ASF infection confirmed in Bilar
The Bilar Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) confirmed the presence of the African Swine Fever (ASF) infection, according to reports on Jan. 24, 2025.
The infection was detected in swines located in barangay Bugang Sur.
The confirmation came after positive tests on two swine emerged.
Sources said there were swines who had died starting Jan. 18, 2025 and blood samples were collected on Jan. 20, 2025 and results came out the following day.
Moreover, an area in barangay Dagohoy is under strict monitoring after discovering a swine population there.
As of press time, the result of the blood sample taken from swines in barangay Dagohoy remains pending.
As of Friday, at least four swines were culled to prevent the spread of ASF infection.
Three of the swines are from Buagang Sur and one from barangay Dagohoy.
Sources add that there have been no more reports of swine fatality reported of late.
As a measure to prevent further infection, border checkpoints have been set up in barangays in Bilar town.
Most of the hog growers in Bilar are backyard raisers as they form the backbone of the swine industry in Bohol worth more than a billion pesos.
The raisers have been reminded to follow the protocol in order to prevent the spread of the disease affecting pigs.
The said virus is not harmful to humans even if ingested.
There is no known effective and well-tested vaccine for the infection.
Lim expresses confusion over budget conflict between PBBM, PRRD
Former mayor and gubernatorial candidate Dan Neri Lim expressed confusion over the brewing conflict between incumbent President Marcos Jr. and former President Duterte.
He said this during his radio program on Tuesday where he mentioned the conflict between the two leaders.
The conflict comes as Duterte commented on the expose of Cong. Isidro Ungab who flagged alleged discrepancies in the bicameral committee report on the recently approved General Appropriations Act (GAA).
Ungab said there were missing budget amounts for items under the Department of Agriculture and unprogrammed appropriations.
The blanks could not be considered a typographical, grammatical, or printing error, Ungab said
For his part, Marcos slammed his predecessor and said the former president was “lying” after Duterte said the 2025 budget was “invalid.”
Lim, a known political observer wants to see how the cookie crumbles before he makes any comment on the issue.
He added that such an issue is worthy of concern unless the issue was blown out of proportion or have been exaggerated.
Lim has been using his platform to air his opinions on key national and local issues including his take on the recent rally for peace organized mainly by the Iglesia ni Cristo.
Tilapia top choice of fish in Bohol
Provincial agriculturist Liza Quirog said tilapia has become the top fish choice in the province.
She said this as she expressed amazement over the development and would like to underscore the rise of tilapia’s popularity and success.
She is now bolstering the tilapia and hito farming to improve the supply of freshwater fish
PLANT MORE FRUITS
Quirog, chief of the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA), has started a campaign to entice Boholanos to plant more fruit-bearing plants.
Quirog told The Bohol Tribune through Ardy Araneta-Batoy on Thursday that her office has been campaigning hard to convince the people of Bohol to plant fruits.
The OPA said that people should take advantage of the fact the office has plenty of fruit seeds in stock.
She said the office has seeds like rambutan, mangosteen, and guyabano, among others.
Those who want to avail themselves of the seeds, should write a letter addressed to the governor of Bohol and the OPA will conduct a field evaluation to determine which seeds are right for the soil in your property, she said.
She also said that documentation is needed by the Commission on Audit (COA), and this is why a process needs to be followed.
Moreover, she said that the OPA farm equipment needed by farmers may be used for minimal costs.
The use of these equipment may help hasten their work in the farms, making harvesting easier, she said.
She added that it is currently planting season for palay and in March will be the land preparation for corn.
The machines she mentioned could be of great use for Boholano farmers who wish to get assistance using these pieces of equipment.
She also gave great news where farmers get to use a water-detecting machine for free as the provincial board granted an extension of the moratorium for payment of rent for the use of the device.
Alleged gun-for-hire, ex-convict found dead in Sierra Bullones
An alleged gun-for-hire and ex-convict was found dead sustaining multiple gunshot wounds in Sierra Bullones on Jan. 17, 2025.
Police identified the body days later.
Police identified the dead body as Jonathan Mar, 53, of Duero but he originally was from Inabanga.
