Ancla, Jumamoy clash in Inabanga heats up
The clash between incumbent Inabanga Mayor Jono Jumamoy and challenger Dexter Ancla is getting hotter.
The latest skirmish saw Ancla complaining that the mobile sound system of Jumamoy’s camp reached an area where Ancla was conducting a caucus.
The mobile sound system that was blasting the jingle of Mayor Jumamoy reached the end of a one-way street where Ancla was conducting a meeting.
Ancla posted the video of the incident on social media and called his opponents “rude.”
The vehicle carrying the sound system of the Jumamoy camp reached the end of a road going to barangay Lomnoy, where Ancla was also present in a caucus.
Meanwhile, Jumamoy reacted to Ancla’s video saying the mobile sound system, locally known as recorida, was touring all barangays of the town and allegedly, the driver was oblivious that Ancla was in the vicinity where the recorida went.
Jumamoy said the driver never knew that Ancla was there and tried to drive in reverse after knowing Ancla’s camp was there.
SP okays anti OSAEC law
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) has approved on Tuesday the ordinance outlawing the online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC) with sterner penalties for violators.
The new law could be used in cases of OSAEC in the province.
There have been some cases of OSAEC in Bohol and the new law could help prosecute the offenders.
Recently, the Department of Justice conducted a roadshow to create awareness on OSAEC as it has been observed that there is a possibility these cases are underreported,
The anti-OSAEC ordinance was passed on third and final reading, according to Board Member Jamie Villamor.
She said there have been instances of OSAEC where the mother was the one taking the videos of the sexual exploitation of children.
The videos, said Villamor, are being sent abroad in exchange of money.
She said this is not only prevalent in Bohol but also in other areas of the country.
The ordinance provides sterner penalties provided by the national law to all found guilty of OSAEC.
Business establishments may also be penalized if they get involved in OSAEC activities as provided by the ordinance.
Makdo asks survey takers transparency
Congressional candidate Mc Aldous “Makdo” Castañares asks the people behind the Bohol Poll to be more transparent.
Castañares gave his reaction to the results of the recent Bohol Poll conducted by the Center for Research and Publication of the Holy Name University (HNU).
The lawyer said that in the survey, incumbent Cong. Kristine Alexie Tutor leads Castañares in their head-to-head matchup.
Castañares claimed that he had no personal knowledge of the survey being conducted and appealed to the people behind the survey to reveal more information such as which part of the third district was surveyed.
He is also asking how big is the sample size.
HNU said in the public presentation of the Bohol Poll this year, there were 100 respondents polled in each district and 100 respondents were surveyed in Tagbilaran City.
He said there is a big question mark if the sample size is only 200 compared to the 360,000 registered voters in the third district.
He also asked why he was not informed and alleged that other bets were notified.
Nonetheless, he expressed his high regard and respect to the HNU and he is not saying anything to offend the officials of the said school.
He only wants HNU to be more transparent and objective in such initiative to get the pulse of the Boholano people.
In turn, he said that he is using the survey results as a motivation to work harder.
He said there are some incumbent barangay officials who will never publicly admit that they support him fearing possible backlash.
Moreover, Castañares said based on what he is seeing on the ground, the people are asking why Tutor signed the resolution to impeach VP Sara Duterte without consulting the people of the third district.
He believes, Tutor’s signing of the resolution has a huge effect on the elections.
He also said that at the end of the day it would be the decision of the voters that would prevail and the only things he can do are to work and pray harder.
ARE BOHOLANOS WORTH FIGHTING FOR
He believes that the Boholanos are worth fighting tor and people in Bohol should fight for each other.
NO. 120
He explained why he kept on saying no. 120. He explained the number corresponds to the number assigned to Tutor as the 120th signatory in the resolution approving the Articles of Impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte.
He emphasized that Duterte and Tutor are “kumares” and this means that the incumbent congresswoman and the vice president were close friends.
Cortes police chief says illegal drugs remain a huge headache in society
The newly-minted Cortes police chief said drugs remain the biggest headache in society.
