Bohol police seize P20.6M worth of shabu in holiday season bust
The Tagbilaran City Police Station (TCPS) seized around P20.6 million worth of alleged shabu following a buy-bust operation on Dec. 14, 2025.
TCPS chief Lt. Col. John Kareen Escober said they received information that a huge volume of alleged shabu was about to arrive in Tagbilaran City before conducting the operation.
The two suspects, identified as Melvin Montemayor and Joey Polinar, alleged that they just picked up the huge volume of alleged shabu from an unknown person.
Reports said the contraband was to be delivered to drug pushers.
The TCPS seized about three kilos of shabu, confiscated following an operation in barangay Poblacion 1.
Montemayor is from Liloan, Cebu, while Polinar is from barangay Mariveles, Dauis.
The operation was witnessed by Poblacion 1 barangay captain Ma. Luz Quiobe and barangay kagawad Cabugatan Dimasangcay, and a member of Bohol media.
A poseur buyer posed to buy alleged shabu from the suspects worth P100,000, and the suspects were arrested after handing the alleged illegal drugs to the undercover operative.
Charges of violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act are filed against the suspects.
Bohol police nab drug suspects, seize shabu worth P850,000 in separate operations
The Bohol police arrested several drug suspects in separate events, seizing around P850,000 worth of alleged shabu on Dec. 14, 2025.
The Tagbilaran City drug enforcement unit arrested a welder from Ubay following a buy-bust operation in barangay Dampas.
The suspect sold alleged shabu to a poseur buyer worth P50,000, and packets of alleged shabu weighing 125 grams were taken from him.
Meanwhile, the Cortes drug enforcement unit arrested a 20-year-old student from barangay De La Paz on Dec. 13, 2025, in barangay Upper de la Paz.
Packets of alleged shabu approximately weighing 3.6 grams worth P24,480 were taken from the suspect.
Charges of violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 are filed individually against the respective suspects.
Bohol police tighten security for Simbang Gabi amid holiday celebrations
The Bohol Police Provincial Office (BPPO) has been implementing tight security near churches as Catholics try to complete the nine-day dawn mass known as Simbang Gabi.
The annual tradition among Catholics started on Dec. 16, 2025 and ends on Dec. 24, 2025.
The police increased their visibility to ensure safety and security of churchgoers.
Maj. Rey Olar, public information officer at BPPO, said the police intensified the foot patrols as well as checkpoints, and deployment of mobile units near churches.
There are public assistance desks near the churches to ensure police presence and visibility.
More police are deployed early in the morning when people flock to churches to hear dawn mass.
BPPO has coordinated tightly with local government units, barangay officials and church authorities to ensure crowd management and to prepare for any emergencies while the nine-day tradition is being held.
The police advise the public to remain alert and to cooperate with security personnel to ensure the peace, order and safety during the dawn mass tradition.
Meanwhile, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-Bohol under fire marshall Raul Bustaliño reminded the people about the holiday fire alert as the agency is under code blue from Dec. 17, 2025 and then move to code red from Dec. 23, 2025 until Jan. 2, 2026 to prevent fires until the New Year.
A blue alert status means 50 percent of BFP personnel are on board to respond to emergencies while red alert means there is a complete staff ready to respond at an emergency situation.
The BFP is also implementing Oplan Paalala: Iwas Paputok, to remind people to avoid using firecrackers and to make fire trucks more visible as well as ambulances and first aid teams.
There are inspections on stores selling firecrackers, electrical decorations and facilities at risk of fire.
The BFP is also engaging in information drive on how to avoid fires as the agency is deploying not less than 32,000 personnel across the Philippines in an effort to make the holidays safe from emergencies such as fire incidents.
Archbishop Uy emphasizes Christ’s birth in our hearts for true Christmas celebration
Cebu archbishop Alberto Uy, a native Boholano, hopes that Christ will dwell in ourselves and let Him be born in our hearts.
This was the gist of his message to the faithful as Catholics are about to celebrate Christmas.
He said the birth of Christ as depicted in the Nativity Scene is meaningless unless Christ is born within us and dwells in our hearts.
Uy urged the Catholic faithful to be contrite and to prepare, as failing to do so is tantamount to celebrating Christmas without Christ.
