Bohol Light ties city’s growth to reliable power supply
Bohol Light believes the development of Tagbilaran City is rooted in a more robust power supply, says spokesperson Sheryl Paga.
Paga mentioned this during her appearance at Newsmakers ug Uban Pa radio program on Jan. 28, 2026.
However, she said this comes with challenges such as relocation of electric posts located within roads, resulting in road widening efforts.
As a result, Bohol Light has a series of scheduled power interruptions each time there are relocation activities as well as stringing of lines.
This February 5, 2026, Bohol Light will remove posts placed within the road along the San Isidro-Corella road.
Meanwhile, on Jan. 31, 2026, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines had a scheduled power interruption affecting the entire city of Tagbilaran, lasting around 2 hours and a half.
The reason behind the power interruption was to facilitate the correction of a hotspot in the 69 kilovolt disconnect switch connector for the Tagbilaran-Corella feeder at the Corella substation.
Meanwhile, Bohol Light started an electrification program providing connections to informal settlers.
The beneficiaries are members of registered urban poor associations, and the program has benefitted 139 households, which are now enjoying their own electrical connections.
For details, one may call Bohol Light at 0920 960 2372 or 0931 911 5671.
Fy-by-night award giving bodies exist, says arcamo
Board member Benjie Arcamo said that, indeed, there are fly-by-night award giving bodies giving sham awards.
He mentioned this during his guest appearance at the Open Forum on Jan 28, 2026.
He said he has heard of award-giving bodies that seem to be sham and dubious.
He said the most credible awards are those given by government agencies or those involving some government agencies.
He also questioned the way these sham award giving bodies are able to assess and rate winners.
He wants a clear-cut mechanism that is transparent in the selection of winners.
He said some of the bogus award-giving bodies are just making money.
He has experienced several times that a body has chosen him for an award.
He said the most credible award is the one sanctioned by government.
He doubts the authenticity of awards given by random private bodies without solid credentials to back their position.
On new cockfighting ordinance
Arcamo said that it is expected that some sectors will express opposition to the new ordinance banning the use of machine betting inside cockpits.
He said the ordinance merely stresses the imposition of traditional betting that has been welcomed by some sectors too.
Some say non-traditional cockfight betting rescues the winnings.
Arcamo went on to mention several issues with machine betting.
He said that the ordinance is at the infancy stage and it will take time before the public can appreciate the nuances of the law.
He did not discount the fact that it is possible the law will be amended and the ban may be reversed but it will create a reputation problem for the provincial board to hastily change the law but it may impact the credibility of the provincial board.
Advice
Arcamo urged the public to ask for the senior citizens discount and to report any violations to the local government unit.
He said the establishment is obligated to offer discounts to senior citizens even if there are promos.
He also said to report any violation of not issuing receipts to the Bureau of Internal Revenue as some establishments only issue receipts when asked by the customer.
By law establishments are required to issue receipts to customers as proof of purchase of goods and/or service.
DOE sec lauds Bohol for renewable energy ordinance
Energy Sec. Sharon Garin lauded Bohol for passing an ordinance supporting renewable energy initiatives.
This was disclosed by Bohol Gov. Aris Aumentado following a meeting with Garin at the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meetings in Panglao.
Aumentado said Garin is pleased to learn that the province has crafted an ordinance that seeks to boost initiatives in renewable energy and the establishment of the Renewable Energy Board.
The ordinance shows the seriousness of Bohol to support initiatives in renewable energy, the governor said.
The said ordinance was passed by the provincial board and was sponsored by Board Member Jamie Villamor.
Aumentado said the ordinance is a huge step to maintain energy security in Bohol.
It is hoped that at the same time the environment is also protected when seeking energy supplies for Boholanos.
The measure also helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels as huge carbon emissions are seen as catalyst for climate change affecting island nations such as the Philippines.
Aumentado said the ordinance provides incentives and clean guide rails for investors in renewable energy in Bohol.
Garin also lauded the efforts of Bohol in aligning with the national policy in energy especially with the national goal of expanding renewable energy mix in the country.
