Bohol fights to contain African Swine Fever outbreak
The provincial government of Bohol has intensified its efforts to prevent the spread of African Swine Fever (ASF) after a recent outbreak was reported in several towns.
Governor Aris Aumentado has issued an executive order declaring a state of emergency in the affected areas and establishing a quarantine zone to contain the outbreak.
The move comes after the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian confirmed the presence of the ASF virus in Carmen, Bohol on 29 December 2024, following the detection of the virus in six samples taken from hogs raised in the affected barangay.
A 100-metre radius quarantine zone has been set up around the affected area, with all hogs within the zone subject to culling to prevent the spread of the virus.
The transport of pork and pork products has also been restricted, while hogs within a 300-metre radius of the index case will be tested for the virus.
The government has also implemented strict protocols, including the use of foot mats and other disinfection methods, to prevent the spread of the disease.
The outbreak has raised worries about the potential impact on Bohol’s billion-peso hog industry, as well as food security in Central Visayas.
DTI establishes Negosyo Center in Batuan to Boost Local Economy
The Department of Trade and Industry and the local government unit of Batuan signed a memorandum of agreement recently to establish a Negosyo Center at the town’s municipal hall.
The agreement was signed by DTI Provincial Director Vierna Mae Ligan and Batuan Mayor Antonino Jumawid and Vice Mayor Jing Bulalaque.
The center will offer various services, including business name registration assistance, business information and advocacy, business advisory services and renewal of DTI permits.
Entrepreneurs and those looking to start a business can visit the center for information and resources.
The Negosyo Center aims to support micro, small and medium entrepreneurs, who are considered the backbone of the economy and make up a portion of the business sector.
The center is part of the government’s efforts to promote economic growth by providing assistance to small businesses.
Traffic-related incidents persist as major issue in Bohol
Traffic-related incidents (TRI) continue to plague the province of Bohol, with the Bohol Provincial Police Office (BPPO) recording 3,995 cases from January to December 28, 2024.
According to the BPPO report, the incidents resulted in 1,692 physical injuries, 2,223 property damages, and 80 homicides, showing the need for enhanced road safety and discipline, particularly among drivers.
The police attributed the high number of TRIs to several factors, including the involvement of minors who lack proper licenses to drive.
As BPPO gears up for 2025, it has pledged to intensify efforts to maintain peace and order in the province.
Meanwhile, the police have reported a big improvement in their crime-solving capabilities, with a crime clearance efficiency of 98.7 percent and a crime solution efficiency of 97.42 percent. This indicates that the authorities have been effective in processing and resolving cases brought to their attention over the past year.
BPPO’s efforts to address traffic-related incidents and other crimes are expected to continue in the new year, with a focus on promoting road safety and discipline among drivers.
Bohol congressman bet vows to tackle rising fish prices
Congressman candidate Atty. Jordan Pizarras has vowed to tackle the rising fish prices in the province, citing the plight of fishermen and the burden on consumers.
A top priority for Pizarras is the implementation of the Fisheries Landing Law, which aims to provide a comprehensive solution to ensure fair prices and sustainable management of the fishing industry in the province.
Pizarras identified the root cause of the problem as the cycle of exploitation, where fish pass through multiple middlemen before reaching the market, resulting in exorbitant prices.
“The fish is already expensive because it is sold three times before it reaches the market. The ordinary people can no longer afford it, and the poor are the most affected,” he said.
To break this cycle, the Fisheries Landing Law will establish designated landing sites, allowing fishermen’s families, particularly their wives, to sell their catch directly to consumers through the Fisherman’s Market. This setup eliminates middlemen, ensuring fresh and affordable fish for local buyers.
Pizarras also cited the benefits of the law, including the maintenance of municipal waters by local government units and the empowerment of fishermen to control their livelihood and provide consumers with fresh fish at fair prices.
He noted that local landing sites and direct fish markets aim to protect fishermen, promote sustainable fishing practices, and ensure affordable seafood for all Boholanos.
