Boholano lawyer fears Middle East conflict escalation as ceasefire deadline looms
Boholano lawyer Glen Hubahib hopes the hostilities would not escalate as the delicate ceasefire nears its end.
A truce was agreed upon by the belligerents, but the parties failed to arrive at a peace agreement.
US Vice President JD Vance announced the failure of the peace talks in Pakistan following a marathon negotiation.
Hubahib said he hopes even without any peace agreement, as civilians caught in the crossfire are in dire straits.
Hubahib said more Americans are opposing the war as the polling has been against the war and more are showing disdain for the actions of the US and Israel against Iran.
More Americans are not pleased with the war as prices of goods and fuel have increased, he said.
US inflation rose in the initial quarter of 2026, and Americans are less than thrilled about it, he exclaimed.
He expects the US economy will further contract due to the impact of the war.
The US is self-sufficient in oil, but fuel prices mirrored the global prices, where costs rose, he explained.
The US is also getting pressure from allies to end the war as crude oil imports are affected and the price is simply expensive.
US President Donald Trump issued an advisory for a naval blockade at the Strait of Hormuz, meaning the US wants to control the ingress and egress of tankers bringing oil to fuel supply buyers, allegedly.
Iran is charging tolls on tankers so they can be allowed passage on the strait.
He said the move is meant to assert control of the strait, which is the last trump card in an effort to collect funds for reparation and to ensure the US will not totally decimate the Iranian regime.
The US is going to stop ships whose owners paid tolls to Iran in order to pass through the strait.
The problem is that even with the truce, Israel attacked the Hezbollah forces in Lebanon, causing damage to Lebanon.
Israel contends the truce does not cover Lebanon, which Pakistan contended is included in the ceasefire.
Iran said all conflicts from Hezbollah and Houthis, not just the Iranian nation, are included in the ceasefire, and Iran demanded total peace in the Middle East, including conflicts with proxy groups supporting the Iranian regime.
Continued war spells bigger doom for the world
US-based Boholano lawyer thinks as the war drags on the world economy will suffer tremendously.
Glen Hubahib said as fuel prices continue to spiral, the world economy will suffer as a result.
Countries like the Philippines are up in arms hoping the war resolves soon and fuel prices return to normal level just like before the war, he said.
Oil prices impact a whole gamut of the economy including agriculture and food security as petroleum is a key ingredient in producing fertilizers, he explained,
He said the war may also impact the politics in the United States as the American economy is moving aideways and voters tend to vote based on perceptions on the state of the US economy, he quipped.
The question now is how the US creates an off ramp to end hostilities as some observers see the attacks on Iran as a folly move and possibly President Trump may end up facing two options: humility and retreat or ignominy and defeat.
He explained that Iran poses a threat to the hegemony of US and Israel and Iran remains outside the influence of the US and Israel.
The US needs to do a balancing act as Iran has allies in Russia and China, he said.
Psywar impacts fuel prices, says Sevilla
Bohol Tribune columnist Donald Sevilla says psychological warfare impacts how fuel prices move in the global market.
Sevilla told Ardy Araneta-Batoy during an interview that plenty of misinformation and disinformation on the internet lead to a psychological effect on fuel prices.
As the war drags on, this causes an impact on fuel prices in the global market.
Media can play a vital role in providing helpful information and urging leaders to find solutions, he explained.
Fuel prices have increased for the sixth straight week since the Middle East war broke out.
The increases seem unabated with hope not seen in the immediate future.
Initially, the Philippines had a 60-day fuel stock, quoting the Department of Energy (DOE).
Unlike other countries with 40% fuel increases, the Philippines suffered 100% cumulative fuel price increases.
Filipinos pay more due to toxic taxes, including excise tax and value-added tax, and heavy reliance on imported fuel.
The Philippines imports nearly all its fuel, exposing it to price volatility.
Prices change due to speculation fueled by information and disinformation, lame government response, and policy uncertainty.
Statistically, the Philippines suffers greatly from fuel price surges.
Lack of political will encourages fuel prices to spiral.
Sevilla advocates reviewing the Downstream Oil Deregulation Law as a solution.
There’s hope for lower fuel prices, like removing taxes, but it’s nixed due to potential budget deficit.
Critics say the government prioritizes revenue over transparency in fuel pricing.
