PALO, LEYTE (October 22, 2025) — Four individuals were arrested and over ₱205,000 worth of suspected shabu was confiscated in a series of buy-bust operations conducted by the Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8) on Sunday, October 20, as part of its intensified campaign against illegal drugs across Eastern Visayas.
Leading the crackdown, operatives in Ormoc City apprehended a 31-year-old laborer identified only by the alias “Ray.” The suspect, a resident of Barangay Tambulilid, was caught during a buy-bust operation carried out by Police Station 4 and the Ormoc City Drug Enforcement Unit. Authorities recovered seven sachets of suspected shabu weighing 22.92 grams, with an estimated street value of ₱155,856.
In Tacloban City, two suspects were arrested in another buy-bust operation led by the Station Drug Enforcement Unit of Police Station 1. The suspects, known by their aliases “Gelly,” 38, of Barangay 110, Utap, and “Calde,” 45, an electrician from Barangay 3, Upper Nula Tula, were found in possession of ten sachets of suspected shabu. The seized drugs weighed approximately five grams and had an estimated value of ₱34,000.
Further south in Macrohon, Southern Leyte, a 42-year-old resident of Barangay Ichon, identified only as “Edwin,” was also arrested during a coordinated anti-drug operation conducted by local police, the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit, and the Provincial Intelligence Unit. Authorities seized two sachets of suspected shabu weighing 2.24 grams, valued at ₱15,232.
Regional Director PBGen Jason L. Capoy reaffirmed PRO-8’s commitment to eradicating illegal drugs in the region.
“We will continue to strengthen our efforts to keep Eastern Visayas safe and drug-free through relentless and unified police operations,” Capoy said in a statement.
All evidence recovered during the operations was properly marked and inventoried at the scene in the presence of required witnesses, as mandated by law. Criminal complaints for violations of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, are being filed against the arrested individuals.
