Drug Watchlist Suspect and Partner Nabbed in Dauis with P1.7M Shabu
A high-value individual (HVI) drug suspect and his partner were arrested in a buy-bust operation in Purok 5, Catarman, Dauis on Wednesday night, January 6.
The suspects were identified as Jordan Banga, 21, of Purok 3, San Roque, Baclayon and Renalou Sarse, 28, of Sitio Hinabuyan, Montesuerte, Carmen.
Banga was on the drug watchlist of the Dauis Municipal Police Station (MPS), while Sarse was his live-in partner.
The operation was conducted by the Dauis MPS Drug Enforcement Unit led by Police Lieutenant Thomas Zen Cheung, the chief of police, around 8:30 p.m.
According to Cheung, the suspects sold a sachet of suspected shabu worth P1,000 to an undercover police officer, who then signaled the arrest.
The police recovered from the suspects a total of 260 grams of suspected shabu with a standard drug price of P1,768,000, a digital weighing scale, a cellular phone, and the marked money.
Cheung said the suspects were considered big-time drug dealers in the town and nearby areas. He added that they were under surveillance for several weeks before the operation.
The suspects are now detained at the Dauis MPS lock-up cell and will face charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Tubigon Mayor urges taxpayers to avail of BOSS 2024
Mayor William Jao of Tubigon, Bohol has announced the extension of the Business One-Stop-Shop (BOSS) 2024 until January 20, 2024, to give more time for taxpayers and business owners to settle their dues and renew their licenses.
BOSS 2024 is a streamlined and simplified process of business registration and renewal, which aims to reduce the time, cost, and effort involved in complying with the local government’s requirements.
It also offers a discount on real property tax for those who will pay in full on or before the deadline.
Mayor Jao said that the extension was granted due to the high demand and positive feedback from the public, who appreciated the convenience and efficiency of the BOSS 2024 system.
He said that the initiative was part of the LGU-Tubigon’s vision of making Tubigon a business-friendly and competitive municipality in the region.
“We want to encourage more investors and entrepreneurs to do business in Tubigon, and we want to support our existing businesses by providing them with a hassle-free and customer-oriented service. BOSS 2024 is our way of showing our commitment to our taxpayers and business owners, who are the backbone of our local economy,” Mayor Jao said.
He said LGU-Tubigon has deployed adequate personnel and equipment to ensure a smooth and orderly transaction for everyone.
“We are grateful for the cooperation and support of our taxpayers and business owners, who have shown their trust and confidence in our LGU. We hope that through BOSS 2024, we can foster a culture of compliance and responsibility among our stakeholders, and contribute to the development and progress of our beloved Tubigon,” Mayor Jao said.
Anda Public Market gets a makeover
Anda Public Market, a vital hub for local commerce and tourism, has been officially reopened after undergoing a major renovation and rehabilitation project.
The inauguration and turnover ceremony was led by Bohol Gov. Aris Aumentado on January 4, 2023, who approved funding of the project which cost P10,000,000.
The project was aligned with the Strategic Governance Roadmap, a comprehensive plan to improve the quality of life and economic development of Bohol through resilient infrastructure, sustainable tourism, and inclusive agriculture.
Gov. Aumentado said that the new Anda Public Market will provide a better and safer environment for the vendors and customers, as well as attract more visitors to the town, which is known for its white sand beaches and natural attractions.
He also praised the local officials and residents of Anda for their cooperation and support in the implementation of the project, which was completed in less than a year.
Among those who attended the event were Mayor Angelina Simacio, Vice Mayor Nilo Bersabal, Board Member Nathaniel Binlod, Congw. Alexie Tutor’s representative, Rey Caseñas, and barangay officials of Anda.
After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, a short program was held at the Quinale Beach Bar, where the guests enjoyed the scenic view of the sea and the festive atmosphere of the town.
Anda Public Market is one of the many infrastructure projects that the Provincial Government of Bohol has initiated.
Gov. Aumentado has vowed to continue his infra efforts to make Bohol a model province in the country.
New Bilar Public Market Inaugurated
The Bilar Public Market in Bohol province has undergone a major renovation, thanks to the efforts of the local government unit (LGU).