Uy said more than preparing for a feast, we all need to prepare our hearts, remove anger, eliminate hopelessness and be more hopeful that Christ remains with us.
Uy celebrated his first series of dawn masses as Cebu archbishop after he was installed as chief shepherd of the Metropolitan See of Cebu, one of the largest archdioceses in the country.
Uy was the former bishop of Tagbilaran and was named metropolitan archbishop of Cebu back in June and installed in September.
Uy served Tagbilaran for almost eight years and has become a controversial leader as he led moves to protect the environment in Bohol and the city of Tagbilaran.
Reports said Uy chose to say mass at churches in Cebu that were devastated by the strong earthquake back in September and typhoon Tino in early November.
Bohol police release list of banned fireworks for holiday season
The Bohol Police Provincial Office (BPPO) has released a list of prohibited firecrackers as people celebrate the holidays.
Maj. Rey Olar, BPPO public information officer, said that among the banned firecrackers are picollo, watusi, poppup, five star, pla-pla, lolo thunder, giant bawag, giant whistle bomb, atomic bomb, atomic triangle, large-size Judas belt, goodbye Delima, Hello Columbia, goodbye Napoles, super Yolanda, mother rockets, kwiton, super lolo, goodbye Bading, goodbye Philippines, bin laden, coke-in-can, pillbox, kabasi, special, king kong, goodbye Chismosa and all overweight or oversized firecrackers.
Firecrackers that possess more than 0.2 grams of explosive materials are banned, said the police.
Firecrackers that are called fuse-type should burn not less than three seconds but not more than six seconds.
Firecrackers with phosphorus, sulphur and chlorates are banned as well as imported finished fireworks or label-less locally made products are also banned.
Polyvinyl pipe, boga, and other firecracker sold and transported without permit including those without permit to transport or combined finished products that weigh 1,000.
The police reminded the public to purchase only products with Philippine Standard from licensed sellers to ensure the public’s safety.
Russian trade commissioner explores investment opportunities in Bohol
Russian Trade Commissioner Artyom Tsinamdzgvrishvili visited Bohol on Dec. 15, 2025, for a courtesy meeting with the provincial government to explore trade and investment opportunities.
The visit shows the effort of the Capitol in forging global partnerships and investments.
During the meeting with the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) officials, including Gov. Aris Aumentado, discussions focused on strengthening bilateral trade, promoting Russian exports, assisting Philippine companies with market linkages, and exploring priority cooperation areas for the province.
Planning and Development head John Titus Vistal presented Bohol’s strategic governance roadmap showing adherence to the national development framework and a clear path in governance, economy and services by 2028.
Tourism office OIC Joanne Pinat presented Bohol’s focus on sustainable tourism and responsible management of natural resources.
Provincial Administrator Asteria Caberte showed the importance of governance framework to attract more investors or development partners.
Tsinamdzgvrishvili showed interest on how priorities are getting focus especially on the cooperation between Russia and Bohol.
To recall, Russian ambassador Marat Pavlov visited Bohol last month to discuss opportunities in tourism and areas for strengthened cooperation.
The provincial government noted over 6,000 Russian tourist arrivals the previous year and expressed interest in establishing direct chartered flights from Russia to Bohol to further enhance tourism flow.
Bohol police personnel promoted in mass oath-taking ceremony
About 114 police personnel in Bohol were able to secure promotions as they received their new ranks in a mass oath taking ceremony, donning and pinning of ranks held on Dec. 15, 2025 at Camp Francisco Dagohoy.
The ceremony was led by Bohol provincial director Col. Patricio Degay Jr.
Out of the 114 personnel promoted, 113 are police non-commissioned officers and only one is a commissioned officer.
The ceremony was attended by police officers and their respective family and friends.
Degay administered the oath of office to the newly-promoted police personnel.
Degay told the newly-promoted personnel to maintain discipline, integrity, and loyalty to public service.
Meanwhile, at the Police Regional Office 7, about 392 police personnel were promoted.
They also had their own oathtaking, donning and pinning of ranks at Camp Sergio Osmeña, Cebu City.
Reports said 709 personnel applied for promotion and went through evaluation and interview.
The number of promoted police officers at PRO 7 included the 114 personnel from Bohol police.
