9 LGU cited for okaying LPTRP
Nine Bohol local government units (LGU) were given either a notice of compliance or a special notice of compliance after having been approved with their Local Public Transport Route Plan (LPTRP) for their respective localities.
The LPTRP is a key component of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board’s (LTFRB) Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Plan (PUBMP).
LTFRB regional director Eduardo Montealto led the ceremony where the notices were handed out,
The LGU that were given the notices of compliance were Albur, Baclayon, Dagohoy, Dimiao, Garcia-Hernandez, Loboc, San Isidro, San Miguel and Ubay.
The towns of Carmen, Danao and Panglao are waiting for the issuance of a board resolution in order to complete the process of complying with the requirements of the LPTRP.
PUBMP seeks to modernize the public transport in the country and to improve the public transport especially in the remote areas of the country,
The LGU are tapped by the LTFRB as they are in the best position to determine the best route plans for their areas.
38 families affected by BPIA air gripe
About 38 families who were affected by the construction of the Bohol Panglao International Airport (BPIA) have aired their complaints saying the government allegedly have forsaken them.
They aired their gripes to the government as their living conditions have been affected.
These families are from barangays of Danao, Bolod, Tawala, and Lourdes and these residents were resettled in a site in Tawala.
The group’s leader, a certain Teofila Aranas said the government has left them with an empty bag as the government allegedly failed to deliver its promises.
Aranas said they have dilapidated roofs and the roads leading to their area are allegedly in disrepair without proper drainage and street lights.
Moreover, the paper work of their lot remains pending.
Dumaluan fears casino entry into Panglao
Former Panglao mayor Doloreich Dumaluan
Former Panglao mayor Doloreich Dumaluan said he is afraid that the entry of a casino into the town may bring bad effects to the municipality and its people.
Dumaluan expressed apprehension over the rumors that a casino operator plans to build a casino in Bohol’s tourism capital.
It was reported that, allegedly, the plan to build a casino already has an approval coming from the Sangguniang Bayan and such enterprise has already a permit.
He is afraid the casino’s presence might bring negative implications to the people of Panglao and Bohol.
He said casinos are a magnet for other vices such as prostitution, illegal drugs as well as other forms of criminality.
He revealed that a letter of no objection was issued in one of the barangays in Panglao, which is allegedly barangay Tawala.
Dumaluan alleged that the town council railroaded the approval for the casino as the normal process was not generally observed and there was no public hearing conducted on the matter.
Dumaluan mentioned the name of former Mayor Leonila Montero who has been allegedly operating to let the casino enter Panglao.
Moreover, Dumaluan also alleged that Mayor Edgardo Arcay is also in the mix of pushing for a casino.
For her part, Montero denied any involvement with the casino project as it was Vice Mayor Noel Hormachuelos who led the town council in the alleged approval and the giving of permit by the town mayor.
Meanwhile, as of press time, Arcay has yet to issue a statement regarding the concern.
Reports flourish of vote buying ahead of polls
Despite the calls against vote buying from certain sectors including the Catholic church, still there have been reports where vote buying is rampant in some parts of Bohol.
There are reports alleging money changing hands per information shared on social media.
There are some reports alleging that as high as P10,000 or more are being exchanged for votes this Monday. However, these reports remain unconfirmed and unvalidated,
The Catholic church and other cause-oriented groups have been calling to end vote buying but the plea fell into deaf ears as allegedly some candidates have been buying votes.
Some towns in Bohol have started to receive money in exchange of votes and this is expected to increase as the election draws near.
SP eyes agreement between Jagna hospitals
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) is considering a proposed memorandum of agreement (MOA) between Teodoro Galagar District Hospital and Lim Community Hospital in Jagna to improve access to diagnostic services.
Under the proposed agreement, Teodoro Galagar District Hospital will refer patients to Lim Community Hospital for diagnostic tests in cases where it is unable to provide the necessary services. Teodoro Galagar is a government-run facility owned by the Capitol, while Lim Community Hospital is privately owned.
Board Member Aldner Damalerio disclosed the plan in a radio interview, saying the matter was discussed during the SP’s regular session last week.
“There will be a referral system where a patient could get services at Lim Community Hospital if they are unavailable at Teodoro Galagar,” Damalerio said.
He added that the proposal has been referred to the SP’s Committee on Health for further study. Several issues still need to be resolved before the SP can approve the agreement, he noted.
Pizarras deny withdrawal rumors
Jordan Pizarras
Congressional candidate Jordan Pizarras denied rumors that circulated a few days before the elections where it was alleged that Pizarras withdrew from the race.
