Bohol pediatricians meet to discuss children’s issues
Too Bohol pediatrician Ria Maslog revealed information about the recent gathering of pediatricians in the province.
In her guest appearance on Newsmakers ug Uban Pa on Oct. 28, 2025 she mentioned about the gathering of members of Bohol Child Care Advocates on Oct. 24, 2025 had an event where pediatricians gathered for a post-graduate course tackling common problems faced by children.
One of the topics is about “Bad Touch, Good Touch: Prevention Avoidance and Detection of Sexual Abuse in Children.
She said a panel discussion on the topic took place with several key resource persons and conducted the discussions on sexual abuse happening to children.
Maslog said that those caring for children should be aware about which kind of touches are allowed and which ones are not.
The children should be made aware of which touches are considered good and which ones are not, she added as these children are made aware that not all touching coming from older people are appropriate or acceptable.
She said that based on the discussions, the good touch is something that is loaded with care, respect which can be considered as appropriate physical contact that will make the child feel safe and loved.
On the other hand, bad touch is any form of contact where the child feels discomfort, confusion, fear, or embarrassment especially when touching occurs on the child’s private parts with coercion or intimidation or when there is remark preventing minors to tell about the incident.
She also mentioned about child sexual abuse accommodation syndrome, which causes delays in the reporting of child sexual abuse to authorities.
In this syndrome, the child keeps the sexual abuse secret as he or she feels helpless and in so doing the victim accommodates the abuse that took place, and it may also create a mindset within the child that such inappropriate actions are normal.
By accommodating, Maslog said, the victim delays reporting of the crime that took place.
CLUES
She said there are physical indicators of a bad touch and verbal clues of an abused child.
In some cases, there are bruises, bleeding, or injury to the private parts that may lead to difficulty in sitting, changes in the way the child walks, difficulty in peeling, or symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases.
She also mentioned that a victim complained of abdominal pain, which turned out that the victim was pregnant at an early age.
Verbal clues include partial revelation of the incident or sudden interest on sex that make guardians or parents wonder where it is coming from.
FACTORS
She said several factors may trigger sexual abuse including dysfunctional relationship within the family, power imbalance, secrecy and denial, neglect among parental figures, intergenerational abuse, and lack boundaries in the home.
Police investigate boy’s murder in Dagohoy
Police in Dagohoy are investigating the circumstances behind the killing of a boy following the discovery of his dead body on October 27, 2025, in Barangay Candelaria.
The body of the minor, known as alias Jerson of Barangay San Miguel, Dagohoy, was discovered with multiple hack wounds and was found soaked in his own blood.
Residents saw the lifeless body at the side of a barangay road, already sustaining hack wounds.
As of this writing, the suspect behind the killing remains unknown.
The police never received a report about any commotion that happened prior to the discovery of the dead body.
Teachers and learners welcome wellness break
Teachers and learners alike welcomed the wellness break implemented in public schools nationwide, including Bohol.
The respite started on October 27, 2025, and will last until October 30, 2025.
Classes will resume on Monday, November 3, 2025.
According to Department of Education (DepEd)-Bohol superintendent Dr. Faye Luarez, the break is designed to provide a period of rest and relaxation to students and teachers.
It is also a time for those who were impacted by calamities and influenza-like illnesses to recover.
This is also to allow teachers to find relief, as in the past, the break only covered the learners.
In the past, President Marcos Jr. issued a directive to provide solutions to the needs of teachers.
Luarez said the break enables teachers to prioritize their physical, mental, and emotional well-being as a way to foster a healthy working environment.
Luarez said that there was a clamor from teachers asking why only the learners get a break while they don’t, and this has changed this year.
Teachers paid by the province are allowed to work from home, Luarez said.
The in-service training that was supposed to be held in the last week of October has been rescheduled to allow for the wellness break for teachers.
Luarez said the DepEd will announce the new schedule of the training and other programs that gave way to the wellness break.
Comelec orders Mayor Baja to respond to disqualification case
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has ordered Garcia-Hernandez Mayor Jess Baja and members of the Sangguniang Bayan (SB) to respond to the disqualification case filed by former Board Member Jade Bautista.
The provincial Comelec conducted a clarificatory hearing on October 27, 2025, on the complaint filed by Bautista against Baja and others.
Bautista attended the hearing with her counsel, Johnson Hontanosas, and her running mate, Mary Rose Edubas, who also filed a disqualification case against Baja and others.
Comelec-Bohol provincial supervisor Eliseo Labaria said the poll body gave Baja and his companions 10 days to submit the necessary documents and evidence regarding the case filed against them.
Labaria said that after 10 days, the Comelec-Bohol will submit to the Comelec law department the position of the two camps.
Bautista said her camp had already submitted its position paper to the Comelec.
