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amp Ruperto Kangleon, Palo, Leyte- The Police Regional Office 8 under the leadership of PBGEN BERNARD M BANAC, Regional Director through the Office of the Regional Community Affairs and Development Division (ORCADD) culminated the 2022 National Women’s Month Celebration with Ms. Tara Bunch, Foreign Ambassador, PITAHC,
DOH/ National President, FNKN as the Guest of Honor and Speaker (GOHS) held at PRO 8 Matapat Hall, Camp Ruperto K Kangleon, Palo, Leyte on March 31, 2022. Said program highlighted the awarding of the PRO 8 Top Ten Most Outstanding Policewomen and Three (3) Female Chiefs of Police who have manifested exemplary dedication and commitment
towards public service thereby depicting the significance of women empowerment in the establishment of peace and development. The month-long celebration started with a Kick-off Ceremony on February 28 with Ms. Marife F. Garfin, RN, PhD, Certified Life and Health Coach, as the Guest of Honor and Speaker (GOHS). SEE
WOMEN’S MONTH P. 7
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amp Ruperto Kangleon, Palo, Leyte- The Police Regional Office 8 led by PBGEN BERNARD M BANAC, Regional Director commemorated the 3rd Anniversary of the widely acclaimed Victory in Victoria with PLTGEN FERDINAND ORCALES DIVINA, The Deputy Chief PNP for Operations as the Guest of Honor SEE
VICTORY IN VICTORIA P. 7
SEE
PEACEKEEPING MISSION P. 7
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March 1 - 31, 2022
EV COPS ARREST 90 MWPs, 666 OTHER LAW VIOLATORS
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he Police Regional Office 8 recorded an arrest of 90 Most Wanted Persons, 306 Other Wanted Persons and 360 Other Law Violators during police operations from March 1-31, 2022. 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 306 Other Wanted Persons. In the implementation of anti-illegal drug operations, 25 drug personalities were arrested and two (2) had surrendered. Police authorities were able to confiscate a total of 102.10 grams of shabu and 8.08 grams of marijuana with a total estimated street value of Php 664,641.05. In anti- illegal gambling operations, 162 individuals were arrested with Php 77,764.00 worth of confiscated bet money. In anti- illegal fishing operations, 112 illegal fishers were arrested with Php 2,089,465.00 worth of confiscated fish and fishing paraphernalia.
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In anti-illegal logging operations, 39 personalities were arrested with Php 854,527.65 worth of confiscated lumbers. In Oplan Kontra Boga, 17 illegal gun owners were arrested. Authorities were able to confiscate and recover 177 different firearms. SEE
LAW VIOLATORS P. 7
PRO 8 ARRESTS HIGH RANKING NPA
amp Ruperto Kangleon, Palo, Leyte- The Police Regional Office 8 under the leadership of PBGEN BERNARD M BANAC, Regional Director arrested High Ranking Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) member classified as Northern Samar’s Top 2 Most Wanted Person for the crime of Terrorism and four (4) others for violation of PD 1829 (Obstruction of Justice) on March 18, 2022. Rosalinda Balasta Esponilla @ “Megan”, 65, with live-in partner, a resident of Brgy. Siljagon, Mapanas, Northern Samar and the Secretary of Front Committe 15, SRC 15 “ARCTIC” and four (4) other individuals:
(1) Godofredo Esponilla Capoquian; (2) Inonie Esteria Tagalog; (3) Maria Asim Capoquian and (4) Gregorio Turla Capoquian were apprehended by the operatives of the 2nd Northern Samar Provincial Mobile Force Company (NSPMFC) together with the operating team of NSPIU, CIDG-NSPIU alongside one (1) team from 803rd Infantry Brigade (IB), Philippine Army (PA), under the headship of COL.PERFECTO PENAREDONDO, Brigade Commander . Accordingly, the arresting team seized one (1) pc .45 caliber pistol; two (2) pcs. steel magazines; fifteen (15) pcs.live ammunition; one (1) Improvised Explosive Device (IED); one (1) solar panel, one (1) solar light and assorted clothing. Arrested persons are now detained at Gamay Municipal Police Station for proper documentation and disposition. They were then apprised of their constitutional rights during the police custodial investigation. “The swift action of our PRO 8 police and our army counterpart is beyond commendable and this is part of our efforts to keep the peace in Samar Island. This was eased with the strong teamwork from our men and the cooperation of the people . As law enforcers, we must intensify the arrest of these transgressors within the terms of the authority ,” RD BANAC said.