Police seize million-peso shabu haul in Tagbilaran buy-bust
Authorities seized about P1 million pesos worth of shabu in a buy-bust operation today, Jan. 6, 2025, in Tagbilaran City, police said.
Peterson Andrew Salibay, 43, also known as “Puti,” a resident of Purok 1, Barangay Dampas, was arrested during the operation conducted by the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit.
Police also recovered a .38 caliber pistol, three live bullets, and eight packets of suspected shabu weighing 155 grams with an estimated street value of P1,054,000 pesos.
Salibay will face charges of illegal drug trading, possession of illegal drugs, and illegal possession of firearms, according to the Panglao Drug Enforcement Unit.
DOH dismisses unverified social media posts on alleged Covid-like spread in China
The Department of Health (DOH) has issued a public advisory dismissing circulating social media posts about an alleged health emergency in China, stating that no confirmation has been received from either the cited country or the World Health Organization (WHO).
The health department emphasized that as an active participant in the WHO network of Member States following the International Health Regulations (IHR), it maintains reliable channels for updates on international health concerns.
“Philippine disease surveillance systems are in place and working,” the DOH said in its advisory.
The department assured the public that it is “actively verifying all information” and will provide updates to the Filipino public as necessary.
The advisory comes as the country continues to strengthen its health security preparedness, having recently completed its second Joint External Evaluation (JEE) – making it one of only three countries in the Western Pacific region to do so since 2016, DOH said.
The DOH urged the public to refrain from sharing information from questionable websites and online sources to prevent the spread of misinformation and confusion.
For official updates, the public is encouraged to follow the DOH’s verified social media accounts and official website.
More than P1M in alleged drugs seized in Tagbilaran buy bust
More than P1 million worth of alleged drugs were seized in a buy bust operation in Tagbilaran City on Jan. 4, 2025.
Elements of the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit conducted an anti-illegal drug operation that led to a sting operation and arrest of the suspect.
The suspect was identified as Peterson Andrew Salibay, 43, of barangay Dampas.
The police conducted the buy bust operation against the suspect using a poseur buyer.
The suspect was arrested after engaging with an undercover cop.
Seized from the suspect were sachets containing alleged shabu with estimated weight of 155 grams.
Police also confiscated a .38 caliber revolver and live ammunition from the said suspect.
Charges of violation of Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 will be filed shartly against the suspect.
Capitol releases 2 EOs vs. ASF
The provincial government has released two new executive orders (EO) in an effort to contain the spread of the African Swine Fever (ASF) virus that has affected portions of Bohol.
Most of the barangays hit with ASF are remote as it is suspected that tainted swine or pork were snuggled in those areas.
At least five towns are having active ASF cases including San Miguel, Batuan. Carmen, Ubay and Pilar.
The Capitol issued an EO restricting the transport of boars to prevent the spread of ASF.
Reports say that one of the reasons for the spread of ASF is the transport of boars and for this reason a moratorium on using boars to inseminate sows within six months.
This has been seen by experts as a temporary solution to protect the more than a billion-peso swine industry in Bohol and to ensure bio security.
Another EO issued is directing swine owners to comply with accreditation in an effort to monitor activities with the goal of preventing the spread of the virus.
The Office of the Provincial Veterenarian is the focal office in guarding against the spread of the virus.
The local governments, police, and the Bureau of Animal Industry are also included in the effort to ensure that the virus is contained.
The provincial government has initiated an orientation regarding the executive order and the guidelines towards smooth implementation.
OPV confirms ASF outbreak in Bohol
The Office of the Provincial Veterinarian (OPV) has confirmed that Bohol is now having an African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak.
According to latest reports, a total of 1,216 pigs were culled in an effort to stop the spread of the ASF virus.
Sources said that cases have been detected in San Vicente and Bayongan in San Miguel; Poblacion Norte and Poblacion Sur in Batuan; Los Angeles and San Francisco in Ubay, Nueva Vida Norte and Buenos Aires in Carmen; and La Suerte in Pilar.
