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amp Ruperto Kangleon, Palo, Leyte- The Police Regional Office 8 under the leadership of PBGEN BERNARD M BANAC, Regional Director, deployed a total of 300 personnel for Search, Rescue, Retrieval and Recovery operations to Agaton-affected areas in Baybay and Abuyog, Leyte on April 11,14 and 20, 2022.
The deployment was done through three (3) Send-off Ceremonies to help out in the search and rescue operations along with other various agencies in areas greatly affected by Tropical Storm “Agaton” particularly in Baybay and Abuyog. Shifting of duty schedule of the personnel was arranged accordingly
to attend to their personal needs/ necessities after a week of post disaster duties. “Our rescue operations are still ongoing along with our relief operations. In the past days, it has been tough for all of us especially for the victims of this unfortunate event. Anyhow, your PRO 8 family is doing its best to be of help in more ways than one,” RD BANAC said.
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amp Ruperto Kangleon, Palo, Leyte- The Police Regional Office 8 under the leadership of PBGEN BERNARD M BANAC, Regional Director, condemns to the highest degree the recent ambush made by the members of the Communist-Terrorist Group (CTG) resulting to the instantaneous death of Patrolman Harvie C Lovino SEE
AMBUSH P. 7
SEE
LOCAL ABSENTEE VOTING P. 7
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April 1 - 30, 2022
EV COPS ARREST 90 MWPs, 761 OTHER LAW VIOLATORS In anti- illegal gambling operations, 236 individuals were arrested with Php 143,014.00 worth of confiscated bet money. Meanwhile, 86 illegal fishers were arrested with Php 1, 139,580. 00 worth of confiscated fish and fishing paraphernalia were confiscated during the conduct of Illegal fishing operations. In anti-illegal logging operations, 29 personalities were arrested and confiscated 19,828.00 board feet of lumber with an estimated worth of Php 997, 764. 80.
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he Police Regional Office 8 recorded an arrest of 90 Most Wanted Persons, 352 Other Wanted Persons and 409 Other Law Violators during police operations from April 1-30, 2022.
On the other hand, 18 illegal gun owners were arrested. Authorities were able to confiscate and recover 185 different firearms in the implementation of Oplan Kontra Boga. SEE
LAW VIOLATORS P. 7
A month-long of intensified implementation of Warrants of Arrest resulted in the apprehension of 90 Most Wanted Persons from Regional/Provincial/ City/Municipal level and 352 Other Warranted Wanted Persons region wide. In the implementation of anti-illegal drug operations, 40 drug personalities were arrested and six (6) have surrendered. Police authorities were able to confiscate a total of 16.49 grams of shabu and 0.13 grams of marijuana with a total estimated street value of Php 165, 967.15.
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TACLOBAN COPS ARREST DRUG PEDDLER
lements of Special Drug Enforcement Unit of Tacloban City Police Office-Police Station 2 led by PLT REY BALDICANO JR. under the direct supervision of PMAJ WINRICH LAYAA LIM, Chief of Police, in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Regional Office 8 arrested alias “ANDRES”, a drug peddler, during a Buy-Bust Operation
at Barangay 83-C Taguictik, San Jose, Tacloban City on April 11, 2022. Confiscated from the suspect were: a) One (1) piece heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet containing white crystalline substance suspected to be “Shabu”; b) one (1) black sling bag containing one (1) black mini sling bag which contained six (6) heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets and each containing white crystalline substance suspected to be shabu; c) one (1) piece subscribed Five Hundred (Php 500.00) Peso Bill and d) one (1) unit Revolver of Cal. 357 loaded with three (3) pieces live ammunition of same caliber. Recovered drug items weighed more or less six (6) grams with an estimated total street value of Php 55,000.00. The suspect is now under the custody of TCPOPS2 and appropriate criminal charges for Violation of Sections 5 & 11 of Article II of RA 9165 and Violation SEE
TACLOBAN COPS P. 7
April 1 - 30, 2022
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PRO 8 DEPLOYS 1,695 PERSONNEL ON LENTEN SEASON
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amp Ruperto Kangleon, Campetic, Palo, Leyte – The Police Regional Office 8 under the leadership of PBGEN BERNARD M BANAC, Regional Director, deployed 1,695 PNP personnel around region to address the security preparations relative to the observance of the Holy Week (Semana Santa) from April 10-17, 2022. In anticipation of the larger crowds or pilgrims to congest in different places of convergence, 330 personnel were deployed in places of worship/devotion, 361 in malls/markets and commercial areas, and 221 in parks and community centers. Sustained police presence was also implemented in the transportation hubs such as in PUB/ PUV Terminals where 227 personnel were deployed, 102 in seaports and 15 in Airports. 316 personnel are likewise deployed in 214 various tourist destinations in the region since tourism sites have also been reopened lately due to the lifting of restrictions. Security has also tightened in 77 areas with
undergoing road constructions with a total of 123 personnel deployed. “This solemn occasion, regardless of our religion, is our chance to reflect and restore our faith. As we are still being confronted with the pandemic and the aftermath of disasters, may we never lose hope. May compassion, care and love for one another remain as our biggest weapon against all odds,” RD BANAC said.
