ORMOC CITY — Authorities arrested a 46-year-old welder and recovered more than a kilo of suspected shabu during a buy-bust operation in Barangay San Jose, Palo, Leyte late Monday night, May 4.

The suspect, identified only as alias “Johnny,” a resident of Barangay Cavite West, Palo, was tagged as a high-value individual in the drug watchlist of both the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

The operation, conducted at around 11:27 p.m., was led by the PDEA Regional Office 8 in coordination with the Leyte Police Provincial Office–Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit, Regional Special Enforcement Team/Tacloban City Office, and the local police Station Drug Enforcement Team.

Authorities said the suspect was caught after selling suspected illegal drugs to undercover operatives. A total of approximately 1,025 grams of suspected shabu, with an estimated Dangerous Drugs Board value of P6.97 million, was confiscated. This included a 25-gram sachet sold during the transaction and a 1,000-gram pack recovered from his possession.
Also seized were marked buy-bust money, a digital weighing scale, packaging materials, and a motorcycle allegedly used in the operation.

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

Charges for violation of Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 have been filed by PDEA. The suspect is currently detained at the Palo Municipal Police Station pending further legal proceedings.

(ROBERT DEJON)

Baguio City– As part of the celebration of the 80th anniversary of U.S.-Philippines diplomatic ties and the Freedom 250 commemoration of the 250th anniversary of U.S.

Independence, the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines, through its Regional English Language Office, launched a specialized professional development program to help college instructors teach technical subjects more effectively in English. This initiative highlights American excellence in teaching innovation, bringing world-class instructional standards to Philippine classrooms.

The two-day workshop, held in Baguio City on April 28 and 29 and facilitated by Saint Louis University, trained 50 college instructors specializing in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and social sciences. Led by American English Language Fellows, the workshop used experiential learning methods—including mini laboratories and solving complex math problems in English—to help participants experience firsthand the challenges students face when learning technical subjects in English.

“By empowering Filipino faculty with tools to strengthen their English instruction, we are also helping them shape the next generation of subject matter experts who can effectively communicate complex ideas in English. This collaboration bridges a future where the United States and the Philippines can work more easily toward shared goals, making both our nations safer, stronger, and more prosperous,” said U.S. Embassy Regional English Language Officer Jeff McIlvenna.

“This training has benefited the whole region through these professors and instructors to learn more ways of using English as a power and a tool in facilitating content courses. From here, we will always share and pay it forward,” said Dr. Stephanie Busbus, Director of Global Relations at Saint Louis University.

Participants also relied on the American English Toolkit—a collection of resources provided by the U.S. Department of State in collaboration with American educators and professionals. The Toolkit includes interactive games, songs, recorded virtual workshops, and other teaching tools that highlight American values, culture, history, and the arts, offering instructors valuable materials to incorporate into their classrooms.

The Regional English Language Office (RELO) in Manila advances U.S. interests in the Philippines and the region by promoting English language teaching and learning programs that strengthen people-to-people ties between the United States and the Philippines.

Through teacher training, curriculum development, and educational resources, RELO empowers educators and institutions to enhance English language instruction, creating opportunities for Filipinos to engage with American culture, values, and innovation.(PR)