The rumor sent shockwaves among the observers saying a Pizarras withdrawal could adversely affect the candidacies of former Tagbilaran mayor John Geesnell “Baba” Yap and incumbent Cong. Edgar Chatto.
Pizarras said that unlike the rumor, he is busy in the campaign as the election draws near.
He said that he is optimistic of his chances and has been campaigning at malls and other highly-populated areas.
He said he has been well received by the people he met and it is a remote notion that he will be making a drastic move with days left before the election.
He said his opponents are possibly on panic mode and their feathers might have been ruffled as he is fast rising in the opinion polls.
He said that he has been challenging his opponents to a debate but no one seems to take on the challenge.
He said a debate is a great way to let the people know how they could help solve their woes.
Pizarras is seen as a dark horse as he is up against Yap who is quite popular and Chatto who has been a political juggernaut having been a three-term congressman and a governor before.
Police says no armed groups here
The Bohol police said they have not monitored any presence of private armed groups operating ahead of Monday’s polls.
They also said there are no gun for hire persons operating in the province with the polls only a few hours away.
Lt. Col. Norman Nuez, spokesman of the Bohol Police Provincial Office (BPPO) said that there are no apparent threats coming from the communist terrorist groups such as the New People’s Army (NPA) or the criminal gangs.
Nuez said the police have been working to maintain peace and order in Bohol especially during election.
They have stepped up their intelligence operations in order to maintain the peace and order.
He said the police is fully ready to meet on the challenges that may arise during the elections.
Comelec reassigns Bohol execs to Cebu
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has implemented a reshuffling of its officers from Bohol to Cebu temporarily in time for the elections on Monday.
Comelec-Tagbilaran election supervisor Rocco Lamanilao admitted that he has been reassigned to Cebu ahead of Monday’s polls.
Lamanilao said he is shipped to Bogo City in northern Cebu while the election supervisor of Sierra Bullones, Ma. Sheryl Maslog, was transferred to Carcar City,
Lamanilao was temporarily replaced by Tubigon election supervisor Rafael Montuya.
The reshuffling was made because a city such as Bogo and Carcar need an official who is a lawyer.
Lamanilao said once the winners are proclaimed the reassigned officials will revert back to their original posts.
Montuya was replaced by Omar Shariff Mamalinta from Carcar.
Maslog was replaced by Jun Rey Pungcol from Dagohoy and was replaced by his assistant Mary Joan Candia.
Reassignments ahead of the elections are normally observed in past elections.
In 2022, almost every election officer in Bohol was reassigned including provincial supervisor Elisso Labaria.
57 arrested for gun ban violations in Bohol
About 57 persons have been arrested for gun ban violation in Bohol since the ban was implemented back on Jan. 12, 2025.
This is based on the report by the Bohol Police Provincial Office (BPPO) and was revealed during the final command conference of the Provincial Joint Security Control Center (PJSCC) led by Commission on Elections (Comelec) provincial director Eliseo Labaria on May 3, 2025.
Maj. Christopher Fernandez presented the report to the PJSCC and the statistics covered the period from Jan. 12 to May 2, 2025.
The police have seized 58 firearms and most of the suspects arrested were civilians.
BPPO said it had implemented more than 14,000 Comelec checkpoints across Bohol since the start of the election period.
Bien Unido police chief deny cover up
Bien Unido police chief Lt. Jotham Guminingin denied alleged cover up regarding the investigation into the sea tragedy that took place on the waters off Malingin Island on May 2, 2025.
The police are investigating the circumstance behind the incident where the boat carrying two fishermen was rammed leading to the death of said fishermen.
Guminingin denied allegations of cover up following the statements made by Gerry Garcia, who is running for vice governor.
Garcia was quoted in reports that there is an alleged cover up regarding the case.
The police chief said the Bien Unido police are doing their best to file cases against the three suspects as it is possible that such case will be filed soon.
The police chief said that Garcia should have been much clearer before making any statements on social media.
Guminingin still refused to name the suspects as they will make the revelation once the cases have been filed.
It is possible that the suspects may be facing murder charges in relation to the deaths of the two fishermen.
Lad from Duero nabbed in Sikatuna
A young man from Duero was arrested following a buy bust operation in Sikatuna on Tuesday evening:
The Sikatuna drug enforcement unit conducted the sting operation after detecting the suspect to be engaged in alleged drug trade.
The suspect was identified as a Jaspar Tumulak, of barangay Angilan, Duero.
He was arrested in barangay Cana-agong, Sikatuna. after engaging with a poseur buyer.