The new market building and its stalls were inaugurated last Saturday, January 6, 2024, in a ceremony attended by Bilar Mayor Norman Tata Palacio, Vice Mayor Ronnie Maligmat, and other LGU officials.
The renovation project started during the term of former Mayor Manuel Jayectin and was continued by the current administration.
The project cost 20.2 million pesos from the town’s treasury, and another 5 million pesos from the DILG, for a total of 25.2 million pesos.
Mayor Palacio said that the project aimed to provide a better and more comfortable shopping experience for the residents and visitors of Bilar.
He also said that he was working on completing the second floor of the market building, which would offer more space and amenities for the vendors and customers.
The market vendors have expressed their gratitude and satisfaction with the new market facilities, saying that they were more spacious, clean, and organized. They also hoped that the improved market would attract more buyers and boost their income.
Pastor charged with rape arrested in Ubay, Bohol
A pastor who was facing three counts of rape was arrested by the Ubay police on Saturday afternoon in Barangay Lumangog, Ubay, Bohol.
The suspect was identified as Samuel Sayson, 56, also known as Pastor Sam, the leader of the Children and YAHVAH Inc. religious group.
According to Police Major Romar Labasbas, the chief of the Ubay Police Station, they served the arrest warrant issued by Judge Marivic Trabajo-Daray of the Regional Trial Court Branch 52 in Talibon, Bohol at around 4:30 p.m.
Labasbas said that Sayson was accused of raping three female members of his congregation, who were minors at the time of the incident.
The court ordered that Sayson’s case was non-bailable, meaning he could not post bail for his temporary release.
Sayson is now detained at the Ubay Police Station lock-up jail while waiting for the court’s order to transfer him to the district jail.
Labasbas said that they are still investigating if there are other victims of Sayson’s alleged sexual abuse.
He also urged the public to report any suspicious activities of religious leaders who might be taking advantage of their followers.
Tagbilaran City gives free milk to pregnant women and malnourished children
The local government of Tagbilaran City, in partnership with the City Nutrition Council, launched a milk supplementation program for high-risk pregnant and lactating women and malnourished pre-school children on Saturday, January 6, 2024.
The program, dubbed as “BUNTIS ALAGAAN, BATA AMPINGAN” (BABA), aims to provide proper nutrition to mothers and children in the city, especially during the first 1000 days of life, which is a critical period for growth and development.
Tagbilaran City Mayor Jane Yap, who spearheaded the program, said that they distributed free milk to 85 pregnant and lactating women and another 85 malnourished children at the Saulog Gym.
She said that the beneficiaries were identified by the Tagbilaran City Primary Care Facility, where dedicated nurses, midwives, and Barangay Nutrition Scholars provide health services and counseling to the residents.
Aside from the free milk, the beneficiaries also received free seeds from the City Agriculture Office and attended a free lecture on backyard gardening, which aims to promote food security and self-reliance among the households.
City Nutrition Officer Rey delos Santos also conducted lectures on nutrition in pregnancy and lactation, as well as nutrition in pre-school children, to educate the mothers and caregivers on the importance of proper feeding and care practices.
Mayor Yap said that the BABA program is part of her JaneYapCares initiative, which focuses on the welfare and empowerment of women and children in the city.
She also urged the public to support the program and report any cases of malnutrition or abuse among the vulnerable sectors.
The event was also attended by City Health Officer Dr. Jeia N. Pondoc, City Agriculturist Melanie Paano, and Nutrition Advocate Flaviona Joaquin.
Capitol’s website and systems face daily hacking attempts
The website and information systems of the Capitol in Bohol province are under constant cyber attack, the head of its information and communication technology unit has said.
Senen Bojos told Capitol Reports on January 5, 2024 that hackers tried to breach the Capitol’s cyber security more than a thousand times a day, using artificial intelligence (AI) bots and other methods.
He said the unit had managed to fend off the attacks using firewalls, but warned that there was no guarantee of complete protection against determined cyber criminals.
He said malware such as trojans, ransomware, and viruses could also cause data breaches from within the system.
