Bohol Tourist Police Prioritize Safety and Security
The Bohol Tourist Police is addressing the issue of rowdy foreign tourists who often get drunk and are involved in traffic-related incidents.
According to Lt. Charlie Wayne Ozoa, deputy chief of the unit, while they are able to contain the issues, their primary focus is on ensuring the safety and security of tourists visiting the province.
In an interview on Open Forum, Ozoa emphasized the importance of extending assistance to tourists, highlighting the Filipino culture of hospitality.
The unit operates primarily in Panglao, where most tourist areas are located, and also hosts the international airport.
With 81 personnel, including seven officers, the Bohol Tourist Police provides security to both foreign and local tourists across all tourist destinations in the province.
They deploy personnel to areas upon request of local government units and monitor daily tourist arrivals.
Ozoa assured that the unit treats everyone equally, regardless of race or color, with the goal of making tourists feel safe in Bohol, known as the tourism crown jewel of Central Visayas.
During the program, Ozoa was joined by his personnel, Staff Sgt. Corazon Devenosa from Dauis and Staff Sgt. Joeven Tangal from Negros Oriental, who exuded a jovial disposition akin to a police officer who engages with tourists and visitors to the province.
Devenosa, a former teacher, shared that she became a police officer and was educated at Bohol Wisdom School. She also shared her personal story, having become a mother at 37 and now being 38 years old and married to a person from San Isidro town.
Ozoa reiterated that the main thrust of his unit is to ensure tourists are safe and feel secure while on holiday in Bohol.
He noted that Bohol is comparatively peaceful compared to other provinces.
When asked about scantily clad tourists riding motorcycles, Devenosa said it would be difficult to accost them while they’re mobile, but if they violate the dress code while not on a vehicle, they might be reprimanded.
Tangal added that the best way to address the issue is through an information drive to educate tourists about the dress code.
Devenosa agreed, saying that providing information to tourists would be the unit’s priority.
Ozoa noted that local tourists tend to follow the rules more than foreign tourists, and if they arrest a rowdy tourist, they would turn them over to the nearest police station for booking and processing.
TOURIST ARRIVALS
AND POLICE PRESENCE
According to Lt. Charlie Wayne Ozoa, Koreans make up the largest number of tourists in Bohol, with around 6,000 arrivals last week. In contrast, Europeans have the lowest number of visitors.
Ozoa said they monitor tourist arrivals at airports and seaports, tracking reports to gauge the number of visitors.
During the past week, approximately 16,970 tourists visited Bohol, which is not considered peak season.
Ozoa noted that during peak season, the number can reach up to 20,000 tourists per week.
Tourist police are stationed at the airport to assist visitors, often positioned outside the facility. Ozoa explained that airport security and airport police are separate from their unit.
Staff Sgt. Joeven Tangal mentioned that tourist police are also assigned to Bilar’s tourist attractions.
Ozoa added that previously, local police maintained peace and order for tourists, but the deployment of tourist police depends on the volume of tourists and requests from local government units.
Aside from Panglao, other areas with tourist police presence include Chocolate Hills and Loboc River Cruise.
HANDLING ACCIDENTS AND INCIDENTS
In the event of accidents involving tourists, Ozoa said the tourist police coordinate with the tourism office to gather data.
If the incident involves seacrafts, they work with the Philippine Coast Guard.
The police also reprimand tourists who are too loud and disturb others in the vicinity.
Woman Dies, 5-Year-Old Grandchild Hurt in Jagna Accident
A tragic accident occurred in Jagna on June 20, 2025, resulting in the death of a 58-year-old woman and injuring her 5-year-old grandchild.
The victim, Carmelita Tadem of barangay Alejawan, was fetching her grandchild from school when a speeding motorcycle hit them.
The two were rushed to a hospital in Tagbilaran City, where Tadem sadly succumbed to her injuries.
Her grandchild received medical treatment for injuries sustained in the accident.
The suspect, John Macarayan of barangay Faraon, was taken into custody by the police following the incident.
Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Bohol Bee Farm Scion Dies in Panglao Drowning Incident
A tragic incident occurred in Panglao, Bohol, on June 22, 2025, when Abdul Wallace, 39, a scion of the Bohol Bee Farm Restaurant Empire and son of owner Vicky Wallace, lost his life while spearfishing in the waters off Virgin Island.
According to the Panglao police, Wallace was diving without breathing apparatus when the incident happened. His companion reported that Wallace had speared a fish and was likely chasing after it when he possibly ran out of air while trying to resurface. The regulator on Wallace’s watch indicated his struggle to reach the surface.
When Wallace failed to resurface after being pulled with a rope attached to his spear, his companion sought help from barangay tanods. After a few hours, divers retrieved Wallace’s body from a depth of approximately 28 meters underwater.