In his message, PRO 7 chief Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan said each promotion is a symbol of truthful service, discipline and sacrifice and a statement for the future leaders of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
He said the newly-promoted officers have a huge role to play in keeping peace, order and security especially in the forthcoming Sinulog and even the meetings related to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in 2026.
SSS-Bohol receives toilet paper shipment from central office
The Social Security System (SSS) in Bohol received a shipment of toilet paper from the agency’s central office.
In a radio report on Dec. 17, 2025, SSS-Bohol branch manager Dioscoro Madanguit confirmed that his office received 40 boxes of toilet paper, with each box containing 16 rolls.
Madanguit explained that branch supplies, including toilet paper, come from the central office.
To recall, the Commission on Audit (COA) previously flagged the SSS for purchasing 143,000 rolls of toilet paper worth P13.195 million in 2024, citing excessive supply and poor planning.
Madanguit said the SSS has 290 branches, and each branch received a toilet paper supply intended to last for a year.
Meanwhile, Madanguit noted that some deceased pensioners may still be receiving pensions because their families haven’t reported their passing to the agency.
If the SSS isn’t notified of a pensioner’s death, it will continue disbursing the pension.
Madanguit urged the public to report any information about deceased pensioners to the nearest SSS branch to stop pension payments.
Bohol councils pass special sessions for SRI, CNA benefits
Several councils in Bohol conducted special sessions to pass the appropriation measure for the Service Recognition Incentive (SRI) for local government unit (LGU) employees.
The measure also provides gratuity pay for job order employees and fulfills the Collective Negotiation Agreement (CNA) for qualified workers.
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) reminded chief executives that respective councils need to pass legislation for the release of the additional benefit.
Barangay officials may also receive SRI if they have savings from personnel services and the barangay council passes a supplemental budget.
The DBM said the LGU may not release the CNA if there is no pact signed between the employees and the LGU.
The CNA and SRI may be received by qualified employees of an LGU as recognition of splendid work rendered in the current year.
President Marcos Jr. approved the release of SRI and one-time gratuity pay for job order employees for the current year.
Bohol recognized as DOE’s ECLAP awardee for renewable energy efforts
The Department of Energy (DOE) Visayas field office recognized Bohol as an Energy Champion, Leader, Achiever, and Pioneer (ECLAP).
In a report on Dec. 16, 2025, the recognition affirms Bohol’s role as the first local government unit in the Visayas to institutionalize a policymaking and oversight body for renewable energy through the Bohol Renewable Energy Board (BREB).
According to DOE–Visayas, the establishment of BREB has enabled increased investments and strengthened coordination in renewable energy development across the province.
This recognition reflects Bohol’s proactive leadership in advancing sustainable energy solutions.
It is also aligned with climate action and sustainability as the country’s first and only UNESCO Global Geopark.
The recognition underscores Bohol’s position as a regional model for forward-looking, inclusive, and sustainable energy governance.
The Provincial Government acknowledges the unity among the provincial leaders for helping in the implementation of worthy programs for renewable energy.
Reports said the award will only foster increased motivation among the leaders to work towards increasing renewable energy capacity and to strengthen efforts for climate action.
The effort may include attracting more investors in the renewable energy sector here in Bohol.
Bohol hosts several renewable energy projects like the wind project in Anda, and the solar power plant in Dagohoy.
PRO-7 intensifies anti-illegal drug campaign, achieves 71.4% success rate
The Police Regional Office (PRO)-7 continues its campaign against illegal drugs, with the barangay drug clearing program in Central Visayas reaching 71.4% success as of Dec. 5, 2025.
More than 1,617 barangays in Central Visayas have been declared drug-cleared, including villages in Bohol, thanks to intelligence-driven operations, robust community partnerships, and continued monitoring.
The remaining 659 barangays are categorized as follows: 230 slightly affected, 400 moderately affected, and 29 seriously affected, with specific strategies in place for each.
PRO-7 attributes its success to coordinated planning, dedicated police force, and community partnerships, emphasizing that the campaign aims to maintain peace, public safety, and strengthen communities.
The public is urged to cooperate to achieve genuine drug clearance in Central Visayas.
Bohol’s sustainable tourism ordinance advances to third reading
The Bohol Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) approved on second reading the proposed Bohol Sustainable Tourism Development Code of 2025 on Dec. 16, 2025.