“Pero, yes, dili nato na i-deny whether karon o sa sunod nga mga adlaw, mahitabo gyud na [successful cyber attack],” he said. (But, yes, we cannot deny that whether today or in the coming days, it will really happen.)
He cited the case of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth), which was hit by ransomware last year.
The cybercriminals held Philhealth’s data hostage for several days, and some of it allegedly ended up on the dark web, an area of the internet where illegal goods and services are traded.
Ambulance kills farmer in Trinidad road mishap
A 50-year-old farmer died after being hit by an ambulance in Trinidad, Bohol, early on Tuesday, January 8, 2024.
The victim, Rolando dela Peña, was riding a motorcycle with Janet dela Peña, whose relation to him was not disclosed, when the accident occurred at barangay La Victoria around 12:55 AM.
The ambulance, owned by Bien Unido town and driven by Raymond Daan, 36, of barangay Poblacion, Trinidad, was transporting a patient to the Garcia Memorial Provincial Hospital in Talibon when it ran over the motorcycle from behind.
The collision caused the motorcycle to lose control and crash, inflicting fatal injuries to Rolando. He was rushed to the same hospital as the patient, but was declared dead on arrival.
The condition of Janet and the patient was not reported.
The incident is one of the first traffic-related incidents (TRIs) in Bohol for 2024.
Last year, the province recorded more than 3,000 TRIs, which claimed more lives than murders and homicides, according to Lt. Col. Norman Nuez, of the Provincial Community Affairs Unit, who spoke in a radio interview.
Music and Me Duet performs at Hanopol fiesta
The Voice Generations finalist and Bohol’s pride, Music and Me Duet, will perform tonight, January 10, at the Hanopol gymnasium in Balilihan, Bohol. The duo’s performance is part of the Cong. Edgar Chatto night, a pre-fiesta celebration of Hanopol.
The show will start at 7:30 p.m., with the Inunaunan Band as the opening act. The Municipality of Balilihan announced the event on its Facebook page, inviting the public to witness the musical talents of Music and Me Duet.
Music and Me Duet is composed of Ferdrianne Villanueva and J-Ann Talisic, who rose to fame after joining the musical talent search The Voice Generations on GMA Network. The duo captivated the hearts of Boholanos and Filipinos with their harmonious voices and charming personalities.
Music and Me Duet may not have won the grand prize, but they made Bohol proud by showcasing its rich musical heritage and culture.
The duo also brought together Boholanos from different sectors, including politicians and professionals, who supported their journey on The Voice Generations.
Mayor Chatto refutes MRE’s claim over disputed lot in Sevilla
Balilihan Mayor Pureza Veloso-Chatto has disputed the claim of Metropolitan Real Estate (MRE), a company that says it owns the lot in barangay Magsaysay, Sevilla town, where a water pump used by Balilihan is located.
The lot, which is fenced by MRE, has been the subject of a recent conflict between the local government units (LGUs) of Sevilla and Balilihan, after personnel from the latter allegedly damaged the fence to access the pump.
MRE issued a statement on the Facebook account of dyTR station manager Ted Ayeng, saying it is willing to let Balilihan use the lot under certain conditions, such as sending a letter of permission, not installing a new pump, and securing a permit from Sevilla or its mayor, Juliet Dano.
MRE also accused Balilihan of destroying and throwing away its sign that says “private property no trespassing” and warned them not to do it again. MRE said it hired a worker named Alex Landungan to guard the property.
Mayor Chatto responded to MRE’s statement in a telephone patch interview with Bohol Tribune managing editor Ardy Araneta-Batoy and section editor Gloria Leodivica-Araneta over Open Forum on January 8, 2024.
She denied that Balilihan destroyed the fence or the sign, saying they only made a small opening to access the pump that needed repair. She said the sign might have been damaged by natural forces.
Mayor Pureza, wife of First District Rep. Edgar M. Chatto, clarified that Balilihan and Sevilla have an existing agreement that allows Balilihan to draw water from Bugwak Spring, which is in Loboc River and not in MRE’s lot. She said Balilihan pays Sevilla royalties for using its water permit.
She added that Balilihan does not need to ask permission from MRE or Sevilla to access the pump that supplies water to 10 barangays of Hanopol in Balilihan, as Bugwak Spring is under the jurisdiction of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the National Water Resources Board (NWRB).