A man gathering wood discovered Mar’s remains at a ravine beside a provincial road in barangay Villa Garcia at around past 1 p.m.
Initial probe said that Mar, whose hands were handcuffed, was likely tortured before he was shot to death as indicated by the nature of his injuries.
Police said Mar was a member of a gun-for-hire group and may have been killed due to his illegal occupation.
However, other motives are being explored as investigation continues to determine the identity of the killers.
PCG clears video re slider is old one
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) clarified that the video circulating on social media showing an alleged underwater drone is an old one and has been reposted.
A Facebook page featured the alleged underwater drone found in the waters off Garcia-Hernandez.
A source from the Coast Guard in Bohol said an alleged drone was discovered off Bohol in July last year.
It was said the equipment was discovered by fishermen in the waters at the boundary of Valencia and Garcia Hernandez.
Sources added that when the Coast Guard went to check the reported equipment, it was already gone and was not recovered by authorities.
A report was sent to regional authorities about the posts on social media about a drone discovered off Bohol.
SB Alicia majority stands pat on decision to block town college loan plan
The majority of the Sangguniang Bayan (SB) of Alicia is standing pat on its decision not to support the plan of the executive to get a loan to fund Alicia College.
To recall, the majority of the SB has junked the request of Mayor Dong Torres to give him authority to get a loan from the Landbank to fund Alicia College.
Coun. Denfil Corre, in a report said, the mayor can’t do anything as the SB decided against the plan to get a loan.
To recall, Mayor Torres ranted on social media in December after the SB junked his request to allow him to get a loan.
He said the SB members who denied the request have no pity for poor parents who wish to give education to their children.
The loan will be used to operate Alicia College.
The councilors do not oppose Alicia College but blocked loan moves.
Corre said that even if the SB approved the request for a loan, the money will not be used immediately as the school opening is slated next year.
Motorcycle driver meets accident in Catigbian
A motorcycle driver met an accident after a cow appeared apparently out of nowhere in Catigbian town on Wednesday.
The driver was identified as Espericion Olvinar, 55, of barangay Maitum, Catigbian.
Reports say the victim was on board his motorcycle and was travelling to fetch his child in school.
Upon reaching an area in barangay Maitum, a cow appeared apparently out of nowhere and startled the driver, causing him to lose control and crash.
The driver was rescued and brought to a nearby hospital and eventually referred to a hospital in Tagbilaran City.
As of press time, the victim is getting proper medical attention.
SP Okays solid waste plan
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) on Tuesday approved the 10-year solid waste plan, which has been long delayed.
The news was revealed by Board Member Aldner Damalerio, who said that the plan was delayed because of the incomplete action of some local government units (LGU).
Now, he said the LGUs were able to craft their own solid waste plan, and the provincial level plan was approved by the SP.
The plan ensures the management of the disposal of the tons of waste being produced in Bohol, he said.
Almost 500 tons of waste per day is being produced.
For this, an ecological solid waste management plan is necessary, especially for Bohol known for its eco-tourism advocacy.
The passage of the measure comes amid the issues revolving the continued operation of the Albur Santitary Landfill
To recall, issues of garbage juice leaking sounded an alarm prodding Albur Mayor Don Ritchie Buates to decide in closing the landfill temporarily.
Damalerio said concerned officials have been meeting to find solutions to the problem.
The city government and the provincial government committed to helping Albur by lending heavy equipment, he said.
Selected Bohol election officers to train for automated polls
Selected election officers from Bohol are slated to travel to Manila for training sessions related to the automated elections this May.
At least 20 election officers from select towns in Bohol will be trained on the new vote counting machine built by South Korea’s Miru Systems.
According to Comelec Tagbilaran election officer Rocco Lamanilao, not all election officers in Bohol will attend the week-long training as some will be joining the succeeding batches to be trained on a different schedule.
Those who will be trained will be the ones to train the people who will be manning the poll precincts in May.
Meanwhile, the counting machine roadshow will continue until the end of January 2025.
This means that the poll body will visit barangays to introduce the new machines and its features to voters.
Lim says Atoy is better than Jane
Gubernatorial candidate Dan Neri Lim has lauded the way mayoralty aspirant Atoy Torralba has been handling his affairs to foster closer ties with voters.