Currently, swine transport from areas with active ASF cases is prohibited in order to prevent the spread of the virus.
Boars may also be virus carriers, and for this reason their transport is also restricted, reports say.
Sources add that most of the affected pigs come from backyard raisers, and commercial piggeries are largely unaffected, too.
Experts say the virus only affects swine and does not harm humans.
Authorities urge the public to cooperate in the fight to contain the ASF problem in Bohol.
2 Bohol towns, Tagb top number of HIV cases
Two towns in Bohol and Tagbilaran City landed in the top three spots having the most number of HIV cases, according to a report.
As this developed, Central Visayas has the 4th most number of HIV cases in the country.
Aside from Tagbilaran, the towns of Guindulman and Panglao are also in the top 3 of localities with high number of HIV cases, reports add.
In a report the data about the number of cases in Tagbilaran was confirmed by City Health Office spokesman Robin Culpa.
The Department of Health (DOH) has not released the exact number of HIV patients in compliance with the data privacy and the Philippine HIV/AIDS law.
Culpa said the age range of HIV patients are from 16 to 34 and Central Visayas has 1,011 new cases, reports say.
Provincial Health Office (PHO) OIC Dr. Fruserma Mary Uy confirmed the rising cases of HIV here and pointed out to risky behavior as one of the reasons causing the rise in cases.
She said social media may be fuelling risky behavior among the people especially among young people who may explore more in risky behavior.
She said the PHO has been educating the people about HIV and to offer testing with several programs lined up by the DOH.
Puagang welcomes additional tasks as City SP ex-officio member
Liga ng mga Barangay Tagbilaran chapter president Alberto Puagang welcomes the new challenges and tasks as he assumed his new role as ex-officio member of the Sangguniang Panglungsod (SP).
Puagang said that there is little difference in his role as a barangay captain and councilor representing the barangay captains in the city.
He also said that there are just more tasks as a councilor as the job has farther reach and not just confined in his barangay.
Puagang told Ardy Araneta-Batoy during an interview about his impressions during Thursday’s Newsmakers ug Uban Pa episode.
Puagang replaced Sergio Bangalao as the ex-officio member of the SP back in Dec. 31, 2024.
Puagang will serve until the next barangay elections slated in December of 2025.
Puagang has been barangay captain for 11 years and has been sitting as captain of the said barangay since 2018.
He said that among the challenges of being a barangay captain is sourcing of funds to finance projects such as infrastructure.
In his watch, he was able to find ways to finance modest infrastructure projects for his constituents.
Farmer hurt in road accident in Carmen
A farmer was hurt when he figured in an accident while walking as a vehicle rammed into him in Carmen town on Jan. 8, 2025.
The victim was identified as Ponciamo Baligdos, 57, of barangay Katipunan.
Reports say that the farmer was heading home from the ricefield when he met an accident as an oncoming motorcycle rammed into him.
The motorcycle was driven by a certain Rodenson Madrigal of barangay Bugsoc, Sierra Bullones.
The farmer and the driver were both hurt after the incident.
The two were brought to a nearby hospital.
BPPO prepares for election period
The Bohol Police Provincial Office says that the (BPPO) has been preparing for the start of the election period, which starts on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025.
Lt. Col. Norman Nuez spoke to Ardy Araneta-Batoy about the election period preparations during the Jan. 9, 2025 episode of Open Forum.
He said that together with military forces, and other law enforcement agencies, they will be enforcing election laws under the supervision of the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
They are bracing to fulfill their role in ensuring the peace and order during the conduct of the election period, he said.
He hopes the elections will be honest, orderly, fair and peaceful.
Nuez said that the police will consider every threat to peace and order.
It is possible that threats to peace may break due to intense political rivalries with the possibility of the use of armed individuals.
He also anticipates vote buying during the conduct of the elections as it has become a custom not just in Bohol but also in other parts of the country.
Nuez said the main function of the police is to ensure the elections will be peaceful and orderly and everyone’s rights are respected whether he is a candidate or a voter.