March 1 - 31, 2022
NPA LEADERS FALL TO THE HANDS OF SAMAR PEACEKEEPING AUTHORITIES
with his partner Maria Norie Adelantar alias “Cedang”, Finance Officer. In an operation launched by 12th SAB, PNP SAF, Jiabong MPS, PIU-SPPO and 8th IB, firefight ensued between government troop and the rebel group resulting to the death of the above-named rebels. The two were initially brought to Samar Provincial Hospital but were later declared dead on arrival.
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amp Ruperto Kangleon Campetik, Palo, LeyteTwo (2) Leaders of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) fell to the hands of Samar Peacekeeping Authorities during an armed confrontation between the Operating Teams and members of the rebel group at Brgy. Alejandrea, Jiabong, Samar on March 16, 2022. Initial investigation disclosed that the operating teams responded to an information from an asset that six (6) unidentified armed men were seen in the aforesaid barangay. Upon validation, it has been identified that the men belong to SRC Browser, EVRPC being led by Amado Adelantar, alias “Butil/Kumander Butil”, together
Meanwhile, the scene of the incident was processed by the SOCO Team from Samar Forensic Unit with the assistance from elements of Samar Provincial Explosives and Canine Unit (SPECU). The following items were seized, to wit: one (1) unit KG9 Sub-machine Gun with engraved markings KG9S CAL 9MM LUGER PATENTS PENDING without serial number and one (1) empty steel magazine (the firearm was allegedly used by Alias Butil; one (1) unit Pistol with markings ARMSCOR 9MM bearing serial number 053222, with one (1) steel magazine loaded with five (5) pcs live ammunition (the firearm allegedly used by Alias Cedang/Mely; three (3) fired cartridge cases for alleged 5.56MM; two (2) fired cartridge cases for 9MM; one (1) unit MK2 hand grenade HE; one (1) unit improvised hand grenade; and subversive documents. Further, Amado Adelantar is faced with various charges on Special Complex Crimes of Robbery with Homicide, Robbery with Multiple Homicide, Robbery Homicide and two (2) Counts Murder with seven (7) SEE
NPA LEADERS FALL P. 7
PRO 8 ARRESTS ABC PRESIDENT OF MATALOM, LEYTE
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uthorities of Police Regional Office 8, under the leadership of PBGEN BERNARD B BANAC, Regional Director arrested Rogelio Daño @ “Elmer”, Brgy. Chairman/ABC President through a buybust operation at Baywalk area, Brgy. Kalanggaman, Bato, Leyte on March 15, 2022. Daño, 57 years old, HVT/HVT/TL/ IMKW was arrested along with one Cesario Lambujon Y Daño, 35 years old. Both are residents of Brgy. Sta Fe, Matalom, Leyte. Operating units were composed of Bato MPS led by PMAJ JAYSON P BALBARONA, Chief of Police, Matalom MPS led by PLT RENE ABLAN, Officer-InCharge under the direct supervision of PCOL EDWIN C BALLES, Acting Provincial Director of LPPO and PDEA VIII-RSET, LPO led by IA1 Grace Lim. Inventory and documentation of confiscated pieces of evidence were processed at the place of arrest.
“Our operations against illegal drugs will not cease until we make all the cities, municipalities and barangays in all of Region 8 clear. We will not spare anyone who commits violations against our rule of law,” RD BANAC stated.
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March 1 - 31, 2022
PRO 8 HOLDS OATH TAKING OF SALAAM POLICE ADVOCACY GROUPS virtually from their respective towns. SPAGS are organized groups of Muslim leaders, peace advocates and force multipliers that undertake peace advocacy initiatives and the promotion of human rights to sustain peace in the communities. “We are fortunate to have you as our counterpart in our call for peace and order in the Region. I believe your initiative programs also seek to promote peace and security in the society. In the coming days most especially, I do hope you will also aid us in the conduct of the national and local elections,” RD BANAC said.