She cited a letter from DENR’s Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga and a certification from the Community Environment and Natural Resources (CENRO) that confirm that Bugwak Spring is in Loboc River and outside Lot No. 3533, which MRE claims to own.
Mayor Chatto said Balilihan has been faithfully paying royalties to Sevilla and expects the agreement to remain in effect, unless it is amended or rescinded through a proper process.
Bohol police receive new patrol cars for 19 towns
The Bohol Police Provincial Office (BPPO) and 19 municipal police stations in Bohol have received new patrol cars from the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday, January 8.
The new patrol cars, which are part of the PNP’s Capability Enhancement Program, were distributed to the police stations of Alicia, Anda, Balilihan, Batuan, Calape, Catigbian, Clarin, Cortes, Dagohoy, Dimiao, Duero, Getafe, Loboc, Maribojoc, Sagbayan, San Miguel, Sierra Bullones, Tubigon and Valencia.
The BPPO and the 19 towns picked up the new patrol cars at the Police Regional Office 7 Headquarters in Cebu City and brought them to Campo Dagohoy in Tagbilaran City, where a joint turn-over ceremony will be held.
BPPO Director Col. Lorenzo Batuan said the new patrol cars will boost the mobility and visibility of the police force in Bohol, especially in the remote areas.
He also thanked the PNP leadership and the local government units for their support and cooperation in enhancing the police capabilities in the province.
“We are very grateful for this additional equipment that will help us in our law enforcement and public safety operations. We assure the public that we will use these patrol cars responsibly and efficiently,” Batuan said.
P95.6 million worth of shabu seized in Bohol in 2023
The Bohol Police Provincial Office (BPPO) reported that it seized about P95.6 million worth of the illegal drug shabu in various police operations in 2023.
This is a significant increase from the previous year, when the BPPO confiscated P26 million worth of shabu.
The report was presented by BPPO Provincial Director PCol. Lorenzo Batuan during the joint meeting of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) and Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC) led by Governor Aris Aumentado at the New Capitol on January 11, 2024.
According to PCol. Batuan, BPPO conducted 630 anti-illegal drug operations from January 1 to December 31, 2023, resulting in the arrest of 682 suspects and the seizure of 14,060.24 grams of shabu and 21 grams of marijuana.
Of the arrested suspects, 83 were classified as High Value Individuals (HVI), 441 as Street Level Individuals (SLI) who are listed in the PNP database, and 158 as SLI who are not listed.
In comparison, BPPO carried out 399 anti-illegal drug operations from January 1 to December 31, 2022, leading to the arrest of 448 suspects and the seizure of 3,825.68 grams of shabu and 0.30 grams of marijuana.
Of the arrested suspects, 51 were HVI, 312 were SLI listed, and 85 were SLI not listed.
PCol. Batuan attributed the success of the anti-drug campaign to the strong support of Governor Aumentado, who has been vocal in his advocacy against illegal drugs. He also commended the efforts of the BPPO personnel and the cooperation of the community in reporting drug-related activities.
Batuan vowed to continue the fight against illegal drugs and urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious persons or activities to the nearest police station.
Man with heart condition found dead in Maribojoc home
A 46-year-old man was found dead in his home in Maribojoc town on Friday afternoon, police said.
The body of Duane Alo, a resident of barangay Lincod, was already decomposing and emitting a foul odor when the police arrived at the scene around 2 p.m.
Police were alerted by Alo’s neighbors, who noticed that he had not left his house for several days.
They became concerned about his well-being and decided to report the matter to the authorities.
According to the police, there was no sign of foul play in Alo’s death.
Police believe that he died of natural causes, most likely a heart attack.
Authorities learned that Alo had a history of heart problems and that he lived alone. They also said that Alo had refused to seek medical attention for his condition.
Police estimated that Alo had been dead for at least two days before his body was discovered. They have notified his relatives and are conducting further investigation.
Mayor Rama assures no signal jamming during Sinulog Festival
Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama announced that there will be no disruption of cellphone signals during the 459th Fiesta Señor and Sinulog Festival 2024, which will take place on January 21, 2024.