Nuez said that the police also conducted a reshuffling of police officers with relatives running for public office.
He said that in order to ensure fairness, those police officers with relatives running for office are temporarily transferred while the election period is ongoing.
The officers with relatives up to the fourth degree of consanguinity and affinity are transferred to other areas and will return to their original areas of assignment once the election period is over.
Gun ban to start on Jan. 12
The gun ban in relation to the elections in May, starts on Jan. 12, 2025, which also signals the start of the election period.
The gun ban is nationwide in scope and with the goal of ensuring peace and order during the conduct of the elections this coming May.
As this developed, the Bohol Police Provincial Office reminds the gun owners that carrying of firearms outside of residence is no longer allowed during the election period.
Only those with exemption and those who are members of the uniformed service are allowed to carry guns during the election period.
A person who wishes to be exempted from the gun ban may apply for an exemption before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) so they can legally carry firearms.
Boholano saved after his boat catches fire in Argao
A Boholano is now in safe hands after his boat caught fire in the waters off Argao, Cebu on Jan. 7, 2025.
The boat owner identified as Dionesio Parilla, 61, of Cabilao, Loon, sustained burns as the boat he was using caught fire.
Sources said Parilla had 20 containers of “bahalina”, which was supposed to be delivered to Cabilao Island.
However, as he was sailing, the boat caught fire and the boat was totally damaged.
The victim was spotted as the boat was on fire, while other fishermen rescued Parilla.
Parilla is a frequent visitor in Argao and would purchase “bahalina” to be transported back to Cabilao, and it was his first time that Parilla met an accident such as the one that happened out at sea, the source adds.
A probe will be conducted to determine the exact reason the boat caught fire.
Mayor Balo expresses concern over hike in HIV cases
Guindulman mayor Albino Balo expressed concern over reports that his town is among the top 3 localities in Bohol with high number of HIV cases.
It has been reported that HIV cases in Bohol are on the rise and Guindulman together with Tagbilaran and Panglao are among the top localities with the most number of cases
In a statement released via social media, the mayor said that the local government has been conducting information and education campaign on the disease since 2017.
They also have been conducting programs on reproductive health and HIV testing.
He said the community should bolster discipline and maintain moral uprightness especially among the youth as a measure against the spread of HIV.
Balo said a symposium will be held soon to tackle health and career issues among the youth.
The measure is aimed to arrest the rising numbers of HIV patients in the said town.
Backrider dies, driver hurt in road accident in Dimiao
A backrider died as the motorcycle driver was hurt following a road accident on Jan. 5, 2024 in barangay Luyo, Dimiao.
The accident took place at an accident-prone area along the national highway of the said barangay.
The fatality was identified as June Mark Baguhin, 19, of barangay Cayam, Garcia-Hernandez while the injured driver was identified as Anna Michelle Asoy, 22, of Poblacion, San Isidro and is the girlfriend of the fatality.
Police said that based on initial investigation, the couple was traveling from Tagbilaran City to Garcia-Hernandez to attend a party of the fatality’s younger sibling.
However, upon reaching a curved area of the national highway, the driver lost control of the vehicle and rammed into a steel barrier. Both were wearing helmets at the time of the accident.
Police added that the backrider died on the spot as the victim’s head smashed into the steel barrier.
The driver was brought to a nearby hospital who was reportedly just learned how to drive quite recently and was not familiar with the area.
Ubay’s 2025 budget remains pending
The town of Ubay is facing a serious problem as item 2025 budget was not approved on time by the town’s Sangguniang Bayan.
It was reported that Vice Mayor Victor Bonghanoy has not ruled to break the impasse that caused the delay of the passage of the said budget.
Observers said politics has been hollering louder in the said town and has affected key measures such as the budget.
The proposed budget of Ubay is pegged at around P451 million, which remained unapproved as of Jan. 8, 2025.
As it is, the town is now operating on a reenacted budget and has been disqualified to get the Seal of Good Local Government award.
Ubay is among the towns in Bohol that received the seal in 2024.