Capt. John Michael Mendiola and Senior Master Sgt. Melchie Boctoto of Cortes police station spoke with Ardy Araneta-Batoy on Thursday’s Open Forum and discussed the illegal drug problem.
He said a lot of crimes are committed by people who are under the influence of illegal drugs and such drugs don’t bring any positive benefit to humanity
FROM VALENZUELA
Mendiola is Tagalog-speaking and hails from Valenzuela City. He is a graduate of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA).
As a graduate of the PNPA, he obeys orders as to where he will ne assigned in the country even if he reaches Bohol.
He said that he has been the Cortes police chief for a little over a week. But, he has already been assigned in Bohol for a year where he stayed in Sierra Bullones last year.
After his graduation in 2021, he was assigned in the Regional Mobile Force Battalion based in Sibonga, Cebu.
Despite being new to the job, be is committed to maintain the peace and order as well as serve the people in the province.
He is the son of a fireman and he was inspired of the uniformed service that led him to where heis today.
He has grown accustomed to provincial life as he was at the forefront in the fight against the insurgents,
TEACHER
Boctoto said she was trained as a teacher after obtaining a degree in elementary education at the University of Bohol.
But, she harbored the dream to become a policewoman and she was influenced by her grandfather who used to be a member of the US Army.
Her biggest challenge is to juggle her duties as a mother and police officer.
Ex-OFW nabbed for drugs in Panglao
A former overseas Filipino worker (OFW) was arrested early Friday morning after a buy bust operation where alleged drugs and a firearm were seized in Panglao.
According to reports, the alleged drugs seized were estimated to be valued at P748,000.
Elements of the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit conducted the sting operation at barangay Liba-ong.
The suspect was identified as Jonathan Gerigdig, of barangay Guiwanon, Baclayon.
Seized from the suspect were approximately 110 grams of suspected shabu.
Chatto laughs off criticisms on his physical condition
Cong. Edgar Chatto layered off the criticisms on his condition, which according to a broadcaster, is giving the solon difficulty in walking.
Chatto answered the criticisms of a who allegedly took pity on him for having walking issues when he filed for his candidacy, and because of this, the broadcaster said that Chatto should relinquish his post to a much younger person.
He told Ardy Araneta-Batoy on Friday that critics would take potshots at his disability as if it is the current news.
Everyone in Bohol knows that Chatto has a walking impediment and the solon said he had been serving well even with this condition.
He claimed that the walking difficulty has never been an issue in his years of public service.
Chatto said that during his incumbency as governor, he faced challenges like the earthquake and the Abu Sayyaf Group incursion.
Despite the challenges, Bohol survived and recovered with flying colours, he said.
He thinks that having physical difficulties is not an issue in public service.
He has proven that he can deliver despite having a walking issue and has been in public service for decades.
Thus, he said, that if he was able to deliver good service in the past, as evidence by all the awards his leadership has received, there is no reason why he could not perform his mandate as he seeks a third and final term as congressman.
He claimed that he enjoys the support of the people of the first district as he seeks another crack at being a congressman.
EXPLAINER
Chatto explained the real reason why the Gov. Celestino Gallares Multi Specialty Medical Center is hosted by Cortes town.
He said that projects need to be spread out and should not be concentrated in Tagbilaran City. This is also true for investments and businesses, he said.
In the case of Gallares Cortes, the original plan, he said, was to build it in Tagbilaran City and was foreseen to be an expansion of Gallares Tagbilaran.
Hence, he asked the mayor of Tagbilaran (back then) who was John Geesnell Yap II, and asked Yap to provide a sufficient lot for the new hospital.
However, Yap said the city has no lot available for the new structure.
Chatto deflected the issue by saying he is not to blame why the new Gallares hospital is in Cortes because the city’s leadership said it had no lot to spare for the construction of the said new hospital.
Without any lot given to the project by the city government, Chatto activated his plan “B” and decided to donate the provincial government lot to the Department of Health and thus the Gallares Cortes is about to be completed.
He said he is helping to improve the roads going to the hospital as he is thinking of a bypass road from Tagbilaran – to Baclayon – to Cortes.
