ORMOC CITY– A former barangay treasurer was arrested by the police after a court issued a warrant of arrest on Saturday, August 10, at around 1:50 pm in Barangay Canipaan, Palompon, Leyte.

The accused, identified as “Sally,” 68, single, and a resident of Barangay San Pablo, was formerly the barangay treasurer.

The arrest was carried out based on a warrant issued by the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 17 of Palompon for violation of Article 218 of the Revised Penal Code, or failure of accountable officer to render accounts).

The court set bail at P6,000 for her temporary release.
(ROBERT DEJON)

TACLOBAN CITY – The top officials of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in the region have called on barangay officials to assist in combating the illegal drug problem at the grassroots level.

PB/Gen Reynaldo Pawid and Atty. Jacquelyn de Guzman both emphasized that the involvement of barangay officials in the fight against illegal drugs is crucial to achieving the government’s goal of eradicating the drug trade in the country.

“Our barangays should be fully functional in terms of their Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Councils (BADAC), which every barangay is required to have,” Pawid stated.

“If the BADACs are functional, I believe it will significantly reduce the problem of supply and demand because they are the elected officials who know who in their barangays are using and selling illegal drugs,” he added.

The creation of BADAC is mandated under Republic Act 9165, the Local Government Code of the Philippines, and the Dangerous Drugs Board.

These councils play a key role in preventing and eradicating illegal drugs by leading the planning, implementation, and monitoring of local anti-drug programs, projects, and activities within their communities.

According to data from the Police Regional Office-8, anti-illegal drug operations from June 2022 to July 2024 resulted in the confiscation of 25,681.72 grams of shabu, 12,464.63 grams of marijuana, and 21,105 grams of cocaine, with a total street value of P308 million.

During this period, 163 drug personalities surrendered, 26 were killed in anti-drug operations, 1,584 were arrested, and 3,388 cases were filed in court for violating Republic Act 9165.

PDEA-8 Regional Director De Guzman also urged barangay officials to assist in the campaign to reduce both the demand for and supply of illegal drugs, emphasizing that they are aware of who is involved in illegal activities within their communities.

De Guzman noted that from June 2022 to July 2024, PDEA-8 apprehended 2,713 drug personalities.

“Most of those we apprehend are high-value targets. Sadly, it’s disheartening to report that some of those arrested are government employees, including job order workers or barangay officials,” she explained.

“That is why it is crucial that we take action at the barangay level,” she added.
The PDEA-8 official also urged barangay officials to remain alert and vigilant, and report to authorities if they encounter packages that may contain illegal drugs.

She pointed out that due to Eastern Visayas’ strategic location, it is often used as a transshipment point for illegal drugs transported to Mindanao and Luzon.
In January last year, more than nine kilos of shabu were recovered at Jugaban Port in Allen, Northern Samar.

On August 8, another nine kilos of shabu were seized by authorities at the FastCat Ferry terminal in Barangay Kinabranan, also in Allen.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

The collaboration between the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) and the country’s leading finance app, GCash, has reached another milestone as their top cybersecurity leaders were recognized for their outstanding achievements in the prestigious PhilSec Awards held at the Manila Marriot Hotel in Pasay City.

PNP-ACG Police Colonel and chief of cybercrime response unit Jay Guillermo was named ‘Cyber Innovator of the Year’ while GCash chief information and security officer Miguel Geronilla was distinguished as ‘Enterprise Security Leader of the Year’.

The PhilSec Awards recognizes individuals and organizations that have demonstrated exceptional commitment and innovation in securing the digital space. It is supported by the National Privacy Commission (NPC), Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

“We are truly honored to receive these accolades, which serves as testament to the fruits of the collaborative efforts between PNP-ACG and GCash. The PNP-ACG has been instrumental in our thrust towards finance for all by establishing a safe cashless ecosystem for our users. Collaboration with the government is our best chance in fighting cybercrime. We express our utmost congratulations to the Police Colonel and chief of cyber response unit Jay Guillermo!” said Geronilla

PCol Guillermo was recognized for his innovative approaches and relentless pursuit of justice in cybercrime investigations. The top police official has been instrumental in developing strategies and technologies that enhance the PNP’s capacity to combat and respond to cybercrime, safeguarding both public and private digital infrastructures.

Meanwhile, Geronilla was recognized for his exemplary leadership in implementing advanced security measures that protect millions of GCash users from scammers, fraudsters, and cybercriminals. Under his stewardship, GCash has fortified its defenses against cyber threats, ensuring that users’ financial data and transactions remain secure.
The simultaneous recognition of the PNP-ACG and GCash from a prestigious awarding body underscores the success of their cooperative efforts in securing the country from cyber threats.(PR)

Soldiers of the Philippine Army and U.S. Army Pacific conducted a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) live fire exercise as part of the ongoing SALAKNIB Phase 2 at Canantong Fire Base in Laur, Nueva Ecija on August 9, 2023.

Philippine Army’s Artillery Regiment and Field Artillery personnel from the U.S. Army’s Multi-Domain Task Force worked closely together to maneuver, reload, and test fire the HIMARS batteries. The HIMARS, a missile launcher mounted on a five-ton truck, is capable of firing six guided missiles in rapid succession.

The exercise is a significant component of SALAKNIB, a bilateral training exercise designed to enhance the interoperability and readiness of the Philippine Army and U.S. Army Pacific forces.

The Army leadership commends the dedication and professionalism of the Philippine Army troops who participated in the exercise. Their unwavering commitment to excellence ensures that the Philippine Army remains a formidable force, capable of responding to the evolving challenges of national security. (PR)