PRO 8 COMMEMORATES 80th DAY OF VALOR O’Donell in Capas, Tarlac. Ceremonial rites were rendered solemnly by the men and women of PRO 8. Wreath-offerors were RD himself and PCOL EDWIN C BALLES, Provincial Director, Leyte Police Provincial Office. Afterwards, RD delivered his message stressing the patriotism and unparalleled devotion to duty of our veterans and fallen heroes. “Today, we keep the legacy of our unsung heroes alive. May we reflect on their courage of defending the country with all their might as a supreme sacrifice. We owe them the freedom that we are enjoying right now.
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amp Ruperto Kangleon, Palo, Leyte- The Police Regional Office 8 under the leadership of PBGEN BERNARD M BANAC, Regional Director, conducted a wreathlaying ceremony in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) with a theme, “Kagitingan ng mga Beterano, Inspirasyon ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino” at the PRO 8 Bantayog ng mga Bayani, Palo, Leyte on April 9, 2022. Said ceremony commemorates the Filipino and American soldiers who stood up against Japanese forces during the World War II wherein they were forced to endure the infamous Bataan Death March to Camp
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April 1 - 30, 2022
PNP PRO 8 WITH OTHER AGENCIES PREPARES FOR NLE 2022
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amp Ruperto Kangleon, Palo, Leyte- The Police Regional Office 8 under the leadership of PBGEN BERNARD M BANAC, Regional Director, together with concerned agencies discussed security preparations for the National and Local Elections 2022 during the 4th Regional Joint Security Control Center (RJSCC) Meeting held at PRO 8 Matapat Hall, Camp Kangleon, Palo, Leyte on April 22, 2022. It was hosted by the Coast Guard District Eastern Visayas (CGDEV) through CG COMMO ANTONIO O GINES, Commodore, and was presided over by Atty. Noli R. Pipo, Regional Election Director, Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Regional Office (RO 8). Likewise, MGEN EDGARDO Y DE LEON, Commander, 8ID, PA and PLTGEN BERNABE M BALBA, Commander, Area Police Command –Visayas were also present.
Discussed during the said meeting were the following: updates to threat and risk assessment on Maritime Situation in Eastern Visayas, updates on insurgency, election areas of concern categorization, deployment, and polling place security plan and on local absentee voting and latest COMELEC issuances on the upcoming NLE 2022. Prior the said meeting, RD BANAC accorded foyer honors to CG COMMO ANTONIO O GINES. “We are only 2 weeks away from the elections, rest assured that the PNP will do its job in securing the national and local elections with the help of everybody, ” RD BANAC said. Also present during the ceremony was PCOL SALVADOR T ALACYANG, Deputy Regional Director for
PRO 8’s 8’s RESPO INITIATES FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
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he Office of the Regional Executive Senior Police Officer (RESPO) headed by PEMS Gerard F Batula of Police Regional Office 8, handed a total of Php 110,729.00 to the Office of the Regional Community Affairs and Development Division on April 25, 2022 to financially assist victims during the onslaught of Tropical Storm “Agaton” in Baybay City and Abuyog, Leyte on April 12, 2022. Said amount came from the contributions of PRO 8 personnel to include those in the National Support Units (NSUs). RESPO took the initiative of helping out the severely affected civilians. Aside from RESPO’s Best Practice: Eastern Visayas PNCO’s and NUP Tulongan, this effort shows that the Non-Commissioned Officers in the PNP-PRO 8 has the ability to help the needy. Meanwhile, RESPO also handed Php 69,794.00 to each of the four (4) victims of the ambush incident that transpired at Brgy. San Miguel, Las Navas, Northern Samar on April 4, 2022.