Fire probers estimate P800K damage in Maribojoc fire
Fire probers estimated around P800,000 in damage as a result of a fire in Maribojoc town on April 4, 2025.
A fire erupted in Busao National High School and gutted the administration building and reports say the classrooms are unaffected.
There were no casualties as the investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Initial investigations say the possible cause of the fire was faulty wiring and this information is now being validated.
Meanwhile, Cong. Edgar Chatto expressed concern over the fire that took place in Maribojoc.
In a Facebook post, he said that he went immediately to the site to check the condition of the school including the people around it.
Maribojoc is in the first district and one of the towns under Chatto’s constituency.
Sevilla police nab drug suspect
A drug suspect was arrested by Sevilla police following a buy bust operation on April 5, 2025, belated reports say.
The municipal drug enforcement team of Sevilla conducted the said operation in barangay Lagtangan.
The suspect was identified as a certain Raymond Digal, 33, of barangay Calinginan Sur, Sevilla.
The police conducted the operation after allegedly detecting the suspect engaging in drug trade.
Seized from the suspect were packets containing suspected shabu estimated to weigh around 15 grams and valued at P102,000.
Charges of violation of Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 may be filed against the suspect.
Korean woman dies in road accident in Loay
An elderly woman died in a road accident in barangay Villalimpia, Loay on April 4, 2025, according to belated reports.
The elderly woman was the backrider on a motorcycle reportedly traveling to Loboc.
The woman was identified as Soon Ki Chae,70, from Busan. South Korea.
The motorcycle was driven by the elderly woman’s husband Inchul Baek, 70.
Based on initial report, the couple was on board a motorcycle as a mini dump truck was trailing the two foreigners.
The truck was driven by Apolonio Araña, 49, of Loay.
Moreover, the Koreans slowed down and went to the right shoulder or the road.
Allegedly, the truck was moving too fast and also went to the right shoulder of the road, where the truck collided with the motorcycle from behind, according to reports.
The husband only sustained minor injuries but the truck ran over the wife causing her death on the spot.
The police took the truck driver into custody after the incident.
Bus collides into tricycle in Calape
A Southern Star bus collided with a tricycle on April 7, 2025 at barangay Bentig, Calape.
The bus and the tricycle were on the lanes along the national highway going towards Tubigon.
The tricycle was supposed to offload a passenger when the accident happened as the bus collided with the tricycle allegedly from behind.
The impact of the collision caused the passengers of the tricycle to be flung at a distance.
Luckily, the persons who were inside the tricycle only sustained minor injuries.
The bus deliver, whose name was not released, was not taken into custody as there was an amicable settlement between the involved parties.
ACM, batteries to arrive in April 18
Reports say the automated counting machines (ACM) and the batteries to be used for such machines are expected to arrive in Bohol by April 18, 2025:
This was disclosed by Comelec Tagbilaran election supervisor Rocco Lamanilao as the poll body continues to provide updates.
He said the ACM and batteries will be stored in the provincial hub before these will be distributed to the different towns in Bohol.
It is expected the Comelec will distribute the ACMs and the battery on April 28, 2026 and will be received by the municipal treasurers of every town.
The police are tasked to secure the election equipment once they are distributed to the different towns.
Moreover, the ballots may come by May 2, 2025 and will be retrieved by the teachers on the eve of the elections, reports say.
The teachers will fetch the ballots that were kept by the treasurer in each town the reports add.
The Comelec is pretty much busy with the preparations for the midterm elections that will take place on May 12, 2025.
DSWD says programs exempted from election ban
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) clarified that 28 of its programs are exempted from the election spending ban.
Under the Omnibus Election Code, certain government programs are not supposed to be implemented during the election period.
It insists the programs of the agency are apolitical and not related to the elections.
Based on a resolution by Commission on Elections (Comelec) has exempted DSWD programs from the election spending ban.
The programs of the DSWD are meant to help the community especially the vulnerable sectors.
The agency will follow the guidelines of the Comelec and will distribute the aid or implement program based on the poll body’s guidance,
The DSWD said it will be maintaining an apolitical stance on the implementation of programs.
