TACLOBAN CITY — A regional priority drug personality and his alleged cohort were arrested during an anti-illegal drug operation conducted by authorities in Ormoc City, resulting in the confiscation of suspected shabu and marijuana.

The operation was carried out on May 20, 2026 in Purok 10, Barangay Linao by operatives of the Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8) and partner law enforcement agencies.

Arrested were alias “Mario,” a 44-year-old electrician tagged as the region’s Rank 7 drug personality and listed in the Regional Priority Target List (RPTL), and alias “Mike,” a 33-year-old vendor. Both suspects are residents of Ormoc City.

Authorities recovered four heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing substances suspected to be shabu with an estimated weight of 2.42 grams and a Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) value of P16,456.00.

Also confiscated was one plastic sachet containing dried leaves believed to be marijuana weighing around 2.28 grams with an estimated value of P261.60.

The operation was conducted by personnel of the Ormoc City Drug Enforcement Unit in coordination with the Ormoc City Police Office–City Intelligence Unit (OCPO-CIU), Regional Intelligence Unit 8 (RIU-8), PNP Drug Enforcement Group Special Operations Unit 8 (PNP DEG SOU-8), and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office 8 (PDEA-8).

PRO-8 Regional Director Jason L. Capoy said the successful operation reflects the intensified anti-drug campaign of law enforcement agencies across Eastern Visayas.

“This successful operation reflects the unyielding dedication of PRO-8 personnel and partner agencies in combating illegal drugs. PRO-8 will remain relentless in its efforts to apprehend drug personalities and ensure the safety and security of our communities,” Capoy said.

Authorities are now preparing the filing of appropriate criminal charges against the arrested suspects.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY — The Tacloban City Engineering Office(CEO) admitted lapses in coordination with traffic authorities following public backlash over the installation of metal railings that blocked a pedestrian crossing in downtown Tacloban.

The issue drew widespread criticism after photos of the railings obstructing the pedestrian lane circulated on social media, prompting concerns from residents and online users about pedestrian safety, accessibility, and project planning.

City engineering officials acknowledged that coordination with the Traffic Operation, Management, Enforcement, and Control Office (Tomeco) was insufficient during the implementation of the project.

Tomeco is the city office responsible for traffic management, road safety, and urban mobility programs, including pedestrian safety measures in major streets and commercial areas.

The controversy sparked discussions in local online communities and Reddit forums, where citizens questioned the design and purpose of the railing installations and called for improved planning in future infrastructure projects.

The incident comes as the city government continues efforts to improve sidewalks, pedestrian access, and traffic flow in key areas of Tacloban.

Previous clearing operations jointly conducted by the CEO, Tomeco, and other agencies focused on removing sidewalk obstructions and illegal structures in busy public spaces.
Residents have urged local officials to strengthen inter-agency coordination and prioritize public consultation and pedestrian welfare in urban development initiatives across the city.

(LANCE GABRIEL ENTEROSO, LNU Student Intern)

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) provided aerial support during the live fire exercise showcasing the precision strike capabilities of Japan’s Type 88 Surface-to-Ship Guided Missile System as part of Exercise Balikatan 41-2026 on May 6, 2026, in Ilocos Norte. The activity, graced by Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. and Japanese Defense Minister Shinjirō Koizumi, and witnessed by international observers from partner nations, involved a decommissioned Philippine Navy vessel as the target, demonstrating realistic maritime strike operations and strengthening multilateral cooperation among participating forces.

During the exercise, FA-50PH fighter aircraft conducted aerial support operations, contributing to the overall execution of the live fire activity. The integration of air assets with ground-based missile systems highlighted coordinated joint and combined operations aimed at improving combat capabilities, enhancing interoperability, and strengthening operational collaboration among allied forces. The activity also reflects the growing defense partnership between the Philippines and Japan, enabled by the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), which supports expanded participation in large-scale exercises such as Balikatan.

The conduct of the activity underscores the importance of sustained joint training in addressing evolving security challenges in the maritime domain. In line with the objectives of Exercise Balikatan, it reinforces operational readiness and validates defense capabilities in support of national security. It also supports the Philippine Air Force’s thrust of building a mission-ready, capability-driven, and values-based organization, contributing to a secure and stable Indo-Pacific region. (PR)

Catarman, Northern Samar-The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-Northern Samar 1st District Engineering Office (DEO) recently completed a one-storey,2-classroom school building at Bobon Central Elementary School in Brgy. Sta. Clara, Bobon, Northern Samar.

The project which has a total floor area of 174.76 square meters, includes plumbing works and fixtures, electrical works, removal of obstruction/structure.

District Engineer Alvin A. Ignacio emphasized that the new building will help address the lack of classrooms and ease concerns over the school’s old and dilapidated structures by providing learners with a safer and more conducive learning environment.

DE Ignacio added that the school building features reinforced concrete gutters, a PWD-accessible ramp with handrails, window grills on the front and rear, a parapet wall, and toilet in every classroom for the convenience of both students and teachers.

Bobon Central Elementary School Principal Dr. Ma. Ethel B. Ricafort expressed gratitude for the newly constructed two-classroom, typhoon-resilient building, saying it will provide a safer and more conducive learning environment for primary grade learners and help improve the school’s learning system.

“This one building,2-classroom which is very very demanding for the type of classroom built in our school because it is a typhoon resilient building. This will be occupied by our primary grade learners, with around 30 pupils in each classroom and so we are happy and grateful that we are given this chance to have this building. Our pupils, our learners will be adapting a new style of classroom which will be a big help to the learning system of our school. We will not be thinking that our pupils will be suffering from such hazards brought by this natural phenomenon. Most of our buildings here are old and dilapidated but now through this building given to us, probably this will make a big change and a chance for our learners to experience the new style of buildings because it has amenities.” Dr. Ricafort stated.

The project, with a total cost of P5.93 million, was funded under the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Basic Educational Facilities Fund (BEFF) FY 2025.

(ANALIZA PABIA/PR)