PRO-8 deploys 146 cops to Leyte ‘troubled’ towns

PALO, Leyte — The Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8) redeployed 146 Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel to Leyte towns with a long history of political violence on 13 February 2026.

PRO-8 said the redeployment, under the “Pulis sa Barangay” Program, aims to strengthen police visibility, enhance community engagement, and intensify anti-criminality efforts at the grassroots level.

The redeployment coincides with preparations by various government agencies for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections scheduled on 2 November.

Leyte Police Provincial Office (LPPO) provincial director P/Col Dionisio Apas Jr. said 112 personnel were deployed to the towns of Leyte, Villaba, and Tabango in the Third District, and 34 personnel to the Fourth District (Kananga and Palompon) as Quick Response Teams (QRT) and for border control in Albuera.

Two other Third District towns — Calubian and San Isidro — have also experienced political violence in the past but were not included in the latest deployment.

Leyte’s Third and Fourth Districts have previously drawn the attention of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) due to killings and other violence believed to be linked to partisan politics. In the May 2025 elections, COMELEC placed Leyte, Calubian, San Isidro, and Tabango under the orange category for armed group presence, while Palompon, Villaba, and Albuera were under yellow for history of political unrest.

PRO-8 regional director P/BGen Jason Capoy said the redeployment is part of a sustained strategy to reinforce police presence and prevent criminal activities.

“This redeployment reflects our continuing commitment to strengthen community policing and ensure that every barangay in Eastern Visayas feels the presence of the PNP. Through enhanced visibility and closer coordination with local officials, we aim to maintain peace, order, and public safety at all times,” he said.