There have been concerns that some government programs will be used for political advantage and the election spending ban helps curb the potential abuse of government resources.
Albur mulls buying equip’t
The local government unit (LGU) of Alburquerque is planning to procure a backhoe and a dumptruck to be used in the operation of the Albur sanitary landfill.
This was disclosed by Albur mayor Don Ritchie Buates as the LGU is the one tasked to operate the landfill.
He said the two pieces of equipment total P6 million.
The funds that will be used to buy the equipment were originally for the landscaping of the new townhall but he is looking at realigning the said funds to be used at the landfill.
He said the landfill is almost filled with residual wastes coming from the 18 LGUs that are part of the cluster.
Tagbilaran City is the largest user of the landfill among the cluster members.
Currently, the equipment being used by Albur is not enough to hasten the filling of earth onto the landfill. reports say.
Comelec allows elected brgy., SK officials to campaign
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has allowed the elected barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials to campaign for their bets in the midterm elections.
The poll body allows the elected barangay and SK officials to join partisan activities related to the midterm elections.
This was clarified by Comelec-Tagbilaran following the apprehensions of barangay, SK officials as they were barred from engaging in partisan politics in the past elections.
Election supervisor Rocco Lamanilao said the Supreme Court ruled that barangay and SK officials are not prohibited to campaign for their candidates.
As a result; the Comelec has issued a resolution allowing partisan political activities for elected barangay and SK officials.
However, the elected barangay and SK officials need to follow the guidelines.
Those who will not follow the guidelines may be penalized with disciplinary action under the Local Government Code.
The Supreme Court said the restrictions are limited to civil service employees and does not include elected officials.
Moreover, the contract of service and job order employees are also not barred from campaigning as they are not covered by the Civil Service Commission and the campaigning should be done outside office hours, Lamanilao said.
Senior citizen killed in Loon road accident
A senior citizen was killed in a road accident on Monday evening in Loon town.
The victim died after a hit-and-run incident in barangay Pig-ot.
The incident was caught on CCTV where the victim was seen crossing the road when a vehicle passed by and hit the senior citizen then scooted away.
It was said the victim was crossing the pedestrian lane and was hit by an incoming vehicle, which was a motorcycle that dragged then ran over the victim.
Sadly, the driver of the vehicle never bothered to stop and to check on the status of the victim.
Out of respect to the family of the victim, the victim’s name has been withheld for the moment until an investigation has been completed.
The said victim is a resident of Loon and the suspect was driving a violent Suzuki Smash and was sporting a jacket and blue helmet.
As of this writing, Loon police have a person of interest and hope to solve the case as soon as possible.
Loon police are calling on the public as they crowdsource information about the suspect.
BPPO chief Batuan urges MPS chiefs to send cops during pol rallies
Col. Arnel Banzon, provincial director of the Bohol Police Provincial Office (BPPO) urged the chiefs of the municipal police stations (MPS) across Bohol to send police personnel to keep the peace during political rallies staged in their areas of responsibility.
It has been observed that there are some areas in Bohol where the political activities have become heated and poised to become hotter as the election day nears.
The campaign fever is not only confined within in-person rallies but the exchange of barbs over social media has gotten hotter as the days go by.
One of the examples of a heated rivalry is the engagement of challenger Dexter Ancla and incumbent Mayor Jono Jumamoy as the two have been exchanging barbs in rallies. Moreover, the banters coming from supporters on social media have been getting hotter, too.
Another example of heated campaigning is between incumbent Valencia Mayor Dionisio Neil Balite and comebacking former Valencia mayor Kat Kat Lim, as the same is happening in neighboring Garcia Hernandez between incumbent mayor Jess Baja and challenger Jade Acapulco Bautista.
There have been reports that opposing forces would schedule their rallies simultaneously in one barangay like what happened in Baclayon when two forces held rallies in barangay Dasitam.
DMV lays out programs for Boholano OFW
Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) assistant secretary for reintegration Francis Ron de Guzman paid Bohol a visit on Monday and talked to local leaders and discussed the topic on services extended to Boholano overseas Filipino workers (OFW).