RESPO Batula extended his gratitude to all who cooperated and supported in the financial contribution. “On behalf of my Office, may this financial support somehow lessen the burden of the affected ones,” he said. SEE
RESPO P. 7
April 1 - 30, 2022
PRO 8 HOLDS DUTERTE LEGACY CARAVAN
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he Police Regional Office 8 under the leadership of PBGEN BERNARD M BANAC, Regional Director, facilitated the program for Duterte Legacy Caravan held at Baybay City Convention Center, Baybay City, Leyte on April 26, 2022.
PRO 8 though the following offices/units delivered services as follows: Baybay City Police Stations issued Police Clearance, the Regional Civil Security Unit (RCSU) conducted License To Own and Possess Firearms (LTOPF) with Neuro-Psychiatric Evaluation together with the Regional Finance Service Office (RFSO), The Regional Medical and Dental Unit (RMDU) offered free consultation and dental services, the Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) catered concerns from recipients and the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) issued clearance. Also, the Regional Community Affairs and Development Division (RCADD) through the Regional Comptrollership Division (RCD) distributed food packs for meals and snacks at the said venue. SEE DUTERTE LEGACY P. 7
Said activity was a collaboration or convergence of government agencies. With the theme, “Pagkakaisa ng Mamamayan at Pamahalaan tungo sa Pagbangon, Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran”, the activity was purposely conducted to make the community aware of the development and impact of all projects and programs under the Duterte administration, to deliver essential government services closer to the community and to counter the propaganda of the Communist Terrorist Group.
PRO 8 WELCOMES DPWH SECRETARY MERCADO
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amp Ruperto Kangleon, Palo, Leyte- The Police Regional Office 8 under the leadership of PBGEN BERNARD M BANAC, Regional Director, warmly-welcomed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Atty. Roger G. Mercado as the Guest of Honor and Speaker (GOHS) during the Distinguished Visitor’s Program coinciding the Monday Flag Raising Ceremony held at PRO 8
Grandstand, Camp Ruperto K Kangleon, Palo, Leyte on April 18, 2022. DPWH Sec. Mercado was accorded with arrival honors by the men and women of this PRO. He was received by PBGEN JOEL B LIMSON, Deputy Regional Director for Administration (DRDA). One of the highlights of the ceremony was the giving of recognition to PRO 8 personnel who recently passed the 2020/2021 Bar Examinations for bringing pride and honor to their respective offices/units and to the whole organization as well. PNP Efficiency Medal (Medalya ng Kasanayan) was conferred to PSSg Lord Aumar T Roa; PCpl Leo G Gacho Jr; PCpl Romeo V Pacalan; and NUP Ma. Eva G Cabug-os. Likewise, other deserving personnel were also awarded for their acts of heroism in the performance of duty. PNP Medal of Merit (Medalya Ng Kagalingan) was conferred to PLTCOL EDWIN M OLOAN JR, Force Commander, 1st Northern Samar Provincial Mobile Force Company (1st NSPFMC); PLT BARRY BALUYOT; SEE
DPWH SECRETARY P. 7
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April 1 - 30, 2022
EDITORIAL
AGATON ONSLAUGHT: PRO 8 PROVIDES DISASTER RESPONSE TO DISPLACED DUE TO TYPHOON to massive flashfloods and landslides triggered by Agaton. This prompted Police Regional Office 8 (PRO 8) under the leadership of RD BANAC to send troops to provide police assistance such as search and rescue operations. Subsequently, more than three hundred members of the PRO 8 Reactionary Standby Support Force (RSSF) were immediately deployed while nearly two hundred personnel were positioned for Search, Rescue and Retrieval operations. Likewise, PRO 8 alongside other government agencies like the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO) exerted in full swing their efforts on search and retrieval operations. In the same manner, another one hundred (100) Search and Rescue (SAR) personnel were sent off to Baybay City and Abuyog, Leyte for additional search and rescue support.
