ABAKA, Maisog distance themselves on purported rally in Bohol
The Hakbang ng Maisog and the Alyansang Bol-anon Alang sa Kausaban (ABAKA) reportedly distanced themselves to the purported rally in Bohol on Feb.15, 2025. Maisog is headed by former Cabinet Sec. Leoncio Evasco Jr. and ABAKA is chaired by Norris Oculam. Both are staunch supporters of the Dutertes. Both groups said they have no involvement in an activity purported to happen in Bohol presumably in support of Vice President Sara Duterte. The Hakang ng Maisog’s national coordinaating committee has no knowledge about the purported rally. Both groups asked the rally organizers to show respect to the Maisog movement and not to usurp the authority and rights of the national committee. Moreover, there is no truth that Vice President Sara Duterte will pay Bohol’s visit soon, reports say, Supporters of the vice president has lit fire on social media blasting those who supported Duterte ‘s impeachment.
Man stabs dead brother-in-law in Dagohoy
A man stabbed dead his brother-in-law during the eve of a wedding feast in Dagohoy town on Feb. 10, 2025. The victim was identified as Joel Manon, 51, and he was with the suspect Arcadio Balonga, 60. Both were hired to roast a pig called lechon in the dialect. The two were preparing to roast a pig on the eve of a wedding feast before the incident happened. The allegation is that the suspect had a few alcohol drinks before the incident and that he got annoyed allegedly by the victim. Allegedly, the victim also had some alcohol drinks and was stabbed all of a sudden. The suspect was taken into custody by the Dagohoy police as he was arrested by responding police officers. The victim was brought to a hospital in Tagbilaran City but was later declared dead.
Albur starts to use equip’t sent by Capitol
The local government unit (LGU) of Albur has started to use the heavy equipment lent by the Capitol for the sanitary landfill. The equipment is being used to fill earth into the trash thrown in the landfill, reports say. In this light, Albur mayor Don Ritchie Buates thanked the Capitol for lending the needed equipment to help cover the sanitary landfilll with earth to prevent odor from escaping the area. The landfill is facing challenges as it was found to be leaking leachate outside the treatment area. Moreover, the LGU is having issues with equipment to be used in covering the landfill. The city government of Tagbilaran has also promised to lend equipment to Albur to be used in the landfill. Mayor Jane Yap promised Buates that some equipmemt owned by the city government will be lent to the town of Albur for the landfill use. Buates said there is a need for six pieces of heavy equipment in order to fill the landfill with earth. However, Buates insists that the landfill needs to be closed in order to be rehabilitated. The Albur mayor estimates the closure will have a duration of 12 to 15 days.
Drug suspect nabbed in Albur
The Albur drug enforcement unit arrested a drug suspect in barangay Eastern Poblacion, on Feb. 11, 2025. The police detected the suspect to be allegedly engaging in the illegal drug trade. For this reason, the police staged a buy bust operation. The suspect was identified as Ryan Pacaldo, 41, of barangay Sta. Filomena, Albur. A poseur buyer engaged in a transaction with the suspect and the latter was arrested after the transaction was consummated. Seized from the suspect were at least four packets containing alleged shabu estimated to weigh 0.40 grams and valued at P2, 720. The suspect faces charges of violation of Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Capitol, DSWD stage Kauban sa Reporma Congress
The Capitol in cooperation with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) staged the Kauban sa Reporma (KR) congress in relation to the 15th Bohol Peace Day celebration on Feb. 11, 2025 . The activity was held at the Bohol Cultural Center. The event celebrated the 15 years from the date Bohol was declared insurgency-free. By insurgency-free it means rebels in Bohol are no longer strong enough to cause disruptions in peace and order. The presence of communist terrorist rebels in Bohol has been impacted following the death of Commander Cobra or Domingo Compoc, the acknowledged leader of suspected New People’s Army (NPA) in Bohol. During Tuesday’s event, the Capitol staged an event where officials of the Reporma Federation, made up of former rebels were sworn into office. Also, 19 beneficiaries each received P30,000 from the government and the funds are given as livelihood assistance to former rebels who surrendered to the government. The package is meant to uplift the economic standing of the former rebels known as Kauban sa Reporma. Bohol has more than 400 Kauban sa Reporma members and organized in 15 clusters. The clusters are located in Balilihan, Inabanga, Sagbayan, Catigbian, Bilar, Candijay, Danao, Sevilla, Trinidad, Antequera, Alicia, Batuan, Carmen and Ubay with some located in selected barangays in Bohol.
