Ormoc City — A caliber .45 pistol recovered by government troops in Jaro, Leyte has been confirmed as the service firearm of a soldier tortured and slain by communist rebels in 2023, strengthening the military’s claim that the three New People’s Army members killed in a recent clash were involved in past atrocities.

The pistol was retrieved on November 18 from the encounter site in Barangay Villa Paz, bringing to three the total number of firearms seized following the November 17 firefight between the 8th Infantry Division and remnants of the Island Committee (IC) Levox.
Initial verification showed that one of the earlier recovered firearms belonged to the late Pfc. Aries Ampoan, who was murdered by the communist armed group on April 2, 2023 during an encounter in Abuyog, Leyte. The discovery is seen as key evidence directly linking the neutralized rebels to the incident, according to the 8ID.

The clash in Jaro resulted in the death of three rebels who were identified as Fidel Lagado alias “Ivan,” Rogelio Berino alias “Jun,” and Maricel Anora alias “Gani,” and the confiscation of firearms and other war materiel.

In compliance with International Humanitarian Law, the division immediately facilitated the turnover of the remains to their families and coordinated with the local government of Jaro to ensure dignified burials.

Maj. Gen. Adonis Ariel Orio, 8ID commander, emphasized that the operation was not only a step toward community security but also toward justice.

“Our commitment goes beyond securing communities; it extends to upholding IHL and pursuing justice for our fallen soldiers. This encounter brings undeniable clarity to the heinous nature of the enemy we face and provides crucial accountability for their crimes,” Orio said.

(ELVIE ROMAN ROA)

ORMOC CITY– A drug personality ranked No. 10 in the regional priority target list was arrested in a buy-bust operation in Brgy. Caraycaray, Naval in Biliran on Friday, November 14.

The suspect, identified by police as alias “Sonny,” 48, single, and a construction worker residing in the same barangay, was caught after selling a sachet of suspected shabu worth P500 to an undercover officer.

During a body search in the presence of mandated witnesses, authorities recovered another sachet of suspected shabu and the marked P500 bill used in the operation. The actual weight of the seized drugs will be confirmed by the Regional Forensic Unit.

The joint operation was carried out by the Station Drug Enforcement Team of Naval Police Station and the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit of the Biliran Police Provincial Office.

Police said the suspect was informed of the reason for his arrest and his constitutional rights. He is currently detained at the Naval MPS lock-up cell while charges for violation of RA 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) are being prepared.

(ROBERT DEJON)

ORMOC CITY — A ‘habal-habal’ driver listed as a street-level drug personality was arrested in a buy-bust operation conducted by the Station Drug Enforcement Team of Police Station 5 on Saturday night, November 8, in Purok 3, Brgy. Dolores, this city.

PCpt. Sheriza Jane Salazar identified the suspect as alias “Anton,” 37, a resident of NHA Village and living with a partner.

Police initially recovered one sachet of suspected shabu worth P500 from the suspect during the transaction.

A body search, conducted in the presence of mandated witnesses, yielded a matchbox containing five more sachets of suspected shabu. The seized drugs weighed approximately 0.71 grams with an estimated Dangerous Drugs Board value of P4,828. Authorities also recovered the marked P500 bill used during the operation.

The suspect was informed of the nature of his arrest and his constitutional rights and is currently detained at Police Station 5 in Brgy. Dolores. Charges for violation of RA 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) have been filed with the City Prosecutor’s Office.

(ROBERT DEJON)

TACLOBAN CITY — In a major step toward sustaining peace in one of Samar’s once insurgency-affected towns, a total of 116 former rebels from Matuguinao have formally applied for amnesty following a two-day orientation and intake activity led by the Local Amnesty Board (LAB)–Catbalogan.

The activity, held in Barangay Mabuligon, was organized in partnership with the 43rd Infantry Battalion and the local government of Matuguinao. Mayor Aran Boller spearheaded the initiative, emphasizing its importance in reinforcing the town’s peace gains and supporting the reintegration of former combatants.

Representing Battalion Commander LtCol Jason Que, 2LT Mariel Andrea Marcos and her team assisted the former rebels in completing their custodial debriefing reports — a crucial requirement in their amnesty application.

The LAB Secretariat also provided a comprehensive briefing on the government’s amnesty program, outlining the full process from application to endorsement to the Office of the President and clarifying which offenses qualify under the proclamation.

On the first day of intake, 82 FRs submitted their applications, followed by 34 more the next day, completing the total of 116 applicants. Officials described the turnout as a strong sign of determination among the FRs to clear their names and formally rejoin mainstream society as law-abiding citizens.

All applicants took their oath of allegiance before Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) lawyers Cheska Marie Geli and Nancy Faye Bernardo, who ensured that each former rebel fully understood the responsibilities and commitments under the amnesty program.

Mayor Boller reiterated the municipal government’s firm resolve to end insurgency permanently by opening long-term avenues for reconciliation, reintegration, and livelihood opportunities.

Meanwhile, Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace and Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) Area Management Unit–Eastern Visayas Program Manager Imelda Bonifacio briefed the FRs on ongoing peace and development projects in Matuguinao. She highlighted the importance of infrastructure upgrades, particularly the road network linking Las Navas and Matuguinao, and affirmed continued government support.

Bonifacio also introduced members of the Special Project Team (SPT) — themselves former rebels — who are assisting the LAB Secretariat in processing applications.

The successful completion of the activity highlights how coordinated efforts between LGUs, security forces, and national agencies continue to accelerate peacebuilding and support the transformation of conflict-affected communities across Eastern Visayas.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)