TACLOBAN CITY — Four individuals were arrested in Ormoc City for violating laws and local ordinances on the selling, use, and possession of illegal firecrackers during New Year enforcement operations, police said.

The arrests were made as the Ormoc City Police Office (OCPO) intensified its campaign against prohibited firecrackers and other dangerous items ahead of and during the holiday celebrations.

Police also confiscated 16,505 assorted firecrackers and 142 polyvinyl pipes, locally known as “boga,” which are commonly used as improvised fireworks.

Authorities reported that no firecracker- or boga-related injuries were recorded during the New Year celebration, attributing the zero-casualty outcome to sustained patrols, checkpoints, and strict enforcement of safety regulations across the city.

Police said the operations were carried out in coordination with local government units, force multipliers, and community members.

PLtCol Joel Camacho, officer-in-charge of the OCPO, said the arrests and confiscations underscore the police force’s commitment to public safety, particularly during major celebrations.

“The zero-casualty New Year celebration is a clear testament to the dedication to duty of our personnel and the cooperation of the Ormocanon public. We remain steadfast in enforcing the law to ensure the safety of everyone, especially during major celebrations,” he stated.

The OCPO said it will continue enforcing laws against illegal firecrackers to prevent injuries and maintain peace and order in the city.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY — The Supreme Court’s affirmation of the murder convictions of three police officers in the 2017 killing of 17-year-old Kian Delos Santos could bolster the ongoing International Criminal Court (ICC) investigation into former President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs, according to youth advocacy group Spark.

In a decision released on December 22, Associate Justice Jhosep Lopez upheld the convictions of officers Arnel Oares, Jeremias Pereda, and Jerwin Cruz, sentencing them to up to 40 years in prison and ordering them to pay P275,000 in damages to Kian’s family.

“The Supreme Court decision is a welcome development. Spark hopes this will contribute to curbing the culture of impunity and abuse of authority among the police,” the group said.
The court noted that Kian was likely sitting or kneeling when shot, with bullets entering from the side and back of his head, showing he could not defend himself. Officers had allegedly stopped him in Baesa, Caloocan City, after “finding” suspected drugs, assaulted him, and forced him to a secluded area before killing him.

“The officers deliberately placed Kian in a helpless position, enabling them to kill him with impunity,” the court said.

Presidential Communications Office Secretary Dave Gomez said Malacañang “still needs to review the Supreme Court decision,” but added that the ruling highlights calls from the church, civil society, and some lawmakers for an independent Truth Commission to investigate extrajudicial killings more deeply.

The murder of Delos Santos remains one of the most high-profile cases tied to the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign, drawing widespread public outrage and attention to allegations of police misconduct and impunity.

(RONALD O. REYES)

TACLOBAN CITY — Police in Eastern Visayas are warning residents to remain vigilant as text and online scams continue to rise, targeting unsuspecting individuals across the region.

The Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8) said scammers are increasingly posing as representatives of government agencies, banks, and well-known companies to steal personal information and money. Fraudulent messages often claim that recipients have won prizes or request sensitive data such as verification codes, bank details, or other personal information.

“These schemes are becoming more sophisticated and widespread, especially during the holiday season when online activity is higher,” PRO-8 said. Authorities reminded the public not to respond to suspicious messages or click on unknown links, which could compromise personal information or lead to financial loss.

PRO-8 urged recipients to verify the legitimacy of any message through official communication channels of the alleged sender. Individuals who encounter suspicious texts or online messages are encouraged to immediately report the incident to the nearest police station or via PRO-8’s official contact points.

“Vigilance and prompt reporting are essential to prevent scams and protect the public from falling victim to cybercriminals,” the regional police office added.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

TACLOBAN CITY — A 15-year-old boy staying at an orphanage center drowned in the waters off Barangay Lower Villa Jacinta, Macrohon, Southern Leyte, on New Year’s Day, authorities reported.

The victim, identified as alias “Kai,” a Grade 8 student and resident of Barangay Poblacion, Padre Burgos, was reported missing around 10:10 a.m., prompting a response from the Macrohon Municipal Police Station, report from the Regional Police Office(PRO-8), said.

Concerned residents alerted authorities after spotting the boy floating in the sea.
Personnel from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation while police coordinated with the Rural Health Unit (RHU) for medical assistance. Kai was eventually brought ashore with the help of a bystander but was declared dead by the RHU officer.

A social worker from the orphanage revealed that Kai had recently been suffering from epilepsy, which authorities are considering as a potential factor in the drowning.

(JOEY A. GABIETA)