The budget was the subject of debates among members of the town council during Wednesday’s regular session led by Bonghanoy.
Bonghanoy refused to rule in order to approve the committee report from the Committee on Appropriations and Finance, which conducted the budget hearings.
Bonghanoy directed the Committee on Appropriations and Finance to go back to the drawing boards and this time discussions will be made via the Committee of the Whole as there were allegedly dubious items in the budget.
The budget remained pending as the town council’s members of the majority are aligned with Mayor Costan Reyes:
As this developed, Municipal Local Government Operations Officer Karen Beniga reminded the council about its role in approving the budget including the role of the presiding officer in the approval of the measure
Beniga said that if there are questions about the budget, these items should be questioned before the courts in order not to derail the local government unit’s operations.
The budget was supposed to be approved by the end of 2024.
It was learned that this was the first time that Ubay’s budget was delayed due to the reluctance of the vice mayor to rule in the motion to approve the committee report, as observers allege that the move has something to do with politics.
Bonghanoy is running againt Mayor Reyes’ wife Violy and four other aspirants for the town’s mayoral post.
Damalerio hopeful new ordinance gets signed
Board member Aldner Damalerio hopes that his ordinance will be signed and implemented by the governor.
In an interview on Jan. 9, 2025, Damalerio expressed hopes his ordinance will be signed by Gov. Aris Aumentado within a couple of days after the latter’s arrival from a foreign trip.
The governor is expected to return to Bohol by Jan. 14, 2025.
The new measure calls for the establishment of a unified command center where several agencies will be located in one area with the aim of responding to emergencies.
The center will be composed of members from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, and other agencies such as the Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Coast Guard, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and Philippine National Police among others.
The members of the center will monitor the situation in Bohol for quicker response, Damalerio said.
He added it will help in disaster preparedness and to maintain peace and order.
As the ordinance was passed on third and final reading, Damalerio hopes that the governor will sign the proposed ordinance into a full-fledged ordinance once the chief executive shall have been in the province.
Cacho reveals LTFRB push back on city’s road plan
Coun. Jonas Cacho revealed that the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) returned the road plan endorsed by the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
Cacho said in a report, that the LTFRB returned the plan crafted by the Committee on Transportation of the city council.
LTFRB returned the plan amid the complaints of residents of barangay Cabawan where there were no routes planned going to and from the Dr. Cecilio Putong National High School campus located in the said barangay.
Cacho said a meeting was held among city councilors and transport groups to determine the routes within the city.
There are several barangays in Tagbilaran that remain unserved by public utility vehicles.
Cacho hopes that Mayor Jane Yap issues a special permit to allow public utility vehicles to ply routes that remain unserved.
Ubay MAO recommends placing town under state of calamity due to ASF
The Municipal Agriculture Officer (MAO) of Ubay has recommended the placing of the town under a state of calamity,
This comes as the town has become the latest locality grappling the issue on African Swine Fever (ASF).
As this developed, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office has approved the measure to declare a state of calamity.
The measure will then be submitted to the Sangguniang Bayan (SB) of Ubay for approval of the measure declaring the town to be under a state of calamity after at least three barangays are affected by the African Swine Fever (ASF).
Earlier, the Municipal Agriculturist Office of Ubay recommended the placement of the town under a state of calamity after confirmed reports of ASF infection.
Reports said that barangays Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Bulilis were affected by the ASF virus.
Municipal agriculturist Marianito Doydora said the town may declare a state of calamity when there are two or more barangays affected with ASF in order to protect other barangays from getting the infection too.
The declaration enabled the local government to tap funds and to mobilize personnel to help in curbing the infection.
The authorities enjoined the public to cooperate and help in containing the virus as the government alone may not be able to solve the problem without the people’s help.
Public consultation on Bohol Tourism Code moved to Jan. 15
The public consultation on the proposed amendments on the Bohol Tourism Code was moved to Jan. 15, 2025.
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Tourism was supposed to conduct a public consultation on the matter on Wednesday but was postponed and moved to a later date.