The discussion revolved around the support provided for OFW as the department has been working to establish an office for migrant workers here in the province.
The DMW office is located at the old Capitol building in downtown Tagbilaran City, beside the provincial library.
The new office will make it easier for OFWs and dependents to take advantage of services offered by the government as they need not travel elsewhere.
Key provincial officials met with de Guzman as they lauded the effort to provide reintegration services and welfare assistance to OFW.
Heat index in Bohol reaches danger level
The heat index in Bohol reached the danger level on Tuesday, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
The heat index, also known as the apparent temperature, is a measure of how hot it feels to the human body when air temperature and relative humidity are combined. This indicates the the perceived temperature rather than the actual air temperature says climate experts.
According to PAGASA, the heat index in Bohol has reached 42 degrees Celsius.
The PAGASA said that the danger levels of heat index range from 42 to 51 degrees Celsius.
People who are often outdoors especially at noon or early afternoons have a higher risk of having heat stroke.
PAGASA advises the public to limit outdoor activities as a way to reduce the exposure to the surging heat index.
The state weather bureau said cold air from the northeast monsoon has ended.
PAGASA says the wind going into the country comes from the easterlies.
Alturas focuses in supplying pork to its outlets
The spokesman of the Alturas Group of Companies Ariel Fullido said during an episode of Open Forum on Wednesday that their group focuses more on supplying their own outlets with pork.
This pronouncement comes at the wake of reports where pork in Bohol are exported to other places like Iloilo.
The problem with exporting pork is the possible dwindling of supply for the domestic market in Bohol and as a result it may cause surges in prices.
The law of supply and demand tells us that a decrease in supply even if the demand stays the same will cause an increase in prices.
Fullido said the Alturas Group is committed to supply its outlets here in Bohol and in Cebu with pork.
He reiterated the Alturas Group operates at least three outlets in Cebu province including the iconic Colonade Supermarket.
The Alturas Group operates one of the biggest swine farms in the Visayas and Mindanao.
He assured only top quality meats are being sold in all Alturas’ outlets in Bohol and in Cebu.
The pork products produced by the group passed regulatory screening and quality inspection to ensure consumers’ safety.
Moreover, they are not selling any pork tainted with the African Swine Fever (ASF) virus.
Strict biosecurity shielded Alturas’ swine from infections for ASF, he said.
DepEd starts preparing schools for May polls
The Department of Education (DepEd) has started preparing school buildings that will be used for the May elections.
In the Philippines, classrooms are used as polling precincts and manned primarily by teachers.
The midterm elections will be held on May 12, 2026 where voters will be choosing new officials from senators down to councilors.
According to DepEd Bohol, it has identified the classrooms that will be used as polling places.
These classrooms are currently used by students and will soon be vacated as the summer vacation is just around the corner.
According to reports, the DepEd said that in Bohol, no major repair is needed with minor repairs needed such as the electrical wirings, which have been already taken care of.
Right now, the exact number of classrooms to be used is in the state of flux as there are some towns which are yet to submit their lists.
Police arrest suspect who attempted to rob agent
The police arrested a suspect who allegedly attempted to rob an agent in a follow-up operation in Getafe town on Wednesday.
The police arrested the suspect identified as Dionisio Suello, 40, of barangay Kabasakan, Getafe.
It was learned that around 10:40 am on Wednesday the police learned about a robbery that happened in Dagohoy Public Market at barangay Poblacion 3, Tagbilaran City.
Based on an initial investigation by the Tagbilaran City Police Station (TCPS), the suspect allegedly robbed an agent of a processed food company, identified as Kent Celocia, 29, of barangay Rufo Hill, Buenavista.
The victim alleged that while he was delivering canned goods at the said market, the suspect approached him and poked a weapon at him. The victim was able to parry the weapon aimed at him causing the suspect to lose balance.
As the suspect lost balance, the victim used that as an opportunity to scamper away from the area and sought for help.
