Truck meets accident in Mabini town
A delivery truck met an accident on Dec. 28, 2024 at barangay Lungsodaan, Mabini, belated reports said.
The truck was driven by a certain Bonifacio Tuyor, 49, who was with several others in the said transportation when the accident happened.
Reports said the truck was used to transport sound systems and came from Anda to serve a disco party there.
It was alleged that the driver had little sleep a night before and apparently drowsed off while driving.
As a result, the truck slammed on to a concrete barrier causing huge damage to the front side of the vehicle.
Three persons were brought to a nearby hospital due to injuries while the driver and several others had minor bruises.
Police remind drivers to avoid driving if they are unfit to drive and get ample rest as it may lead to lack of focus and eventually an accident.
Traffic-related incidents remain huge problem
Like last year, traffic-related incidents (TRI) remain a huge problem in Bohol as the Bohol Provincial Police Office (BPPO) recorded 3,995 cases from January to Dec. 28, 2024.
The report said that 1,692 TRI cases resulted to physical injuries, 2,223 cases resulted to damage to properties, as 80 cases resulted to homicide.
The sheer number of TRIs gave rise to the call for road safety and discipline especially among drivers.
The police cited several reasons TRI has contributed immensely to the crime statistics in Bohol.
Noteworthy is the fact that some minors are involved in TRi when they are not supposed to drive because they lack the proper licenses.
In 2025, the BPPO will continue to work hard to ensure peace and order in the province.
Meanwhile, the crime clearance efficiency of BPPO has reached 98.7 percent as the crime solution efficiency reached 97.42 percent. This means the police have been able to process effectively the cases brought to their attention in the past year.
Fire erupts in Tagbilaran
A fire erupted in Tagbilaran City a few hours before the New Year causing an estimated damage of more than P1 million.
The fire broke out in a home behind the CPG Sports Complex grandstand at barangay Poblacion 2 at past 8,30 pm and was declared controlled several minutes past 9 pm.
Reports said that the fire started at the home of a certain Jesus Butalid, who together with his wife. were not inside their home at the time of the incident.
No one was killed or injured as a result of the incident, reports say.
Initial findings say that allegedly the fire was caused by an unattended Christmas light. However, fire probers are still investigating the real cause of the fire.
It was reported that a room at the Bohol Island State University was partially damaged.
Manga brgy. capt. to check safety measures of floating cottages
Manga barangay captain Nilo Lumantas will be checking the safety measures of floating cottages operating at the said village’s coastal area.
Lumantas made the reaction following an incident when a young man allegedly drowned to death after diving into the water from one of the floating cottages in Manga.
Last Monday, a man died allegedly of drowning after diving into the water in an attempt to retrieve the dentures of his girlfriend which fell into the water.
Reports said a group of people from Cortes rented a floating cottage in Manga for a party. It was said the person who drowned tried to get the dentures back but failed to surface after going underwater for quite some time. After the victim was unable to surface, his friends launched a rescue but it was too late as the victim has lost his life presumably due to drowning.
DTI, Batuan ink pact for Negosyo Center
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Batuan signed on Dec. 27, 2024 a memorandum of agreement for the Negosyo Center at the said town’s municipal hall.
The DTI team was headed by its provincial director Vierna Mae Ligan while the LGU is led by Mayor Antonino Jumawid and Vice Mayor Jing Bulalaque.
The center will be providing an assortment of services such as business name registration assistance, business information and advocacy, business advisory, and renewal of DTI permits.
Business persons or those looking at starting a business may visit the said center for more information and resources.
The Negosyo Center is a way for government to help micro, small and medium entrepreneurs to build their businesses and contributed to the economy.
It has been known that small businesses are the backbone of the economy and represent a huge portion of the business sector.
BLCI expands payment options
The Bohol Light Company Inc. (BLCI) has expanded its payment options with third-party collection agents.
This ushers in better options and convenience to BLCI consumers as they are able to pay at agents in their most convenient option.
This also means that consumers need not visit BLCI offices to reduce traffic at the payment centers of the said utility company.
