TACLOBAN CITY — Police arrested Eastern Visayas’ top priority drug target in a major anti-illegal drug operation in Barangay 97, Cabalawan, this city on Wednesday, December 3, yielding over P11 million worth of suspected shabu.

The suspect, identified only as “Roy,” 55, unemployed, and a resident of Brgy. 109, Tacloban City, is ranked number one on the Regional Priority Target List (RPTL), according to the Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8).

Authorities recovered 16 knot-tied and four self-sealing sachets of suspected shabu weighing about 1,701 grams, with a Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) value placed at P11,566,800.

The arrest was carried out through a joint operation of multiple law enforcement units, including the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit 8 (RPDEU-8), Regional Intelligence Division 8 (RID-8) Tracker Team, Leyte Police Provincial Office intelligence units, Tacloban City Police Office, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and other specialized units.
PRO-8 regional director PB/Gen. Jason Capoy praised the successful arrest of the high-value suspect.

“Their relentless efforts reflect our strong commitment to safeguarding our communities and achieving a drug-free Eastern Visayas,” he said in a statement released on Thursday.
Police said the seized evidence was properly marked and inventoried at the place of arrest, with the required witnesses present.

Criminal charges against the suspect are now being prepared.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in the region has rolled out a new capacity-building program in Naval, Biliran aimed at developing the province’s emerging agarwood industry through science-based processing technologies and stronger collaboration among government, private sector, and local communities.

The initiative, led by the DOST–Forest Products Research and Development Institute (FPRDI), the Provincial Science and Technology Office (PSTO)–Biliran, and partner Roving Agriventures Inc. (RAI), was formally launched with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to outline joint commitments in research, training, and sustainable production.

Agarwood—one of the world’s most valuable forest products—is a dark, resinous heartwood that forms when certain tree species react to natural or induced injury.

While propagation and plantation-based cultivation of agarwood species are allowed, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) strictly prohibits the gathering of seeds or wood from the wild without proper permits.

Under the agreement, DOST-FPRDI will spearhead research activities, technology transfer, and technical training; DOST VIII and PSTO Biliran will coordinate Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) programs in the region; and RAI will continue promoting responsible agarwood cultivation with its advocacy of “transforming lives, one tree at a time.”

The launch featured an orientation on ongoing agarwood research initiatives and fragrance profiling, followed by hands-on training in liniment and balm production. The activity aims to equip farmers and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with skills to produce value-added products for medicinal and cosmetic markets—creating new livelihood opportunities across Biliran.

The event gathered representatives from DOST VIII and FPRDI, DENR-PENRO Leyte, Biliran Vice Governor Roselyn Espina-Paras and the RAI team, reflecting broad support for developing a sustainable agarwood value chain in the province.

The program reinforces DOST VIII’s commitment to harnessing STI to uplift communities, expand local industries, and promote environmentally sound economic development in Eastern Visayas.

(ROEL T.AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY — The Leyte Police Provincial Office (LPPO) has kicked off its holiday toy drive, “Mulayan Mo, Regalo Ko,” aiming to bring Christmas cheer to children undergoing treatment at the Eastern Visayas Medical Center.

Launched on December 1 under Provincial Director Col. Dionisio DC Apas Jr., the program is supported by the Guinhangdan Palo–Liberation Eagles Club and J&T Express.

Police stations and mobile force companies across the province have set up donation boxes where the public can drop off new or pre-loved toys.

All collected toys will be given to young patients during LPPO’s Christmas gift-giving on December 24.

LPPO is encouraging residents, partners, and stakeholders to join the effort, reminding the public that even a small toy can spark joy for a child spending the holidays in the hospital.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

CAMP RUPERTO KANGLEON,PALO, Leyte– Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8) kicked off the holiday season in style on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, with a sparkling display of lanterns and Christmas trees in front of its administration building.

Under the leadership of PB/Gen. Jason Capoy, the event featured an eco-friendly lantern or ‘parol’ contest, where 22 teams from various regional and provincial units showcased their creativity using sustainable materials. Meanwhile, 26 participants joined the “adopt-a-tree” competition, transforming simple trees into vibrant symbols of hope and holiday cheer.

Capoy highlighted that the lanterns and trees symbolize unity, compassion, and PRO-8’s dedication to serving communities.

“Even in challenging times, we stand together, guided by service and compassion,” he said, noting the event’s role in reminding everyone of the police’s mission to protect and uplift the public.

The colorful display not only lit up the PRO-8 compound but also set a joyful tone for the season, inspiring both personnel and the community to embrace the spirit of Christmas.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)