TACLOBAN CITY — The Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8) achieved a major breakthrough in the campaign against illegal drugs with the arrest of two high-value individuals (HVIs) and 10 street-level individuals (SLIs) in separate buy-bust operations across the region on January 13, 2025.

In Carigara, Leyte, the Station Drug Enforcement Team (SDET) of the Carigara Municipal Police Station apprehended a high-value target identified as alias “Rolly,” a 74-year-old unemployed resident of Barangay Sagkahan. Confiscated from the suspect were 18 sachets of suspected shabu and buy-bust money.

Meanwhile, in Ormoc City, joint operatives from Ormoc City Police Station 5 (OCPS5-SDET) conducted a buy-bust operation that led to the arrest of another HVI, alias “Rom,” 54, along with three SLIs identified as “Jon,” 50, “Ake,” 53, and “Rus,” 33. Authorities seized six sachets of suspected shabu and buy-bust money during the operation.

In a separate operation in Brgy. Matapay, Hilongos, Leyte, seven SLIs were arrested by the Station Drug Enforcement Unit (SDEU) of the Hilongos Municipal Police Station.

The suspects were identified as “Jensen,” 39, “Paul,” 36, “Nelson,” 29, “Raul,” 30, “Jeff,” 32, “Jun,” 28, and “Leo,” 40. Confiscated during the operation were ten sachets of suspected shabu, buy-bust money, and various drug paraphernalia.

All confiscated evidence was properly marked and inventoried in the presence of the suspects and witnesses.

The recovered sachets of shabu were submitted to the Regional Forensic Unit 8 for examination to determine their weight and drug value.

Charges for violations of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, have been filed against the suspects.

B/Gen.Jay Cumigad, the police regional director, lauded the operatives for their successful operations, attributing the arrests to efficient intelligence work and strong collaboration among local police units.

“This is a significant step in our relentless efforts to dismantle drug syndicates and ensure the safety of our communities,” Cumigad said. He added, “With the election period underway, we are committed to enforcing the rule of law and preventing illegal activities from disrupting peace and order.”
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

ORMOC CITY– A farmer was shot dead on the spot while his wife managed to escape after they were attacked by a man whose sister was reportedly impregnated by the victim.
The shooting occurred around 2:30 a.m. on January 4, in the mountainous area of Purok Marang, Barangay Tugas, Bato, Leyte.

The victim, identified as alias “Bensoy,” 40, a married farmer and resident of Brgy. Tugas, was found dead at the scene. His wife, alias “Cha,” 37, a barangay health worker, survived the attack.

The suspect, identified as alias “Jojo,” of legal age and also a resident of the same barangay, is now under police custody.

According to the local police, they responded to a shooting incident reported by a concerned citizen. Upon arrival at the scene, authorities found Bensoy lying lifeless on the living room floor, bloodied and motionless. His wife had already been rushed to Leyte Baptist Hospital in Hilongos, Leyte, for medical treatment.

Initial investigation revealed that Bensoy was allegedly the father of the child born to Jojo’s sister. Upon learning this, Jojo reportedly went to the victims’ house under the pretense of buying a gallon of “tuba” (coconut wine).

When Bensoy called his wife to fetch the tuba, Jojo allegedly shot him in the head. Cha managed to flee and call for help, while Jojo reportedly entered the house and shot Bensoy again, ensuring his death. The weapon used in the attack was a .38-caliber revolver.

Following the incident, the suspect fled the crime scene. However, police launched a hot pursuit operation, leading to Jojo’s arrest in Brgy.Alojoc, also in the same municipality.

Authorities recovered a .38-caliber revolver from the suspect’s possession, along with five live rounds of ammunition. The firearm had no serial number and was unregistered. Jojo and the recovered items were brought to the Bato Municipal Police Station for proper disposition.

Charges of murder and frustrated murder were filed against the suspect.
(ROBERT DEJON)