Sevilla calls for transparency and accountability in fuel pricing mechanisms.
The government should explain prices to help the public understand.
Filipinos are under the mercy of oil players, eroding trust in government.
Sevilla doubts government efforts are sustainable, and funds might end up in a few pockets.
Some politicians have fuel industry interests, impacting policy implementation.
Man nabbed for creating alarm in Bien Unido
A man created a scene causing alarm as he was armed with a firearm in a public area in barangay Nueva Esperanza. Bien Unido on April 7, 2026.
The suspect was known as Arvin, 29, who has a live-in partner, and a resident of Nueva Esperanza.
Initial investigation revealed the suspect was allegedly intoxicated was in a public space and fired his firearm causing alarm to other residents,
The residents complained to the police as the suspect is disturbing the peace.
The police then arrested the suspect and taken from him was a 38 caliber revolver and two empty ammunition shells.
After a body search, police discovered a plastic sachet inside the left pant pocket, and the sachet contained a substance believed to be an illegal drug,
The suspect is now under police custody and faces appropriate charges.
Meanwhile, a senior citizen has died and believed to have committed suicide in barangay Candabong, Loboc on April 7, 2026.
The victim was rushed to the hospital but was already unalive upon arrival in the medical facility.
The victim was suffering from an illness, was no longer responding to a dinner invitation by family members.
A neighbor saw the victim loitering in a grassy area and already hanging.
The family members asked for emergency response and rushed the victim to the hospital.
Dead body found in Candijay
A dead body was discovered to be floating off the waters of barangay Cogtong, Candijay on Good Friday.
The remains were wrapped with a red curtain and was discovered by a fisherman.
Candijay police responded to the report of the discovery of a dead person’s remains.
The dead body was retrieved by the Philippine Coast Guard and was brought to the fish port in barangay Cogtong.
The remains were positively identified by the victim’s sister and the body sustained injuries on the head and other parts of the body, the Municipal Health Office said and the injuries may be the reason for the death of the victim.
The police asked for an autopsy of the dead body from the Provincial Forensic Unit as additional investigation is underway.
Meanwhile, in other police news, some police stations in Bohol received new 4×4 patrol vehicles from Camp Crame on April 1, 2026.
The police stations in Cortes, Catigbian, San Miguel and Lila each received new vehicles from the Philippine National Police (PNP).
The vehicles were released following the promise of PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr, during his recent visit to Bohol.
The turnover of vehicles showed the commitment of the PNP to improve police mobility and response capability of local police stations.
Seven persons hurt in Dagohoy road accident
At least seven persons were injured including a seven-month old infant after a motorcycle collided the persons who were in a procession along the national highway in barangay Malitbog, Dagohoy on April 3, 2026.
The victims were walking along the highway as they were participating in a solemn procession in line with Good Friday.
As they were in the procession, a motorcycle driven by a farmer from San Miguel, Dagohoy, accidentally ran roughshod the group of people as the driver also sustained severe injuries as a result of the incident.
The victims are all from Malitbog including another minor who was also walking in the procession.
The injured persons were rushed to a nearby hospital in Carmen town as they received medical attention.
Police impounded the motorcycle involved in the accident as further investigation continues.
Meanwhile, a man was placed in surgery after getting stabbed by his drinking buddy in barangay Progreso, Carmen.
The stabbing incident happened on April 2, 2026 where the victim known as alias Dong, was stabbed at the right side of the torso.
The suspect known as alias Tor allegedly stabbed the victim as the two were on a drinking spree and the suspect went home earlier but the victim and his wife continued drinking and taking turns on the karaoke at the home of the suspect’s sibling, which is a neighbor, late Thursday afternoon.
The suspect went to the house of his sibling in the evening, where the victim was and stabbed the victim and escaped after committing the crime.
The suspect allegedly disposed of the weapon used in the stabbing in a rice field and this is the reason the authorities were unable to retrieve the weapon used in the alleged crime.
The victim was rushed to the hospital and the suspect was arrested following a hot pursuit operation.
The suspect now faces frustrated murder charges, police said.
DOE set expectations, saying end of war won’t mean immediate fuel price rollback
The Department of Energy (DOE) has set expectations with the public by saying a cessation of war does not immediately result in huge rollback in fuel prices.
Energy Sec. Sharon Garin set the expectation as it is perceived that the rollback of fuel prices is in the offing once the war sees an end.