Board Member Jamie Villamor, chairperson of the Committee on Tourism, successfully defended the measure and accepted amendments during the plenary presentation.
The proposed tourism code has 117 sections providing a framework for sustainable tourism in Bohol.
The measure is now calendared for third and final reading, possibly on Dec. 23, 2025.
Once approved, it will be sent to the governor for signature and implemented 15 days after publication.
Implementing rules and regulations will be forged within six months via the Provincial Tourism Council.
Capitol urges public to help curb illegal quarrying
The Bohol provincial government is calling on the public to join the fight against illegal quarrying.
The appeal was made by Col. Eduardo Malig-on, chief of the Bohol Environmental Protection Task Force, who is tasked with enforcing the Bohol mining ordinance that provides a framework for small-scale quarrying.
The task force is an agency within the Bohol Environmental and Management Office (BEMO), which oversees quarry operations in the province.
The provincial government is asking barangay officials to tighten monitoring, especially in old quarry sites, as these areas are being repurposed or reused.
Moreover, barangays tend to lose revenue if illegal quarry operations remain unreported.
In other news, around seven Bohol towns have complied with the national target of 70 percent rabies vaccination coverage compared to the overall population of dogs, based on a report from the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian (OPV).
The towns that have met the national target are Duero, Alicia, Inabanga, Catigbian, Dagohoy, Bien Unido, and Mabini.
Duero is the top performer with 84 percent rabies vaccination coverage, followed by Alicia with 81.88 percent, and Inabanga with 77.91 percent.
Catigbian has 75.48 percent, Dagohoy has 73.62 percent, Bien Unido has 72.95 percent, and Mabini has 72.45 percent rabies vaccination coverage.
Villamor authored the ordinance, with co-sponsors Board Members Tomas Abapo, Nathaniel Binlod, Romulo Cepedoza, and Lucile Lagunay.
Aboitiz Power Corp expands energy pipeline with Ubay Solar acquisition
Aboitiz Power Corporation (APC) has expanded its energy pipeline after allocating US$8.55 million or P505 million to acquire Ubay Solar Corp.
APC eyes full ownership of Ubay Solar Corp., a company reinforcing a 137.48-megawatt greenfield solar power project in Bohol.
In a disclosure, Aboitiz Power said Aboitiz Renewables Inc. (ARI), its wholly owned subsidiary, completed the acquisition of 100 percent equity interest in Ubay Solar Corp. after exercising its call option under an agreement with Ignis Philippines Development Inc.
The transaction was completed on Dec. 12 through the execution of a deed of assignment of shares of stock.
The deal covered 25,000 common shares, 10,000 preferred shares, and 20,000 redeemable preferred shares, representing the entire outstanding equity of Ubay Solar.
Aboitiz Power said the consideration was a negotiated amount between buyer and seller based on financial standing.
APC said the acquisition supports its broader strategy to scale up its renewable energy platform, noting that the transaction would help accelerate its goal of increasing clean energy capacity while strengthening its position in the country’s energy transition.
ARI board of directors approved the acquisition as early as April.
ARI then subsequently exercised the call option agreement on Jan. 10 this year, which allows it to acquire either 90 percent or 100 percent of Ubay Solar’s equity before opting for full ownership.
OPSWD sends aid to Cantuyok landslide victims
The Office of Social Welfare and Development (OPSWD) sent financial aid to landslide victims in Cantuyok, Jagna.
The OPSWD provided aid to affected families in the said barangay on Dec 12, 2025.
About 21 households received P10,000 each as cash assistance to help them recover after losing their homes following the landslide event.
About 24 families received relief goods, which included some rice, canned goods, water, and other necessities.
Vice Gov. Nicanor Besas was present during the turnover of the aid to the victims.
A landslide happened in Cantuyok street at the height of Super Typhoon Uwan back in November.
Several areas in Bohol experienced fissures in the soil and also some events of landslides as a result of incessant rains brought by the storms that hit Bohol recently.
The OPSWD has been committed to help distressed families who are affected by calamities that struck Bohol.
2 drug suspects nabbed in separate Bohol sting operations
Two drug suspects were arrested following separate buy-bust operations.
