By Ardy Ines Araneta-Batoy
A Bohol board member has called for an investigation into the rumors circulating on social media that some Capitol officials and police personnel are allegedly involved in illegal gambling activities such as swertres.
Aldner Damalerio, Bohol first district board member, said he has heard and read the same rumors on social media and wanted to verify their truthfulness.
In a radio interview by Ardy Araneta-Batoy over DYTR, Damalerio said he wanted to ask the sources of the rumors if they have any personal knowledge or evidence of any public official committing an illegal act.
Damalerio said he thinks the rumors should be given attention by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) Committee on Peace and Order, chaired by Board Member Tomas Abapo Jr.
He proposed that the committee invite police personnel to shed light on the matter and ascertain if the rumors are factual or not.
The rumors originated from a social media post by retired military officer Teopisto “Titoy” Cabagnot who claimed that a big politician in Bohol is behind the illegal swertres operation.
Cabagnot also accused the Capitol, led by Gov. Aris Cabagnot Aumentado, and the police of being allegedly corrupt and are allegedly receiving payoffs from the illegal gambling financiers.
The retired army official said the illegal gamblers are not arrested because they give money to the authorities every week.
In his video blog posted on FB, Cabagnot said that anyone who plays or bets on swertres is illegal and should be arrested if the captain, police, and mayor are clean.
Cabagnot accused the provincial government of Bohol as allegedly very corrupt.
In a separate issue, Damalerio also commented on the memorandum of agreement between the provincial government and the United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for the efficient management of Bohol’s Geopark status.
He underscored that the resolution for the agreement was passed on February 6, 2024 and that Bohol is the only Geopark in the Philippines as recognized by UNESCO last year.
Damalerio also raised his concern about the Regional Cultural Hub project being implemented by the national government on the top of Mt. Banat-i in barangay Bool.
He revealed that he asked some personnel from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) during a chance meeting at the Capitol about the project and was told that the local engineering district has no involvement in it.
The project has been a source of controversy, as many residents living at the foot of the hill are anxious about their safety and the environment, the young board member said.
According to Damalerio, the residents are worried about the debris from the construction site, the possible flooding in low-lying areas, and the impact on the ecology of Mt. Banat-i.
The Boholano legislator pointed out that there is a disconnection between the national agencies and the local officials when it comes to the implementation of projects.