ORMOC CITY– The alleged Rank No. 10 on the regional priority target list of the PNP Eastern Visayas was arrested in a buy-bust operation conducted by the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit of the Biliran Police Provincial Office and the Station Drug Enforcement Team of the local police at around 3:52 pm on Saturday, December 7, in Barangay Sto. Niño, Naval, Biliran.
The suspect was identified as alias “Kito,” 37, single, a laborer, and a resident of Brgy.Sto. Niño.
Recovered from his possession was one sachet containing a white crystalline substance, suspected to be shabu, which was procured by an operative for P500.
During a body search, police found two additional sachets with the same substance and one P500 bill, which was court-subscribed money used for the operation.
The estimated weight and value of the confiscated shabu have yet to be determined by the Regional Forensic Unit 8.
The suspect was informed of the nature of his arrest and his constitutional rights under the Miranda Doctrine in a language he understood.
Charges for violating Sections 5 (selling illegal drugs) and 11 (possession of illegal drugs) of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act (RA 9165) are being prepared against the suspect, who is temporarily detained at the Naval Municipal Police Station (MPS). (ROBERT DEJON)
ORMOC CITY— A newly identified drug peddler is currently in custody at the local police station after being arrested for selling suspected shabu during a buy-bust operation conducted by the Station Drug Enforcement Team at around 7:20 a.m. on Saturday, December 7, in Barangay Malitbogay, Pastrana, Leyte.
The suspect, alias “Nilo,” 38, single, a farmer from Barangay Macalpiay, is listed as a street-level individual on the local police’s drug watch list.
Recovered from the suspect was one sachet of suspected shabu, which was procured by an undercover operative in exchange for P500.
During a body search conducted in the presence of law-mandated witnesses, police also found a black coin purse containing six more sachets of suspected shabu, one empty sachet with residue, and the P500 bill used in the transaction.
The suspect admitted to selling illegal drugs due to financial hardship and acknowledged ownership of the confiscated substances.
The estimated weight and street value of the confiscated shabu are yet to be determined by the Regional Forensic Unit 8.
The suspect was informed of the nature of his arrest and his constitutional rights under the Miranda Doctrine in a language he understood.
Charges for violating Sections 5 (selling illegal drugs) and 11 (possession of illegal drugs) of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act (RA 9165) are being prepared against the suspect, who is temporarily detained at the Mayorga Municipal Police Station (MPS). (ROBERT DEJON)
CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND. The historic Price Mansion along Justice Romualdez Street in Tacloban City transforms into a festive attraction during the Christmas season, with its compound glowing in vibrant lights and adorned with stunning holiday decorations.
(TACLOBAN CITY INFORMATION OFFICE)
CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND. The historic Price Mansion along Justice Romualdez Street in Tacloban City transforms into a festive attraction during the Christmas season, with its compound glowing in vibrant lights and adorned with stunning holiday decorations. (TACLOBAN CITY INFORMATION OFFICE)
In response to DND’s expansion plan
TACLOBAN CITY – The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Leyte has approved a resolution during its regular session on Tuesday, December 3, inviting the Department of National Defense (DND) to consider the province as a site for its expansion plans to establish naval bases and airstrips across the country.
“I moved that we invite the DND to build their Visayas facility in Leyte, as we are strategically located in the heart of the region,” said Board Member Carlo Loreto, the resolution’s author, in an online interview on Wednesday, December 4.
Loreto emphasized that consultations with various sectors would be conducted to address potential opposition to the proposal.
He noted that resolutions from local governments hosting the facility would also be required to confirm their support.
Despite the need for consultations, Loreto expressed optimism about public backing for the initiative, citing its potential to enhance both defense and economic opportunities.
“I’m confident that logic will prevail over irrational bias,” he said.
“Enemies will stay away because Leyte will have more naval ships, warplanes, and uniformed personnel in the vicinity. What this proposal is sure to attract are investments in ancillary industries such as restaurants, warehouses, hotels, and other commercial establishments, creating more businesses and meaningful employment opportunities,” Loreto, who once served as vice governor of the province, added.
The proposal highlights Leyte’s commitment to contributing to national security while fostering economic development through strategic defense investments, Loreto further said.
Earlier, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro announced plans to construct additional naval bases and airstrips nationwide as part of the DND’s strategy to bolster the country’s defense capabilities. These facilities will also support, in particular, the Philippine Navy’s new assets under the AFP Modernization Program.
This week, Teodoro confirmed plans to build a new naval base in Misamis Oriental, which will serve as the Philippine Navy’s central operations hub in Mindanao.
Loreto further stated that identifying the specific site for the proposed facility in Leyte would be the responsibility of DND experts.
“The DND will have technical experts to select areas based on their specific parameters. Even the designs and layouts will only be accessible to officials with the proper clearances,” he explained.