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amp Ruperto Kangleon, Palo, Leyte- The Police Regional Office 8 under the leadership PBGEN BERNARD M BANAC, Regional Director, represented by PCOL MICHAEL A DAVID, Chief, Regional Staff held an Oath Taking and Induction of Salaam Police Advocacy Groups (SPAGS) from the Regional, Provincial and Municipal Level at the PRO 8 Conference Room on March 16, 2022. PCOL DAVID himself administered the said induction and oath taking of SPAG officers where SPAGS Provincial and Municipal officers were gathered
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Alfarouhk Sulog, SPAGS President, PRO 8 in his message, emphasized their resolve to be of help to the authorities as according to him civilians play an integral part in the continuous maintenance of peace. Also in attendance were PLTCOL MA BELLA D RENTUAYA, Assistant Chief, Regional Community Affairs and Development Division (RCADD)/ Chief, Regional Public Information Office (RPIO); PMAJ SHERYL CONEJO, Section Chief, PIS, RCADD; PMAJ YASMIN L FEVIDAL, Section Chief, PLS, RCADD; PLT MARIA ROSA C COPINO, Section Chief, CAS/Admin, RCADD; and PCMS Abdulmain G Haliluddin, TCPO SALAAM, PNCO.
PRO 8 IMPLEMENTS LIGTAS SUMVAC 2022
amp Ruperto Kangleon, Palo, Leyte- The Police Regional Office 8 under the leadership of PBGEN BERNARD M BANAC, Regional Director, implements LIGTAS SUMVAC 2022 in Eastern Visayas to ensure the maintenance of peace and order and protection of the public during the Lenten Season and summer vacation. The LIGTAS SUMVAC primarily aims to ensure safety in tourist destinations and impose the observance of minimum public health standards in
the coming holidays to avoid further resurgence of COVID-19 cases. During the Summer Season, larger crowds both local and foreign are expected to visit various tourist spots in the region following the lifting of restrictions in cities and provinces. PNP personnel in all units and stations are alerted and directed to coordinate with concerned agencies in the respective localities to help disseminate safety tips that will serve as guide to all arriving tourists. Moreover, personnel are also deployed along major routes, national highways, areas of convergence, places of worship and vital installations. Regular inspection of tourist sites and mobile patrols are being conducted apart from activating the tourist police of every police station. Likewise, police visibility and police assistance desk/hubs are also being set up together with force multipliers, volunteer groups and other government agencies to include the Department of Tourism. “With the onset of the summer break, we will SEE
LIGTAS SUMVAC 2022 P. 7
March 1 - 31, 2022
PRO 8 NATIONAL WOMEN’S MONTH CELEBRATION
COUCH TALK ON MENTAL, DENTAL, REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AND BREAST CANCER AWARENESS
2022 STILETTO RUN
PRO 8 BLOODLETTING ACTIVITY
ADOPT A FEMALE PWD DAY
OUTREACH ACTIVITY WITH THE FEMALE INMATES AT LEYTE PROVINCIAL JAIL.
CULMINATION ACTIVITY OF THE 2022 NATIONAL WOMEN’S MONTH
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March 1 - 31, 2022
EDITORIAL
RELIVING THE VICTORY IN VICTORIA 6-wheeler trucks had been carried out to apparently invade the police station by force. Nevertheless, Victoria MPS personnel were able to victoriously defend their station and retaliate from the attack which resulted in the killing of three (3) CNTs and capturing of three (3) others, likewise seizing high-powered firearms, grenades, improvised explosive device, ammunition and magazines. The favorable advancement of Victoria cops made the NPA withdraw as the former were able to establish an efficient and prompt offensive tactical approach to counterattack the NPA rebels with the mobilization of the army contingents to assist in engaging and overthrowing the enemies. Since the incident ensued, there were no accounted NPA attacks made to different police stations in the region following the Victoria siege based on the official PRO 8 reports. As it appears, this attack even posted positive impact to EV police and to the communities as this seems to weaken the rebel fronts in Region 8 from attacking police stations. Reminiscing the attack, though it may be a welcoming thought having been able to defeat the armed rebel group, this PRO still wishes having no more such occurrences that could create clamour and disorder especially to the lives of the innocent ones. The Victory in Victoria is considered one of the legacies not only of Victoria MPS of Northern Samar Police Provincial Office (NSPPO) but most especially this PRO. The unit has able to earn and obtain operational accomplishments on insurgency, killing ictoria Municipal Police Station proved everyone and capturing NPA members and confiscating firearms its name is intended only for VICTORY as three and ammunition. years ago – on March 28, 2019 at around 3:44 PNP Efficiency Medal (Medalya ng Kasanayan) AM – it had courageously battled the remarkable CTG and PNP Distinguished Conduct Medal (Medalya ng attack of the year. Kabayanihan) were conferred to Victoria MPS personnel
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Said desperate attack consisting of more or less to give due recognition of their acts of heroism during fifty (50) CPP-NPA terrorists on board of two (2) Isuzu the attack.
