TACLOBAN CITY — Police in Eastern Visayas seized more than P7.3 million worth of suspected shabu and arrested a high-value individual during a joint anti-illegal drugs operation in Ormoc City, marking one of the region’s biggest drug hauls this year.
The Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8) said the suspect was apprehended in a buy-bust operation conducted in Barangay Salvacion, Ormoc City on December 19, 2025, as part of the Philippine National Police’s intensified campaign against illegal drugs.

Authorities identified the suspect as alias “Lea,” a 48-year-old female resident of Ormoc City who is classified by police as a High-Value Individual (HVI).

Seized from the suspect were approximately 1,082 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated value of P7,357,600, based on the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) valuation. Police said the quantity of illegal drugs recovered could have supplied numerous street-level transactions and posed serious risks to communities.

The operation was carried out by joint operatives of the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit 8 (RPDEU-8), in coordination with the RID-8 Tracker Team, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office 8–Regional Special Enforcement Team (PDEA RO8-RSET), the City Intelligence Unit and City Drug Enforcement Unit of the Ormoc City Police Office, Police Station 4 of OCPO, the Police Intelligence Unit of the Leyte Provincial Police Office, the 1st Leyte Provincial Mobile Force Company, the Regional Special Operations Unit 8, and the PNP Drug Enforcement Group–Special Operations Unit 8.

Police recovered one heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet of suspected shabu as the buy-bust item and 23 additional sachets believed to contain the same illegal substance. Also confiscated were boodle money, and a portable digital weighing scale, among others.

The search, marking, and inventory of the seized items were conducted at the site of arrest in the presence of required witnesses, in accordance with existing laws and procedures.
PRO-8 Regional Director Police Brigadier General Jason Capoy commended the operating units for their professionalism and coordination, saying the operation prevented a large volume of illegal drugs from reaching the streets.

“The amount of illegal drugs confiscated in this operation represents countless lives saved from the dangers of drug abuse. PRO-8 remains steadfast in its commitment to dismantle drug networks through sustained operations, strong inter-agency coordination, and active community partnership,” Capoy said.

The seized drug evidence has been turned over to the Regional Forensic Unit 8 for chemical examination, while appropriate criminal charges against the suspect are being prepared for filing.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY — To improve road safety and ensure uninterrupted connectivity between upland and lowland communities in Leyte, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)–Leyte 2nd District Engineering Office (L2DEO) has completed the slope protection component of the Network Development Program along the Burauen–Albuera Road in Burauen town.

District Engineer Leo Edward Oppura said the project addresses long-standing issues of soil erosion, landslides, and unsafe road conditions, particularly during the rainy season, along this vital inter-municipal route.

The project was implemented in two locations. Site 1, located in Barangay Matin-ao, involved 459 square meters of slope protection works, while Site 2 in Barangay Dinaayan covered 341 square meters. Both sites are within the municipality of Burauen.

To stabilize the road slopes, the project utilized Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) walls, designed to reinforce embankments and prevent erosion. These were complemented by a 47-meter lined canal that provides an efficient drainage system, directing rainwater away from the roadway and reducing the risk of slope failure.

DPWH–L2DEO said the completed structures now ensure safer passage for motorists and pedestrians, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall, while helping maintain the smooth flow of traffic along the Burauen–Albuera corridor.

With the project’s completion, residents are expected to benefit from improved access to markets, schools, health facilities, and other essential services. The road also plays a key role in supporting the transport of agricultural products between Burauen and Albuera.
A resident of Barangay Dinaayan expressed gratitude for the project, saying, “Many thanks to the DPWH for giving us this project here in Barangay Matin-ao. What they provided is truly good because it is a big help for this riprap.”

He added that the project significantly improved safety in the area. “This road used to be very dangerous before the gabion project was implemented. At night, the road was dark and badly damaged due to erosion caused by continuous rainfall, making it deep and extremely hazardous. The railings were also unstable and could collapse. Now, the road has been widened and reinforced. It is much safer for those passing through, especially residents from far-flung areas and farmers who travel at night. This area was really dangerous before the project,” he said.

The slope protection project was funded with P45,465,573.50 under the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA). Construction was undertaken by R.T. Morabe Construction and completed on December 14, 2025.

(LIZBETH ANN A.ABELLA)