Aumentado said Bohol is ready to help the Department of Energy (DOE) and other agencies as well as the private sector to hasten the implementation of renewable energy projects providing energy security for Boholanos.
Filipino seamen return home after ship sinks in west philippine sea
About 17 Filipino seamen returned home but two crew members died due to the incident where the ship they were manning sank at the West Philippine Sea on Jan. 22, 2026.
The survivors returned home on Jan. 26, 2026 after they were rescued as there are still others known to be missing.
Seafarers from the sunken bulk carrier M/V Devon Bay have been rescued and returned to the Philippines following a maritime incident near Scarborough Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.
Boholano Marcelo Virtudazo, was among the fatalities in the incident.
Virtudazo who was from Jagna, died unfortunately as an investigation was conducted by relevant agencies on the incident including the Marine Industry Authority (MARINA).
The M/V Devon Bay, a Singapore-registered vessel with 21 all-Filipino crew members, capsized on January 22, 2026, while traveling from Zamboanga del Sur to China.
The China Coast Guard (CCG) rescued 17 of the crew members, who were subsequently turned over to Philippine authorities and returned to Manila, with survivors arriving around January 25-26, 2026.
Initial investigations suggest the vessel’s cargo of nickel ore liquefied and shifted in rough seas, causing it to capsize.
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) are assisting the survivors and the families of the deceased.
Electric rates hike in January says Boheco 1
The Bohol Electric Cooperative 1 (BOHECO 1) said that the electricity rates for January 2026 have gone up.
The increases are passed through charges and will be remitted to power generators and the hike will not cause an impact on the profit of BOHECO 1.
The residential rate is P11.32 per kilowatt hour (pKwH).
The increase is at P0.247 pKwH compared to December 2025 where the rate is at P11.07.
The low-voltage consumers as well as high voltage consumers increase is mainly driven by higher charges from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM).
BOHECO 1 said that it has no control over the generation charge.
All pass through charges will be remitted directly to the power generators.
BOHECO 1 assured member-consumer-owners to be informed about updates on the power rates from time to time as it follows regulation and responsible management of the electric cooperative.
GCGMSMC to operate as general hospital soon
The Gov. Celestino Gallares Multi-Specialty Medical Center (GCGMSMC) will soon operate as a general hospital, says Board Member Mutya Macuno.
The GCGMSMC is located in Cortes and will be operational as soon as key equipment have been procured and delivered to the said hospital as well as key facilities in the said hospital, adds Macuno.
This was revealed during an oversight visit by Board Members in the early part of January 2026.
Macuno said based on the information she received from the hospital management the said hospital will admit general cases once the needed facilities and equipment are completed.
The ICU cases may be admitted at certain buildings of the hospital, she said.
The general ward remains under construction and the hospital’s construction undergoes four phases.
Currently, phases one and two are completed and two phases more will be expected soon.
General wards will be constructed during phase 3 when the building hosting the wards will be completed.
Cardiac-related cases are getting priority in the Cortes campus.
Earlier, Bohol Gov. Aris Aumentado suggested for GCGMSMC to open as a general hospital and accept a wider area of cases.
This will help decongest the Gallares Tagbilaran campus that has been experiencing an overflow of patients as reports said that the hospital is operating beyond capacity.
Macuno said the initial objective for GCGMSMC is to solve the overcrowding at Gallares Tagbilaran and provide more efficient healthcare quality for Boholanos.
Garin to follow through ASEAN energy plans
Department of Energy (DOE) Sec. Shaeon Garin said that she will follow through the plans forged seeing the recent meetings of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) held in early January here in Panglao.
She wants to ensure the plans are implemented for the benefit of the Filipino people.
The ASEAN Senior Officials meeting on energy proposed initiatives on energy that will benefit the people.
Garin stressed the cooperation within ASEAN should not stop on policy discussions and should provide concrete results.
She said there is a need to expand access on energy, protecting consumers against chunking power rates, creation of more jobs, and to provide a reliable system in energy production.
Garin said the Philippines pushed several energy programs that directly address the energy issues and the people’s needs.