Baja was accompanied by his counsel, Carlo Brian Carandang, and other respondents in the case.
To recall, a disqualification case was filed against Baja, Vice Mayor Antonia Ladaga, and councilors Ann Paglinawah Baja, Antonio Baja, Edwin Baja, Lito and Clarita Dajalos, Edgar Galbizo, Nilo Salise, Carol Tentativa, and Editha Virador for alleged campaigning during the distribution of the Ayuda Para sa Kapos ang Kita program or AKAP program on April 28, 2025, and the distribution of Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) on April 30, 2025, both at the town gym of Garcia Hernandez.
Both instances happened during the election period, and there are certain limits on the appearance of candidates in such activities during the campaign period.
Young man arrested in San Isidro drug operation
A 20-year-old man was arrested in an operation in Barangay Poblacion, San Isidro town by members of the municipal drug enforcement unit on October 27, 2025.
The police responded to a report that a group of youth was allegedly engaged in a drug use session.
For this reason, the police conducted an operation, witnessed by barangay officials and the media.
The suspect was identified as Reneboy Orlasan, of Barangay Poblacion, San Isidro.
The police caught the suspect and seized from him alleged shabu weighing 0.06 grams and valued at P408.
Charges will be filed against the suspect for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
SLI arrested in ubay drug bust
A street-level individual (SLI) was arrested in Barangay Hambabauran, Ubay on October 27, 2025.
The suspect was arrested following a buy-bust operation.
The suspect was identified as Nestor Rosal Joaquin, a carpenter from Barangay Hambabauran, Ubay.
Taken from him were six sachets allegedly containing shabu, weighing 3.5 grams and valued at approximately P23,800.
The suspect now faces charges of violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Lady files charges after receiving threats
A lady from Dauis has decided to file charges after she became a victim of threats on October 26, 2025.
She decided to file charges against a male person who allegedly issued threats to her inside a store in Barangay Totolan.
Police said the victim filed charges against the suspect, who threatened her life using a sharp weapon.
The suspect may face charges of threats, and he remains at large as police were unable to arrest him after he fled his home.
The police conducted a follow-up operation once the report was received, but the suspect managed to escape.
BPIA joins Airports Council International Asia Pacific and Middle East
The Bohol Panglao International Airport (BPIA), managed by Aboitiz Infracapital, has been accepted as a member of the Airports Council International Asia Pacific and Middle East (ACIAPME), according to a report on October 27, 2025.
The ACIAPME is an international organization that comprises hundreds of airport members from 44 countries and territories.
The inclusion of BPIA in the organization means that Bohol can benefit from world-class best practices, international benchmarks, and programs aimed at improving the quality of operations at Bohol’s only airport.
According to Aboitiz, the membership is a huge opportunity for Bohol and Central Visayas to strengthen tourism and the economy.
As a member, BPIA will be able to boost its reputation as one of the modern airports in the country, providing safe, efficient, and quality service to the traveling public.
Police officer injured in Getafe accident
A police officer was injured in an accident in Barangay Sto. Niño, Getafe on October 26, 2025.
The victim was identified as Master Sgt. Jofel Manatad, 39, of Barangay Overland, Buenavista, who is currently assigned at the San Isidro police station.
Initial investigation revealed that Manatad was traveling from Buenavista towards Getafe on board his tricycle when the brakes malfunctioned.
He tried to move the vehicle to the shoulder, but the tricycle fell into a canal, causing injuries.
The victim was then rescued and brought to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Ordinance proposed to curb rabies spread in Tagbilaran City
A city ordinance is being crafted to curb the spread of rabies through a coordinated and integrated approach in Tagbilaran City.
Proposed Ordinance No. 42-25 outlines the management of rabies through a single, unified rabies health program.
A public hearing for the ordinance was held on October 27, 2025, at a local restaurant, attended by barangay officials, representatives from the veterinary office, councilors, and officials from various government agencies.
Coun. Gian Besas, chairman of the Committee on Agriculture at the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP), said the measure aims to bolster the city government’s efforts against rabies, with the goal of implementing a unified rabies program.
The committee will discuss the measure and prepare a committee report to be presented at the plenary, where it will undergo second and third readings before being approved as an ordinance.
Betting machine tellers loom loss of jobs
The tellers of online betting machines may soon lose their jobs once a proposed ordinance at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) becomes a law.
A proposed ordinance is filed at the provincial board outlawing the use of online betting machines in Bohol and will retain the use of traditional way of betting inside cockfighting arenas.
Board Member Benjie Arcamo sponsored the proposed ordinance, which seeks to strictly implement Presidential Decree No. 449, or the Cockfighting Law of 1974.
The proposed ordinance will only allow traditional betting inside cockfight arenas.
