captured the No. 10 most wanted person in Biliran province during a coordinated operation in Quezon City on Saturday afternoon, February 14, 2026.
The suspect, identified as 38-year-old alias “Vic Jr.,” a security guard and resident of GK Housing Site, Barangay Burabod, Biliran, was arrested in Barangay Doña Josefa, Quezon City, at around 4:40 p.m. by personnel from the Biliran Provincial Mobile Force Company, the Provincial Intelligence Unit of the Biliran Provincial Police Office, and local police in coordination with Police Station 11 (Galas), Quezon City Police District.

Vic Jr. is wanted under a warrant of arrest dated June 20, 2025, issued by Regional Trial Court Branch 16, Naval, Biliran, presided over by Judge Luz Petilla Navarrete. He faces charges of qualified rape of a minor with no bail recommended.

Police confirmed that the suspect was informed of the reason for his arrest and his constitutional rights in a language he understood. He was initially brought to the Quezon City Police District, Galas Police Station (PS-11) for booking and processing, before being transported back to Biliran to face the court that issued the warrant.

Authorities highlighted the arrest as part of ongoing efforts to apprehend fugitives and ensure accountability for serious crimes in the province.

(ROBERT DEJON)

Tricycle bumps MPV in Naval; no injuries reported

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ORMOC CITY— A multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) sustained minor dents and scratches after being struck by a tricycle in Barangay P.I. Garcia, Naval, Biliran, on Saturday afternoon, February 14, 2026.

According to the local police, the incident occurred at around 2:50 p.m. when a Mitsubishi Expander GLS 1.5, driven by 51-year-old Chad of Brgy. 62-A Sagkahan, Tacloban City, was traveling along Redaza Street. A Honda TMX motorcycle with sidecar, color silver, driven by 46-year-old Luke of Brgy. P.S. Eamiguel, Biliran, was crossing Corvera Street.

Police investigation revealed that the tricycle failed to notice the approaching MPV, causing it to accidentally bump the right front door of the Expander. The collision left the MPV with dents on the right front door and scratches on its side mirror, while the tricycle remained undamaged.

Authorities confirmed that no one was injured in the accident. Both parties agreed to settle the matter amicably, and no charges were filed.

Local police personnel responded promptly after a concerned citizen reported the incident, ensuring that the situation was safely resolved and the vehicles were cleared from the road.

(ROBERT DEJON)

Laborer found dead in early decomposition in Victoria, Northern Samar

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ORMOC CITY— Authorities are investigating the death of a 55-year-old laborer whose body was found in an early state of decomposition in Barangay Erenas, Victoria, Northern Samar, on Friday morning, February 13, 2026.

The victim, identified as alias “Art,” a single laborer and resident of the barangay, was last seen on February 10 when he returned home. The body was discovered around 10:30 a.m. by a local resident, alias “Luke,” who immediately reported the incident to the Victoria Municipal Police Station.

Police officers responded promptly and confirmed the lifeless body upon arrival. Initial assessments indicated that the victim had been deceased for several days, though the exact cause of death remains undetermined.

While the victim’s family requested that no charges be filed, believing the death resulted from natural causes or an existing illness, the Victoria police continue to conduct a thorough investigation to rule out foul play.

Authorities said the case is still under follow-up investigation, including verification of the circumstances surrounding the victim’s death. No injuries or external marks were reported at the scene, and the investigation aims to provide clarity on the cause of death.

(ROBERT DEJON)

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