Jun Esmer

18/08/2026

PRO7 HONORS RD'S CUP CHAMPIONS, SETS RECORD WITH 1,148 SHOOTERS, RAISES P3.3 MILLION FOR MOBILE COMMAND CENTER

The Police Regional Office 7 (PRO7), under the leadership of Regional Director PBGEN ARNOLD E. ABAD, honored the champions of the inaugural RD's Cup 2026 (Shoot for a Cause) during an awarding ceremony held on August 3, 2026, at Camp Sergio Osmeña Sr., Cebu City.

The four-day competition, held from July 16 to 19 at the Cebu Wonderland Shooters Club in Lapu-Lapu City, brought together 1,148 shooters, making it the largest PSMOC-certified Level 2 shooting match ever conducted in the country. The event showcased exceptional marksmanship while strengthening camaraderie among law enforcement personnel, the shooting community, and stakeholders.

PBGEN Abad congratulated all winners and participants for their discipline, sportsmanship, and outstanding performance. He likewise expressed his sincere gratitude to the Regional Advisory Group for Police Transformation and Development (RAGPTD) 7 led by Chairman Eric Mendoza, Cebu Wonderland Shooters Club CEO Felix Y. Gochan III, sponsors, local chief executives, stakeholders, and partner organizations whose unwavering support made the event a resounding success.

"The success of the inaugural RD's Cup reflects the strength of collaboration between the police, the private sector, local government units, and the community. Together, we have demonstrated how partnership can translate into meaningful capability enhancement for public safety," PBGEN Abad said.

He also recognized the Cebu shooting community for helping establish a national milestone through its overwhelming participation.

"The record participation of 1,148 shooters in a PSMOC-certified Level 2 match is a remarkable achievement. It reflects the growing commitment of our shooting community to support initiatives that strengthen police capability and public safety," he added.

The Regional Director announced that the event generated more than ₱3.3 million in proceeds, which will fund the acquisition of a fully equipped Mobile Command Center for PRO7. The facility will significantly enhance command-and-control operations and ensure uninterrupted police services during disasters, emergencies, and major public safety incidents across Central Visayas.

The success of the inaugural RD's Cup highlights the enduring partnership among the Philippine National Police, local government units, the private sector, and civil society in advancing a more capable, resilient, and disaster-ready police force under the banner of "Bagong PNP Para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman."

18/08/2026

COORDINATED POLICE OPERATION LEADS TO ARREST OF NATIONAL MOST WANTED PERSON IN CEBU

A coordinated intelligence-driven police operation led to the arrest of a National Most Wanted Person (NWMP) for Murder at about 10:50 AM on August 11, 2026, at Talisay City Hall, Barangay Lawaan 2, Talisay City, Cebu.

Arrested was alias “RR,” 42, who had a PhP140,000 reward for his arrest pursuant to DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2021-120. He was apprehended by personnel of the Talisay City Police Station, Cebu Police Provincial Office, Zamboanga City Intelligence Team, Regional Intelligence Unit 9, Provincial Intelligence Team-Cebu South, and Regional Intelligence Division 7.

The arrest was effected by virtue of a Warrant of Arrest issued by the Regional Trial Court, 9th Judicial Region, Branch 33, Zamboanga City, dated December 4, 2018, for Murder, with no recommended bail. He was subsequently held in the custodial facility of Talisay CPS for presentation before the issuing court.

Police Regional Office 7 Regional Director PBGen Arnold E. Abad commended the participating units for their sustained intelligence gathering, information validation, and inter-unit coordination.

“This arrest demonstrates that reliable information, when properly validated and acted upon through strong police coordination, can lead to results. Our commitment is to ensure that wanted persons are brought before the proper courts to answer for their alleged offenses,” PBGen Abad said.

The successful operation also supports PRO7’s Safer Communities Initiative, which promotes intelligence-led policing, active police-community partnership, and shared responsibility in preventing crime. By encouraging the public to provide reliable information and strengthening coordination among police units and communities, PRO7 aims to make every community safer, more secure, and more resilient.