A fisherman was arrested in Dauis by the town’s drug enforcement team on Dec. 17, 2025, in barangay Tabalong.
The suspect was known as alias Leo, 23, of barangay Tabalong.
Taken from the suspect were packets of alleged shabu weighing 2.67 grams and valued at P18,156.
Meanwhile, police in Buenavista arrested a suspect following a sting operation on Dec. 16, 2025, at barangay Cangawa.
The suspect was identified as alias Etching, 45, from Claveria, Misamis Oriental, and temporarily living in barangay Cangawa.
Reports said packets of alleged shabu weighing 8.11 grams and valued at P55,000, more or less.
The suspects now face charges of violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Boholana tops Occupational Therapy Licensure Exams
A Boholana landed as top 7 in the Occupational Therapy Licensure Examinations (OTLE) conducted by the Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC) on Dec. 2, 2025, in various venues such as National Capital Region, Baguio, Cebu, Davao, Pampanga, and Rosales.
The OTLE is a computer-based examination for graduates of occupational therapy seeking to obtain licenses to practice their profession.
Christina Nina Sale of Velez College landed as top 7, along with 12 others, garnering a score of 85 percent.
She is from Tagbilaran City but finished her studies in Cebu City.
About 374 passers out of 507 takers achieved a passing rate of 73.77 percent.
Top 1 is Eliza Audrey Charlize Castillo from University of the Philippines Manila.
The top performing schools are University of Santo Tomas, UP, and Velez College, as they achieved 100 percent passing rate.
In the Philippines, an Occupational Therapist (OT) helps people of all ages perform daily activities (occupations) to live independently and improve health, using purposeful activities like self-care, play, work, and social engagement for rehabilitation and wellness, working in hospitals, schools, and clinics to create individualized plans, often with local cultural context.
They’re licensed by the PRC after graduating and passing the board exam, focusing on physical, mental, and emotional development.
Simpler Christmas celebrations of the past remembered
Telly Ocampo, the Bohol Tribune columnist for Cultural Heritage, went on air on Dec. 18, 2025, to share memories of simpler and more meaningful Christmas celebrations.
Ocampo had a conversation with Ardy Araneta Batoy about how Christmases were celebrated in the past.
Ocampo said people in the past celebrated Christmas in a simple manner, serving simple meals often dominated by snack items.
They weren’t worried about what to prepare for Christmas’ noche buena.
Ocampo misses the tradition of exchanging Christmas cards, which has been disrupted by technology.
People now greet each other via messages on the internet or cellular phones.
She said receiving Christmas cards made people feel like they were in the United States having a white Christmas.
The columnist also discussed the PASTORES tradition, saying the nativity scene was given reverence during Christmas time.
Focus was on the nativity scene, or “belen”, often made from recycled materials.
Now, belens can be bought ready-made in stores.
The daygon tradition and caroling culture have changed over the years.
Ocampo longs for more meaningful carols being sung during Christmas, instead of loud and modern music.
In the past, carolers asked permission from homeowners to sing, unlike now when they just sing their hearts away.
Caroling has become a fundraising event, unlike in the past when it was meant to spread holiday cheer and share blessings.
Teen student shares story of Abatan River protector role
A 16-year-old student, Wrevin Winwell Oclarit, has shared her experience as a wadji, a customary title taken from the legendary princess and mythical protector of the Abatan River.
She played the role of the river’s protector in the production of Hudyaka sa Abatan 2, an eco-cultural theater performance that brings the Abatan River to life.
Wrevin, a student and performer, said she comes from a family of singers and musicians on her mother’s side, which helped her showcase her creativity through performance.
As a singer, she competed in Tawag ng Tanghalan, but caught Covid during the competition, delaying her performance.
Despite this, she’s grateful for the appreciation she received and proud to represent her family, school, and loved ones.
She emphasized the importance of understanding the meaning behind a performance piece before going on stage.
In Hudyaka sa Abatan, Wrevin played Wadje, the wife of Mag-ili, who became a warrior-goddess defending her people after his death.
Her brother played the role of Tamblot in the production.
Wrevin said her passion and nervousness fueled her heartfelt performance, pushing her to improve.
Her experience as Wadji inspired her to continue pursuing her passion for performance.