Bohol police report peaceful new year’s celebration
Bohol Police Provincial Office (BPPO) spokesman Maj. Rey Olar said the New Year’s celebration in Bohol is generally peaceful up to the first day of 2026.
BPPO has not logged any incidents related to New Year’s celebrations and there were no reported fatalities up to Jan. 1, 2026.
However, there were reports of firecracker-related incidents logged on January 1.
Two incidents were recorded in Trinidad, three incidents in Tagbilaran City, and one incident recorded in Dauis.
There were two fire incidents each in Tagbilaran City and another in Baclayon.
Olar said there were no reports of indiscriminate firing in Bohol.
BPPO thanked the cooperation of the public as the police continue to keep the peace and order, especially since Bohol hosts meetings related to the summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Two residential fires hit Bohol on New Year’s day
Two fires erupted on Jan. 1, 2026, one in Tagbilaran City and the other in Baclayon.
Luckily, no one was reported injured following the fires, according to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).
In Tagbilaran, the fire started around 3:23 am on Thursday and impacted a two-storey residential home in barangay Dao.
The fire was declared extinguished around 3:44 am.
The home was owned by Nicasio Calamba, and three families live in the said house, or nine individuals.
The damage is initially pegged at P1.44 million, reports said.
Initial reports said the cause of the fire may be due to an unattended lit candle after a prayer session.
Meanwhile, a fire broke out around 5:42 pm on Jan. 1, 2026, at barangay Sta. Cruz, Baclayon.
The fire hit a residential structure owned by Gilda Cabalit Estaño, and no reports of any casualty.
The fire was declared extinguished past 6 pm.
The occupants were not at home at the time of the incident and claim that they unplugged all electrical appliances before leaving.
BFP said investigation is underway to determine the cause of the Baclayon fire, and initial damage estimate is pegged at P150,000.
Youth leader excited for new 2026 programs in Tagbilaran diocese
A youth leader said he looks forward to coming up with programs for the youth of the Diocese of Tagbilaran this 2026.
Kabataan for Change (KFC) mainstays Louie Bugahod and Carl Hinlo were the hosts of the Jan. 2, 2025 episode of Newsmakers ug Uban Pa.
John Niño Dacullo, who is an educator as well as active in parish and diocesan circles, shared his thoughts on the matter.
He saw the involvement in diocesan activities can be used as a platform as commonly the activities for the youth may come in the form of sports.
He said youth ministry is a way to create meaningful programs for the youth.
Involvement in diocesan activities can help form one’s character and for the youth to expand their worldview.
Moreover, building a culture of encounters by understanding oneself through other people can help build character, he said.
Dacullo has been able to juggle his time as an educator and with his activities with the diocese.
It is a challenge to juggle priorities, and he thanks his superior for enabling him to respond to the different priorities.
US politicians exhibit more delicadeza than Filipino counterparts, says lawyer
US-based Boholano lawyer Glen Hubahib contrasted the American politicians with the politicians of the Philippines.
Hubahib gave his opinion during his Dec. 29, 2025 guest appearance on Open Forum.
He said one thing US politicians have is delicadeza.
He said some Filipino politicians may not bear the shame of delicadeza and may not even have a sense of shame.
There are politicians in the Philippines that may not have concerns towards their constituents.
Although he said there are some politicians who are really providing great service to the public.
He said that if a politician in the US makes a mistake, the voters are merciless and the voters will vote the erring politicians out of office.
He said 50 percent of the fault of electing bad politicians can be traced to the voters.
Filipino voters seldom ask the politicians to account for their actions.
Meanwhile, removing chances for patronage politics is great.
But, he said, there are still ways to engage with patronage politics.
He said there should be a clear-cut eligibility requirement in order for people to avail themselves of the services of the government and not just being given based on whims as this has a risk that those who will benefit are the supporters of the politicians leaving others with an empty bag .
Bohol police report peaceful new year’s celebration
The Bohol Police Provincial Office (BPPO) reported early on New Year’s Day that there were no immediate casualties reported.
There were no accidents reported in Bohol due to firecrackers on New Year’s celebration, based on initial reports including any incidents of indiscriminate firing as of 1 am on January 1.
BPPO’s Tactical Operations Center said early Thursday morning it monitored activities in the entire province and collected information from various police stations, where hourly situational reports are sent to Camp Dagohoy.
Meanwhile, in line with proactive safety measures, BPPO chief Col. Patricio Degay Jr. personally inspected stores selling pyrotechnics prior to the New Year’s celebration at Dauis.
Degay inspected the permits of sellers and he was able to determine that they were permitted to sell legal pyrotechnics.
The inspection of pyrotechnic sales is part of the police’s commitment to ensure safety as Bohol and the Philippines celebrated New Year.
