PBBM signs law hiking bed capacity in 2 Bohol hospitals

President Marcos Jr.

President Marcos Jr. signed into law seeking to hike the bed capacity of two Bohol hospitals owned and operated by the provincial government as these hospitals are also located in the third district

Marcos signed the bill into law on Oct. 26, 2024, Republic Act 12041 mandating an increase in the bed capacity of Teodoro Gallagar District Hospital in Jagna and Republic Act No, 12042 for  Cong. Simeon Toribio  Hospital in Carmen., which are managed by the provincial government.

The bills that were signed into law were authored by third district Comg. Kristine Alexie Tutor.

The bed capacity at Galagar has been increased from 75 to 100 while the bed capacity at Torribio has been increased to 75 from 40.

The increase in bed capacity should align with the development plans laid out by the hospital chiefs of the respective hospitals and to be submitted to the Department of Health.

The provincial government shall be the one that would finance the development of the two hospitals, aside from maintenance cost and other expenses.

There is a need to upgrade the services rendered by these hospitals in order to best serve the people, according to reports.

Tutor expressed elation for the signing of the bill into law, which is a game changer in the healthcare system delivery in Bohol.

Getafe police nab drug suspect



Getafe police arrested a man following a buy-bust operation at barangay Poblacion, on Nov. 5, 2024, according to reports.

The suspect was arrested by the team coming from the Municipal Drug Enforcement Agency
that conducted an anti-drug operation leading to the arrest of the suspect.

The suspect was identified as Pancho Gonzon,48, of barangay Banacon, Getafe.

The police conducted the sting operation that led to a transaction where a poseur buyer engaged allegedly with the suspect.

The suspect was arrested after the transaction with a poseur buyer as the police seized .12 grams of alleged shabu and valued at P816.

The suspect will be facing charges of violation of the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Dauis police score another arrest of drug suspect



Another drug suspect fell in the hands of Dauis police on Nov. 5, 2024 at barangay  Dao, Dauis following a buy-bust operation done in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

The police conducted an anti-illegal drug operation that concluded in a buy-bust operation, reports say

The suspect was identified as. Marvin Luspoc, 23, of barangay Poblacion, Panglao and the authorities seized from him alleged shabu worth P5440 as he is going to face charges of violation of the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Meanwhile, also on Tuesday, Dimao police arrested a 28-year-old  drug suspect following a drug buy-bust operation at barangay Datag.

The suspect was identified as a certain Jomar Reyes of barangay Gov. Boyles, Ubay.

Police saized alleged shabu from the suspect worth P4,080 as the suspect will be facing charges for alleged violation of the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Loctob WTP sage takes a new twist

The sage on the alleged violations of the building of the water treatment plant (WTP) of Loctob Water in Loboc takes a new twist as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) says a court order is needed to inspect the said facility for alleged violations.

It seems that unless the DENR has a court order, it is unable to inspect the said facility for alleged violations, reports say.

The DENR was supposed to inspect the facility on Nov. 4, 2024 but was unable to do so due to the lack of a court order.

To recall, Loboc mayor Raymond Jala alleged that there was a quarry operation that happened at the WTP site.

Once a court order is secured, an inspection will be conducted together with other agencies including the local government unit of Loboc.

According to reports, a Capitol agency, tasked to monitor the WTP construction said that it has not detected any possible violations.

It has been said the WTP has complied with all permits including an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC).

Loctob Water and the LGU of Loboc have been at loggerheads as the former alleged that it never violated any law and has complied with all the requirements.

Loboc mayor insists he supports Loctob’s project

Loboc mayor Reymond Jala

Loboc mayor Reymond Jala insists that he fully supports Loctob Water Inc. (LWI) where the company has been building a water treatment plant (WTP) at barangay Gotozon.

The mayor’s statement comes as LWI alleged that the mayor has been making life difficult for the company as it operates in the said town,

In a radio interview, Jala says he has told LWI that his administration fully supports the project as the mayor recognizes the importance of water.

It is just that he reacted to allegations that quarry operations happen at the WTP site at barangay Gotozon.

In this view, Jala sought the help of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to probe the said allegations.

Jala took action as he wants to avoid headaches for inaction that may lead to a preventive suspension.

Jala expressed willingness to talk about the issue and settle the problems if there are any to avert any inconvenience.

It has been alleged that Jala has been making it hard for operators such as LWI to operate as he wants the allegations probed.

LWI insists that it has not done anything wrong and has been compliant with all regulations and has secured all the necessary permits to operate the  WTP including its construction.

Anxiety swirls as snake enters Tagb mall

Anxiety swirled among customers when a snake was able to enter a mall in Tagbilaran City on Nov. 6, 2024 as a video of the snake encounter went viral on social media.In the video, several men tried to subdue the large snake that found its way into the mall.Luckily, the large snake was captured and contained safely but not without some folks inside the mall having fires and shrieks considering the presence of the large snake.It was seen that the snake tried to evade the captors but in the end the reptile was outmatched and the snake was no longer seen as a threat.As of this writing, it is unclear how the snake was able to enter the mall or where the snake came from.Snake incursions are not uncommon in Bohol, as some homes have been victims of snake encroachment or snakes finding their way into the homes.In fact, the venmous snake that bit a young girl in Loon found its way into the victim’s home.The young girl eventually died due to venom poisoning as she was brought initially to a hospital without any stock of anti-venom.There have been other instances where snakes were found inside bedrooms and sought refuge in some of human homes just like what happened in a home at J Borja St, where a snake was able to enter a home.

Senior killed in Trinidad road accident

A female senior citizen was killed in a road accident at barangay Soom, Trinidad on Nov, 6, 2024 when a motorcycle rider ran over the victim, reports say.