He made this statement during the send-off ceremony of security personnel on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at the SM Seaside Concert Ground.
Rama said he did not want to hinder the communication of devotees, both local and from other provinces, with their families and friends on such a special occasion.
He also said that he rejected the proposal of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) to block cellphone signals as a security measure for the festival.
Last year, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) approved the request of the police to jam phone signals during the festival, where thousands of people gathered to celebrate. This was done to prevent possible terrorist attacks using cellphones to remotely trigger bombs.
However, Rama said that he trusted the security plan of the CCPO, which will deploy more than 300 policemen, both inside and outside the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño, where the image of the Child Jesus is enshrined.
The CCPO will also use 18 K9 units to check the bags of the pilgrims for any prohibited items.
Fr. John Ion Miranda, spokesperson for the basilica, said that they have 80 security guards who will assist the police in inspecting the belongings of the devotees.
The Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO 7) has not yet issued a directive to put the city on full alert status for the festival.
Last year, the NTC also granted the request of PRO 7 to shut down telecommunication services during the solemn procession, which preceded the grand parade. PRO 7 said that this was to ensure the safety and security of the Sto. Niño devotees.
Meanwhile, according to a radio report, about 125 police personnel and five police officers from Bohol will be sent to Cebu City to augment the security forces for the Sinulog.
Lt. Col. Norman Nuez of the Bohol Police Provincial Office (BPPO) said that the personnel came from various municipal police stations, Tagbilaran City Police Station, and Camp Dagohoy.
He did not disclose the names of the officials who will head the team of security personnel from Bohol. (with reports from Sun.Star and Philippine Star)
Board member seeks higher fines for ordinance violators
Bohol First District Board Member Benjie Arcamo has urged Congress to amend the Local Government Code (LGC) and increase the maximum fines that can be imposed by local councils for ordinance violations.
The LGC, which was passed in 1992, sets a cap of P5,000 for the City Council and Provincial Board, P2,500 for the Sangguniang Bayan, and P1,000 for the Sangguniang Barangay.
Arcamo, who is a lawyer, said that these limits are outdated and ineffective, as they do not reflect the current prices of goods and services and the cost of living, which have risen due to inflation.
He said that the low fines do not deter people from breaking the laws enacted by the local councils, which are meant to prevent or prohibit harmful or undesirable acts.
He raised the issue during the provincial board’s regular session on January 2, 2024.
He also proposed to pass an ordinance asking all local councils in the country to petition Congress to review and revise the penalty limits in the LGC.
Arcamo’s proposed legislation aims to empower the local councils to impose higher fines that are commensurate with the gravity of the offenses.
He wants to raise the maximum fines to P50,000 for the provincial board, P25,000 for the city council, P10,000 for the municipality level, and P5,000 for the barangay level.
Bohol enjoys tourism boom but faces high prices
Bohol province benefits from the tourism industry, which accounts for a large part of its economy.
However, tourism also has a downside, as it drives up the prices of some goods and services in the province, making them more expensive than in other parts of the country.
On Wednesday, January 10, 2024, Bohol welcomed the first cruise ship of the year, MV Vasco de Gama, which brought in several tourists, mostly from Germany.
The tourists were treated to a festive reception by a band and dancers from Bohol.
They were also greeted by officials from the Bohol Tourism Office and the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, among others.
The tourists visited some of the key attractions in the province, such as the Chocolate Hills, the Loboc River, and the Tarsier Sanctuary.
The arrival of MV Vasco de Gama is a sign that Bohol is one of the top tourist destinations in the world, according to observers.
Most of the tourists who visit Bohol are from Korea and China, based on data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
The PSA also reported that tourism contributes a significant portion of the gross domestic product of Bohol.
However, the tourism industry also poses a challenge to the locals, as it increases the demand and the cost of some goods and services in the province.
This was acknowledged by Provincial Administrator Asteria Caberte, who said that the provincial government is looking for ways to balance the needs of the tourists and the residents.
Board member proposes discounts for Boholanos visiting tourist sites, hotels, and resorts in Bohol
Bohol Third District Board Member Nathaniel Binlod has proposed to give discounted rates to Boholanos who visit tourist sites, hotels, and resorts in the province.