BPPO thanked the public for following fire safety rules as they responsibly celebrated the occasion.
Loay police arrest construction worker in drug bust
Loay police arrested a construction worker on Dec. 27, 2025, following a drug buy-bust operation.
The suspect was identified as Julito Mangyao, 50, of Barangay Tangcasan Sur.
Taken from the suspect were packets of materials believed to be illegal drugs weighing 2.83 grams, worth P19,244.
In related news, around P58,344 worth of alleged shabu were seized in a sting operation in San Francisco, Talibon.
The suspect was identified as Domingo Cabilao, 44, of Barangay San Jose.
Taken from him were alleged shabu weighing 8.58 grams.
Charges for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 are filed against the suspects.
Meanwhile, a suspect was arrested in his home at West Poblacion, Albur, for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.
The suspect was arrested by virtue of an arrest warrant issued by Judge Samuel Biliran.
The suspect also faces charges of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
Two minors found safe, alive after being reported missing
Two minors were found safe and alive after they were reported missing on Dec. 27, 2025.
The two boys were found alive and safe after two days as they were found on Dec. 29, 2025.
Police said the two boys, who are brothers, are from Barangay Poblacion, Sierra Bullones.
Police said further that the brothers were last seen with friends doing some caroling, but the brothers failed to return home.
Apparently, the brothers stayed too late and feared that they would be at the receiving end of their parents’ ire.
The boys rode a bus to La Hacienda, Alicia.
The parents asked for police assistance to track down the children, and they were found in San Isidro, Alicia, with some wounds.
The boys sustained the injuries when the motorcycle they rode had an accident.
The two boys are now safely back with their family in Sierra Bullones.
Meanwhile, a rider died after he suffered chest congestion as he was doing some trail rides at the hilly part of Catarman, Dauis, accompanied by another rider.
The police and the Dauis Emergency Response Unit (DERU) responded to the report that the rider needed medical assistance.
The rider, who had a medical issue, is a 35-year-old who died after suffering from chest congestion.
The victim’s companion said that the victim suffered from a medical issue, and the responders managed to reach the area, but the victim was already unconscious when the responders arrived.
The victim was rushed to a hospital in Tagbilaran City but was declared dead on arrival.
Based on reports, the victim may have suffered from myocardial infarction or heart attack, and this may be the cause of the victim’s death.
In other news, a person was injured after an improvised firecracker exploded in Clarin.
The victim is a 15-year-old boy from Barangay Bacani.
The boy brought the improvised firecracker to an area, and as he was looking into the improvised explosive, it went off all of a sudden.
The explosion affected his left eye, and he was brought to the hospital for treatment.
Motorized banca from Getafe capsizes, all passengers safe
All passengers of a motorized banca that sailed from Getafe to Cordova in Cebu on Dec. 28, 2025, are safe after the boat capsized near Gilutungan Island, Cordova.
The boat capsized, and all 18 passengers were rescued and brought to safety following swift action by responders.
Coast Guard personnel from Coast Guard Sub-Station (CGSS) Cordova of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) immediately launched search and rescue operations after receiving reports of the incident.
The banca Jhon David, which departed from Getafe, Bohol, and was bound for Cebu City, reportedly became unstable and capsized.
Fourteen passengers were rescued by the crew of MV Ocean Jet 10 and brought safely to Pier 1, Cebu City, while the remaining two—the banca operator and his son—were rescued by Coast Guard personnel using a hired motorized banca.
Towing operations for the capsized vessel were later completed, with the banca secured near Cordova Reef.
The PCG commended the coordinated efforts of responding units, the ferry crew, and local fishermen and reminded the public to observe maritime safety measures, especially during peak travel periods.
Villamor clarifies no rap for those making fake news
Board member Jamie Villamor clarified on Dec. 29, 2025, that nothing in the new tourism code will lead to charges when people create fake news against Bohol tourism.
Villamor, the principal author of the newly-minted Bohol Sustainable Tourism Development Code, denied reports that the ordinance provides an avenue to press charges against those generating fake news, especially on social media, that may injure the reputation of Bohol tourism.
She said the report misinterpreted the ordinance as it based the news item on terms and shrugged the original provisions of the tourism code.
She said the misrepresentation contained in the ordinance only applies to tourism services providers and does not apply to ordinary citizens.
The measure is a form of consumer protection or regulatory step to ensure honest, ethical, and responsible tourism.
Villamor said the new ordinance has no intent to press charges against ordinary citizens, tourists, media practitioners, among others, as they are free to air their views and opinions and feedback on Bohol tourism.
She pointed out the creation of a grievance mechanism showing the ordinance supports public participation, consumer feedback, and accountability within the tourism sector.