The proposed ordinance was passed on second reading on October 28, 2025.
Cockpit arena operators and their employees initially opposed the measure, as it may disrupt their livelihood.
Moreover, bet collectors, known locally as “kristo,” lauded the measure, as they favor the traditional way of betting inside cockfighting arenas.
Arcamo said under Section 4 of the proposed ordinance, all cockfight arenas should continue with traditional ways of conducting cockfights and betting.
Operators may end up losing their permits if they violate the ordinance.
If the proposed ordinance becomes a law, a number of workers in cockpit arenas will lose their jobs, especially those working with online betting machines.
Comelec disqualifies another Candijay councilor for alleged vote buying
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has ordered the disqualification of another Candijay councilor for alleged vote buying.
Comelec-Candijay election officer Joseph Dennis Tenio confirmed on October 28, 2025, that Erlinda Curativo was disqualified.
The Comelec said the councilor violated Section 261A of the Omnibus Election Code for alleged vote buying during the May 2025 elections.
Candijay police station filed a case against Curativo, reports said.
Based on Comelec Resolutions 10946 and 11104, the police are deputized to investigate and take action on incidents of vote buying during the election period, which also included vote selling.
The Comelec Second Division, under Special Action Cases, ordered the dismissal of Curativo on October 23, 2025.
Tenio said Curativo has already filed a motion for reconsideration before the poll body.
Meanwhile, Comelec provincial director Eliseo Labaria said he awaits the result of the motion for reconsideration filed by Curativo.
Edgar Torralba and Charina Bagor, who were earlier disqualified by the Comelec, have already filed their respective appeals before the Supreme Court.
Bohol gets free money from WB
Bohol stands to receive free funding from the World Bank (WB) for the water and sanitation project, according to Planning and Development Head John Titus Vistal.
Bohol will not shell out any counterpart fund, as the WB is funding the project for P8 billion.
The water and sanitation project aims to solve the v shortage in Bohol.
Bohol, along with Siargao and Jolo, Sulu, are the pilot areas of the Accelerated Water and Sanitation Project in Selected Areas (AWSPSA).
Vistal said the national government will be the one taking out a loan from the WB, and Bohol is just the recipient of a grant.
Bohol will contribute human resources and apply for water rights with the National Water Resources Board, among other needs.
Vistal said the implementing agency is the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and the project will benefit several towns in Bohol and the lone city of Tagbilaran.
The Investment Coordination Committee at the cabinet level recently endorsed the application, and the project will be approved by the Economic and Development Council, which is chaired by the President himself, Vistal said.
Cebu Gov appointed new RDC chair
Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro has been appointed as the new chairman of the Regional Development Council (RDC) in Central Visayas.
The appointment was signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin.
Baricuatro replaces Bohol Gov. Aris Aumentado as RDC chair, as Aumentado ended his term in October 2025.
This is based on the guidelines of the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DepDev), formerly the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).
The guidelines state that the chair and co-chair of the RDC will serve for three years.
To recall, Aumentado was appointed as RDC chair back in 2022.
As this developed, Aumentado wished Baricuatro all the best as the latter assumes the post of RDC chair.
Aumentado hopes that their region will continue to progress, as there are only two provinces left in Central Visayas.
The new partnership is called SugBohol.
As Negros Oriental and Siquijor are now part of the Negros Island Region.
Over P400K in alleged shabu seized in buy-bust operation
Over P400,000 worth of alleged shabu was seized from a 29-year-old male following a buy-bust operation on October 28, 2025, in Barangay Dampas, Tagbilaran City.
The Tagbilaran Drug Enforcement Unit conducted the operation.
The suspect was identified as Leo Quibec of Barangay Dampas.
Taken from the suspect were 60 grams of alleged shabu.
The operation was witnessed by barangay officials and the media.
Charges of violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 await the suspect.
The new partnership is called SugBohol.
As Negros Oriental and Siquijor are now part of the Negros Island Region.
PDEA seizes P102k worth of shabu
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) seized P102,000 worth of alleged shabu after a buy-bust operation on October 28, 2026, at Barangay Booy.
The PDEA also arrested four persons who were allegedly conducting a drug use session inside an alleged drug den.
The PDEA arrested Adrian Garcia, 31, from Barangay Ilijan, Unay, and his cohorts, namely Raymond Caporte, 44, of Barangay Zamora, Bilar; Nesty Tuyogon, 43, of Barangay Booy; and Jared Flores, 22, of Barangay Dao.
The sting operation was witnessed by barangay officials, a Department of Justice representative, and the media.
A poseur buyer engaged with Garcia and Caporte inside the house allegedly used as a drug den.
Taken from the suspects were 15 grams of alleged shabu.
Charges of violation of the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 await the suspects.