TACLOBAN CITY – In a major boost to its anti-criminality campaign, the Police Regional Office 8 (PRO 8), under the leadership of PB/ Gen. Jason Capoy, arrested three of the region’s most wanted persons in separate operations conducted on September 22, 2025.
In Barugo, Leyte, joint operatives of the Barugo Municipal Police Station (MPS) and the 2nd Leyte Provincial Mobile Force Company (LPMFC) arrested alias “Roy,” 47, listed as Leyte’s Rank 3 provincial most wanted person. A resident of Barangay Cabolo-an, Barugo, he was nabbed in Barangay Bulod by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued on June 11, 2025, for two counts of statutory rape, with no bail recommended.

On the same day, Ormoc City Police Station 3 (OCPS3), in coordination with Merida MPS, apprehended “Noel,” 22, Leyte’s Rank 8 provincial most wanted person, in Barangay Liloan, Ormoc City. The construction worker from Barangay Hinagbuan, Palompon, was served a warrant of arrest for statutory rape issued on September 19, 2025, also with no bail recommended.

Meanwhile, operatives from Saint Bernard Municipal Police Station tracked down and arrested alias “Rick,” 61, Southern Leyte’s Rank 6 provincial most wanted person, along Bulungan Avenue, NFPC, Barangay NBBN, Navotas City. The fisherman from Barangay Lipanto, Saint Bernard, was arrested by virtue of a warrant for acts of lasciviousness issued on July 23, 2024, with bail set at P180,000.

Capoy commended the coordinated efforts of PRO 8 units and local police stations that led to the arrests. “Their commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring public safety continues to make a significant impact in our fight against criminality in the region,” he said.

All three suspects are now in police custody and will be turned over to the issuing courts for further proceedings.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

QUEZON CITY-The Philippine Statistics Authority Regional Statistical Services Office VIII (PSA RSSO 8) for the second time was named Best Region in the implementation of the Philippine Identification System in the country for 2024 PSA Awards Ceremony held at Luxent Hotel in Quezon City on Sept.11.

In 2023, PSA RSSO 08 also bagged the same award being able to meet the targets of the project thereby exemplary gaining lead in the criteria for the various services and programs. The office also received the 2nd Place post both in the Information and Dissemination as well as Partnership and Linkages categories.

On the other hand, PSA provincial offices received the following awards: PSO Biliran, 1st Place – Top 5 Provincial Statistical Offices Best in Statistical Planning and Coordination; and 15th Place – Top 15 Provincial Offices.

PSO Eastern Samar: 4th Place – Top 5 Provincial Statistical Offices Best in Statistical Planning and Coordination.

The PSA Awards is an annual event treated as an incentive system aimed to ensure timely delivery of quality outputs in the implementation of PSA’s mandated activities. Likewise, it is intended to increase the PSA’s visibility among its stakeholders in delivering high-quality and world class statistical products and services, civil registration and inclusive Identification System. (PR)

Manila-The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines invites students and parents to attend the 10th EducationUSA University Fair in Manila on September 28, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., at One Ayala Mall in Makati City.

Twenty-eight U.S. colleges, universities and partner organizations are joining this year’s event, providing Filipino students, professionals, parents, and educators direct access to information about study abroad opportunities in the United States.

The following U.S. college, universities, and organizations will participate in the 2025 Fair in Makati: California State University – Chico; Calvin University; College of Central Florida; College of Saint Scholastica; Foothill College; Georgia State University; Green River Community College; Hawai‘i Pacific University; Highline College; Hope College; Johns Hopkins University; Kapi’olani Community College; Lewis University; Middle Tennessee State University; Maryland Institute College of Art; Minerva University; Moraine Valley Community College; Ohio Northern University; Pearson (PTE Academic); Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota; Savannah College of Art and Design; Shoreline Community College; University of Bridgeport; University of Rochester; University of San Francisco; University of the Incarnate Word; Xavier University; and York College of Pennsylvania.
Admission to the EducationUSA University Fair is free and open to the public. Please pre-register online at educationusa.ph/Fair2025.

“Filipinos should look to the United States for exciting higher education opportunities,” said U.S. Chargé d’Affaires, a.i., Y. Robert Ewing. “Welcoming over 4,000 Filipino students last year was an incredible achievement, and we are excited to see even more students unlock their potential, pursue their passions, and experience the unparalleled opportunities of a world-class U.S. education.”

In 2024, the annual Open Doors report recorded 4,100 Filipino students studying in the United States, the highest number in 15 years. The EducationUSA University Fair builds on this momentum, creating new opportunities for Filipinos to explore world-class academic programs and scholarship opportunities.

EducationUSA is the U.S. government’s official source of information on U.S. higher education, offering free advising services to students across the Philippines. With almost 4,000 accredited U.S. colleges and universities, students have access to a wide array of programs, top-notch research opportunities, and flexible academic pathways.

For more information about the EducationUSA University Fair 2025 in Manila, visit educationusa.ph/Fair2025Info or email manila@educationusa.org.(PR)