Seized from the suspect were 0.3 gram of alleged shabu worth P2.040.
Charges of violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 will be filed against the suspect.
Leadership style tops attribute of bet according to UB survey
The leadership style and attitude of a candidate are the top attributes being sought for by voters, according to the survey conducted by the University of Bohol (UB) Information and Research Center (IRC).
About 61.7 percent of respondents based their choices on the leadership style of a bet and his or her attitude.
About 58.2 percent of respondents say the track record matters.
Platform is the third priority with 53.3 percent of voters saying this is important.
Only 16.9 percent are those who will stand against corruption and 7.9 percent said that they will vote because they personally know the candidate.
The UB has conducted the poll as part of its corporate social responsibility and the results were released on May 5, 2025.
This is the first time in a long while that UB conducted a survey.
Priest files raps vs. 3 bets
A Catholic priest filed charges against three candidates for alleged vote buying.
Fr. Darwin Gitgano and the End Vote Buying Movement filed cases before the prosecutor’s office against three candidates.
As of press time, the names of the accused are withheld for the meantime.
However, there are reports that one of the bets being accused of vote buying is a candidate for board member in the third district and two are council candidates in Valencia town.
It was reported that the board member candidate gave some soap bars as the two council candidates gave allegedly some cash and grocery packs.
It is unclear if the candidates themselves were the ones who gave the items purported as a means of vote buying.
Gitgano earlier vowed to take legal action against those who will be buying votes. He is assigned in Valencia town.
Reports identify one of the suspects behind Bien Unido sea tragedy
Reports have said that one of the suspects in the Bien Unido sea tragedy was identified as a certain “Daga”.
This comes as such information was released on social media and the police from both Bien Unido and Carlos P. Garcia are already working to validate the information.
On May 2. 2025, Rene Reyes and Bjay Manayon died after their boat was allegedly rammed by another boat while on sea near Malingin Island.
Reyes’ wife narrated that the victim was able to mention the name of the suspect before expiring.
Reyes’ wife said the boat was rammed by Daga and that Daga is known to Malingin residents as an enforcer from Carlos P. Garcia.
Reports said that allegedly Daga has been known to arrest fishermen or to ram the boats of those who conduct alleged illegal fishing.
According to Bien Unido police chief Lt. Jonatham Gumingin, the suspects behind the sea tragedy are from Carlos P. Garcia town.
PNP Bohol implements security for polls
The Philippine National Police (PNP) in Bohol has started to implement stringent security measures in time for the polls on Monday.
The Bohol Police Provincial Office (PNP) said that their forces are ready to implement the security measures as the voters troop to the polling places on May 12th,
BPPO spokesman Lt. Col. Norman Nuez said the police forces have been placed in full alert status since May 3, 2025.
The police units including the quick response teams are ready to respond to any emergency come Monday, Nuez said.
The areas under the green category will have a police officer per voting precinct.
The seven areas in Bohol under the yellow category including Tagbilaran City, will have at least two police officers per polling center.
Aside from Tagbilaran, other areas under the yellow category are San Miguel, Buenavista, Trinidad, Ubay, Inabanga, and Tubigon.
Aside from the police, elements from the Armed Forces of the Philippines will also be deployed, reports say.
Also included are some members of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) and the Philippine Coast Guard in the mix to help maintain the peace and order.
It is estimated that 2,500 personnel from various agencies will be handling the security during the polls.
There are more than 1,000 polling centers in Bohol and the police will be providing security to more than 900,000 registered voter in the province.
SC okays design for Hall of Justice
The Supreme Court (SC) said that it has approved the design for the Hall of Justice to be built in barangay Bool.
Lawyer Abel Damalerio, chief of staff of Cong. Edgar Chatto said deputy court administrator Requel Ladrillano approved the initial conceptual design of the new Hall of Justice.
He said the design was an amalgamation of several concepts.
Chatto has been batting for a new Hall of Justice as the current one is already dilapidated and crowded.
It is no longer conducive for the dispensation of justice and he would be seeking to build it in cooperation with the SC. This will be located at the foot of Mt. Banat-i in barangay Bool.
The lot was donated by the Provincial Government during the time when Chatto was governor of Bohol.
Damalerio said the new facility will house the courts, fiscal’s office and other related agencies in the dispensation of justice.
The new Hall of Justice will be a five-storey building with a total floor area of 13, 103.12 square meters.
Case build-up continues in Bien Unido sea tragedy
Police in Bien Unido are continuing with their case build-up to pursue the charges against those who were behind the deaths of two fishermen who were killed off the waters of Malingin Island in Bien Unido on May 2, 2025.