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S Agaton, the first-ever tropical storm recorded in the country for the year 2022, badly hit some parts of Eastern Visayas. Search, Rescue and Retrieval (SRR) operations were instantly set out particularly in Baybay City and Abuyog, Leyte as these two towns were the most affected in the region due
Correspondingly, continuous clearing operations were also effected and as part of disaster response in meeting the needs and demands of the residents, relief operations were established in areas intensely struck by Agaton. PRO 8 personnel were also augmented in manning evacuation centers and patrolling typhoonstricken communities. Moreover, SRR equipment and PRO 8 vehicles were used and mobilized in aid of search and rescue efforts of this PRO to the affected barangays. Despite the huge damage and death toll of the storm, PRO 8 together with other partner entities stays alert, proactive and responsive to quickly address necessary actions in the conduct of operational disaster response to assure speedy police assistance to typhoon Agaton survivors.
April 1 - 30, 2022 AMBUSH
. . . from Page 1
PRO 8 Condemns Ambush in Las Navas, N. Samar at Brgy. Sa Miguel, Las Navas, Northern Samar around 1:00AM of April 4, 2022. Initial investigation disclosed that the Composite PNP and AFP Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) team was on their way to have a booster shot after attending a Summing up Activity when they were attacked by CTG members using an Anti-Personnel Mine (APM).
LOCAL ABSENTEE VOTING
. . . from Page 1
PRO 8 Personnel Cast Votes Through Local Absentee Voting
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amp Ruperto Kangleon, Palo, Leyte- A week before the 2022 National and Local Elections (NLE), the personnel of Police Regional Office 8 led by PBGEN BERNARD M BANAC, Regional Director, casted their votes through the three-day Local Absentee Voting (LAV) conducted at the Regional Training Center 8 (RTC 8, Kuta Kankabato, San Jose, Tacloban City on April 27 to 29, 2022.
This resulted to the instant killing of Pat Harvie C Lovino, 30 yrs old, married and assigned at 1st NSPMFC, and the wounding of Pat Leandro Luciano M Bulosan and three (3) AFP members, namely Cpl Arvin C Papong, PFC Whilydel Jic N Rodoña and PFC Welmer M Delmonte. Meanwhile, Pat Rico J Borja also passed away few days after he was brought to the hospital for medical treatment.
Around 957 PRO 8 personnel coming from the Regional Headquarters/Provincial/CityPolice Office and Regional Support Units (RSUs) have qualified and availed for local absentee voting for the election of national candidates for presidential, vice presidential, senatorial and party-list positions.
The injured personnel were immediately brought to Catarman Doctor’s Hospital for medical attention.
Along with RD BANAC were PCOL GLENN OLIVER C CINCO, Chief, Regional Personnel and Records Management Division (RPRMD) and PLTCOL RODERICK P CONDAG, Assistant Chief, Regional Learning and Doctrine Development Division (RLDDD) who also casted their votes on April 27.
PD NSPPO directed all adjacent police stations to conduct checkpoints and to monitor nearby hospitals/RHUs for persons with suspected gunshot wounds and similar injuries. SOCO and EOD Teams also processed the crime scene and conducted post-blast investigation. “We are in deep sorrow having lost our comrades. Such loss is not only painful to their family but for the whole organization as well. I have directed all units to conduct hot pursuit operations against the suspects. Charges will be filed against those responsible for the crime. We call upon the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to look into this treacherous attack of the terrorist group. The use of Anti-Personnel Mine (APM) clearly defies and violates the objectives of the International Human Rights Law in general,” RD BANAC stated. Further, RD BANAC salutes the bravery of Pat Lovino, Pat Borja and wounded personnel for their selfless act of heroism in the name of service. PRO 8 is now assisting the bereaved family of the slained and wounded officers.
