• Levi Ortiz, a veteran anti-illegal drug officer, has returned to Eastern Visayas as the new Regional Director of PDEA Region VIII, following his appointment on February 1.
• Palapag was awarded the Balangay Seal of Excellence, recognizing its successful, multi-sectoral anti-drug program and status as a drug-free model municipality in Northern Samar.
• PDEA and Aviation Security officials met in Leyte on January 9 to finalize an agreement, strengthening their partnership to prevent illegal drugs from entering airports.
• A former drug surrenderer was rearrested in a buy-bust operation in Barangay 13, Catbalogan City, in the early hours of December 31, 2025.
Veteran PDEA Officer Returns to Eastern Visayas as Regional Director 
Palapag Earns Award for Strong Anti-Drug Efforts 
Leyte Airports to Get Tougher on Drug Smuggling 