March 1 - 31, 2022 VICTORY IN VICTORIA
. . . from Page 1
PRO 8 Commemorate Victory in Victoria
and Speaker during the Distinguished Visitor’s Program coinciding the Traditional Monday Flag Raising Ceremony at the PRO 8 Grandstand on March 28, 2022. During the ceremony, concerned Victoria MPS personnel were conferred with awards by no less than PLTGEN DIVINA himself to recognize their acts of heroism and bravery. Despite being outnumbered and limited firepower capability, they were able to repel the attack and successfully defended their station. PNP Distinguished Conduct Medal (Medalya ng Kabayanihan) and PNP Efficiency Medal (Medalya ng Kasanayan) were conferred to PCPT ELADIO G ALO, PEMS Marlon M Ordonia, PEMS Aimee Lutze D Cadiente, PSMS Arnold P Cabacang,PMSg Raul C Francisco Jr, PMSg Ramil C Ramosa, PSSg Jay Karla G Laurio, PCpl Ronnel G Goco, PCpl Marlon G Estropigan, PCpl Errol S Montopar, PCpl Gerald B Casyao and PCpl Jhonar Cris Bernadas. Likewise, PNP Heroism Medal (Medalya ng Kadakilaan) was awarded to personnel of Samar Police Provincial Office, PIU-SPPO and Jiabong MPS led by PCPT MICHAEL RAYU CAÑETE, PLT ELBEST S TAPING, PMSg Charles J Coprada, PSSg Abdon Paul P Corralejo, PCpl Jake O Mendiola, PCpl Kenneth John F Versoza, PCpl Norman G Uy, Pat Jason D Gabutin, Pat Jerby C Gasing and Pat Renio U Ramos for their acts of heroism during an armed confrontation with high-ranking CommunistTerrorist Group members at the vicinity Brgy. Alejandria, Jiabong Samar on March 16, 2022 which resulted to the death of Amado Adelantar, CO, SROC Arnulfo Ortiz Command, SRC Browser, EVRPC and Maria Norie Adelantar, alleged Finance Officer of same group and confiscation of high-powered firearms, ammunition, explosives and documents. Moreover, PNP Medal of Merit (Medalya ng Kagalingan) was also conferred to elements of Northern Samar Police Provincial Office and 2nd Northern Samar Provincial Mobile Force Company led by PLT SETH MARK D ALOB, PCpl Jophe C ORTEA, Pcpl Nelson O Dulay, Pat Jeffrey S Perez, Pat Royette G Balanquit, Pat Gabrille R Gabion, Pat Joey R Baraobadao and Pat Reynaldo P Pineda Jr, for their successful arrest of Rosalinda Balasta Esponilla, Top 2 Most Wanted Person in Northern Samar and a Communist Terrorist Leader, Secretary Front Committee 15, SRC “ARCTIC” on March 18, 2022 at Brgy. Libertad, Gamay, Northern Samar. “Our flag symbolizes patriotism, love of country and sense of nationhood, virtues that we in the PNP should possess and uphold in serving and protecting the people. Our awardees who are former members of Victoria Police Station surely possess these virtues as they fought and defeated the communist rebels who attack their police station despite being outnumbered. They stood their ground and did not hesitate to strike and fight back. Hindi kayo nag-alinlangan na lumaban para depensahan hindi lamang ang pisikal na istraktura ng inyong istasyon, kundi pati na ang kalayaan ng Victoria at ng buong bansa mula sa mapagsamantala at mapanirang mga kamay ng mga komunistang rebelde,” PLTGEN DIVINA stated.
LAW VIOLATORS
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EV Cops Arrest 90 MWPs, 666 Other Law Violators For the whole month of March 2022, PRO 8 also recorded five (5) arrest of members of the Communist Terrorist Group and surrender of 12 others. Along with their surrender, they turned in their firearms, magazines and ammunition. Meanwhile, PRO 8 noted a decrease of crime incidents from March 1-31, 2022 as compared to the same period of last year. For March 2022, 477 crime incidents were recorded while 798 crime incidents from March 2021. Crime Statististics is 40.23% lower as compared to last year’s data. PBGEN BERNARDO BANAC, Regional Director, commends all the men and women of PRO 8 for said accomplishments. “I am grateful for all your hard work. It only shows your passion, dedication and devotion to public service,” RD BANAC said.