Garin said damage to the energy infrastructure of some oil exporting countries may delay the expected rollback of fuel prices as recovery and rebuilding may take time.
Reports mentioned that several oil fields in the Middle East were targeted by Iranian drones, missiles and other projectiles. The Iranian counter attack on other countries in the Gulf area has led to damage to the critical energy infrastructure and hampering production of oil sold to countries including the Philippines.
In a press briefing on April 7, 2026, Garin explained the nuances of fuel price movement and possible rollback when the war ends.
She said the return of normal operations of oil fields affected by war as well as ports where tankers dock, may not be as easy as turning the tap again to let the oil flow.
She mentioned that the damage on the energy infrastructure has caused widespread impact on the global fuel supply chain.
The secretary said she does not expect prices to drop as fast as it rose as she added even with risk management initiatives, such as safe passage of Philippine-bound ships carrying fuel products to the Philippines through the Hormuz strait, there is no automatic assurance of any big-time rollback.
DOE quoted industry sources, diesel prices may reach as much as P170 per liter, as gasoline may reach P110 to P120 per liter as an off ramp on the tension in the Middle East is not seen in the immediate future.
The government is appealing to the public to wisely consume energy, as the country remains in a State of National Energy Emergency and the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC) is constantly looking to import additional oil supply to boost the country’s oil stockpile as the crisis enters its second month.
Moreover, the DOE also said that the country has an average fuel inventory lasting for at least 50 days or the later half of May.
Meanwhile, the DOE reminded the public to avoid panic buying and hoarding, reinforcing guidelines on the sale of fuel in containers.
Columnist agrees with Cong. Yap that PH is becoming a mendicant society
Bohol Tribune columnist Donald Sevilla said Cong. Art Yap hit the nail on the head when the solon commented about the Philippines becoming a mendicant society.
Sevilla said the government is making mendicants out of the people instead of helping them at a critical juncture.
He said instead of helping people to be on their own, the government is promoting a culture of mendicancy by providing an alphabet soup of aid or ayuda.
It seems the Filipinos are reduced to become beggars waiting when the aliens will come, he said.
Ayuda or aid is just temporary, he said, and the government must think in the long term if it is serious to help the people.
On farming, Sevilla ventured into farming aside from he getting older, and one wants to have peace and quiet, he is doing it due to practical reasons.
He said food has been becoming too expensive and this is the reason he decided to grow his own food and be less dependent on the supply chain and gain self-sufficiency.
He added farming can also be a source of amusement for him and even his wife, Joy.
He chided that the younger generation are shying away from agriculture and Sevilla is struggling to find a farm hand.
Most youth are opting to take white-collar jobs, he commented.
If the government fails to emphasize self-sufficiency, via farming, it is possible the backbone of the economy might vanish in the future, he added.
Sevilla also commented on Yap’s involvement with agriculture.
He added Yap knows how important agriculture is and has been pushing for agriculture even more.
Sevilla said it would be bad to excel in a plethora of industries but the country has no food on the table.
Sadly, the agriculture sector is neglected and the Filipino farmers compared to other farmers in other countries are pitiful, he commented.
PNP Bohol seizes p486k in drugs; 27 suspects arrested in one week of operations
More than half a million pesos worth of illegal drugs were seized while 27 individuals were jailed following a series of operations conducted by the Bohol Police Provincial Office (BPPO) in just one week.
Under the leadership of Police Colonel Patricio C. Degay Jr., the provincial police demonstrated their aggressive campaign against all forms of criminality across the entire province.
In the campaign against illegal drugs, the BPPO conducted 14 coordinated operations that resulted in the seizure of 71.48 grams of suspected shabu valued at ₱486,064.60.
17 personalities, which included street-level pushers and high-value individuals, were successfully arrested in these buy-bust operations.
Aside from drugs, PNP BOHOL also intensified the campaign against loose firearms or illegal weapons to prevent violent crimes.
In nine operations conducted, nine firearms were also confiscated by authorities where two persons were arrested and have been charged with the appropriate case.
Meanwhile, in the pursuit of persons wanted by the law, four wanted persons were arrested, including one identified as the “Most Wanted Person” in the province.
On the other hand, four individuals were also arrested in four separate operations against illegal gambling where bets amounting to ₱505.00 were recovered.