Reports say that the victim was identified as a certain Ruperta Apao, who crossed the street at the said barangay and was run over by a motorcycle,

The driver of the motorcycle was identified as a certain John Ryan Docdoc, 26, a lending company collector.

There were allegations that even the driver saw the senior about to cross, the driver sped up thinking he will hit the victim,

Witnesses say the motorcycle was travelling at a fast pace:

The victim was brought to the hospital but later expired due to serious injuries sustained, especially in the head.

The driver was taken into custody and may face charges of reckless imprudence resulting to homicide.

BLCI continues comprehensive meter mapping

The Bohol Light Company Inc (BLCI) has been continuing with its comprehensive meter mapping within its service area that started on Nov. 4, 2024, as this is part of the modernization efforts of the said distribution utility.BLCI is now under the management of Prime Electric after the latter bought the shares erstwhile owned by SPC Power Corp,The meter mapping is an effective and efficient way to deliver services that has been the promise of the new BLCI management, An outsourced company was tapped to conduct the meter mapping.The meter mailing process is part of the new management’s way to deliver efficient service as it was also implemented by the Razon group with More Power in Iloilo City.The mapping will help update consumer records and make meter reading more efficient that will translate to more accurate bills.BLCI is also going to implement geotagging on all electric meters all across the servicearea and to also protect company property,BLCI asks the public for their cooperation for the speedy completion of the mapping activity by allowing better access to meters and to restrain any pets that may cause problems to the meter mappers.BLCI serves the whole of Tagbilaran City and is also owned by the provincial government with a 30 percent stake.

Oliva slams rumors that rival is official Abante bet

Catigbian mayoralty aspirant Benjie Oliva slammed rumors that his opponent is the official candidate of Abante Bohol in the said town.

Gov. Aris Aumentado has officially backed the candidacy of Oliva as the mayoralty candidate of Abante Bohol in Catigbian.

He and Vice Mayor Esteban Angilan with his slate were proclaimed as official Anante Bohol bets in an event last month in Panglao.

Even if Oliva is with Abante, still he is supporting incumbent Cong. Edgar Chatto for first district congressman.

Oliva is a known Chatto supporter and has been the congressman’s ally for years. For this reason, Oliva settled to support Chatto instead of John Geesnell Yap, Abante’s bet for congressman in the first district.

Oliva is seeking to replace incumbent mayor Elizabeth Mandin who decided to focus on her business.

Mendin is set to leave the mayoralty post after two terms in office and still able to transform Catigbian into a modern town with Oliva’s help.

Missing person found as he wandered aimlessly

A missing person was found on Nov.5, 2024 after he was reported missing over the weekend at a forested area in Sierra Bullones town.


The 48-year-old man identified as Danilo Macalam of barangay Lumbay, Pilar was found wandering aimlessly at a forested area in barangay Abacahanan, Sierra Bullones, according to reports.

He had no sustenance during the time that he went missing, the reports add.

The victim apparently sought help from relatives in Sierra Bullones as his clothing was wet.

Nonetheless, the victim wws fetched by Pilar police and was brought to the victim’s family.

The victim was earlier reported to be missing with his image circulated on social media. The posting on social media helped in the search and finding of the victim with eventual reunification.

Macalam’s motorcycle was seen abandoned in an area at barangay Sta, Cruz, Sierra Bullones as he proceeded on foot to look for free range chickens but apparently he went bewildered as he was walking and found himself in another barangay within Sierra Bullones.

Meanwhile, a young girl who was reported missing  was also found on Nov. 5, 2024;

The young girl from Panglao identified as Bea Angel Arcamo was reported missing as her family was unable to contact her.

She left home without asking permission, which is not the common practice.

Austrian envoy visits Bohol

Austrian ambassador to the Philippines Johann Brieger paid a courtesy call to Capitol officials on Nov. 5, 2024, according to reports.He made the stop in Bohol with the intent to boost bilateral relations between Austria and this province. Key sectors of cooperation are explored such as education, tourism, business, and science and technology. These were points of discussions between Austrian and Bohol officials.Bohol has been opening up for foreign direct investments and would welcome any trade delegation coming from the said country.One of the foci of strategic tie ups with foreign governments is to link local business persons to promote local products.One of the products being pushed is chocolate making and cacao growing in the country.Austria is near key European nations of Belgium and Switzerland known as hot beds of chocolate production in the world.Bohol has been known to be a safe haven for foreigners and has been a host of foreign nationals that end up with a business here especially in the tourism sector.Austra is a central European country and hosts around 30,000 Filipinos as well as around 60.000 Austrian-Filipino dual nationalities.

DOT lauds inclusion of Panglao in list of top 10 destinations for 2024



The Department of Tourism (DOT) lauded the inclusion  of Panglao, Bohol, as among the top 10 trending destinations for 2025 by Skyscanner, a portal for travelers to compare flights, hotels and car for hire prices.

The DOT, in a statement on Nov. 3, 2024 said that the latest news is a testament to the island’s appeal and the growing global interest in the Philippines.

Ranked eighth among the best places to visit, Panglao saw an impressive 77-percent increase in flight searches in the first half of 2024.

Bohol is known for its diverse tourism offerings and is described by Skyscanner as “emerging as another Asian wellness and wellbeing destination, and a great alternative to more familiar places in Europe.”

Visitors are drawn to Panglao’s pristine beaches, Chocolate Hills, and eco-sites like the Loboc River and Tarsier Sanctuary, showcasing Bohol’s commitment to sustainable tourism while its growing wellness hub status attracts travelers seeking tranquil getaways.

The accolade followed the recent successful hosting of the International Health and Wellness Tourism Congress in the Philippines, solidifying the country, including regions like Western Visayas, as a key player in the wellness tourism sector.

Skyscanner based the rankings on increases in flight searches between Jan. 1 and June 30, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023.