PANAON ISLAND. Various groups are urging the Senate to approve a measure declaring Panaon Island in Southern Leyte a protected seascape. Known for its vibrant coral reefs and whale shark habitats, the island not only attracts tourists but also supports local livelihoods. (OCEANA)
PANAON ISLAND. Various groups are urging the Senate to approve a measure declaring Panaon Island in Southern Leyte a protected seascape. Known for its vibrant coral reefs and whale shark habitats, the island not only attracts tourists but also supports local livelihoods. (OCEANA)
TACLOBAN CITY – Stakeholders from various sectors are calling on the Senate to prioritize the passage of a bill designating Panaon Island in Southern Leyte as a protected seascape under the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System (ENIPAS) Act, Republic Act 11038.
Renowned for its thriving coral reefs, whale shark habitats, and critical role in local livelihoods, Panaon Island is a symbol of sustainable marine tourism and biodiversity. However, mounting threats from illegal fishing, pollution, climate change, and crown-of-thorns starfish infestations have prompted urgent calls for legislative action.
In a statement on Monday, December 2, marine conservation group Oceana stressed the importance of Senate approval, aligning it with the Philippines’ commitment to the global “30×30” conservation goal: protecting 30% of terrestrial and marine areas by 2030.
“The immediate approval of this bill is crucial for the sustainable management and long-term protection of Panaon Island,” said Gloria Estenzo Ramos, vice president of Oceana. “It empowers local communities, strengthens governance, and ensures collaboration among national and local agencies for effective stewardship of this vital area.”
Panaon Island boasts over 60% coral cover—far above the national average of 20%—and is home to endangered species like the Philippine duck and sea turtles. It is also a key stopover for whale sharks, driving eco-tourism and supporting local livelihoods.
“Protecting Panaon Island means protecting our livelihood,” said Raul Cordova, barangay chairman of Son-ok in Pintuyan. “This legislation will ensure we can continue to benefit from these resources without jeopardizing them.”
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has highlighted Panaon’s coral reefs as part of the global “50 Reefs” initiative, which focuses on preserving reefs with high resilience against climate change.
Assistant Regional Director Jam Colas-Villaber of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) emphasized the ecological and generational impact of the proposed measure. “Declaring Panaon Island as a protected seascape is a crucial step to preserve its unique marine biodiversity for future generations,” she said.
Tourism officials also underlined the economic value of protection, with Department of Tourism Assistant Regional Director Boris Pascubillo calling Panaon “a true gem among the Philippines’ dive spots” and stressing the need to balance tourism and conservation.
The House of Representatives has already approved the measure under House Bill 9396 on November 29, 2023, with House Speaker Martin Romualdez as one of the authors. (JOEY A. GABIETA)
TACLOBAN CITY – The holiday spirit came early for 608 children of employees from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) regional office as they received Christmas gifts during a simple yet joyful celebration on Monday (Dec. 2) evening at the DPWH-8 covered court.
The event aligned with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call, through the Presidential Communications Office, to avoid extravagant holiday celebrations in solidarity with typhoon victims across the country.
DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan similarly urged simplicity and austerity in festivities.
DPWH Regional Director Edgar Tabacon highlighted the true meaning of Christmas in his message, emphasizing heartfelt giving over material value.
“The value of the gift doesn’t matter; what’s important is the sincerity behind it. That’s the true essence of Christmas],” Tabacon said.
Assistant Regional Director Ma. Margarita Junia assured attendees that, despite simpler celebrations this year, the spirit of Christmas remains alive through gift-giving.
“Even with a simple celebration, the spirit of Christmas and gift-giving for children must continue,” she said.
The evening featured the ceremonial lighting of a modest Christmas tree and decorations that illuminated the office grounds. Apart from the gift distribution, children enjoyed games, treats, food stalls, and mascots.
The employees dressed as popular characters to entertain the kids, while various performances added to the festive atmosphere.
The DPWH regional office also plans to extend its gift-giving activities to charity institutions across the region in the coming days. (LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
TACLOBAN CITY– The Philippine National Police (PNP) in Eastern Visayas reported more than P428 million worth of illegal drugs were seized during their operations for the month of November.
It said that last month, the police has conducted 79 operations that led to the arrest of 91 individuals, including nine identified as high-value targets. A total of 183 drug-related cases were filed in court during the month.
The operations yielded substantial seizures, including 62,961.92 grams of shabu, 2,292.41 grams of marijuana, and 6.37 grams of cocaine, with an estimated total value of P428.14 million, it added.
The Southern Leyte Police Provincial Office (SLPPO) reported the most significant haul, confiscating 60,420.55 grams of shabu worth P410.85 million. Meanwhile, the Leyte Police Provincial Office (LPPO) carried out 31 operations, recovering 168.43 grams of shabu valued at P1.14 million.
Other units, including the Tacloban City Police Office, Biliran PPO, and Samar PPO, also contributed to the campaign, showcasing a collective effort in the region’s fight against illegal drugs.
PB/ Gen. Jay Cumigad, police regional director, commended the accomplishments of the police force.
“These achievements underscore our unwavering commitment to eliminating illegal drugs and ensuring the safety of our communities. The significant seizures and arrests demonstrate our resolve to dismantle drug syndicates. We encourage the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to help us create a safer, drug-free environment.” (LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