This is to ensure the case against the suspects will be airtight before filing the charges at the prosecutors’ office.
Police said the case build-up is a critical part of the process in achieving justice as they continue with their investigation.
The police said the mishandling of the case may result in the dismissal of the case against the suspects.
Two fishermen were killed by still uncertain suspects but there were reports alleging those who might be behind the incident are authorities from Carlos P. Garcia town.
Police said those who are being accused already know that they are being subjected to an investigation.
The Bien Unido police are exerting all legal efforts to boost their case success in court.
The police assure everyone that they are doing their best to ensure justice will soon be served.
PRO-7 conducts inspection in Comelec sites
The Police Regional Office-7 (PRO-7) conducted an on-site inspection of the hub of Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the canvassing area in Bohol.
The activity was part of the preparation for the elections.
PRO-7 chief Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan personally led the inspection on Tuesday and proves Bohol is an integral part of the security preparations in the region.
He inspected the facilities and the preparation in the deployment of personnel plus the contingency measures to ensure the smooth run during the elections this Monday.
Focus will also be given to areas where possible issues in security might happen.
The authorities will ensure all provinces will get the necessary support to ensure the maintenance of peace and order during the elections.
Security forces in Central Visayas will boost their cooperation to ensure the maintenance of peace and order.
Jagna VM challenges opponent to undergo hair follicle test
Jagna Vice Mayor Teofisto “Jojo” Pagar has challenged his opponent in the mayoralty race, barangay captain Louie Monungolh, to undergo a hair follicle test and to determine if there is any illegal drug use.
This comes as there was a video circulating alleging that Monungolh was using illegal drugs.
Pagar said that he prefers Monungolh to undergo a hair follicle test rather than urine samples.
Pagar would do the same as he will be proving that he is not using any illegal drugs.
This way, the people of Jagna will find out the truth as there are allegations of illegal drug use by Monungolh.
Pagar said a leader should be an example to others and should not be involved in illegal acts.
Meanwhile, in a survey, Pagar is leading Monungolh in voters’ preference where Pagar got 67.17 percent as Monungolh got 32.83 percent.
Pagar is thankful for his performance in the polls but remains humble as he is preferred to succeed Mayor Joseph Raniola.
Comelec conducts final sealing, testing of ACM
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) conducted the final testing and sealing of automated counting machines (ACM) on Tuesday as part of the preparation for Monday’s election.
Comelec spokesman Rocco Lamanilao said the activity is meant to determine if the ACMs will be working as expected before being used on Monday.
The ACM will be tested if they are able to read the ballots correctly, he said.
Trial voting activities were conducted during the testing in order to determine whether the ACMs are working fine, he added.
There is also manual counting to ensure the votes counted by the ACM is the same with the manual count.
The said activity was open to the public as it was held in all polling places in Tagbilaran City as parallel activities were held in the various towns.
The Comelec said security forces were present during the testing of ACM to ensure security of the paraphernalia to be used in the elections.
Lad nabbed in Corella buy bust
A 25-year-old lad was arrested in Corella town on Monday following a buy bust operation.
The sting operation was conducted in barangay Poblacion by Corella drug enforcement team.
The suspect was identified as a certain Joseph Once of barangay Poblacion 3, Tagbilaran City.
The police detected the suspect allegedly selling alleged drugs.
The suspect was arrested after engaging with a poseur buyer.
Seized from the suspect were alleged shabu weighing approximately one gram and valued at P6,800.
Charges of violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 will be filed against the suspect.
Police conduct simulation exercise for polls
The police conducted a simulation exercise to sharpen their response in order to ensure that peace and order will reign during the elections.
The Bohol Police Provincial Office (BPPO) conducted a simulation exercise on May 3, 2025.
The police with other agencies practiced how they will respond to different scenarios that may happen during the elections.
The exercise simulated hostage situations, robbery-holdup, bomb threats, civil disturbance, and security checkpoint procedures.
The special weapon and tactics also showed their ability to respond to incidents during the exercise done at Tagbilaran City.
The exercise is supposed to mirror the real-world scenarios and how they could respond in such incidents, reports say.
The exercise is meant to address the issues that may cause disruptions in the peace and order during the elections.
Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan personally supervised the activity as the police are now getting ready for elections this Monday.
Dan Lim issues reply to Comelec SCO
Gubernatorial candidate Dan Neri Lim has replied to the show cause order (SCO) issued by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in relation to the case filed by second district Rep. Maria Vanessa Aumentado.
