TACLOBAN CITY – Four individuals tagged as high-value drug personalities were arrested during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Governor E. Jaro, Babatngon, Leyte, on July 9, 2025, in what authorities described as a major blow to the illegal drug trade in the province.

The joint operation was conducted by the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit 8 (RPDEU-8), Regional Intelligence Division (RID-8), Babatngon Municipal Police Station, and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office 8 (PDEA-8).

Police Brigadier General Jay Cumigad, regional director of Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8), commended the coordination among the participating units and reiterated the agency’s commitment to sustain the anti-drug campaign across Eastern Visayas.

“PRO-8 will continue to intensify its campaign against the use and distribution of illegal drugs,” Cumigad said. “Our law enforcement efforts must be relentless to hold drug personalities accountable and keep our communities safe,” he said in a statement.

The arrested suspects were identified as alias “Ben,” 53, a farmer and the No. 1 target on the Regional Priority Target List (RPTL); “Marj,” 21, unemployed, resident of Babatngon; “Ken,” 28, unemployed, also from Babatngon; and “Leo,” 58, a carpenter from Barangay 98, Camansihay, Tacloban City.

During the operation, authorities recovered 11 sachets of suspected shabu—one of which was used in the actual sale—along with drug paraphernalia reportedly used in a pot session.

The suspects are facing multiple charges under Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

(RONALD O. REYES)

TACLOBAN CITY – The provincial government of Southern Leyte has extended immediate assistance to families affected by a landslide that struck Barangay San Ramon in San Ricardo town on the morning of July 13, 2025, following hours of continuous heavy rainfall.
According to data from the Philippine Red Cross-Southern Leyte Chapter, at least 105 families were affected by the landslide, with three families—comprising 11 individuals—sustaining significant property damage after their homes were hit by cascading debris.

In response, the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) led the distribution of relief goods, cash shelter assistance, and construction materials to the affected households. Local and provincial authorities continue to work hand in hand to ensure that displaced residents receive the support they need.

Clearing operations are currently underway to make the affected roads passable to all types of vehicles, as the landslide temporarily cut off access in the area.

Meanwhile, search and retrieval operations remain ongoing for Dador Moscosa, 54, a foreman from San Policarpo, Eastern Samar, who was reported missing after the landslide struck the construction site where he was working.

The coordinated search is being carried out by personnel from the Coast Guard Sub-Station (CGSS) San Ricardo, Office of Civil Defense Region 8 (OCD-8), Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Philippine Army, and local volunteers.

The landslide was triggered by prolonged heavy rain that began on the afternoon of July 12, saturating the soil and weakening slopes in the area.

Authorities are monitoring nearby zones for possible secondary movements or hazards, especially with the continuing threat of adverse weather.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

ORMOC CITY-Police operatives arrested the Rank No. 2 Most Wanted Person in Biliran province during a warrant operation conducted on July 8, in Sitio Bagacay, Barangay Haguikhikan, Naval.

The suspect, identified by authorities only as alias “Jojo”, 30 years old and a resident of the said barangay, was apprehended by personnel of the warrant server division of the Naval Municipal Police Station at around 11:02 a.m.

The arrest was made by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued on May 26, 2025, by Judge Luz Petilla Navarrete, presiding judge of the Regional Trial Court Branch 16, Eighth Judicial Region, in connection with three counts of qualified rape.

No bail was recommended for the temporary liberty of the accused.

Police reported that the suspect was informed of the nature of the charges and was apprised of his constitutional rights in a language he fully understood. He is now under police custody at the Naval MPS for booking and processing, prior to his presentation to the issuing court.

Authorities said the arrest is part of the intensified campaign of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Biliran against fugitives and individuals with standing warrants for heinous crimes.

(ROBERT DEJON)