There is a move to carve a new tourism code for the province seeking to address key issues such as overcharging and alleged unscrupulous pricing.
Sources say that the Committee on Tourism chair Jisselle Ray Villamor had to attend an engagement representing the governor.
The committee shall be sending out new notices to the resource persons and the public regarding the new schedule of the public consultation.
The measure has remained pending before the provincial board and seen as a way to remedy issues faced by the tourism industry.
Tourism is among the major economic drivers of Bohol together with the services sector and agriculture.
Man arrested for alleged illegal gambling in Guindulman
A man was arrested in Guindulman for alleged illegal gambling on Jan. 8, 2025, reports say.
The suspect was identified as a certain Gaudencio Felisilda Gulay Jr., 32, of barangay Canhaway, Guindulman.
Police conducted an anti-illegal gambling operation that resulted in the arrest of the suspect who was caught in the act of engaging in illegal gambling betting operations.
Taken from the suspect were bet stub, alleged bet money and other paraphernalia.
It has been alleged that Guindulman is among the towns where illegal gambling is rampant.
NGCP marks fruitful 2024, eyes completion of key projects soon
Several milestones marked NGCP’s achievements in 2024, following the completion of four major grid projects that have significantly bolstered the reliability of the country’s grid infrastructure. In January, NGCP inaugurated the Mindanao-Visayas Interconnection Project (MVIP), the Cebu-Negros-Panay 230-kiloVolt (kV) backbone in April, and the Mariveles-Hermosa-San Jose 500kV Line in July. Capping its fruitful year, NGCP also fully completed the Cebu-Bohol Interconnection Project last September. The CBIP plays a crucial role in improving transmission services and grid stability in Central Visayas and helps develop the transmission highway in Cebu, the load center of Visayas, through a new line that will transmit power in and out of the province. “These achievements reflect NGCP’s strong commitment to advancing our grid infrastructure to ensure a more stable and resilient power supply for households, businesses, and industries,” NGCP said. Aside from the completion of big-ticket projects, NGCP provided better service at a lower cost, charging only P0.55 centavos per KWH, compared to P0.74 under TransCo. The amount is equivalent to just 3.39 percent of the electricity bill, while generation and distribution charges make up its bulk with 53.17 percent and 21.81 percent, respectively. Since NGCP took over the transmission operations from TransCo in 2009, outages went down by 82 percent, reflecting the significant improvement in the efficiency and reliability of the country’s grid under its watch. Amid the successful year, NGCP is not resting on its laurels as it intends to complete more projects in the coming years, including the New Antipolo 230kV Substation in Rizal, Laguindingan 230kV Substation in Misamis Oriental, and substation upgrading, voltage improvement, and reliability projects in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Other projects scheduled for completion, barring any further right-of-way, permitting, and other external delays, include the Tuguegarao–Lal-lo (Magapit) 230kV Transmission Line, Ambuklao-Binga-San Manuel 230kV Line, Western Luzon 500kV Backbone Stage 2, Marilao Extra High Voltage Substation, Tuy 500/230 kV Project Stage 1, Nabas-Caticlan-Boracay 138kV Line, Cebu-Lapu Lapu 230kV Transmission Line, Lapu Lapu 230kV Substation Project, Tacurong-Kalamansig 69 kV Transmission Line Project, and other upgrading projects. “Despite challenges being encountered in right-of-way acquisition and permitting, with the support of relevant government agencies, we are optimistic that we are on track to finish these projects in the pipeline,” said NGCP. The transmission grid operator renewed its appeal for the swift resolution and approval of applications filed with the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), which affects the company’s operations. As a highly regulated entity, NGCP needs the ERC’s approval to implement its projects and to recover the costs spent in building these transmission facilities. “We remain hopeful that the ERC will support our efforts by ensuring a timely and fair recovery for our capital expenditure. This recovery is vital to sustaining our investment in enhancing the reliability and capacity of our energy infrastructure,” NGCP remarked.