RESPO
. . . from Page 4
PRO 8’s RESPO Initiates Financial Assistance PBGEN BERNARD M BANAC, Regional Director, PRO 8 commended RESPO’s prompt and snappy response. “He acted not only as a leader to all PNCOs but rather as a father with full of compassion and understanding. I am grateful having him under my leadership,” RD BANAC said.
DUTERTE LEGACY
. . . from Page 5
PRO 8 Holds Duterte Legacy Caravan
During the activity, a market was established where local farmers sold their products. In totality, there were 656 individuals from Baybay City who benefited from the activity, 399 individuals from Abuyog, Leyte, 100 children, and 204 Advocacy Groups. The success of the said activity was through the full support of the following participating agencies: the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Agriculture (DA), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Philippine Drugs and Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), Office of the Civil Defense (OCD), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Philippine Army (PA), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Technical Educational Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Bureau of Jail and Management Penology (BJMP), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and support units of PNP, the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) and Aviation Security Unit (AVSEU). PCOL SALVADOR T ALACYANG, Deputy Regional Director for Operations, PRO 8 commended all participating agencies and the community for a successful event. “Today, we see a lot of grieving faces and we are disheartened that we do not have the ability to take those hurting feelings away in a snap of a finger or a blink of an eye. We cannot either promise anything to alleviate your psychological and emotional loss. The only thing that we can assure you is that in every step of your way towards recovery, naririto po an inyong Kapulisan at ang buong gobyerno na nakaalalay sa inyo para mabilis natin itong malampasan,” DRDO ALACYANG said.
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“These national and local elections, we have the biggest responsibility at hand. Practicing our right to suffrage is our constitutional obligation as citizens of this country. Ensuring a safe, orderly and peaceful polls is another thing. As law enforcers of the land, we are expected to do both,” RD BANAC stated. RD BANAC further enjoined the public to do their share in achieving an honest elections.
LAW VIOLATORS
. . . from Page 2
EV Cops Arrest 90 MWPs, 71 Other Law Violators For the whole month of April 2022, PRO 8 also recorded the arrest of five (5) members of the Communist Terrorist Group and surrender of 11 others. Along with their surrender, they turned in their firearms, magazines and ammunition. PBGEN BERNARD M BANAC, Regional Director stated that all accomplishments of this PRO are results of doubled efforts of the men and women on the ground. “With everybody’s cooperation, we can arrest all those who are running from the law,” RD BANAC said.
TACLOBAN COPS
. . . from Page 2
Tacloban Cops Arrest Drug Peddler
of RA 10591 in relation to COMELEC Gun Ban were being prepared by the Office against the suspect and to be filed before the City Prosecutor’s Office, Tacloban City thru Inquest Proceeding.
DPWH SECRETARY
. . . from Page 5
PRO 8 Welcomes DPWH Secretary Mercado PSMS Jon Alvin V Claro; PSSg Frits M Alcober; PCpl Ryan A Francisco; PCpl Jerwin L Pura; PCpl Roldan M Orsolino; PCpl Randy Sabornido; and Pat Adrian Baclaoscos. Moreover, PNP Efficiency Medal was conferred to PCOL NELVIN M RICOHERMOSO, City Director, Ormoc City Police Office (OCPO), for ranking No. 1 in the Unit Performance Evaluation Rating (UPER)-City level for the 1st Quarter of Calendar Year 2022 while PCOL MATTHE L ASEO, Provincial Director, Eastern Samar Police Provincial Office (ESPPO); PCOL JOEL T SERRANO, Provincial Director, Biliran PPO; and PCOL EDWIN C BALLES, Provincial Director, Leyte PPO, ranked Nos. 1, 2 and 3 in the UPERProvincial level, respectively. “We live in the most challenging times with the advent of the pandemic. And so we need to adopt to these changes. As part of the modernization of the military and the PNP in many areas of our country, we shall do the same here in our region especially that I am from Region 8. To Police Regional Office 8, we will help build more infrastructure projects. We are your partners now and will remain so in the years ahead. All of you, continue serving our people. Mabuhay ang PNP. Mabuhay ang hanay ng PNP sa Region 8,” Sec. Mercado said.