LIGTAS SUMVAC 2022
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PRO 8 Implements LIGTAS SUMVAC 2022
be in full force at the forefront to safeguard the public while everyone is enjoying their summer holidays. Of course, we cannot discount the fact that lawless elements may take advantage of the occasion so we might as well prepare ahead,” RD BANAC emphasized. RD further advised the public to take all the necessary precautions which will keep them and their homes safe at all times.
PEACEKEEPING MISSION
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PRO 8 Deploys 887 Personnel for EV Peacekeeping Mission
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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 887 personnel for the Peacekeeping Mission as part of this PRO’s security preparations for a SAFE 2022 National and Local Elections on May 9, 2022.
Said deployment was done in 3 batches in different send-off ceremonies composed of the Basic Internal Security Operations Course and Field Training Exercise personnel. They were deployed in addition to those already manning the various municipal and city police stations in the entire region for the forthcoming elections. “As the elections become nearer, we are doubling our efforts to ensure a successful conduct of the national and local elections. We have certainly learned our lessons from the past elections, thus, our diligence in rendering our election duties is much needed. After all, the safety and security of the communities and that of the voting public lies within our hands as law enforcers of the land. Let us make sure to keep the peace throughout Eastern Visayas before, during and after the elections,” RD BANAC stated. RD further encouraged the public to take part in the said endeavor to avoid any untoward or election-related incidents.
WOMEN’s MONTH
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PRO 8 Culminates Women’s Month Celebration The All Women Motorcade Activity from the Regional Headquarters to the main roads of Tacloban City and Palo, Leyte was subsequently conducted on March 8, 2022. The activity was simultaneously conducted by the Police Provincial/City Offices and RMFB 8 of this PRO. Similar activities like Color Run, Bicycle Fun Ride were also launched by other offices. A Bloodletting was also initiated at the PRO 8 Grandstand in coordination with the Department of Health Eastern Visayas (DOH-EV) and the Eastern Visayas Medical Center (EVMC) wherein 23,400 cubic centimeters of blood were collected. Likewise, an Outreach Activity was conducted at the Leyte Provincial Jail, Kauswagan, Palo, Leyte on March 22 with the distribution of lunch packs, hygiene kits, toiletries, towels, undergarments and slippers to the female inmates. The recipients also received medical and dental services facilitated by the personnel from Regional Medical and Dental Units (RMDU) 8 and were serenaded by the acoustic performance of PRO 8 Band. Meanwhile, a Couch Talk on Mental, Dental, Reproductive Health and Breast Cancer Awareness was conducted on March 23 at PRO8 Matapat Hall, Camp Ruperto Kangleon, Campetic, Palo, Leyte with guest lecturers Dr. Vanessa C. Monge, Certified Family Physician; Dr. Arleen Grace Castillo-Rosal; and Dr. Milagros L. Capeña of Psychiatry Department, Eastern Visayas Medical Center, Tacloban City, Leyte; and PLT AREEYA JOY P SALDA, Dentist, RMDU 8. Said activity was participated in by 570 female Uniformed and Non-Uniformed PNP personnel, with 60 physically present from Regional Headquarters and Regional Support Units (RSUs) and 510 virtual attendees via Zoom. Moreover, Simultaneous Adopt a Female PWD Day activity was organized on March 28 with the distribution of food packs, medicine and vitamins, hygiene kits, wheelchairs, crutches and other essential needs of selected female PWDs. A total of 233 PWDs benefited from the said activity. Further, a “Stiletto Run” was conducted with 200 participants from the uniformed personnel of this PRO to include the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine Army (PA), and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology 8 (BJMP RO8). “This organization is so lucky to have our female counterparts. Your contribution in the different fields of policing is indeed indispensable. Working with all of you is truly rewarding,” RD BANAC stated.
NPA LEADERS FALL
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NPA Leaders Fall to the hands of Samar Peacekeeping Authorities Warrants of Arrest pending to be served against him.
PBGEN BERNARD M BANAC, Regional Director, commended the prompt response of Samar police and the 87th IB and lauded the support and leadership of MGEN EDGARDO DE LEON, Commander, 8ID. “Our efforts to end local communist and armed conflict continues. This successful accomplishment of our men in the ground with our AFP counterparts is a noteworthy achievement pinning down leaders of the CPP-NPAs operating in the Samar areas and the recovery of assorted firearms and documents from said rebels,” RD further added.