The new payment partners include First Consolidated Bank, Landbank, Security Bank, M Lhuiller, Bohol Water Utilities Inc. and Bank of Commerce.
For more information, one may contact BLCI for more details.
Van drivers bring guests to Dauis for whale watching
Reports say that van drivers are bringing their guests to barangay Catarman. Dauis for whale watching as this is closer to Panglao where most of the guests are billeted.
On Dec. 18, 2024 the whale watching attraction was opened to the public and competes with other whale watching areas in Albur and Lila.
The report said that van drivers choose to bring guests in Dauis as it is more economical on their part.
The entrance fee in Dauis is comparable to the fees collected in other areas, the reports add.
The prospect of Dauis as a major whale watching nook came about when whales were spotted in the area.
This prompted enterprising people to consider Dauis as a whale watching spot.
It will take almost an hour of travel from Panglao to either Albur or Lila just to watch whales swim
Zero incident reported during New Year revelry
Reports indicate that there were no incidents of firecracker-related injuries that took place during New Year’s celebration.
The Gov. Celestino Memorial Medical Center reported having no incidents of firecracker-related injuries unlike in the past year.
Observers said that the use of firecrackers has declined, presumably due to the effects in the use of anti-firecrackers propaganda.
However, it was observed that traffic was tight a day before New Year especially at Baclayon where firecrackers were sold.
Many Boholanos still bought some firecrackers despite the discouragement coming from authorities.
Firecracker sale is banned in Tagbilaran and only several towns in Bohol have been permitted to allow the sale of these firecrackers,
Most of the people are now using safer ways to create noise to celebrate the New Year to avoid fire and injury.
Incest remains a huge problem in society
Key police officers from Albur police station revealed that incestuous relations persist and there is a need to educate families especially minors
Cpl. Ketherine Babes Viernes and Master Sgt. Fiona May Lagumbay of Albur police station, were on hand to discuss the prevailing child abuses they encounter in their jobs,
They were the guests over Open Forum with Ardy Araneta-Batoy on Jan. 2, 2025.
There are times the family are bunched together which may draw relationships that may lead to incest.
Lagumbay said that they have been educating people about child abuse in the hope this phenomenon gets reduced .
She also commented that there are times minors show lewd behavior and the family should step in to correct such behavior that may draw abuse.
It is important, she said, that minors are reared effectively in order to stay away from potential abuse.
The police have a dedicated desk to address situations where women and children need to be protected, she said.
Veloso says kudos to Chatto for Peñaflor drainage project
Former Tagbilaran vice mayor Jose Antonio Veloso lauded the efforts of his brother-in-law, Cong. Edgar Chatto for sourcing funds in order to start the drainage project at Peñaflor street.
Veloso lauded the congressman in a guest appearance on Newsmakers ug Uban Pa with Ardy Araneta-Batoy on Jan. 2, 2025.
He said flooding in the area has been a problem even during his time as an official of city hall in the past.
Chatto worked hard to get funding for the project now being constructed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
Veloso said the project has been divided in three phases and would ease the flooding in areas where it has become a catch basin for floods.
Veloso resides in Peñaflor street for this reason he has an interest to ensure the area sheds its flood-prone status.
The project also ensures that flooding is controlled at the CPG Ave and at the Bohol Wisdom School area.
Veloso is aiming for a comeback as he is the running mate of mayoralty aspirant Atoy Torralba.
CHO warns people of changes in weather
The spokesman of the City Health Office (CHO) Robin Culpa warned people about the changes in the weather that may cause health issues.
Culpa said as he talked with Ardy Aranate-Batoy on Jan. 2, 2025 that a lot of people may end up getting sick because of the fickle weather where it may be sunny then a sudden pour of rain may cause issues as temperatures change.
He also warned people about the ash coming from the phreatic explosion of Mt. Kanlaon where it may cause problems at the upper respiratory tract.
He said the CHO has seen an increase in cases of asthma or pneumonia, among others.