It is important to create a reliable source of power at the same time supporting inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
She emphasized the importance of cooperation among the member states of ASEAN to provide effective and targetted solutions in a timely manner.
Meanwhile, Bohol Gov. Aris Aumentado mentioned Bohol’s plans to Garin regarding energy.
The goal is to secure enough energy supply for Bohol and to expand the usage of renewable energy.
Man found dead in Cabilao Island
An unidentified man was found dead in Cabilao Island, Loon on Jan. 26, 2026.
The remains of a man were seen at the shores of the said island’s barangay Looc.
There are no identification papers found on the man when his remains were discovered.
It is estimated that the man was in his 40s and stood at 5 feet and 2 inches.
The remains also had no belongings to provide clues on the remains’ identity.
The police ask the public to help identify the remains as the authorities continue with an investigation into the matter.
Meanwhile, a nautical graduate from Tagbilaran City was arrested following a buy bust operation in Dauis on Jan. 24, 2026 in barangay Tinago.
The suspect identified as alias Charles is from barangay Mansasa.
Taken from him were packets weighing 6.2 grams and valued at P42,150.
Bohol gov questions dpwh road project implementation
Bohol Gov. Aris Aumentado raised concerns over the road projects implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) here in Bohol.
He raised questions on having asphalt overlay on concrete roads.
He raised concerns and showed dismay on the way the DPWH implements the road projects here.
He cannot grasp the logic to overlay asphalt on already concreted roads.
He aired his concern during the DPWH first district’s presentation at a meeting of the Provincial Development Council (PDC) on Jan. 27, 2026.
Provincial officials asked questions on the infrastructure projects implemented by the DPWH here in the province.
There were questions aired regarding road reblocking activities of the DPWH as officials wanted to know the reasons for the said activity and the impact of reblocking on currently used roads.
Julius Cezar Cadao from the DPWH first engineering district said the projects are implemented based on the mandate provided by the directives released by the DPWH Central Office.
Despite this, Cadao clarified there are no asphalt overlay projects currently on going in the Bohol first district.
Also conducting presentations to the PDC were representatives from Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), other engineering offices in Bohol, Philippine Ports Authority, National Irrigation Administration, Land Transportation Office, Department of Information and Communications Technology and other national agencies.
Tragedy strikes as students rush to exams
Two students who were on board a motorcycle were rushing as they were slated to take an exam, unfortunately figured in an accident on Jan. 27, 2026 in Tubigon.
The two fatalities were siblings and both minors.
The elder of the two was the one driving the motorcycle and the younger was the backrider.
The minors were on board a motorcycle travelling towards their school in Pooc Oriental.
Reports alleged the motorcycle made an overtaking maneuver and then overtook the tricycle in front of them.
However, as the motorcycle made the overtaking move, a truck was oncoming on the opposite lane and the motorcycle collided with the truck.
The collision was severe and caused critical injuries to the victims, resulting in their deaths.
Allegedly, the victims were not wearing helmets at the time of the accident.
The elder died on the spot, and the younger expired moments later.
The victims were rushing as they did not want to be late for their exams.
Police appeal to parents to disallow minors from driving any type of motor vehicle as minors may not be experienced enough to drive and also they don’t possess driver’s licenses.
City SP approves ordinance giving cash incentives to Sinulog winners
The Sangguniang Panglungsod (SP) approved an ordinance providing cash incentives to members of Nagkahiusang Bol-anon, led by Tagbilaranans that competed and won at the Sinulog Festival in Cebu City.
The SP on Jan. 27, 2026, approved the ordinance sponsored by Coun. Tim Butalid seeking to provide financial incentives to the competitors, musicians, and crew of the winning group.
Tagbilaran won the grand prize in the Sinulog-based ritual showdown on Jan. 18, 2026, as well as Best in Musicality.
The ordinance highlighted the historic feat as this was the first time that Tagbilaran City joined the Sinulog Festival.
Tagbilaran City is also the first contingent from Bohol to win at the Sinulog Festival.
The city SP allocates P900,000 from the awards and rewards fund under the Office of the City Mayor, and each dancer will get P3,000 and P2,000 each to the propsmen and musicians.
