TACLOBAN CITY– Authorities in Leyte have arrested a 29-year-old most wanted person accused of rape charges and three other suspects in separate anti-criminality operations.
“Our commitment to public safety remains steadfast. With the active support of the community, we will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone,” said Colonel Dionisio DC Apas Jr, officer-in-charge of Leyte Police Provincial Office (LPPO), following the arrest of the suspects on May 29, 2024.

“The arrest of these wanted persons sends a clear message that the Leyte police will relentlessly pursue justice for victims and hold the perpetrators accountable for their actions,” the police official added.

The personalities were identified as alias Ran, a farmer and a resident of Barangay Caanislagan, Dagami, who was accused of rape based on a warrant dated May 27, 2024, with no recommended bail; and alias Lea, 64, a businesswoman, a resident of Carigara, who was accused for falsification of public documents.

Also, alias Day, 61, married, and a resident of Abuyog, was also arrested for violation of Republic Act 10175 or Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012; and alias Leo, a retired overseas Filipino worker, a resident of Carigara, who was accused of falsification of public documents.

Apas said the arrest of the wanted personalities “represents a significant victory for law enforcement and the community, as it underscores the relentless pursuit of justice for victims of crimes.”

“The diligent efforts of the Leyte police serve as a testament to their unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the safety and security of the populace,” he added.
(RONALD O. REYES)

ORMOC CITY– Police from Kawayan, Biliran, in a joint operation with the Biliran Provincial Police Office-Provincial Intelligence Unit, Regional Intelligence Unit, and the Biliran Provincial Mobile Force Company, recovered an unlicensed firearm and ammunition from a laborer during the implementation of a search warrant at his house at about 11:40 pm on Wednesday (June 5) in Barangay Ungale of said town.

The suspect, identified as alias “Mar,” 39, resides in Brgy. Ungale was arrested by virtue of a search warrant issued by Judge Luz Navarrete, presiding judge of the 8th Judicial Region, RTC Branch 16 Naval, Biliran, on May 28, 2024.

The warrant was for the violation of RA 10591, the Comprehensive Law against Illegal Possession of Firearms, Ammunitions, and Explosives.

During the operation, police confiscated a black .38 caliber revolver with a defaced serial number and two live .38 caliber ammunition rounds.

Both the suspect and the confiscated items were brought to Kawayan police station proper disposition. Criminal charges are now being prepared against the suspect.
(ROBERT DEJON)

TACLOBAN CITY – The Peace and Quiet Culture and Arts Caravan is gaining momentum as more partners join its cause, to the delight of its organizers and coordinators.

Originally aimed at steering youth towards the arts to keep them from falling prey to recruitment by communist armed groups and engaging in vices such as illegal drug use, the caravan has now expanded its advocacy to include environmental protection and conservation.

This new direction is facilitated through a partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

The 5th edition of the Peace and Quiet Culture and Arts Caravan features over 40 artists from across the region, showcasing their works at an art exhibit held from June 5 to 9 on the second floor of Robinsons North Tacloban.

Among the new partners are the Leyte National High School Special Program for the Arts, ACLC Arts Appreciation, and the Palo Culture and Arts Organization (PCAO), a group of young artists from Palo which is known for its community theater play performances.
“PCAO members will present a live theater play on Friday, June 7, as part of the culmination of the HURMA Basic Integrated Theater Arts Workshop,” said Diana Jane Saballe, the event coordinator.

In addition to the live theater performance, the five-day event includes art exhibits, live sketching, a poster-making contest, a dance contest, an acoustic band competition, a ‘siday’ competition, and canvas bag painting.

The Peace and Quiet V is also part of the World Environment Month celebration, themed “Reviving Nature, Sustaining Life: Together We Restore.”

DENR Regional Executive Director Lormelyn Claudio highlighted the importance of providing youth, particularly artists, with a platform to create and showcase artworks that advocate for environmental protection and conservation.

“Artists are sensitive, conscious, and passionate about everything. We want to channel that passion towards environmental protection and management,” she said in her message.

The Peace and Quiet V is organized in collaboration with the 8th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, the National Task Force to End Local Armed Conflict, the Philippine National Police, Robinsons North Tacloban, the Hands Off Our Children Movement Inc., Youth for Human Rights International Eastern Visayas, and arts groups Istilo Poetry, Langkaw, Islaw, ArtPalo, and Kasugbong.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY – The Police Regional Office 8, under the leadership of B/Gen. Reynaldo Pawid, successfully arrested the region’s 3rd most wanted person for drug peddling in Barugo, Leyte on Tuesday (June 4).

The apprehended individual, known as alias “Angaw,” is a 41-year-old farm laborer residing in Sitio Cansagaya, Barangay Bulod of said town.

He is an identified high-value individual (HVI) who managed to elude arrest during a targeted buy-bust operation conducted on February 27, 2024.

Authorities apprehended the accused based on outstanding warrants of arrest for multiple drug-related charges.

Angaw was subsequently brought to Barugo municipal police station for documentation and processing.

B/Gen. Pawid expressed his commendation for the close collaboration among the units involved, which led to the successful apprehension of a high-value fugitive.

“We are committed to exhausting all available resources to ensure that these individuals are brought to justice,” he added.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

ORMOC CITY– The region’s No. 8 most wanted person was arrested by joint operatives in Bacoor City, Cavite on Wednesday (June 5) at about 4:30 pm

Arrested by the elements from the municipal police station of Malitbog, Southern Leyte, Provincial Intelligence Team (PIT) of Cavite-RIU4A, Provincial Intelligence Team (PIT) Southern Leyte-RIU8, PIU SLPPO, Southern Leyte MARPSTA, Leyte Sur Provincial Highway Patrol Team was alias “Nardo” 62, a tricycle driver, and a resident of Poblacion Malitbog, Southern Leyte and temporarily residing in Salinas I, Bacoor City.

The accused was arrested by virtue of a warrant of arrest, dated February 20, 2024, issued by Judge Ma. Daisy Paler Gonzalez, presiding judge of Branch 25, Maasin City for the crime of frustrated homicide and frustrated murder.

The accused is now under the custody of the Bacoor Component City Police Station for documentation and proper disposition. (ROBERT DEJON)