In his radio program on Wednesday, Lim compared and contrasted the approaches of the two bets, and in his opinion, Torralba is doing a splendid job in approaching voters, house-to-house, especially in barangay Cogon.
Lim, who is a three-term mayor of Tagbilaran City, said Torralba’s approach might catapult him to the mayoralty post.
He cited a couple of reasons Torralba is a wiser choice than the incumbent Mayor Jane Yap.
Yap is Lim’s niece-in-law.
Lim said if the incumbent will not be careful, she might end up losing city hall to Torralba, who is the son of a former Tagbilaran City mayor.
Lim went on criticizing the administration of Yap, including the allegations of mismanaging the city coffers and allegedly holding out on the basic aid to constituents.
Lim even mentioned that while city officials harp on the alleged reclamation at the third bridge, the resort owned by the mayor’s parents-in-law received a mayor’s permit allegedly even if the contract on the reclaimed area expired and is yet to be renewed.
Lim, late last year, admitted to having filed a case before the Ombudsman over the alleged issuance of a permit to a resort that was yet to renew its lease on the reclaimed area.
Lim said Torralba provides a better alternative to Yap, whose family has held on to the reins of the city for almost 12 years.
Meanwhile, Lim also criticized the way the provincial government is handling the water crisis at the Bohol Panglao International Airport (BPIA).
He said that while it was declared that the issue has been solved, there are questions that need answers, such as who will pay for the water delivered by Bohol Water Utilities Inc.
Moreover, Lim also questioned how the province is handling the issues on HIV and the African Swine Fever (ASF).
Damalerio believes some measures provide lasting benefits to Boholanos
Board member Aldner Damalerio said that he believes that certain legislative measures leave a lasting impact on Boholano lives like the 10-year solid waste plan.
He told Ardy Araneta-Batoy on Wednesday that every ware bought in the province is manufactured elsewhere and imported into Bohol.
However, once the wares have been used, the refuse will be thrown within the province as trash can not be exported elsewhere.
As people continue to use products, trash is produced, and eventually, mountains of refuse will be pile up if the garbage issue is not well managed.
He said that without proper solid waste management, the garbage problem would become a huge headache.
CHATTO LEGACY
Damalerio also touched on a legacy of former Gov. Edgar Chatto, where disaster risk reduction and management has become institutionalized in the province.
The office handling disaster risk reduction has become a multi-awarded office as it continues to find ways to mitigate the impact of disasters.
As the chair of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management said, other localities are looking up to Bohol as a model in disaster risk reduction and management and are learning from the best practices, he said.
The disaster risk reduction and management office of Bohol was born out of the efforts of Chatto and former provincial administrator Alfonso “Ae” Damalerio with the Telephone and Radio System Integrated Emergency Response (TARSIER 117).
As a result of this legacy, Boholanos are able to count on rescuers at a time of need.
Damalerio said he admires Chatto for the latter’s ability to plan for long-term projects and look at the holistic approach in development.
Chatto knows how to translate a vision into reality, he told the veteran journalist.
Chatto’s efforts in the past are being reaped by the current generation with the vision of making lives better.
He pointed out how the entire country benefited from the summer jobs law for students, as not only Boholanos are benefiting the law, but also students from other places.
Chatto authored a law creating a framework to provide temporary jobs for students while on summer vacation.
As a legislator, he remains committed to working for the betterment of the people.
GOING STRONG
Damalerio is up for reelection as he runs for his third and final term.
Reports say that he remains one of the strongest contenders to retain a seat at the provincial board.
NON DISCRIMINATION ORDINANCE ISSUE
Damalerio gave his thoughts on the anti-discrimination ordinance rescinded by the majority in the provincial board.
Damalerio is part of the minority with Board Members Benjie Arcamo, Mimi Boniel and Elpidio Bonita.
The measure was supposed to be passed on third and final reading, but the majority killed the said proposed ordinance, arguing the process of legislation was allegedly not followed.
There were no issues on the sections and provisions of the proposed ordinance, he said, and he was wondering why it was rescinded.
The said proposed ordinance was among the requirements for the Seal of Good Local Governance as mandated but the Department of the Interior and Local Government.