Aside from the cash incentive, the ordinance serves as an official recognition of the performers’ dedication, sacrifice, and quality of performance.
The victory has brought pride not only to Tagbilaran City but to all Boholanos.
LTFRB to hold mobile office in Bohol every Friday starting February
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) will conduct a mobile office in Bohol every Friday starting on Feb. 6, 2026.
The mobile office is available from 8 am to 5 pm.
The LTFRB made the announcement during a visit to Bohol on Jan. 27, 2026, and the LTFRB team was led by officer-in-charge Eugenio Ibo Jr.
Ibo mentioned the plan for a mobile office of the regional LTFRB in Bohol.
Bohol Gov. Aris Aumentado said the plan of the LTFRB is a huge help to drivers of public utility vehicles as well as operators and transport groups.
They often need the services of the LTFRB and they often need to travel to Cebu for transactions.
The new initiative will make transactions faster and easier, and document processing will be expedited.
PH ready to face Nipah virus challenges, says DOH
The Department of Health (DOH) said the Philippines is ready to face the challenges posed by the Nipah virus.
The said virus is nothing new, said the Health Department.
There have been experiences with the said virus in 2014.
The DOH said among the symptoms of the virus include flu, inflammation in the brain, and meningitis.
It can be contracted by consuming the meat of an infected animal such as horses and through close contact with persons carrying the Nipah virus.
The World Health Organization (WHO) said the Nipah virus can be contracted via contaminated meat, including some bats.
Some bats in the country may also be at risk of contracting the said virus.
It is a serious, highly fatal, zoonotic virus that can be transmitted from animals to humans, through contaminated food, or directly between people.
It causes severe disease, including acute respiratory illness and fatal encephalitis (swelling of the brain), with a high case fatality rate estimated between 40 and 75 percent.
Catigbian LGU offers reward for arrest of robbery suspects
The local government unit (LGU) of Catigbian is offering a reward to lead to the arrest of suspects involved in a robbery incident along the National Highway in barangay Bosongon, Tubigon on Jan 27, 2026.
The information was released by Catigbian mayor Benjie Oliva in a social media post.
The victim, a teacher, sought the help of the mayor following the incident.
The robbers took away valuables such as jewelry and other belongings.
Oliva said the LGU is offering P50,000 cash as reward for those who can provide information that will lead to the arrest of the suspects.
The victim urges buyers of jewelry to report suspicious sellers to the police.
As of this writing, there is no word if the suspect has been named as those who robbed the victim concealed their faces.
Meanwhile, another robbery happened in Catigbian and the LGU also dangled a reward that will lead to the arrest of the suspect.
Another P50,000 will be given to the informant that could help arrest the robber.
The suspect took the jewelry of a Catigbian woman and was on board a motorcycle and was wearing a bonnet.
Oliva feels in the Catigbian incident, the suspect is also from the said town.
Dauis MSWDO investigates child abandonment case along national highway
The Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) of Dauis is investigating an alleged case of a child being abandoned by parents at the National Highway.
The incident caused anxiety among motorists.
The child was abandoned and left sitting in barangay Tabalong, attracting the attention of motorists on Jan. 27, 2026.
Motorists were worried about the possible risks posed by the child’s presence at the highway.
It is believed the parents may have problems that led them to abandon the child.
A video showed the child was taken immediately as motorists were alarmed about the minor’s presence and exposed to risks of being run over by vehicles.
The MSWDO is now conducting an investigation to look for the paren6t that left their child on the street.
Initial reports say the parents are from Alicia and the father is a construction worker in Dauis.
Allegedly, the mother left the child and the latter was rescued by a Good Samaritan who happened to pass by.
The mother may be facing issues that led to the abandonment of the child.
Boholano lawyer considers petition after rejection of third impeachment complaint against Marcos
Boholano lawyer Salvador Diputado sees the possibility of filing a petition for certiorari and mandamus before the Supreme Court after the House secretary general refused to accept the third impeachment complaint against President Marcos Jr.