Authorities found no signs of foul play, concluding that the death was an unfortunate accident. The incident has sparked an outpouring of condolences on social media, with Inabanga Mayor Jono Jumamoy among those expressing sympathy to the Wallace family.
The community mourns the loss of a young entrepreneur, and the family is left to grieve the sudden passing of a beloved son and father.
Russian National Found Dead in Tagbilaran City
A tragic incident unfolded in Tagbilaran City on June 22, 2025, when the body of a Russian national was discovered in an advanced state of decomposition along the shoreline of barangay Mansasa.
The victim, identified as 55-year-old Aleksei Gribanov, a temporary resident of Tagbilaran City, had been missing for four days.
The foul odor emanating from the body led to its discovery past 10 am on Sunday.
According to Tagbilaran City Police Station Chief Lt. Col. John Kareen Escober, the exact cause of death is yet to be determined, but drowning is suspected.
An autopsy has been requested to confirm the cause of death.
Investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding Gribanov’s death.
The police are reviewing CCTV footage and conducting interviews to identify the last person he interacted with before his disappearance.
Those who knew Gribanov reported that he was often seen intoxicated, which may have contributed to the tragic incident.
It’s believed that he might have gone for a swim while under the influence, leading to the drowning.
The body has been transferred to a local funeral home for further procedures.
The police investigation continues to piece together the events leading up to Gribanov’s untimely death.
Investors in Bohol Whale Watching Venture Reeling from Closure
Investors in Bohol Wonder, the operator of the popular whale watching activity in barangay Catarman, Dauis, are lamenting losses after the attraction was ordered to be shut down. Despite spending a substantial P30 million, the investors were only allowed to operate for a month.
According to reports, the investors claimed to have earned around P700,000 daily at the height of operations. However, the closure has significantly impacted tourist arrivals, particularly from South Korea, with flights dwindling from nine to just two per day.
The closure was prompted by Governor Aris Aumentado’s Executive Order No. 10, which implemented Provincial Ordinance No. 2020-008 prohibiting “marine wildlife provisioning” and other harmful acts against marine wildlife. The ordinance was enacted to protect the whale sharks and preserve the marine ecosystem.
Governor Aumentado has hinted that the ban might be lifted if the operation becomes compliant with regulations. In the meantime, former workers have received financial aid of P10,000 each from the governor.
The whale watching activity was a significant tourist draw in Bohol, and the closure has left investors and stakeholders reeling from the financial losses.
PCG Rescues 2 Fishermen Stranded at Sea off Maribojoc
In a daring rescue operation, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)-Western Bohol saved two fishermen who were stranded at sea off the waters of Maribojoc on June 22, 2025.
The PCG received a distress call from Bantay Dagat members around 1 am, prompting a swift response.
The rescued fishermen, Julius and Jestoni Palmores, both from Loon town, were aboard separate pumpboats when one boat took on water and the other experienced engine trouble, leaving them stalled amidst huge waves.
Thanks to the PCG’s prompt action, the fishermen were brought to safety.
The timely rescue highlights the PCG’s commitment to ensuring the safety of lives at sea.
The fishermen are safe – thanks to the bravery and expertise of the PCG personnel.
Man arrested in Baclayon drug buy-bust operation
A drug buy-bust operation conducted by the Baclayon municipal drug enforcement team led to the arrest of Antonieto Piñero, a resident of barangay Guiwanon, Baclayon, early Monday morning.
The operation, coordinated with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and witnessed by representatives from the Department of Justice and Bohol media, resulted in the seizure of alleged illegal drugs weighing approximately 7 grams, valued at P47,600.
The suspect is facing charges for violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
The Baclayon municipal drug enforcement team, led by Capt. Ariel Aspiras, conducted the operation, which highlights the ongoing efforts of local authorities to combat illegal drugs in the province.
Gas Prices spike, motorists rush to fill up
Motorists in Bohol and across the country rushed to fill up their tanks on Monday, anticipating a price hike in gasoline and diesel.
The increase, effective Tuesday, ranges from P1.75 to P2.60 per liter for gasoline and diesel, respectively.
The price surge is attributed to escalating tensions between Iran and Israel, which may impact global oil supplies.
The conflict has raised concerns about potential disruptions to oil production and transportation, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical sea lane that carries around 20% of the world’s oil supply.
Some observers are urging oil companies to consider a price freeze to alleviate the burden on consumers.
As prices are expected to rise in the coming days or weeks, motorists and businesses are bracing for the impact on their finances.
The Philippines is not alone in facing the effects of this development.
Other countries reliant on oil imports are also expected to be affected.