PRO7 chief reminds police to remain neutral, a political
Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 chief Brig. Gen. Rodrigo Atienza Maranan reminded Bohol police to remain neutral and apolitical as the polls are just around the corner. He made the appeal during his command visit to Bohol on Feb. 10, 2025 as he urged the police to show respect to the citizenry in the conduct of their duties. Bohol police provincial director Arnel Banzon received Maranan in his first visit to Bohol this year as PRO7 chief. Maranan reminded the troops of their neutraliity during the said visit at Camp Francisco Dagphoy. He said by supporting each other, the organization could fulfill its mandate and be faithful to its duty. Maranan said: “The mandate, task may be heavy, but if each one of us shares the burden, then the burden becomes light.” Maranan also told the troops to increase their morale. He called for cooperation from each member of the police force as the task in the coming elections is not easy.
Duero native nabbed in Tagb for alleged drug trade
A native of Duero was arrested by authorities following a buy bust operation in barangay Dao on Feb. 10, 2025. The city drug enforcement unit detected the suspect allegedly involving himself in the illegal drug trade. So, the police decided to conduct a sting operation. The suspect was identified as a certain Benjie Olano, of barangay Guinsularan, Danao. Barangay officials and the media witnessed the sting operation that led to the arrest of the suspect. The suspect was arrested after transacting with a poseur buyer. At least five sachets containing alleged shabu were taken from the suspect with an estimated weight of 25 grams and valued at P170,000 The suspect was taken into custody and may face charges of violation of the Dangerous Drugs Act of. 2002.
Chatto exercises oversight functions as Congress is in recess
Rep. Edgar Chatto made a good use of his time and exercised his oversight function as he inspected key infrastructure projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in the first district. In a report, Chatto had the time on Tuesday to inspect the projects in his district with officials from the DPWH. Most of the projects are road concreting in national roads in the first district. Chatto was with Asst. District Engr. Claudio Arcayena, Jr. during their inspection of projects in Corella, and Sikatuna. Chatto saw that the roads in his district were already paved especially those leading towards tourism sites. These roads are providing comfort and convenience to local and foreign tourists visiting Bohol. The tourism roads are funded by the national government under the Tourism Act of 2009, which was authored by Chatto and former Senator Richard Gordon. Moreover, the congressman also visited other projects funded under the General Appropriations Act.
SM Foundation donates schoolbuilding in Booy
The SM Foundation has turned over a donation of a two-storey, four classroom, schoolbuilding to Booy South Elementary School on Feb. 13, 2025, reports say. The SM Foundation donated the school building as part of its corporate social responsibility efforts in communities where it operates. The SM group has become more involved in Bohol and in Tagbilaran City as it is primed to open its nee mall in the city, the first in Bohol. The classroom amenities are designed in a modern way to provide learners and teachers a welcoming learning environment. Officials of SM Foundation were in town for the turnover of the schoolbuilding which will give benefit to the stakeholders especially the learners. The SM group is no stranger in helping Bohol as it has provided funding for the building of rural health units in key areas in the province. The BDO Foundation, the sister foundation of SM Foundation, regularly provides funding for some projects here in Bohol. BDO is the banking arm affiliated with the SM group controlled by the Sy family. SM group is into retail and real estate development as well as interests in banking via BDO and Chinabank among other business interests. The SM group is the market leader in retail operations operating more than a dozen SM supermalls in the country.
Solons signed impeachment for consideration?