Salva is a known supporter of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Possible legal steps may be taken as the secretary general’s office declined to accept the third impeachment complaint backed by luminaries such as Ferdinand Topscio and other anti-Marcos personalities.
Diputado said legal action is being looked at as a possible step following the denial of the receipt of the third impeachment against the president.
Two impeachment complaints were eventually referred to the House Committee on Justice on Jan. 26, 2026.
Diputado said the additional legal action remains a possibility as of now.
He was the former regional executive director of the Department of Agriculture in Central Visayas.
The possible petition is to chide the alleged abuse of discretion showed by the secretary general’s office.
The move effectively stopped the complaint filed by the group that also included former Rep. Mike Defensor, Reina Mercedes, Isabela vice mayor Harold Respicio, former Rep. Jacinto Paras, and others.
Diputado said the Supreme Court can adjudicate any issue related to alleged abuse of discretion.
He said the secretary general’s office is tasked to receive the complaints even in the absence of House Secretary General Cheloy Garafil.
Diputado said what the office of the secretary general did was funny as it received the two earlier complaints even in the absence of Garafil as she was out of the country.
This also happened to the impeachment complaint vs former Commission on Election chairman Andres Bautista and former Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez.
In both cases, the complaints were accepted even if the secretary general was absent.
Diputado said the secretary general has the ministerial duty to receive the complaints and has no power to decide whether to decline or accept the complaint.
No Boholanos among casualties in Basilan ship sinking
No Boholano was included as a casualty in the sinking of a ship off the coast of Basilan on Jan. 26, 2026.
MV Trisha Kerstin 3 sank, and the Basilan disaster risk reduction and management office confirmed that no Boholano became a casualty.
Reports said that based on the ship’s manifesto, 323 passengers were on board the ill-fated ship, and no one was from Bohol.
About 18 persons died, and 300 passengers were rescued.
The ship left Zamboanga port on Sunday evening for Jolo, Sulu.
The ship had 27 crew members when it sank around early Monday morning.
Tagbilaran LGU considers mass transit system to ease commuting
The local government unit (LGU) of Tagbilaran is exploring a mass transport system to connect the city with neighboring towns, aiming to make commuting easier for residents.
Coun. Leonides Borja, chairman of energy, public utilities, and transportation at the Sangguniang Panlungsod, revealed that an investor is willing to establish a mass transport system along main thoroughfares to provide relief to commuters.
Tagbilaran has a dedicated office to assist potential investors, and this investment is expected to benefit neighboring towns like Dauis and Panglao, which are experiencing rapid development, particularly in tourism.
Borja believes that the mass transit system could reduce reliance on private vehicles, with plans to deploy 15 air-conditioned buses funded by the investor.
The move aims to address growing parking and traffic issues in the city, exacerbated by increasing vehicle ownership and limited road expansion.
DOST-Bohol chief honored with prestigious Lingkod Bayan award
Vina Antopina, Provincial Director of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in Bohol, was recently conferred the Gawad Lingkod Bayan ng Pangulo.
She received this prestigious honor during the Pagpupugay 2025, Parangal sa mga Lingkod Bayani ceremony held at Malacañang Palace on January 28, 2026.
It is the highest recognition granted to government employees in the Philippines, honoring public servants whose dedication and innovative work create a tangible, life-changing impact on communities.
She received a gold medallion, a plaque signed by the President, P200,000 cash incentive, and salary increase equivalent to the next highest position.
Under Antopina’s leadership, the DOST in Bohol has been at the forefront in various initiatives involving science and technology with the objective of developing the community to support local progress.
She is known for her hands-on approach to the DOST scholars whom she is guiding and mentoring here in Bohol not only in school but also in life.
Antopina has put a premium on the beneficiaries of projects involving science and technology to ensure the programs are able to meet the actual needs of the community and its beneficiaries.
Cockfighting industry raises concerns over proposed betting machine ban
A group of cockpit operators and cockfighters in Bohol sent a letter to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) expressing concerns about an ordinance that bans machine betting in cockfight arenas.
