TACLOBAN CITY – Two police personnel of Javier, Leyte, were injured after a man shot them while they were having their lunch break on Monday, July 22, at the roof deck of their police station located in Poblacion Zone 1.

The suspect, known by the alias “Ed,” a 44-year-old farmer with a common-law wife and a resident of the said town, launched a sudden attack on two police officers at about 12:30 PM.

The victims have been identified as PSSg “Rudy,” 37 years old, married, and a resident of MacArthur, Leyte, and PSSg “Erne,” 44 years old, married, and a resident of Tanauan, Leyte.

According to the report from the regional headquarters of the PNP at Camp Ruperto Kangleon, Palo, Leyte, while the victims were taking their lunch along with their colleagues, the suspect suddenly appeared, seized the issued Glock 17 9MM pistol of PSSg “Leo,” and began firing at the victims.

PSSg “Rudy” was struck in the chest, while PSSg “Erne” sustained a gunshot wound to his right lower thigh.

In the midst of the chaos, PCpl “Gino,” sensing immediate danger to his life, jumped out of the window of the roof deck, resulting in self-inflicted injuries.

PSSg “Leo,” after finding an opportunity, attempted to disarm the suspect but was overpowered.

The situation prompted PCpl “Naldo” to fire the suspect and hit at the different parts of his body.

The victims and the suspect were quickly rushed to Javier Municipal Infirmary for immediate medical attention.

However, the suspect was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.

The injured officers, PSSg “Rudy,” PSSg “Erne,” and PCpl “Gino,” were referred to Divine Word Hospital in Tacloban City for further medical treatment.

Further investigations are underway to understand the motive behind the attack and to ensure the safety and security of the police personnel and the community they serve.

But based on the statement of Leyte acting police director, Col. Dionisio Apas, Jr., the suspect went to the police station on the pretense of surrendering after he learned that he had an arrest warrant.

Col. Apas did not disclose why the suspect had a warrant but emphasized that further investigation would be conducted to ensure no similar incidents would happen in the future.

“In light of this, I want to assure the public that this incident is isolated, and the Leyte Police Provincial Office (LPPO) is actively managing and addressing the situation,” he said, adding that he had already instructed the chief of the Provincial Investigation and Detective Management Unit to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the incident.

“The Leyte PPO reaffirms its commitment to maintaining peace and order, with the safety of our officers and the communities we serve as our top priority,” Apas added.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)

ORMOC CITY– A former barangay chairman in San Ricardo, Southern Leyte was killed in a road mishap around 8:30 pm on Wednesday, July 24.

Police identified the victim as “Al,” 63, married, and a resident of Brgy. San Ramon, also in the same town.

Unfortunately, he did not possess a driver’s license at the time of the incident.

Local police, who responded to the incident after a call from a concerned citizen, disclosed that the victim was driving a black Suzuki Gixxer 150 motorcycle. He was navigating a hilly and descending curve along a national highway in Brgy. Pinut-an when he lost control of the motorcycle and fell off a cliff approximately ten meters deep.

The former barangay leader sustained severe injuries. Despite being quickly transported by a responding ambulance of the municipal disaster risk reduction management office to Pintuyan District Hospital for medical attention, he was declared dead on arrival.

The motorcycle involved in the incident was brought to San Ricardo municipal police station for proper disposition.
(ROBERT DEJON)

TACLOBAN CITY – The Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF) is scheduled to take place in Northern Samar on August 2.

In preparation for the event, the provincial government has called on national government agencies and provincial government offices for a coordination meeting.

The BPSF is the country’s largest service caravan, aimed at providing essential government services to underserved Filipinos in various communities across the nation.

The fair features the government’s flagship programs.

The services expected to be provided at the BPSF, based on initial discussions, include free health and medical services such as check-ups, medications, dental services, and E-kunsulta registration. Social services will include Tulong Panghanapbuhay SA Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) and Ayuda sa Kapos and Kita Program or AKAP payouts.

Other services include national ID and birth registration assistance by the Philippine Statistics Authority; justice and security services by the Public Attorney’s Office, National Bureau of Investigation, and Philippine National Police; educational services such as Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) scholarships; and agriculture and livelihood support, including KADIWA stores, among others.

“Apart from government agencies, we will also welcome private sector groups who may wish to join us in extending services to our fellow Nortehanons,” said Vice Governor Clarence Dato, who presided over the coordination meeting.

Among the national government agencies that attended the coordination meeting were from Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, PhilHealth, Philippine Statistics Authority, Department of Information and Communications Technology, Public Attorney’s Office, Department of Public Works and Highways, Philippine Information Agency, and Pag-IBIG.

The BPSF hosted by Northern Samar will be held simultaneously in other provinces of the region.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)