Rumors are rife that congressmen signed the articles of impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte because of considerations. The rumor may have been substantiated following the admission of Cebu Rep. Duke Frasco, who said he signed the articles of impeachment out of fear that no projects will be given to his district. Frasco is the congressman of Cebu province’s fifth district. Frasco said he signed the articles as he cannot risk losing projects for his district. For this reason, he joined the majority in the lower house in sending the articles of impeachment to the Senate. Originally, 215 congressmen signed the articles as 25 more congressmen joined later in signing the impeachment articles. Frasco does not want his district to no longer get the funds for projects. He also does not want to suffer from the inability to provide aid to individuals in need. “Dili ko gusto ma risgo ang atoang mga programa, atoang mga proyekto, nga simbako nga ma zerohan ta,” he said. (I don’t want to risk that our programs and projects will get no funding.) Nerizens all over expressed ire over the decision to impeach the vice president. In Bohol, the three solons voted to support the impeachment of Sara Duterte. The move caused a backlash from netizens that even prompted Gov. Aris Aumentado to defend why his wife also signed the articles. Aumentado explained that the move done by the congressman who signed the articles was meant to elevate the matter to the Senate which would give the vice president her day in court.
Chatto aide chides demolition job
The top aide of Cong. Edgar Chatto chided the demolition job hatched by characters who want to besmirch the name of the solon. Lawyer Abel Damalerio spoke to Ardy Araneta-Batoy on Friday over Newsmakers radio program and lambasted those behind the demolition job. Damalerio said critics of the solon could not find any negative issues that could be possible hurled at the congressman. As they can’t find any issues against Chatto, these characters create fake news about the congressman’s health. They are using old photos to create the impression that.the congressman is already totally disabled, In the past, characters would spread lies saying Chatto is already on dialysis and was, one time airlifted to a hospital as his condition worsened. Of course; none of these are closer to the truth as Damalerio said the solon has been busy inspecting projects and finding time to visit his constituents. Damalerio said he prays that the minds of those spreading lies will finally realize their actions. Nonetheless, Chatto will continue working for the benefit of Boholanos.
24 Bohol brgys among SGLGB passers
The Department of the Interior and Local Government – National Barangay Operations Office (DILG-NBOO) has released the official results of the 2024 Seal of Good Local Governance for Barangay (SGLGB) assessment, where 24 barangays in the province of Bohol have successfully passed, according to a report of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) released on Feb. 14, 2025. The SGLGB is a performance assessment and recognition system initiated by the DILG. The program aims to distinguish the remarkable performance of the barangays under a given set of governance areas, reports say. The SGLGB assessment criteria apply to the “3+1 Principle,” where a barangay must pass all three core governance areas, namely: financial administration and sustainability; disaster preparedness; safety, peace, and order and at least one essential governance area like social protection and sensitivity; business-friendliness and competitiveness; and environmental management to ultimately clinch the seal. The barangays that passed the SGLGB are: barangay Tambongan and barangay Tubod of Candijay; barangay Poblacion Centro (Clarin); barangays Anislag, Cancatac, Pandol, and Poblacion in Corella; Basdio, Cabantian and Tabajan in Guindulman. Also included are the following barangays in Loay: Agape, Botoc Occidental, Botoc Oriental, Calvario, Poblacion Ibabao, m Sagnap, Tangcasan Norte and Yanangan. Others include the following: Bil-san, (Panglao); Canmaya Diot (Sagbayan); Pangi-an (Valencia); and Dao, Taloto, and Ubujan in Tagbilaran City.
Police probe stabbing incident in Ubay
The police are now conducting an investigation over the stabbing incident in Ubay town on Feb. 13, 2024 where one was killed and another was wounded. The police are tracking the suspects of the stabbing incident in Ubay. The fatality was identified as Marvin Oribado, of barangay Tuburan. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but was declared dead on arrival. Moreover, the wounded victim was identified as Joel Tuyor, also of barangay Tuburan. Initial investigation said the victims came from a disco party in barangay Humay Humay and were on board a motorcycle and were travelling home. All of a sudden a motorcycle with three persons on board overtook the motorcycle of the victims. Reports say that Tuyor felt something behind him prompting the victims to stop. After a while, the victims’ friends arrived and asked for help. Upon removal of his shirt, Tuyor noticed blood was oozing from his back and saw the other victim already bloodied and lying on the road. They rushed to a nearby hospital and the suspects as of this writing, remain unidentified. Reports of further say that the suspects fled after the incident.