Villamor wishes the framework within the tourism industry will flourish while protecting fundamental rights, especially freedom of expression, interest of Boholanos and visitors to the province, and responsible tourism that will never hinder expression and opinions from the public.
BACKSTORY
The issue stems from a report released on Dec. 28, 2025, that came out in another Bohol-based newspaper (not the Bohol Tribune) as well as online news outlets entitled: “Fakes News, Get Jailed”.
Accordingly, Villamor, who is the niece of Bohol Gov. Aris Aumentado, said the assertions that the Code penalizes fake news are “unattainable and devoid of statutory basis.”
Public urged to be watchful when parking vehicles
The public is being urged to be watchful when they park their vehicles, especially when they need to leave their vehicles in parking areas.
Police said to avoid parking in dimly-lit areas and to refrain from leaving valuables inside vehicles to lower the chances of getting victimized.
Lt. Col. John Kareen Escober made the appeal as a vehicle parked at Hontanosas Ext. was allegedly a victim of unlawful intrusion, where the window was destroyed while the vehicle was parked on Dec. 24, 2025.
According to reports, thieves carted from the parked vehicle some grocery items and rice, and these were taken from inside the parked vehicle.
Meanwhile, the police are scanning CCTV footage to track down suspects involved in the theft modus operandi involving parked vehicles.
Reports said there are no CCTV cameras near the area where the crime incident happened, making it more difficult for the police to identify the suspects.
The police are checking the CCTV footage along the streets going to the area where the incident happened.
To recall, the incident happened in the evening of Christmas Eve.
Police said the incident is isolated.
Bohol police to deploy more troops as ASEAN delegates arrive
The Police Regional Office 7 (PRO-7) is set to deploy an additional 1,100 police personnel as part of the tighter security measures.
PRO-7 chief Brig Gen. Redrigo Maranan presented on Dec. 24, 2025, the comprehensive security plan as preparations are critical, especially in Bohol.
Bohol is one of the host areas for the Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) summit meetings.
It is expected that ASEAN delegates will arrive in mid-January 2026.
Maranan said the PRO-7 ensures that it is well-prepared despite several activities being held in Central Visayas.
Reports said the additional troops deployed come from Eastern Visayas, Negros Island Region, and Western Visayas.
The additional troops are expected to arrive in the region by batches using sea transport in coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard and Philippine Navy.
Moreover, the PRO-7 received 47 mobile patrol vehicles from Camp Crame, which included patrol cars and motorcycles to boost mobility as well as visibility and rapid response capability that are useful in high-security operations related to the ASEAN summit meetings.
Maranan told police in the region to maintain readiness and to maintain the highest alert status during the holiday season, as well as Sinulog Festival and the ASEAN meetings.
LTO reshuffles district heads, Auza sent to Mandaue
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) implemented a reshuffle of heads of district offices, and the move affected the district office in Tagbilaran.
Erstwhile Tagbilaran district office chief Yvonne Auza was transferred to the Mandaue district office.
She is being replaced by Alice Monacillo from the Tagbilaran district office licensing extension located at Alturas Mall.
Sources said the LTO central office ordered the reshuffle on Dec. 17, 2025.
The new chief of the Tagbilaran licensing extension office is Ruel Gonzaga.
Moreover, Antonina Ladesma is the new head of Talibon district office, and Ladesma’s replacement at the Tubigon office is Analyn Ranulo, the erstwhile cashier of LTO Jagna office who is now the Tubigon LTO extension office chief.
Floreliza Monceda remains as chief of the Jagna office, based in Garcia Hernandez.
It is not mentioned in any reports the reason behind the reshuffle.
Auza assumed the post of LTO Tagbilaran City District Office Chief around or before October 30, 2020.
LTO was controversial in Bohol when members of the flying squad had an altercation with a person from Panglao in February 2025.
The flying squad members were sent by the LTO-7 regional office led by Regional Director Glen Galario.
After the incident went viral, the members of the squad were dismissed by then Transportation Sec. Vince Dizon.
Police probe shooting incident in Bien Unido involving minors
The police are investigating the shooting incident that apparently involved minors.
The probe centers on who owns the gun used in the incident that led to the injury on a 13-year-old lad as he was allegedly shot by another minor by accident in barangay Alegria, Bien Unido.
The police recovered an improvised pistol known as paltik as the police are determining the owner of the gun used in the incident and it is possible that there is a violation of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulations Act.
The weapon was subjected to ballistics tests by the Provincial Forensic Unit.
To recall, the incident took place inside a home in Bien Unido in the afternoon of Dec. 24, 2025.
The victim sustained a gunshot wound on his torso.
It was alleged that a gun was discovered inside a home and it was alleged that jokingly the gun was pointed at the victim and apparently the gun then went off and injured the victim.
The victim was then rushed to a nearby hospital.