According to the BPPO, these achievements serve as a strong testimony to the dedication of the entire PNP Bohol force under the theme “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman,” along with the goal to ensure lasting peace and security throughout Bohol.
Boholanos hope excise tax relief brings better days ahead
Some Boholano netizens expressed optimism over the suspension of the excise tax collection to provide relief to the public reeling from high fuel prices.
Effective April 13, 2026, President Marcos Jr. suspended the excise tax imposition on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and kerosene to ease rising energy costs.
This measure, authorized by Republic Act No. 12316, reduces LPG prices by approximately ₱3.36 per kilo and kerosene by ₱5.65 per liter.
LPG and kerosene are the fuel products most used by Filipino households.
The excise tax on other fuel products such as gasoline and diesel remains in effect.
Some sectors insisted that excise tax on diesel and gasoline should also be suspended for the meantime.
Marcos said the reduction means more affordable food as LPG is the leading fuel used to cook food in the country.
Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian supported the move to suspend excise tax on LPG and kerosene.
However, he said the public was expecting the excise tax on gasoline and diesel is the one that will be suspended.
He said while there is a rollback in gasoline and diesel, the price reduction was still not enough and still hovering above the original levels before the war broke out.
The government explained that the majority of users of LPG and kerosene are those in the marines and in the middle-class, and they are the ones benefitting from the suspension of excise tax collection.
It added 50 percent of kerosene consumption comes from the poorest of the poor, based on Department of Energy (DOE) data.
The DOE said the main user of LPG is households at 65.5 percent of the population.
The government insists the reduction is going to help small food business, operators.
The finance department thinks excise tax suspension on diesel and gasoline may result in benefitting only the affluent.
A drivers’ group said the drivers need less costly diesel to remain in operation.
It claims LPG is used daily but diesel is used daily as well and consumed swiftly.
Marcos earlier announced a P10 discount on diesel for transport industry workers.
Marcos thinks suspension of value-added tax is not yet feasible as of now as the government needs to raise revenues from taxes.
He added that the suspension of VAT is going to help the petroleum market and the government needs funds to help society.
DOE warns of possible fuel price hike next week despite rollback as Middle East conflict persists
The Department of Energy (DOE) is issuing a caution to the public about the possibility of a fuel price hike after a huge rollback.
Just on April 14, 2026, fuel prices rolled back for the first time in five weeks, making fuel a bit cheaper.
However, the cheaper gas may not last long, according to the DOE.
Energy Sec. Sharon Garin said it is possible fuel prices will increase next week as the situation in the Middle East remains uncertain.
Garin said this a day after President Marcos Jr. announced a big-time rollback in fuel prices effective Tuesday.
Garin told senators during the Senate PROTECT (Proactive Response and Oversight for Timely and Effective Crisis Strategy) committee on April 13, 2026 that United States President Donald Trump and other parties involved in the conflict have become unpredictable.
According to her, the oil market prices began to fall after a ceasefire was announced on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.
But oil prices began to go up again after Trump threatened a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
A rollback of fuel prices was a welcome treat but it may take a long time before the fuel prices revert to pre-war levels.
Conflict remains at a heightened pace in the Middle East as US and Israel are in a war with Iranian forces entering a sixth week of hostilities.
Bohol police net P485,000 in shabu and 27 suspects in weeklong anti-drug sweep
Calape police arrested a drug suspect following a buy-bust operation in barangay Sta. Cruz on April 13, 2026.
The suspect, known as alias Jefjef, 28, a construction worker, is from barangay Cahayag, Tubigon.
Reports said police allegedly purchased alleged shabu via a poseur buyer.
Taken from him were packets of alleged shabu weighing 3.45 grams and valued at P23,000 more or less.
Meanwhile, a fisherman was caught following a buy-bust operation in Sagasa, Bien Unido on April 13, 2026.
The suspect was a tokhang surrenderee, and known as Jimjim, 19, of barangay Sagasa.
Taken from the suspect’s possession were three packets of alleged shabu weighing 0.22 grams and valued at P1,496 more or less.
The suspects face charges of violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
In other news, Bohol police seized over P485,000 worth of alleged shabu and the operations led to the arrest of 27 drug suspects.
The arrests were made within the period covering a week of operations from April 6 to April 12, 2026.