Lim alleged that he never violated the Comelec resolution related to gender-based harassment.
In a one-page reply to the SCO. he said he did not violate Resolution No. 11116 as he merely made comments on the lifestyle of the congresswoman.
Lim claims that as a public servant, she should have been modest in her lifestyle.
Lim said that he had no intent to harass Aumentado’s gender based on his reply forwarded to Sonia Bea Uy-Lozada, the head of the Comelec task force.
The Comelec issued an SCO against Lim for alleged gender-based harassment.
Comelec slams fake news about national ID requirement
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) slammed the fake news that voters will be unable to vote unless they have the national ID.
Comelec-Bohol spokesman Rocco Lamanilao said there is no truth to the fake news circulating on social media.
Such information does not come from the Conelec, he said.
Voters need no ID in order to vote as the list already have photos where the teachers could cross check the identity of the voters.
However, voters may bring some form of identification if ever their identities are challenged by the teachers who will man the polls.
Lamanilao said that there is no truth about the national ID requirement as not all Filipinos have secured a national ID.
He said the public has nothing to worry about such requirements.
The poll precincts will open at 5 am and will close at 7 pm where the seniors, persons with disability and pregnant women are given the priority from 5 am to 7 am.
They can still vote during the regular hours from 7 am to 7 pm as these persons will have a priority lanes.
The NGO thanked the government and hopes the collaboration will help boost conservation efforts.
Bohol cops 7 golds in athletic meet
Bohol athletes managed to cop seven gold medals, and four bronzes at the U18 ICTSI Philippine Athletics Championship.
The said tourney was held at the New Clark City Athletic Stadium in Tarlac City from May 1 to 4, 2025.
The latest achievement only shows that Bohol is fast-rising as a producer of athletic talents.
Among the gold medalist are Jhul Ian Canaleta in the 2.000 and 3,000-meter steeple chase, Maria Emily Balunan in 400 and 800-meter low hurdles, and Maria Nila Acampado 3.000, 1,500 and 2,000 steeple chase.
The meet shoved Bohol to the top besting the University of Santo Tomas and Atletico Escolar Dugong Bayani teams in the medal tally.
Moreover, Gwen Diaz, Canleta, Lito Bagulong Jr., Balunan also won bronze medals.
The athletes have been providing honors as Bohol is continuously discovering new talents by way of the Boholympics and other regional and national meets.
Bohol landed in second place during the recent Central Visayas Athletic Association meet in Bayawan City showing its class upending traditionally strong tems like Cebu province and Dumaguete City.
Bohol, NGO sign pact to protect whales
The Capitol and a non-government organization (NGO) called Balyena. org inc. signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the aim to protect the whales.
The NGO was represented by Joe Mari Acides who signed the pact aimed in helping to protect whales and other marine mammals.
The MOA was signed on May 5, 2025 at the New Capitol building.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by various government agencies within the Capitol and also national government agencies.
The pact aimed to protect marine biodiversity as the Capitol sees the event as a milestone in protecting Bohol’s environment, known as the only UNESCO geopark in the Philippines.
It is known that there are 19 species of marine mammals living in Bohol waters.
The NGO has been engaged in marine research in Central Visayas since 2010.
The project involves monitoring, movement studies, and public awareness support among others.
Suspects in Bien Unido sea incident to face charges
The suspects in the sea tragedy near Malingin Island in Bien Unido may be facing charges soon, according to reports.
This comes as Gov. Aris Aumentado and his wife Cong. Vanessa Aumentado paid their respects to the two victims.
The governor assured the families of the victims that they will get the justice they’re seeking soon.
The governor lamented the revelation of the names of the suspects when the official investigation was on going.
The police were also not amused with the posting of the names of the suspects on social media as the suspects could have escaped and avoided prosecution.
However, the authorities have been monitoring the area where the suspects are possibly staying in.
The governor, during his visit to the island, said the incident could spark adjustments on how law on illegal fishing would be implemented.
Ligaya Reyes, the wife of one of the fatalities identified as Rene Reyes alias Ag-Ag, narrated that based on the last conversation she had with her husband before dying, Rene was able to narrate what happened.
Rene told Ligaya that he was filling the gas tank of their motor banca with fuel and all of a sudden another boat allegedly rammed into his boat.
The boat that rammed them was red in color and it was alleged there were other fishers in the area.
Ligaya said Rene lost an eye and his chest was severely injured and the latter eventually died in the hospital.
Moreover, the other victim, BJay Manayon, was initially declared lost but later recovered sustaining a huge crack on the head.