The price hike is likely to have far-reaching consequences, including increased transportation costs and potential inflation.
Yap remains unfazed amidst election fraud allegations
Congressman-elect John Geesnell “Baba” Yap has expressed no anger or concern over allegations of massive poll fraud made by lawyer Jordan Pizarras, who filed a petition for certiorari and mandamus before the Supreme Court.
The petition, filed on June 17, 2025, seeks a status quo ante order and a manual recount, citing various allegations of electoral fraud.
Pizarras’ petition highlights several concerns, including:
– Data transmission issues: Alleged irregularities in transmitting data from Automated Counting Machines (ACMs) to an intermediary data center and transparency servers
Garcia’s visits and links: Questionable visits by Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia to Bohol and alleged links with a former Bohol congressman
– Financial transactions: Rumors of a family withdrawing a large sum of money before the elections
Despite being named as a respondent in the petition, Yap remains committed to his goals and assured his constituents that the issues will not hinder his work.
In a radio interview, he emphasized his focus on delivering results and his willingness to work with those who opposed him in the elections.
Yap stated, “I am not bothered and not angry in any way. Filing the petition is Pizarras’ right to do so.”
He added that he is prepared to defend himself and is committed to separating politics from his program implementation.
Yap, who defeated outgoing Cong. Edgar Chatto and lawyer Jordan Pizarras in the 2025 congressional race, has expressed his commitment to serving his district.
He assured the public that he will prioritize their needs and work towards achieving his goals, despite the ongoing controversy.
2 Bohol dioceses prepare for CBCP retreat
The two Bohol dioceses are busy preparing for the 130th annual retreat of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) that is slated to be held in the province from June 30 to July 7, 2025.
The CBCP, the country’s body made up of Catholic bishops, will also conduct its plenary assembly during the said event in Bohol, according to reports.
This is the first time the CBCP will hold its plenary assembly in Bohol. The Diocese of Tagbilaran will host the retreat portion from June 30 to July 4, while the plenary sessions will be held at the Bugnaw Si-E Beach Resort in Anda, Bohol, from July 4 to July 7. The Diocese of Talibon is also preparing for the event that has been filled with anticipation among the faithful.
Reports say the Diocese of Tagbilaran already reached 90 percent readiness as the event will start in a few days time.
Reports add that not less than 170 Catholic bishops and synodal delegates are expected to arrive in Bohol for the event where not just bishops are expected but also priests, nuns, and other religious personalities to visit Tagbilaran and Anda.
Caloocan bishop Virgilio Pablo Cardinal David, the president of the CBCP, will lead the delegates during the events in Bohol.
Sources said that the first part of the event are the retreat and the synodal implementation at the Bohol Tropics from June 30 to July 4, 2025 and the plenary assembly will be in Anda, which is under the Diocese of Talibon.
Only the bishops are allowed to attend the plenary assembly in Anda.
The event coincides with the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year. The CBCP is composed of 83 active bishops, five administrators, and 39 honorary members who are retired bishops.
Two Tagbilaran candidates miss SOCE filing deadline
Two candidates in the recent Tagbilaran City elections failed to file their Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE) on time, despite the June 11, 2025 deadline.
According to Lawyer Rocco Lamanilao of the Commission on Elections (Comelec)-Tagbilaran, the two candidates who missed the deadline are Cris Alturas and George Hibaya, both independent candidates for councilor who lost in the elections.
The SOCE is a crucial document that details campaign contributions and expenditures, and all candidates, whether winning or losing, are required to file it.
Failure to comply may result in fines for first-time violators, while repeat offenders may face disqualification from running for public office.
In a related development, four candidates at the provincial level also failed to file their SOCE on time.
They are Dan Lim, Modesto Membreve, Marybelle de la Serna, and Willy Ramasola.
The Comelec emphasizes that the deadline for filing SOCE is strict and non-extendable.
Foreigner found dead in Mansasa identified
The body of a foreigner discovered along the shores of Mansasa on June 22, 2025, has been identified as Aleksei Gribanov, a 55-year-old Russian national.
The body was found around 11:50 am in Purok 6, Mansasa Seaside, barangay Mansasa, Tagbilaran City.
The Tagbilaran City Police Station (TCPS) responded to a report from a village watchman and proceeded to the area.
Initial investigation revealed that the body was already unresponsive.
Carmencita Comenador, Gribanov’s landlady, positively identified the deceased.
Comenador reported that Gribanov had been unable to return home for about four days prior to the discovery of his body.
The body, in a state of decomposition, was brought to the Holy Name Funeral Home.
The TCPS and the Bohol Provincial Forensic Unit (BPFU) are investigating the circumstances surrounding Gribanov’s death, with assistance from the City Health Office.