The letter, from the Bohol Island Sabong Group, was addressed to Vice Gov. Nicanor Besas and highlights the potential impact on livelihoods in the cockfighting industry.
The ordinance, sponsored by Board Members Romulo Cepedoza and Benjie Arcamo, aims to revert to traditional betting methods as mandated by Presidential Decree No. 449.
The group hopes the provincial board will consider their concerns and position on the ordinance’s implementation.
Arcamo said the ordinance is expected to face opposition but emphasizes it simply reverts to traditional practices.
Some individuals are welcoming the ordinance, seeing it as a chance to maximize bets like in the past.
BWUI continues to expand water service areas with new pipe-laying projects
Bohol Water Utilities Inc. (BWUI) has been continuing its program to lay new water pipes, said Victor Tambis in his guest appearance on Newsmakers ug Uban Pa on Jan. 28, 2026.
Tambis said the effort is part of the program of expanding service areas, and the BWUI office will soon start a new pipe laying along JA Clarin street.
This is a huge undertaking as it involves the upgrading of main lines as preparation towards development of new water sources.
The said line will carry the bulk of the water supply entering the pipes and the different areas served by BWUI.
Following the submission of requirements, BWUI was granted an excavation permit from the Provincial Engineering Office allowing excavation of the side of the road where the pipes will be laid to upgrade the old pipes.
Tambis said the excavation permit with the Department of Public Works and Highways remains in process.
There is a need to get a separate permit for excavation along national highways.
Those who live near Darunday street in barangay Dao may now apply for water connection.
Tambis said the Connect Now Pay Later scheme was extended until the end of January.
New lines are being worked on along Zamora street in barangay Dao where the work has reached 78 percent and in Toledo street that is 90 percent complete.
The estimated time for completion of these projects is by February, Tambis said.
US seems less keen to help allies, says U.S. based Boholano lawyer
Boholano lawyer Glen Hubahib said the US seems to be less keen in helping its allies.
He mentioned this during his appearance over Open Forum on Jan. 26, 2026.
This is crucial as the Philippines is a treaty ally and the US is bound by treaty to defend the archipelago in times of an armed conflict.
The Philippines is in conflict with China over the latter’s insistence of the nine-dash line but the former has won an arbitral award in 2016 rendering the Chinese claims on waters near the Philippines illegal with no legal basis.
Hubahib said the US now has frayed relations with its European allies, especially the members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), where the US and major European countries and Canada are members.
The US wants Europe to spend more for their own defense and not rely on America for defense.
For so long, the United States, the country that spends the most in defense in the world, felt that the Europeans are piggyback riding on their spending on defense knowing America will come to aid Europe in the event of an armed conflict.
America said Europe should also tend to their own economic needs and not rely on the world’s lone superpower to bail them out, Hubahib explained.
America wants to focus first on domestic issues and secure their own destiny, he said.
He also said other world leaders were shocked on the sudden pivot of America as the United States has long been an ally and dependable partner, especially in defense.
Hubahib said the current American administration made it clear that Europe’s defense free ride has ended and the Europeans need to spend more on their defense as the US is now focusing on solving its domestic issues to concentrate more on its defense of the homeland and US interests abroad.
US President Donald Trump has demanded even during his first term that Europe needs to spend more on NATO and rely less on the US to help them when the situation becomes tighter.
Hubahib said the Philippines cannot afford to sound a lot on defense and needs the help of the US in the event conflict arises.
He said the revenue generated by the Philippines could barely pay the bills in government and only a handful is left for defense spending.
Thus, if the US will no longer help allies, this has a huge impact on the defense posture of the Philippines that has a token defense spending compared to adversaries such as China.
DPWH clarifies issues on Tigbao bridge construction
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) released a statement on Jan. 24, 2026, setting the record straight about the issue on Tigbao bridge circulating on social media.
The DPWH Bohol third engineering district corrected a post alleging a landslide at the construction site as doubts circulate on the foundations of the said bridge.
Engr. Magiting Cruz said there was a problem on the craneway and it has nothing to do with the foundation.
The photos circulating on social media show a craneway, which is a temporary platform used to move heavy equipment.