Mayor Piollo: Stiff competition on whale watching space cheapens attraction
Lila mayor Arturo Jed Piollo said more entrants in the whale watching space have contributed to a price drop offered by attractions.
It can be remembered that the whale watching attraction in Bohol started in Lila, and then Albur joined the industry after Lila.
Whales then started showing in the waters off Dauis, attracting investors to set up whale watching in Catarman as some are looking to set up another attraction in barangay Dao of the same town.
In a report, Piollo admitted that the new whale watching sites have impacted the number of tourists visiting Lila to watch the whales swim.
It has been seen that the competition has drawn away some tourists from their area, which otherwise would have visited Lila to watch the whales.
It can be observed that Dauis and Albur are closer to where most of the tourists that patronize the attractions are billeted.
Dauis is closer to Panglao and Albur is closer to Tagbilaran, where visitors to Bohol often stay, observers say.
Piollo said more players in the space might cause the tourism industry to cheapen as more areas push to get a piece of the whale watching industry pie.
Piollo fears that there is a possibility that other sites may no longer follow the protocol.
He said it would be best to inspect which among the sites follow the protocol.
It is suggested by some sectors that the Department of Tourism would only allow those aligned with the protocol to remain open for whale watching and close all others.
The mayor said there is a tendency for operators to skip some steps of the protocol in order to compete with a growing number of whale watching sites.
He said that not following protocol may give a leverage over those following the rules.
He is calling for a decisive move on the matter and also suggested a moratorium until it can be figured out which site offers the best option aligned with the protocol.
He added the national agencies should step in and make a deep dive on the burgeoning industry in Bohol tourism.
Former Panglao mayor tells SP to urge more Boholanos into tourism industry
Former Panglao mayor Doloreich Dumaluan has urged the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) to craft an ordinance to entice more Boholanos to invest into the local tourism industry.
Dumaluan, in a radio interview on Jan. 21, 2025, suggested an ordinance that will give preferential treatment to Boholanos when they invest in the local tourism industry.
This comes amidst the complaints of some local tourism players being in competition with foreign-owned tourism services operators, particularly Koreans.
The former mayor suggested for a mechanism to give priority to and focus on Boholanos wishing to enter in a business within the tourism industry here.
He said the policy should be “Bohol first” or “Panglao first” meaning the opportunities to do business in the tourism industry should be offered to locals before allowing foreigners to set up shop.
Dumaluan, himself, a tourism industry player as he owns a resort in Panglao town said while foreign investors are welcome, taking all the share of the tourism pie leaving only a small portion to the locals is no longer healthy.
He said it is important to address the concerns of Boholano businesses to ensure the locals are able to reap the fruits of the tourism industry here.
Last week, some local tourism transport operators complained about tourist transports owned by foreigners and those transports that operate on a colorum status.
These foreigners and colorum operators have been competing with legitimate transport operators who have aired their complaints during a public consultation on the revisions of the Bohol tourism code conducted by the SP Committee on Tourism.
These local operators complained that their business has been affected by the competition posed by foreigners and colorum vehicles.
It was said the Koreans would corner incoming tourists as they would serve their own countrymen here.
Koreans have easy access to Bohol with frequent trips from South Korea to Panglao.
The Bohol Confederation of Tourist Transport Services is pushing to include a “Bohol First” policy to level with others in the playing field against foreign investors in the local tourism industry.
It was learned that some of the foreign-owned businesses in tourism may employ drivers or guides who are not Bohol natives.
Competition is also posed by self-driven cars being rented by visitors and eat up the market share of legitimate tourist transport operators, as some have already entertained the idea of not anymore getting an accreditation with the Department of Tourism.
The SP is in the process of revising the Tourism Code, which may introduce the possibility of collecting fees to fund tourism-related projects in Bohol.
Toddler killed after falling into a pail of water in Sagbayan
A toddler aged a year and one half accidentally fell into a pail of water placed behind his home and died allegedly due to drowning on Jan. 21, 2025 in Sagbayan town.
The victim was identified as Jeffrey (not his real name) and a resident of San Isidro, Sagbayan.
The victim was found already unconscious inside a pail of water and was brought to a medical facility but to no avail as he was declared dead by medical professionals.