SM Supermalls to break ground this month
The officials of the SM group behind SM Supermalls plan to break ground on its new mall this month, according to reports. In a report on Feb. 12, 2025, SM officials headed by Antonio Jayme del Prado, John Den Aranas, and Ken Celciban met with provincial officials in a visit to the Capitol to provide an update to the building of SM City Tagbilaran. Del Prado said the ground breaking might be attended by SM president Steven Tan and it is expected that key provincial and city leaders will be attending the event later this month. The Capitol has been thankful to investors such as SM in pouring in investments in the province that could generatete jobs for Boholanos. Malls such as SM need employees and it will be a huge opportunity for locals to gain employment both during and after the mall construction. Reports also say that the SM City Tagbilaran will be a three-storey building with an area of about 20,000 square meters per floor. The ground breaking will feature a time capsule laying and will be participated in by key figures in local government and within the SM group. Currently, the lot where the mall will soon rise has been fenced as land preparation is being underway. The local government has also anticipated the entry of the mall by widening the road leading to the mall area in barangay Cogon. The entry of SM is seen by observers to invigorate the economy and stimulate free enterprise especially among those who operate in the retail space here dominated by homegrown merchants. In a way, it will help bring the commodity prices down as competition may help bring competitive prices of gpods, according to observers.
JO worker nabbed for alleged drug trade
A job order (JO) worker who was assigned at the Municipal Agriculture Office of the local government unit (LGU) was arrested following a buy bust operation in the said town on Wednesday, February 12, 2025. The suspect was arrested by the municipal drug enforcement team of Corella. The suspect was identified as Glen Lumaat, 37, of barangay Tanday. Operatives of the Corella drug enforcement unit detected the suspect to be allegedly engaging in illegal activity and thus he was subjected to a buy bust operation. The sting operation took place in barangay Poblacion, Corella and the suspect was arrested after transacting with a poseur buyer. Seized from the suspect were at least three packets containing alleged shabu estimated to weigh two grams and valued at P13,600. Charges of violation of the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 await the suspect.
National bets start campaign period
National bets are no longer considered as aspirants but as candidates. This comes as the campaign period for bets in the national level started on Feb. 11, 2025. It means the candidates for senator and party-list are now subject to election rules. The Commission on Elections (Comelec) could go after election violators as the 90-day campaign period started on Tuesday. Voters may choose only 12 candidates for senator and one party-list. There are 156 party-list organizations and 66 senatorial candidates. For local candidates, the campaign period shall start on March 28, according to the Comelec. Local candidates are those running for governor, congressman, board members, mayors and councilors. The campaign period shall end on May 10, two days before Election Day on May 12. It is illegal to campaign during Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. Moreover, candidates with illegal posters need to remove their paraphernalia and must only place posters on designated areas. Posters on private properties are allowed as long as property owners are allowing the candidates to do so in their private areas. The Comelec also reminds the candidates to respect spending limits to avoid penalties and possible disqualification. Comelec is also monitoring possible vote buying under the Kontra Bigay program.
CHO recommends flu vaccine as fever becomes prevalent
The spokesman of the City Health Office (CHO) Robin Culpa has recommended the flu vaccine especially to those who are vulnerable as the first quarter of the year is known as the flu season. Culpa said on Thursday’s Newsmakers ug Uban Pa that flu is prevalent and one way to prevent flu is via vacinations. He said this is important for senior citizens and those with co-morbidity to get inoculated. Usually, people get flu vaccines on a yearly basis but there are doctors who might recommend vaccines on a semester basis, according to Culpa. Right now, Culpa said the flu vaccine stock at the CHO has been disposed of as the drive to inoculate the vulnerable sectors has been successful. Culpa said people could prevent getting flu by making their bodies warm when the weather is chilly. It is also helpful , Culpa said to use pieces of clothes to keep the neck area of the body warm. Culpa added that It would help to drink warm liquid to keep oneself warm. Anti-inflammatory drinks could also be very helpful, Culpa said.