It has nothing to do with the permanent foundation of the said bridge.
On the embankment issue, the less firm soil resulted in some instability and affected the embankment of the craneway.
There are no effects on the permanent structure of the said bridge.
There have been interventions made to ensure the stability of the bridge and the bridge is designed to support heavy loads that may use the bridge.
The DPWH said the project has been delayed due to the extended wait to secure the Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC).
The bridge construction will commence once all legal and environmental clearances have been secured.
Cruz urged the people to avoid spreading fake news and only get information from official channels.
The said agency is open for questions when the public has doubts on public works or any infrastructure project.
Two suspects in Buenavista, Bohol, robbed and injured a victim.
A social media post reported an alleged robbery incident involving two suspects in barangay Overland, Buenavista, Bohol, on January 26, 2026.
The victim was attacked by the suspects, who were wearing head coverings, and the victim sustained a hand injury during the confrontation.
The post urged barangay officials to ensure public safety in the area and advised women and youth to avoid walking at night to reduce risks, as the suspects are still at large.
The incident raises concerns about public safety in Bohol and has shaken public trust in security.
It’s best to prioritize personal safety by being vigilant and avoiding dark, isolated areas at night
Bohol Fire Department gets training on body-worn cameras
Over 150 personnel from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Bohol attended a one-day seminar on the proper use of body-worn cameras to be used during fire safety inspections held on Jan. 25, 2026, at the Tagbilaran Fire Station Convention Hall.
The activity was led by Bohol fire marshall Supt. Raul Bustaliño, and the seminar facilitator was Supt. Angelie Salva, the Chief of the Fire Safety Enforcement Division of BFP 7.
The participants included fire safety inspectors and chiefs of fire safety enforcement from various fire stations across Bohol.
Each station will have a person tasked to implement a fire safety inspection.
The training was done in line with the directive of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) directing mandatory use of body-worn cameras when conducting fire safety inspections.
This will ensure proper documentation, transparency, and to avoid possible irregularities in enforcement operations.
Supt. Fred Trajeras Jr., BFP 7 chief, also attended the seminar, who delivered a message and urged the personnel on the proper and professional use of technology to boost the integrity of public service.
The use of body-worn cameras is based on Memorandum Circular No. 2026-001 that provides the operation policies and standard procedures in the use of the equipment during fire safety inspections.
About 119 body-worn cameras were deployed to BFP personnel and will be used during fire safety inspections in all areas across Bohol.
Man shot inside Clarin cockpit, police investigating possible love triangle motive
Investigation continues after a man was shot inside a cockpit in Clarin on Jan. 25, 2026.
The victim was rushed to the hospital and is now in stable condition.
The 49-year-old victim from Poblacion, Sagbayan said that while he was engaged in a cockfight in Bacani, Clarin, he noted that someone cocked a firearm nearby and he heard a gunshot.
It took some time after the shot rang that he realized the gunman was firing a gun at him.
He then engaged in a scuffle to wrest the gun as another shot rang, hitting the victim’s thigh and hand.
The victim was given immediate treatment following the shooting.
Reports said the suspect, as of Jan. 27, 2026, remained at large as he was able to flee the crime scene following the incident.
The police already know the identity of the suspect behind the shooting inside the Clarin cockpit.
The police said that it is possible that a love triangle was the motive behind the shooting.
The police conducted a hot pursuit but failed to locate the suspect in his home in Sagbayan .
PDLs dance their way to Sinulog celebration at Tagbilaran City jail
Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) incarcerated at the Tagbilaran City Jail presented Sinulog dances inside the facility as a way to honor the Infant Jesus.
They danced the Sinulog on Jan. 25, 2026, held at the facility’s basketball court in honor of the Santo Niño, their patron saint.
The male and female PDLs participated in the event and were witnessed by guests, visitors of PDLs, personalities from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology and members of the religious sector.
It was a display of devotion, gratitude, and a way to foster hope and unity.
It is an annual event as part of spiritual and cultural observance, according to Jail Officer Gina Sumampong, the facility’s public information officer.