Binlod made the proposal through a privilege speech during the regular session led by Vice-Governor Dionisio Victor Balite yesterday, January 9.
Binlod suggested the initiative to encourage Bohol resorts to offer discounted hotel room accommodations to Boholano clients and discounted entrance fee rates to tourist spots and recreational sites in the province.
Binlod said that this is for promoting local tourism in Bohol, which will give discounts and incentives to Boholanos to explore and appreciate the beauty of the province and to boost the economy of Bohol.
Binlod also boasted that in their town of Carmen, where the famous Chocolate Hills attraction is located, the LGU gives 100 percent discount to Carmenanons and 50 percent discount to Boholanos who present their identification cards.
Binlod’s proposal was referred to the Committee on Tourism of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan for discussion and deliberation.
Tagbilaran tackles traffic woes
The city government of Tagbilaran is working on solutions to ease the traffic congestion in the city, especially during peak hours.
This was revealed by Alvin Acuzar, the community affairs officer of the local government unit (LGU) of Tagbilaran, in an interview with Ardy Araneta-Batoy on the January 12, 2024 episode of Open Forum aired over dyTR-AM.
Acuzar said that one of the areas that the city is focusing on is the junction where the boundaries of Dauis town and Tagbilaran City meet. A traffic enforcer has been assigned to the spot, where the traffic flow tends to be heavy in the morning and late in the afternoon.
“Both lanes are being studied, including the parking situation,” he said in Cebuano.
He explained that vehicles parked near the vendors in the area are causing traffic bottlenecks. He said that the City Traffic Management Office (CTMO) is formulating a solution to address this issue.
He also said the CTMO is looking for ways to improve the traffic situation in other areas where vehicular flow is high.
Meanwhile, Araneta-Batoy raised the concern of the safety of the consumers who frequent the wet market at the Bool junction. He observed that the floor of the market is unstable and could pose a risk to the shoppers.
Acuzar assured the public that the city government will inspect the market and ensure the safety of the public.
He also announced that the traffic light installed near Camp Francisco Dagohoy along JA Clarin Street will be operational starting tomorrow, January 15, 2024. He said the traffic light is expected to help ease the traffic at the intersection near Camp Dagohoy, which is usually heavy during rush hour.
He appealed to the public to be patient and cooperative during the first day of the traffic light operation, as there might be some glitches or adjustments. He said that the city government will still deploy traffic enforcers in the area for a few days after the traffic light is activated.
He also encouraged the public to give their feedback on the traffic light system and other traffic-related matters.
SSS clarifies annual confirmation process for pensioners
The Social Security System (SSS) has clarified the process of annual confirmation of pensioners (ACOP), which is mandatory for pensioners to continue receiving their benefits.
Dioscoro Madaguit, SSS-Bohol representative, explained the ACOP procedure in an interview with Newsmakers ug Uban Pa anchor Ardy Araneta-Batoy over station DYTR on January 11, 2024.
According to Madaguit, ACOP is a way to verify if a pensioner is still alive and has received his or her pension.
He said that pensioners living outside the country and those aged 80 or above in the country are required to comply with ACOP. He added that survivor pensioners, total disability pensioners, and other beneficiaries of SSS members are also subject to ACOP.
To complete the ACOP, pensioners need to appear personally at the nearest SSS office, Madaguit said. However, he noted that there are exceptions for those who are unable to do so.
“For those who cannot visit the SSS office, they can send a representative with the annual confirmation form, valid ID, medical certificate, and barangay clearance stating that the pensioner is still alive,” he said.
He also said that pensioners living abroad can send an e-mail to SSS with the ACOP requirements and a selfie photo holding a current newspaper or showing a TV program with the date. He said that this is sufficient proof of the pensioner’s existence.
Madaguit said that SSS also accepts mailed ACOP applications and online meetings via Skype. He advised pensioners who want to use Skype to inform SSS beforehand and wait for a scheduled meeting.
He urged pensioners to contact their local SSS branch for more information.
The SSS is a state-run social insurance program that covers about 40 million workers from the private sector. The public sector workers are covered by the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).