CHO said that people with co-morbidities and senior citizens should get inoculated with flu and it is available at the City Primary Health Facility.
There is also plan to bring the vaccinations activity to the barangay level, he said.
Kagawad stabs dead fellow kagawad in Dimiao
A barangay kagawad was allegedly stabbed dead by another village councilor in Dimiao town on New Year’s Eve, according to reports.
The alleged incident took place at barangay Pangihawan, as the suspect identified as Tirso Tagisa was arrested after he allegedly stabbed Elmer Limboy.
It was learned the two had a personal grudge as investigation is still being conducted as to the motive behind the stabbing.
Limboy was able to get immediate medical attention at a nearby hospital but was declared dead on arrival.
Police recovered a hunting knife allegedly used by the suspect in the stabbing incident.
Tourism code remains pending at the SP despite complaints of high prices
Despite the complaints of high prices in the tourism industry here, the seen solution, which is the Tourism Code remains pending at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP).
The amendments to the code are seen as possible solutions to address the issues borne out of complaints from tourists and locals alike.
However, hope springs eternal that the key amendments will soon be implemented in the code.
Tourism and services remain the leading economic drivers of Bohol, according to data
The code will lay out the policies and legal framework to make tourism here more feasible.
Tourism in Bohol has become more popular as more tourists are attracted to the various tourism sites here, observers say.
The issue on overcharging is among the issues that will be tackled in the crafting of the code, reports say.
Firecracker remnants greet street sweepers on first day of the year
Firecracker remnants greeted the street sweepers at the first day of the year with plenty of the waste products scattered at the City Square Mall area.
Reports say the street sweepers were busy removing the rubbish as a result of the revelry the night before.
Some of the street sweepers said they had their hands full in removing the rubbish left by firecracker users at the downtown area, reports say.
Almost all streets in the city were filled with rubbish coming from the firecracker use, the reports add.
Firecracker us has been a tradition among Filipinos with the belief that creating noise may drive evil spirits as the nation celebrates the New Year.
Tagb police probe alleged stray bullet incident in Booy
Col. Arnel Banzon, provincial director has refused to call the incident as a stray bullet incident pending the probe.
He has already directed Lt. Col. John Kareen Escober, Tagbilaran City police chief, to investigate the allegation.
It was alleged that a bullet fell into a home in Booy at the height of the New Year’s revelry.
It is possible there was an illegal discharge of a firearm but this is still subject for verification, reports say.
Banzon said save for a few isolated incidents, the celebration of New Year remained generally peaceful with no major incidents happening.
Tricycle catches fire in Clarin
A tricycle caught fire in Clarin town on New Year’s Day, according to Provincial Fire Marshall Raul Bustaliño.
The incident took place in barangay Bontud and the said vehicle was owned by a certain Joel Andos.
Luckily, no one was injured as a result of the fire.
Meanwhile, Bustaliño said there were two fires that happened in Bohol, one of which was in Panglao on Dec. 1, 2024 where a residential building was razed at barangay Bil-isan.
A fire also erupted a day before New Year’s Day at an area behind the CPG Sports Complex grandstand.
The fire caused damage estimated at around P1.8 million. Luckily no one was injured in the incident.
Kidnap case remains unsolved in the New Year
The alleged kidnap incident in Mabuhay Village has remained unsolved as the victims have yet to be recovered even as the incident has been long drawn and has remained unsolved in the New Year.
To recall, late last year, Noel Micabani and his son Christian and another victim Matt Ryan Dugaduga were allegedly abducted on Nov. 27, 2024 by still unidentified men near Micabani’s home.
Observers are calling on the Commission on Human Rights to conduct a motu proprio investigation into the incident as some observers are waiting for any update on the case.
The people want to get any information as the case is a serious one as it involves an abduction.
Moreover, an abduction in Loay has remained unsolved where a mother and son were kidnapped by still unknown persons.
Minors hurt in Lila road accident
Minors figured in a road accident in Lila town on Dec. 29, 2024.