According to reports, based on accounts gathered by the police, the victim was last seen playing in an area behind the victim’s house.
It was unknown how the child fell into the pail filled with a shirt soaked in water.
The victim was playing outside his home with his siblings when the accident happened.
In a video interview posted on social media, the mother said she and other members of the family were having breakfast at the grandmother’s home located near the victim’s home.
A neighbor informed the mother that the toddler was playing behind the house.
The mother then instructed the older siblings to watch over the toddler.
One older child then checked on the victim and discovered the toddler to be already inside the pail and then reported the incident to the mother.
The mother rushed to the scene and saw an already unconscious toddler.
It was reported that the victim still had a faint heartbeat when the victim was discovered i side the pail, but eventually expired in a medical facility.
Lad nabbed for carrying gun in San Isidro town
A young man was arrested after he allegedly was caught with a firearm in his possession amidst the election gun ban.
This happened at San Isidro town on Jan 22, 2025.
The suspect was identified as Regel Canteros, also known as Loloy, of barangay Libertad Norte, Tubigon.
The suspect was arrested after police responded on a report made by a concerned citizen about a man who was believed to be intoxicated at the same time carrying a gun.
He was prowling around a store inside the public market in San Isidro town.
Upon the arrival of police officers, the suspect was accosted, and the officers noticed that the suspect went seemingly nervous, causing the police to be suspicious.
The police demanded the suspect to raise his shirt, exposing a no longer concealed .38 caliber revolver and rounds of live ammunition.
As the police saw the weapon, the suspect was arrested and taken into custody and will be facing charges of illegal possession of firearms and live ammunition in relation to the election gun ban.
The Commission on Elections implemented a gun ban starting Jan. 12, 2025 and will end in June 12, 2025.
This gun ban says that carrying of firearms even of such are licensed guns is illegal unless an exemption from the poll body has been obtained by the gun owner.
Widow killed in road accident in Ubay
A widow was killed after getting run over by a motorcycle travelling along the highway in barangay Ilijan, Ubay on Jan. 21, 2025.
Reports indicate the victim was identified as Mamerta Maquilang from Alicia town.
Allegedly, the motorcycle was driven by a certain Alvin Pelicio of Mabini town, and police sources said the driver didn’t have any driver’s license.
The victim sustained severe injuries as a result of the accident and was rushed to a nearby hospital.
She expired while in the hospital while she was treated for her injuries, reports say.
Initial investigation revealed the victim was walking from a water refilling station and then crossed the street, and possibly the motorcycle driver was unable to evade the victim, that led to the accident.
The impact also caused the driver to fall into the ground as the motorcycle fell into a ditch, reports added
The driver sustained minor injuries as a result of the accident and has been taken into custody by the police.
The suspect may face charges of reckless imprudence resulting to homicide.
Cheaper power rates for BLCI consumers loom
Cheaper power rates for consumers of Bohol Light Company Inc. (BLCI) loom for the January bill, reports say.
BLCI said there will be a reduction of P1.17 per kilowatt hour (pKwH) for residential consumers.
Moreover, a reduction of P1.20 pKwH will be for commercial consumers.
At this rate, household consumers will be paying P9.50 pKwH from P10.67 pKwH in December 2024.
Furthermore, commercial consumers will be paying P9.19 pKwH from P10.38 pKwH, compared to the December bill.
The continued reduction in power rates was the result of more affordable rates in the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) and the entry of a new electricity supplier, the Energy Development Corp.
It has been reported that BLCI has contracted to buy 12 to 15 megawatts from EDC for 10 years and this started at the end of 2024.
BLCI clarified that changes in power rates are the result of unstable rates at the WESM, which is the major factor in the generation cost reflected in the bill.
Moreover, there is a one-time refund which was implemented this January for the regulatory reset fees costing P0.1460 pKwH based on the Energy Regulation Commission regulation no. 18 series of 2024.
Alleged drug pusher nabbed in Sikatuna
An alleged drug pusher was arrested in a buy bust operation in Sikatuna on Jan. 21, 2025.
Police operatives conducted an anti-illegal drug operation against a certain Alan Gutang Jr., 35, of barangay Libjo.