According to the Bohol Police Provincial Office (BPPO), it has been aggressive in combatting all forms of criminality.
The BPPO launched 14 operations and seized 71.48 grams of alleged shabu from various operations.
Flames and Fist: A Sunday of trials in Clarin and Sagbayan tests Bohol’s resilience
A fire erupted in Clarin town on April 13, 2026, according to reports.
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) reported that the fire broke out in barangay Poblacion Centro.
The blaze gutted a two-storey home.
Firefighters were informed about 2:39 pm.
The fire was placed under control at 3:10 pm.
The fire was finally extinguished at 4:14 pm.
No casualties were reported as a result of the incident.
The BFP said the wind and the hot weather made the firefighting extra challenging.
It said the cause of the fire is still being investigated.
Meanwhile, in a separate incident, a middle-aged man was rushed to the hospital after his jaw broke after absorbing a punch in Sagbayan.
The 56-year-old man resides at barangay Ubojan, Sagbayan.
Reports said the incident happened on April 12, 2026 at around 8 pm.
The victim was at the barangay hall and was watching a show.
As he was being entertained, an unidentified person appeared and approached him.
Then he absorbed a wallop from the suspect.
The victim insists he doesn’t have any grudge to cause someone to hurt him.
Police are still investigating the incident.
Fisherman and farmer arrested in separate drug busts in Bohol
A fisherman was arrested on April 15, 2026 following a buy bust operation in Loay.
Loay police conducted a sting operation wherein the suspect was arrested after engaging in a transaction with a poseur buyer.
The suspect is known as alias Arnulfo, 24, of Barangay Calvario, Loay.
The police detected the suspect allegedly engaged in drug trade in Barangay Yanangan.
Taken from the suspect’s possession were packets of alleged drugs weighing 2.99 grams and valued at P20,300 more or less.
Meanwhile, a farmer was arrested following a buy bust operation in Loboc.
The suspect was detected to be allegedly engaged in illegal drug trade in Barangay Poblacion Ondol on April 15, 2026.
The suspect is known as Jason of Poblacion Ondol, Loboc, and he was arrested after transacting with a poseur buyer.
Seized from the suspect were sachets of alleged shabu weighing 5.3 grams and worth P36,040.
The suspects now face charges of violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Capitol and NFA ready rice aid for Boholanos amid fuel price crisis
The Capitol and the National Food Authority (NFA) are now preparing the rice aid for Boholanos.
The government is keen on providing aid in terms of rice to Boholanos affected by the crisis on fuel prices.
In a report on April 14, 2026, Gov Aris Aumentado met with the NFA in a meeting at the regional office of NFA headed by Liza Balagot.
They discussed how to distribute the rice stocks as aid to Boholanos.
The NFA said the Capitol’s request has been processed to ensure supply and boost the local government’s capacity to distribute aid.
The NFA is looking for logistics solutions in terms of transporting the rice from Cebu to ensure faster and seamless distribution.
Aumentado said there is a need for robust coordination among agencies to deliver the aid faster to Boholanos.
A rice aid is eyed as a way to cushion the crushing impact of higher fuel prices causing more expensive fuel and commodity prices.
City councilor seeks crackdown on colorum tricycles and fish vendors
A city councilor wants the executive department to take action against colorum bao-bao or tricycles plying around the city.
Coun. Leonides Borja also wants action on the colorum fish vendors selling fish near Shopper’s Mart.
These vendors are seen as a traffic hazard especially during afternoon rush hour due to the placement of obstructions along the sidestreets.
He said that he is asking the City Traffic Management Office (CTMO) about a tricycle which is plying city routes and allegedly the tricycle is from another town.
He urged the public to report any sightings of colorum tricycles operating in the city.
Earlier, the Business Permit and Licensing Office said some tricycles are illegally operating as their permits already expired.
Under the ordinance, the lack of a mayor’s permit can be a basis for the revocation of a franchise.
Moreover, Borja wants City Administrator Alvin Acuzar to take action on reports of fish vendors illegally selling fish near Shopper’s Mart and causing traffic.
Cabalit-Initaysupports casino entry into Bohol
Going against the grain is Board Member Joahna Cabalit-Initay who expressed her support to allow the entry of the casino into Bohol..
This comes as a casino purportedly is planning to set up shop in Panglao and Panglao mayor Edgardo Arcay is asking for guidance whether to allow or not casino operations in the said town.
