Tagbilaran City council approves measures against ‘colorum’ vehicles

The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Tagbilaran approved two resolutions and endorsed a proposed ordinance aimed at curbing illegal or “colorum” public utility vehicles operating in the city.

Councilor Fausto “Bebot” Budlong, chair of the Committee on Peace, Order and Public Safety, sponsored Resolution 238-25, requesting Land Transportation Office (LTO) Region 7 Director Glen Galario to deputize Tagbilaran police to apprehend colorum vehicles in terminals and along city roads.

Budlong also pushed Resolution 239-25, urging Bohol Police Provincial Director Col. Arnel Banzon to intensify operations against colorum vehicles in public transport terminals across the province.

In addition, Budlong filed Proposed City Ordinance 24-25, which seeks to prohibit public utility vehicle drivers from engaging in quarrels or fistfights in public areas in Tagbilaran. The ordinance also sets penalties for violators.

The council approved the two resolutions during its regular session presided over by Vice Mayor Adam Relson Jala. The proposed ordinance passed its first reading and was referred to the committee for review.

The measures were introduced following a recent altercation between a colorum driver and a legal van operator in the city.

Bohol farmers yet to request cloud seeding amid dry spell, OPA says

The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) in Bohol said no formal request has been filed for cloud seeding despite cracks forming in rice fields due to prolonged dry weather.

Assistant Provincial Agriculturist Larry Pamugas told DyTR News that cloud seeding operations can only be initiated upon a request from farmer irrigators through the National Irrigation Administration. As of now, no such appeal has been received.

Farmers in some areas reported light rainfall this week, slightly easing conditions, Pamugas added. Water levels at irrigation dams, including Malinao Dam in Pilar town, remain below normal.

The provincial government continues to implement programs to strengthen food security and farmers’ livelihoods. Under the Vegetable Corridor Project, towns such as Jagna, Duero, Guindulman, Sierra Bullones, Valencia and Garcia Hernandez have received support in the form of water supply systems, seeds, fertilizers and marketing assistance.

A Food Innovation Center, established with Bohol Island State University, is also processing surplus vegetables into value-added products to boost farmers’ income.

Ubay remains the province’s top rice producer, while Bilar, Calape and Sierra Bullones lead in vegetable production. Officials said investments in production support, infrastructure and market access aim to keep Bohol’s agriculture and fisheries sector resilient and competitive for future generations.

Tagbilaran police seize P38 million worth of drugs in 3 months

Police in Tagbilaran City confiscated nearly P38 million worth of illegal drugs in a series of operations from April to July 2025, authorities reported Monday.

The Tagbilaran City Police Station, led by Lt. Col. John Kareen Escober, said officers seized about 5,587 grams of illegal drugs valued at P37.9 million in 12 operations that resulted in the arrest of 17 suspects.

Of those arrested, 10 were identified as high-value targets while seven were considered street-level suspects, police said. 

Twelve criminal cases for violations of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 have been filed.

The report was presented during a joint meeting of the City Peace and Order Council and the City Anti-Drug Abuse Council on Aug. 18, presided over by City Councilor Fausto “Bebot” Budlong, head of the Committee on Peace, Order and Public Safety.

American tourist to file complaint against Bohol police

An American national said he plans to file a complaint against a police officer in Bohol, accusing a PNP officer of harassment, threats and abuse during a checkpoint in Guindulman earlier this month.

Kenny Foster, 41, told media he and his 25-year-old wife were intimidated by Police Corporal Marcelo Olaer during an Oplan Sita inspection at the town’s public market.

He alleged that police discouraged him from filing a formal complaint, questioned him aggressively, and failed to investigate the loss of his scooter key at the station.

Police officials denied the claims, saying Foster’s affidavit did not mention that Olaer was drunk, contrary to social media posts. 

Guindulman police chief Capt. Exelsis Belciña insisted Olaer was sober during the operation.

Foster said he is awaiting legal advice but intends to pursue charges against the Philippine National Police for what he described as “failure to do their jobs, harassment and assault.”

Bilar parish steps up faith-based response after string of suicides

The parish priest of San Isidro Labrador Parish in Bilar has launched a series of church-led programs in response to a string of suicides in the town.

Rev. Fr. Gerald Lopena said in an interview with DyTR Radio that the parish began organizing activities, following the first reported suicide in Barangay Roxas. These prayers have since continued for 40 days.

After another suicide case in Barangay Owac last week, Lopena requested a copy of the Oratio Imperata, a special prayer for those battling depression and for suicide victims, from the Diocese of Tagbilaran. He said the prayer will now be recited in all parish Masses after the Post-Communion Prayer, beginning this week.

Lopena expressed grief over yet another reported suicide in Barangay Yanaya on Sunday. 

He said the parish will intensify its response by holding talks on suicide prevention and mental health awareness throughout September.

The Community of Evangelizers, CCD, CFD, and Worship Committees have been tasked to lead the sessions in local chapels.

The priest said he hopes education, strong faith, and prayer will help curb the rising number of suicide cases in Bilar.

Capitol donates sewing materials to boost livelihood programs for female inmates

The Bohol provincial government has donated fabric scraps to support livelihood and skills programs for women inmates at the Bohol District Jail.

The donation, turned over last week by Dr. Anne Mariquit Oppus of the Provincial Gender and Development Focal Point System, aims to help persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) produce handicrafts and income-generating products during their sentences.

Jail officials said finished items will be showcased by the Gender and Development Resource Center to highlight the talents of inmates and raise community support for their reintegration.

Provincial leaders said the move reflects their commitment to gender equality, inclusive governance, and rehabilitation of marginalized groups.