The apprehension of alias “RR” underscores PRO7’s commitment to the Bagong PNP Para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman through responsive, professional, and community-centered police service.

18/08/2026

PRO7 ENSURES SAFE AND SECURE IRONMAN 70.3 IN LAPU-LAPU CITY; POLICE PERSONNEL TO RECEIVE MEDALS

Police Regional Office 7 (PRO7) successfully secured the recently concluded IRONMAN 70.3 in Lapu-Lapu City, held from August 6 to 9, 2026, with zero crime-related incidents recorded throughout the international sporting event.

The prestigious triathlon drew close to 1,000 participants from 48 countries, requiring extensive security and multi-agency coordination. The Lapu-Lapu City Police Office (LCPO) deployed more than 600 security personnel, including police officers, Philippine Navy and Philippine Air Force personnel, and other force multipliers who secured event routes, venues, and critical areas.

Regional Director PBGEN ARNOLD E. ABAD commended the LCPO and all participating security personnel for their professionalism, preparedness, and effective coordination with partner agencies and stakeholders.

“The successful conduct of IRONMAN 70.3 in Lapu-Lapu City, with no crime-related incidents recorded, is a testament to the preparedness and professionalism of our personnel. I commend everyone who worked together to ensure the safety of our athletes, visitors, and the public,” PBGen Abad said.

He emphasized that the accomplishment demonstrates PRO7’s capability to provide world-class security for major international events while maintaining peace and order and ensuring the safety of both local and foreign visitors.

In recognition of their dedication and exemplary performance, police personnel who were deployed in securing the IRONMAN 70.3 will be awarded medals for their outstanding service during the event.

PBGen Abad said the recognition is a tribute to the officers who worked tirelessly to ensure the safety of athletes, spectators, residents, and other stakeholders.

“Our personnel deserve to be recognized for their dedication and sacrifices. Their professionalism and commitment to duty contributed significantly to the peaceful and successful conduct of this international event,” PBGen Abad said.

The Regional Director also expressed appreciation to the Local Government Unit of Lapu-Lapu City, event organizers, partner agencies, military personnel, force multipliers, and the community for their strong cooperation and support.

The successful security coverage of IRONMAN 70.3 reinforces PRO7’s commitment to the Chief PNP’s 5-Point Focused Agenda, particularly in strengthening police operations, enhancing public safety, and fostering stronger partnerships with communities and stakeholders.

PRO7 remains committed to ensuring that major events in Central Visayas are conducted in a safe, secure, peaceful, and orderly environment.

18/08/2026

18/08/2026

PRO7'S MANHUNT NETS THREE OF REGION'S MOST ELUSIVE FUGITIVES

Police Regional Office 7 (PRO7) successfully served warrants of arrest against three of the Regional Most Wanted Persons in Central Visayas during coordinated operations on August 6, 2026, highlighting the sustained efforts of law enforcement authorities in bringing fugitives before the courts.

Leading the arrests was the Regional Top 5 Most Wanted Person, alias "Joseph," who was apprehended by personnel of Police Station 7, Cebu City Police Office, in Barangay Inayawan, Cebu City for the crime of Murder under Article 248 of the Revised Penal Code. The warrant of arrest was issued by Acting Presiding Judge Adonis A. Laure of the Regional Trial Court, Branch 66, Talisay City, Cebu, dated April 16, 2024, with no bail recommended.

Also arrested was the Regional Top 6 Most Wanted Person, alias "Warren," who was served a warrant of arrest by personnel of the Badian Municipal Police Station, Cebu Police Provincial Office, in Barangay Matutinao, Badian, Cebu for violation of Republic Act 9165. The warrant was issued by Presiding Judge Bernardito M. Malabago of the Regional Trial Court, Branch 95, Barili, Cebu, dated July 23, 2026, with no bail recommended.

