ORMOC CITY-Authorities arrested a high-value drug personality during a buy-bust operation conducted by the local police’s Station Drug Enforcement Team at around 10:44 pm on Wednesday, April 2, in Barangay District 3, Poblacion, La Paz, Leyte.

The suspect, identified only by the alias “Amir,” 41, married, a driver, and a resident of Barangay Calipayan, Dulag, Leyte, is listed as the No. 5 drug personality on the Philippine National Police’s Regional Priority Target List (RPTL).

Police operatives recovered six sachets containing white crystalline substances suspected to be shabu and one sachet containing dried marijuana leaves. One of the sachets of suspected shabu was sold to an undercover officer for P500 during the sting operation.

A subsequent body search, conducted in the presence of law-mandated witnesses, led to the discovery of four more sachets of suspected shabu hidden inside a red Winston cigarette pack, as well as a large zip-lock bag containing dried marijuana leaves.

Also seized were the P500 marked money used in the operation, an additional P50 in cash, and a motorcycle used by the suspect.

The suspect was informed of the nature of his arrest and apprised of his constitutional rights through the Miranda Doctrine in a language he fully understood.

Charges for violations of Sections 5 (sale of illegal drugs) and 11 (possession of illegal drugs) of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, are being prepared against him. He is currently detained at the La Paz Municipal Police Station.

(ROBERT DEJON)

TACLOBAN CITY — A 50-year-old street sweeper was declared dead on arrival at a local hospital after being stabbed in the back while on duty by a tricycle driver allegedly driven by jealousy.

The incident occurred at around 11:30 am on Tuesday, April 1, along Juan Luna Street in Barangay 34, this city.

The victim was identified as alias “Genar,” married, a resident of Barangay Sagkahan, Tacloban City. The suspect, who initially fled the scene, was later arrested during a hot pursuit operation. He was identified as “Joey,” 52, a motorcab-for-hire (MCH) driver, and a resident of Barangay 95-A Caibaan.

Initial police investigation revealed that the victim was sweeping the street and pushing a garbage cart with a fellow worker when the suspect suddenly approached from behind and stabbed him in the back. CCTV footage from the barangay captured the swift and unprovoked attack, after which the suspect fled on foot.

Residents immediately called for help, and rescue personnel transported the victim to Divine Word Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival by the attending physician.
Police quickly launched a hot pursuit operation, which led to the successful arrest of the suspect. Investigators said that jealousy was the motive behind the fatal attack.

The suspect was informed of the nature of his arrest and apprised of his constitutional rights under the Miranda Doctrine in a language he understood.

He is currently detained at Police Station 2, while a charge of murder has been filed against him before the Bulwagan ng Katarungan.

(ROBERT DEJON)

ORMOC CITY– Authorities recovered a chainsaw believed to have been used in the illegal cutting of indigenous trees during an operation on Thursday afternoon, April 3, in a remote forested area of Barangay Guindapunan, Culaba town, Biliran province.

The suspect, identified only by the alias “Yano,” a farmer and resident of the said barangay, managed to flee before operatives could arrest him.

According to the Culaba Municipal Police Station, the anti-illegal logging operation was conducted jointly with personnel from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR-PENRO) Biliran.

During the operation, authorities seized a portable chainsaw with no visible serial number, believed to have been used in the illegal activity. Also found at the site were approximately 720 board feet of assorted indigenous lumber, estimated to be worth P36,000.

The suspect reportedly escaped upon sensing the presence of law enforcement, abandoning the chainsaw and the cut lumber.

The recovered items have been turned over to the DENR-PENRO Biliran for proper disposition and further investigation.
(ROBERT DEJON)