The victim was able to identify the suspect as the latter was a former employee of the processed food company.
In the follow-up operation by the TCPS, they coordinated with Getafe police and were successful in capturing the suspect who was caught with a .38 caliber revolver believed to be the one used in the attempted robbery.
The suspect was taken into custody who may be facing robbery raps and violation of the Comelec gun ban on top of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
CCAD leads celebration of Araw ng Kagitingan
The Center for Culture and Arts Development (CCAD) led on Wednesday the celebration of the Araw ng Kagitingan or Day of Valor, a nationwide non-working holiday.
The Day of Valor is the commemoration of the heroic sacrifice of Filipino and American soldiers who received brutal treatment from the Japanese Imperial Army at the beginning of World War 2.
In that moment in history several hundreds of soldiers were forced to perform the so-called Death March, marching from Bataan to Tarlac with a distance of more than 100 kilometers lasting for several days.
The country is also celebrating the Philippine Veterans’ Week.
The commemoration was held at the Capitol grounds where veterans were feted for their heroism and sacrifice who continuously provide inspiration to the country.
The commemoration revolved on the theme: “Kabayanihan ng Beterano, Sandigan ng Kaunlaran ng Bagong Pilipinas.”
The commemoration highlighted the important role of veterans in nation building and continued progress.
There was a wreath laying ceremony that was participated in by some provincial officials.
There was also a 21-gun salute coming from members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
The commemoration continued from the grounds to the ceremonial hall where a prayer of unity was held led by youth leaders.
Still no word where Labaria will be reassigned
Until now, there is no word or information where Commission on Elections (Comelec) Bohol provincial director Eliseo Labaria will be reassigned.
This was disclosed by Comelec Tagbilaran election supervisor Rocco Lamanilao as the Comelec-Bohol has yet to receive any notification or reassignment for Labaria.
In the past elections such as in 2019 and 2022, Labaria was replaced by Eddie Aba from Negros Oriental as Labaria was reassigned elsewhere.
Moreover, congressional candidate Jordan Pizarras has sought the reassignment of Labaria.
In 2022, Labaria was reassigned to Siquijor as the temporary provincial election supervisor.
The reassignment of provincial election supervisors has been a tradition during elections to dispel doubts and to maintain the integrity of the elections.
This is also a way to maintain trust among the candidates and the electorate.
Labaria has been the head of Comelec Bohol for 15 years as he was appointed into office in 2010.
Still a lot of tricycles unable to renew permits in Tagb
Tricycle operators need to renew their mayor’s permit annually and this year the deadline was on March 30, 2025, but despite the announcement of the deadline there are a number of tricycle operators who have yet to renew the permits,
This was disclosed by Tony Samante, head of the City Traffic Management Office (CTMO) in a report.
He said only 70 percent of the total tricycle population of the city complied with their annual renewal of permits.
He added the tricycle operators association wrote to Mayor Jane Yap to extend the period of renewal and waive any penalties.
As of this writing, the mayor has yet to act on the request for an extension.
It was learned that the common reason why the operators were unable to beat the deadline for permit renewal is the information that some have yet to receive the certificate of registration and official receipt coming from the Land Transportation Office.
There are some who are unable to renew as they are short of funds to pay the necessary fees for renewal.
Sumaylo says cases against her are fake news
Dauis mayoralty candidate, Vice Mayor Marietta Sumaylo claimed that the alleged cases against her mentioned in a Facebook post are fake news.
Sumaylo, who attempts to return as Dauis mayor after her nine years in office, said a certain Facebook account alleged that she is involved in the drug trade.
She said there is no case filed against her purportedly that she is facing raps of money laundering for funds allegedly obtained from the drug trade.
She said there is no truth in the allegations and the issue of her alleged involvement in drugs is an old issue.
She said old issues have been resurrected at this time that the elections draw near.
Sumaylo said she will continue to lay down her plans for Dauis despite the demolition job against her.
She hopes to return to the town hall and continue her public service.
Sumaylo is engaged with a one-on-one battle with incumbent mayor Roman Bullen for the mayoralty seat of Dauis.