The driver of the motorcycle is a minor and was with two others on board a motorcycle as the trio are from Balilihan.
Reports said the trio were on board a motorcycle travelling at barangay Bonkokan Ubos, Lila.
It was said the motorcycle made an overtaking maneuver but the driver lost control of the vehicle leading to the accident.
The victims sustained minor injuries as a result of the incident.
They were brought to a nearby hospital and are now in stable condition.
Panglao strictly enforces curfew on minors
The local government unit of Panglao has started to strictly implement the curfew imposed on minors, reports say.
Mayor Edgardo Arcay issued an executive order imposing the curfew on minors that started on Jan. 2, 2025.
Under the order, curfew is enforced on minors starting at 9 pm and will end at 4 am.
Exceptions include when the minor is accompanied with a guardian or parent or if the minor just left a school activity, emergencies, and other excusable activities, among others.
Exemptions are also imposed during special occasions such as Holy Week, Christmas and other similar activities in line with the Sanggunisng Kabataan.
There is a need to obtain a pass signed by the mayor or the chief of police to obtain exemption from the curfew, the report adds.
Man causes trouble in Talibon, allegedly bites police officer
A man has allegedly caused alarm and scandal and allegedly bit s police officer on New Year’s Day at barangay San Pedro, Talibon.
A barangay official sought the help of the police as a man who was allegedly under the influence of liquor was causing alarm and scandal.
The suspect was identified as Mariel Lofranco Mejias,33, of barangay San Pedro and was alleged to have caused alarm and scandal.
The police arrested the suspect for his unruly behavior.
However, as the police were taking the suspect under arrest, the suspect resisted and even bit the hand of one of the arresting officers.
The suspect may face various charges for causing alarm and scandal and for causing harm to the police officer.
While doing hair rebonding, Boholano killed in Cebu
A Boholano hairdresser was shot dead by an unidentified man while the former was performing a hair rebond in barangay Suba, Cebu City on New Year’s Day.
The victim was identified as Allan Premacio, a member of the LGBTQ community from barangay Cabul-an, Buenavista town.
Reports from Sawang Calero police station said the victim was rebonding his friend’s hair when the gunman unexpectedly showed up
.
After ensuring that only the victim and friend were left inside the beauty parlor, the gunman shot the victim on the head causing his instantaneous death.
Currently, the police are investigating the incident to establish the motive and identity of the gunman,
The victim’s cousin was traumatized and was unable to provide a statement to the media.
Chatto’s vision for Bohol in 2025 and beyond unfurled
The top aide of Cong. Edgar Chatto unfurled the vision of the congressman for Bohol in 2025 and beyond.
Lawyer Abel Damalerio talked to Ardy Araneta-Batoy on Friday over Newsmakers ug Uban Pa and expressed how the congressman envisioned the evolution of Bohol, branching out from the shell of agro-tourism to involve other industries.
The solon wants Bohol to bolster its stake as a community valuing a culture of excellence.
Damalerio said that Chatto wants more light manufacturing, research and development and hosting data centers, leisure and wholesome facilities similar to what could be found in places such as Singapore.
Data is important, Damalerio said as Chatto, when the latter was governor, was data driven and all decisions were based on data available in consultation with stakeholders.
Chatto ‘s brand of leadership is coupled with empathy and compassion as well as data and consultation, Damalario explained.
He said people want to have leaders who follow principles and guidelines with proper north star with vision for the future, he added.
As an example of foresight, Chatto, when he was governor envisioned the need for a bigger and more equipped hospital, a need for a third bridge to bring convenience to Boholanos transacting with national agencies such as the Land Transportation Office and the Department of Foreign Affairs.
It cannot be denied that Bohol has a more stable power supply with the energization of the Cebu-Bohol Interconnection Project, which means power to Bohol if the Leyte-Bohol link fails and also to bring more electricity to Bohol from other sources and perhaps lower electricity costs.
Meanwhile, Damalerio is confident that Chatto will hurdle the coming elections and win a third and final term as congressman of the first district of Bohol.4