The activity aims to strengthen spiritual life, discipline and positive participation among PDLs.
Earlier, a similar event was also held at the Bohol District Jail.
The Sinulog festival at the Bohol District Jail (BDJ), specifically the Female Dormitory, was most recently celebrated on January 21, 2026.
This annual event is a manifestation of the devotion of Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) to Señor Santo Niño.
Rep. Yap backs anti-conflict of interest bill to boost government transparency
First district Rep. John Geesnell Yap II has thrown his support behind the anti-conflict of interest bill filed at the resumption of sessions at the House of Representatives on Jan. 26, 2026.
Yap continued his call for transparency and ethical governance as Congress resumed its sessions this 2026.
He seeks a more robust legislation against conflict of interest in government.
Yap attended a strategic party meeting with Sen. Bam Aquino to review the updates from various government agencies and to align the legislative priorities with the public’s needs.
At the core of Yap’s agenda is his co-authorship in a House Bill preventing public officials and their relatives up to a fourth degree of consanguinity and affinity to have financial interests in government contracts.
The bill aims to prevent ghost projects, kickbacks, and self-dealing by boosting the accountability of government spending.
Yap said public office is a public trust, meaning that there is a need for stringent disqualification rules to ensure government coffers are protected and used wisely for public benefit.
Loay district hospital site search continues after initial lot deemed unusable
The search is on for a new lot that will soon become the site of the new district hospital to be based in Loay.
The new district hospital has a budget of P50 million from the General Appropriations Act of 2025.
Last month, the Provincial Government conducted a geotechnical investigation boring test.
The said project has been welcomed by Loay mayor Hilario Ayuban as this is a priority program of Loay related to healthcare.
The area where the test was held is at the border of Poblacion Ibabao and Yanagan.
The said area was recommended as the lot is leveled and most accessible to most of the neighboring towns such as Loboc and Lila.
The test showed the said area is unfit for construction as the soil is not firm enough.
As this developed, the town is busy looking for an alternative site where the size is not less than four hectares for the said hospital.
Meanwhile, Provincial Health Officer in Charge Fruserma Mary Uy expressed elation over the plan regarding the establishment of a district hospital in Loay.
Bohol SP reviews revised gender and development code
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) has started the review of the revised Gender and Development (GaD) code of Bohol.
The review is part of the steps taken to ensure the security and equality of gender in the province.
The review was led on Jan. 22, 2026, by Senior Board Member Tita Baja, who chairs the SP Committee on Women and Family Affairs.
The said committee aims to craft a new GaD code that is responsive to the current needs of society and to create a holistic legal framework for gender equality.
The code aims to promote equal employment opportunities, holistic support to harassment victims, as well as abuse victims, and boost the implementation of GaD at the local levels through GaD focal persons in each locality.
The SP will deliberate on the new proposed ordinance to finalize the new GaD code of Bohol.
Boholano seaman freed after ransom payment
A relative revealed that the kidnapped Boholano seaman was freed by captors allegedly due to settlement of ransom paid by the principal.
Virgil Ente was among the nine crew members kidnapped by pirates back on Dec. 1, 2025.
The crew members were kidnapped after pirates boarded their ship sailing off the coast of Mbini, Equatorial Guinea.
The Boholano kidnap victim’s brother Victor revealed that the negotiations took a while between the pirate group and the principal.
It was alleged that the pirates demanded a huge sum of money as ransom.
The cost of the ransom was the leading reason why the negotiations took some time.
Victor said despite the experience, Virgil has no plans to end his maritime career.
Virgil is now safe and is in relaxation mode.
Virgil has two daughters still in college, and this is the reason he is looking to go back sailing.
Virgil was among those who were kidnapped after his ship, MV Eternity, was boarded by Houthi pirates.
The bulk carrier was sailing under the flag of Liberia, carrying 22 crew members, 21 of whom are Filipinos.
The Philippine government previously barred Filipino seafarers from boarding vessels passing through the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
The Department of Migrant Workers particularly required manning agencies to submit a written guarantee that passenger or cruise vessels with Filipino crew members will not traverse the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.