TACLOBAN CITY — The Leyte Police Provincial Office (LPPO) kicked off 2026 by reaffirming its commitment to credible, accountable, and people-centered policing as it joined Governor Carlos Jericho “Icot” Petilla’s New Year’s Call on January 16 at the provincial capitol multi-purpose hall in Palo, Leyte.

Led by Provincial Director Col. Dionisio DC Apas Jr., the LPPO took part in the annual gathering, a long-standing Philippine National Police (PNP) tradition that serves as a platform to strengthen unity, deepen partnerships with local government, and renew commitment to good governance.

In his message, Governor Petilla underscored the importance of credibility and accountability in public service, calling on police officers to remain competent, professional, and apolitical in the discharge of their duties.

He also assured the LPPO of the provincial government’s full support, recognizing the police force as a vital partner in maintaining peace and order across Leyte.

Also in attendance were Lt.Col. Leonardo Angcon, deputy provincial director for administration, members of the provincial staff, section and office chiefs, chiefs of police from the 1st to the 5th districts, and force commanders of the Provincial Mobile Force Companies (PMFCs).

The LPPO said its participation in the New Year’s Call reflects its continuing resolve to uphold transparency, accountability, and public trust while working closely with the provincial government in advancing peace, security, and good governance in Leyte.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY — Even as Tropical Storm ‘Ada’ loomed over Eastern Visayas, residents of two long-unlit sitios in Barangay Langit, Alangalang, Leyte, finally saw their long-held hope come true with the energization of their community under the government’s Sitio Electrification Program (SEP).

On Friday, January 16, officials and personnel of the Leyte III Electric Cooperative (Leyeco III) arrived in Sitio Ilawud and Sitio Kapudlusan to formally switch on the electrification project, bringing electricity to households that had relied on kerosene lamps for years.
Residents welcomed the development as life-changing. “This is a big help for pregnant mothers, children who are studying, the sick—this is a huge blessing for everyone,” said Dennis Suminig.

Suminig and his family have lived in the community since 2014 after relocating from Lanao in Mindanao to escape armed conflict. Since then, he had repeatedly sought assistance from barangay and municipal officials to push for the electrification of their sitio.

“Now, the light is no longer just along the road—it is already inside our homes,” he said.
The SEP is a national government initiative implemented through the National Electrification Administration (NEA) to achieve total rural electrification. The program provides subsidies for extending power lines and connecting households in remote and previously unserved sitios through partnerships with electric cooperatives.

Funding for the project comes from the national budget and covers the free or subsidized installation of power poles and distribution lines.

Leyeco III board president Isagani Artoza told residents that the arrival of electricity would bring lasting change to their lives, particularly to children’s education, as they would no longer have to rely on lamps for studying at night.

Before the Alangalang project, Leyeco III also energized 16 households in Sitio Manhuraw, Jaro town, as part of its continuing rural electrification efforts in Leyte.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY — Under the leadership of Regional Director B/Gen. Jason Capoy, Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8) recently recognized four city police stations for achieving Proficient Status under the Performance Governance System (PGS) during a ceremony held at the PRO-8 Multi-Purpose Hall, Camp Sec. Ruperto K. Kangleon in Palo, Leyte, on January 15, 2026.

The event, which featured Ronald Madera as guest of honor and speaker, highlighted the awarding of plaques, Eagle Awards, and certificates to the Tacloban City Police Office – Police Station 3 (TCPO-PS3) and Ormoc City Police Office’s PS 4, PS 5, and PS 6, all recognized for their exemplary performance and governance.

Certificates of appreciation were also presented to members of the Regional Advisory Group for Police Transformation and Development 8 (RAGPTD-8) for their support in promoting police reform and development.

Joining Capoy were Deputy Regional Director for Administration Col. Froilan Navarroza, Chief of Regional Staff Col. Matthe Aseo, Regional Pastoral Officer Major Rey Ibañez, city police directors, chiefs of police, members of RAGPTD-8, and personnel from PRO-8. The ceremony celebrated the stations’ commitment to transparency, accountability, and effective police service in the region.

This recognition reinforces PRO-8’s ongoing efforts to strengthen institutional governance and uphold professional excellence across Leyte and neighboring provinces.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)