Meanwhile, the Regional Top 7 Most Wanted Person, alias "Bulhog," was arrested by personnel of the San Isidro Municipal Police Station, Bohol Police Provincial Office, in Barangay Poblacion, San Isidro, Bohol for violations of Section 5 and Section 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165. The warrant of arrest was issued by Presiding Judge Josephus Adel Baterna of the Regional Trial Court, Branch 49, Tagbilaran City, Bohol, dated August 4, 2026. No bail was recommended for the charge under Section 5, while bail was set at Php200,000.00 for the charge under Section 11.

The simultaneous arrests represent a significant accomplishment in PRO7's intensified manhunt campaign, removing three high-ranking wanted persons from the streets and ensuring that they face the charges filed against them before the courts.

Police Brigadier General Arnold E. Abad, Regional Director of PRO7, commended the operating units for the successful implementation of the warrants and underscored the vital role of community support in the campaign against wanted persons.

"These arrests are the result of the dedication of our police personnel and the valuable cooperation of the communities we serve. They demonstrate what can be achieved when citizens and law enforcement work together toward a common goal. We encourage the public to continue reporting information that can help locate wanted persons because every successful arrest contributes to safer communities and a stronger justice system," PBGEN Abad said.

The Regional Director further emphasized that the successful apprehension of three of the region's most wanted persons reflects PRO7's unwavering commitment to public safety and the rule of law. He noted that sustained police operations, strengthened intelligence efforts, and active community participation remain key factors in ensuring that fugitives are brought before the courts.

PRO7 reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining aggressive manhunt operations across Central Visayas in line with the Chief PNP's 5-Focus Agenda and the mantra, "Bagong PNP Para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman," ensuring that individuals facing criminal charges are held accountable and that communities remain safe and secure.

18/08/2026

PRO7 INTERCEPTS P4.08-M SUSPECTED SHABU HAUL IN MANDAUE CITY

A half kilogram of suspected shabu worth PhP4.08 million was intercepted by police operatives during a buy-bust operation in Mandaue City on August 6, 2026, dealing a significant blow to the illegal drug trade in Central Visayas.

The operation was conducted at about 10:06 PM along F.E. Zuellig Avenue, NRA, Barangay Subangdaku, Mandaue City by personnel of the City Intelligence Unit and City Drug Enforcement Unit of the Mandaue City Police Office (MCPO), in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office 7 (PDEA7).

Arrested during the operation was a drug personality known only by the alias “Tata.” Recovered from the suspect were eighteen (18) sachets of suspected shabu weighing 600 grams valued at Php4,080,000.00m standard drug price. Also confiscated were other drug paraphernalia and non-drug evidence believed to have been used in or connected with the suspect’s illegal drug activities.

The seized substances were submitted to the Regional Forensic Unit 7 for laboratory examination, while the arrested suspect was temporarily held at the custodial facility of of PS1, MCPO pending the filing of charges for violations of Republic Act No. 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Police Regional Office 7 (PRO7) Regional Director PBGEN ARNOLD E. ABAD lauded the operating units for their successful interdiction of the illegal drug transaction, emphasizing that the operation prevented a substantial quantity of dangerous drugs from reaching communities in Central Visayas.

“Behind every pack of shabu seized is a life that may have been ruined, a family that may have suffered, and a community that may have been placed at risk. This accomplishment is not merely about confiscating illegal drugs; it is about protecting our people and preserving the future of our youth,” PBGEN Abad said.

He further stressed that the successful operation demonstrates the unwavering commitment of PRO7 personnel to intensify the campaign against illegal drugs through intelligence-driven operations and strong collaboration with partner agencies and the community.

“Six hundred grams of suspected shabu removed from circulation is six hundred grams that will no longer destroy lives. We remain relentless in our efforts to dismantle drug networks and hold those responsible accountable under the law. With the continued support of our communities, we can build safer neighborhoods and secure a better future for every Filipino family,” he added.

The accomplishment supports the Chief PNP’s 5-Focus Agenda, particularly the intensified campaign against illegal drugs and the strengthening of law enforcement operations under the banner of “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman.”