Fake news circulates re terrorists’ presence in Inabanga
Authorities were quick in allaying fears about alleged terrorist incursions in Inabanga and dismissed such as fake news. It was circulating on social media that terrorists have landed anew in Inabanga. The scare was founded as Abu Sayaff terrorists landed in Inabanga in 2017 and caused problems when 11 suspected terrorists fought it out with government troops. In the end, all 11 suspected terrorists were neutralized but without sizable damage to the time and effort of government troops. This time, the police had to counter the fake news with a statement posted also on social media. The Bohol Police Provincial Office (BPPO) stated that there is no basis to believe in the fake news and such information is a lie. BPPO spokesman Lt. Col. Norman Nuez said there is no credible information about any terrorist incursion in Inabanga. The BPPO asks the public to stop spreading fake news to prevent unnecessary fear or panic that may impact society. Bohol police said they are always on alert to keep the peace and order in check at all times. The police urge the public to stay away from unverified information posted on social media. Meanwhile, the police ask the public to report any information of any detection of suspected persons in their area.
House panel okays Bohol Light franchise renewal
The House committee on legislative franchises has approved the bill renewing the franchise of Bohol Light. The current franchise is set to expire later this year. The bill is jointly authored by all three Boholano comgressmen. The chief of staff of Cong. Edgar Chatto, lawyer Abeleon Damalerio broke the news during the Friday episode of Newsmakers ug Uban Pa. He said the panel approved House Bill No. 10888 on Feb. 5, 2025. The bill provides an extension of the franchise of Bohol Light for another 25 years. Bohol Light is a joint venture between the provincial government and Primelectric Holdings Inc. (PHI), a member of the Razon group of companies of billionaire Enrique Razon. Bohol Light will get a fresh franchise to operate a distribution utility providing electricity to consumers in Tagbilaran City. Damalerio said that it is Congress that has the power to grant franchises after which the committee will present the committee report to the plenary for second reading. The panel is chaired by Cong. Gus Tambunting. During the meeting, all three Bohol congressmen were present as well as officials of Bohol Light, Damalerio narrated. After the second reading, the measure will then move to the third reading and then will be transmitted to the Senate where the process of three readings will happen.
Final decision on landfill closure remains pending
The final decision to temporarily close the Albur sanitary landfill temporarily for rehabilitation remained pending after there was no quorum reached in the meeting of the landfill board on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2029. The final decision on the closure should have been settled during Thursday’s meeting of the landfill board, composed of mayors belonging to the cluster. However, only a handful showed up and there here not enough members present for the meeting to have a quorum, reports say. The cluster board is chaired by the landfill host, Albur mayor Don Ritchie Buates, who, earlier decided to close the facility temporarily for rehabilitation. The mayors included in the cluster, the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), the owner of the landfill and Gov. Aris Aumentado, stood by the premise that the landfill should not shut down. Furthermore, TIEZA experts said that the landfill works perfectly fine and if rehabilitation works will be done, there is no need for a closure. PRESENT Reports say that among the mayors who attended the meeting included Loay mayor Hilario Ayuban, Loboc mayor Raymond Jala, Loon mayor Elvi Relampagos, Calape mayor Julius Herrera, Balilihan mayor Pureza Chatto, and Sikatuna mayor Justiniana Ellorimo. Other local government units (LGU) sent their respective solid waste management officials who may not have the authority to make decisions. As a result, a new meeting has been slated to decide when the closure will take place. Buates said based on Albur LGU’s assessment, the closure’s duration may last either 12 or 15 days and the rehabilitation will be done as quickly as possible. Meanwhile, Buates thanked Aumentado for extending help in the rehabilitation efforts. The governor earlier said that the provincial government will lend heavy equipment to the landfill. The issue of the landfill is as huge as the possibility of LGU’s unable to dispose of their garbage especially Tagbilaran City, which is the largest landfill user. The landfill closure was due to the problem of leachate leaking outside the facility. It was learned later, that Albur lacks the heavy equipment to haul earth to cover the garbage thrown into the landfill.