Intelligence operatives conducted the sting operation that resulted to the arrest of the suspect.
Police seized alleged drugs from the suspect worth P6,800.
Charges of violation against the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 may be filed against the suspect.
Senior killed in Candijay fire
A senior citizen was killed after he got suffocated while a fire erupted in Candijay on Jan. 19, 2025.
The victim was inside his home in barangay Poblacion, Candijay where a fire erupted.
The victim was identified as Philip Aton, 69, and died of suffocation according to reports.
He also sustained burn injuries as a result of the fire, sources said.
The victim was unable to escape from the burning home and died due to lack of air and due to injuries.
Initial investigation revealed that the home was partially damaged, and an allegedly short circuit may have caused the fire.
It was estimated that P70,000 in damage was the result of the fire.
Authorities are conducting further investigation on the incident.
Chatto aide sees solid support for solon from people
Top aide of Rep. Edgar Chatto echoed how the solon is well supported by the people who know the kind of leadership the congressman has been delivering through the years.
Lawyer Abeleon Damerio told Ardy Araneta-Batoy on Friday his sentiments as a survey’s results were released recently.
He said the base of support for the incumbent has been encouraging.
SURVEY
Danalerio said that survey results at this time may come dime a dozen with some carrying dubious sampling methods.
He said real scientific surveys follow rigid protocol to ensure that the right sampling is taken.
A survey should not be given enough consideration when a particular segment of the population is considered.
There are times people with access to the internet may be able to participate in the survey, rendering those without access voiceless.
In fact, both those with access and without have equal weight in terms of votes in the eyes of the law.
Damalerio said the real measure of support comes from the people who step forward and signify their support as they pour out their sentiments from their respective hearts.
There are also some who remain silent yet know who among the candidates carry genuine care for the people, he added.
Damalerio said the solid base of support for Chatto has not wavered and the people know the solon’s track record in public service in governance.
Chatto is now in his second term as congressman as he already completed a set of three terms of this position: from 2001 to 2010. He was also a former governor of Bohol for three terms, former vice governor and vice governor, as he started his political career as a youth leader in the 1970s.
Chatto, a lawyer by profession, has been a seasoned lawmaker who authored key laws, including the Tourism Code of 2009.
He has authored bills that brought transformative effects to Bohol such as the Gov. Celestino Gallares Multi-Specialty Medical Center in Cortes.
He has also been instrumental in the completion of the Bohol Panglao International Airport (BPIA), which was inaugurated during the solon’s time as governor of Bohol in 2018.
Damalerio said some surveys are skewed as they don’t follow the right scientific sampling with the goal of conditioning the minds of the people, and he slammed this kind of way of enticing people to vote for a candidate by using the bandwagon effect.
Damalerio said he believes the Boholano people are wise and know how to choose the right leaders with a vision.
K-9 dogs deployed to ports, prevent entry of drugs
At least nine K-9 dogs were deployed in the ports in Bohol to inspect incoming vehicles and prevent the entry of drugs.
The dogs were deployed at the ports starting on Jan. 20, 2025 following the executive order issued by Gov. Aris Aumentado.
Aumentado issued an executive order mandating an inspection of all vehicles.
The governor signed the order as a measure to curb the entry of drugs into the province.
Sources said the dogs have been trained to detect a range of contrabands such as illegal drugs.
Aumentado ordered strict monitoring of those entering Bohol via the ports to prevent the entry of contrabands
The dogs were deployed at the ports of Loon, Tubigon, Talibon, Ubay, Jagna and Tagbilaran City.
Random inspection at the fish ports across the province shall also be conducted.
The Capitol has coordinated with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) to implement the order.
The Capitol reaches out to the public to cooperate with the authorities to ensure peace and order in the province.
Meanwhile, the PDEA admitted that the drug problem here has become worse.
The agency said the amount of illegal drug supply that entered Bohol has increased, based on the agency’s assessment.
PDEA provincial director Ferdinand Kintanar said that it has detected kilos worth of drugs and detection was done by drug enforcement units across the province,
Some of the supply coming to Bohol is meant to be shipped to other areas in the country.
Despite the challenges, PDEA and its partners remain true and will conduct a no-let down effort against drugs.