Initay said she is in support of the move to allow casino operations in Bohol as she sees it as a way to add more employment opportunities for Boholanos.
She said the casino operations need to be allowed to operate under a strict regulation regime.
Initay is the president of the Philippine Councilor’s League (PCL) and sits as an ex-officio member of the SP.
All other board members expressed opposition on the entry of the casino into Bohol and echoed the sentiment of Gov. Aris Aumentado in nixing casino’s entry into the province.
Politicians are worried about the possible negative effects of casino operations in Bohol.
Initay argues that casino operations are legal and being regulated by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).
She said there is nothing to worry about if casinos are properly implemented and these casinos may be able to generate employment for Boholanos.
Initiay said gambling may not appear as ethical but there are people who earn a living by working in casinos as tourists, especially the foreigners, may look for casinos when they visit Bohol.
She said the casino is no different from other forms of gambling as cockfighting and small town lotteries are allowed and regulated in Bohol.
Earlier, Aumentado asked the SP to forge a policy on casinos wishing to operate in Bohol.
The governor wishes to regulate if not stop casino entry into Bohol as Aumentado told local government units to be cautious in allowing or to outright disallow casinos to operate in their area.
Fire guts home in San Miguel, damage pegged at P135,000
A fire gutted a home in San Miguel town on Monday, April 13, 2026.
The home was located in Barangay Capayas and damage was estimated to reach P135,000.
Based on the initial investigation, arson probers said the Bureau of Fire Protection received the alarm past 7 pm.
No one reported the incident to the fire station as an off-duty firefighter saw a Facebook live of the fire incident.
Upon seeing the livestream, the fire station went on to verify the incident, reports said.
Reports mentioned the firefighters responded to the scene at about 7:14 pm.
Firefighters faced huge challenges as they tried to extinguish the fire because fire trucks had difficulty entering the area.
The firefighters had to abandon their trucks and had to walk to the area, passing through a rice field just to reach the burning home.
Firefighters said the home was already burned down when help arrived.
Making things more difficult is the fact that no water source could be tapped for extinguishing the fire.
The home was made from semi-concrete and it is located away from the nearest neighbor, the report mentioned.
Initial findings show the fire may have started at the socket where the refrigerator was plugged in.
The arson probers are conducting a deeper investigation into the matter.
Board member pushes for creation of DOE office in Bohol
Third district Board Member Nathanial Binlod is pushing for the establishment of an office of the Department of Energy (DOE) here in the province.
Having an office of the DOE may help hasten the coordination and response to issues related to energy, reports said.
Binlod raised the concern as he delivered a privilege speech during the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) regular session on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
In his speech, Binlod emphasized the need for a closer and more accessible presence of the DOE here in Bohol.
He said there is a delayed release of results as the DOE relies heavily on regional offices for communication and actions.
Binlod pointed out that Bohol has 47 towns and one city and needs a dedicated DOE office to efficiently address issues in energy, fuel, and other related concerns.
Binlod said the absence of a local DOE office causes delays in the submission of reports and the resolution of issues and problems affecting local governance, businesses, and residents.
Moreover, the board member hopes the establishment of a local DOE office strengthens coordination, leading to shorter response times, and to help Bohol solve energy-related problems and issues.
Binlod pushed for the passage of two resolutions asking the Energy Secretary to establish a local DOE office and asking the officer-in-charge of DOE Visayas Renante Sevilla to support the move towards creation of a DOE office in Bohol.
Reports said the move is to keep government services closer to the people and to ensure faster and more efficient services or help for Bohol.
Rep. Aumentado eyes P50 million funding for Inabanga waterworks amid sale rumors
Second district Rep. Maria Vanessa Aumentado said she is eyeing to facilitate a P50 million funding for Inabanga waterworks.
She said that she has been strongly supporting the development of Inabanga waterworks.
This comes as there were rumors circulating that Gov. Aris Aumentado allegedly plans to sell Inabanga’s water to Cebu.
Gov. Aumentado has denied such allegations saying there is no truth to the rumors about him selling Inabanga water to Cebu.
He even went as far as calling the rumor as “fake news.”
It was learned the local government unit (LGU) of Inabanga sent a letter to Gov. Aumentado supporting the governor’s position.
The governor said that the one spreading rumors wants to create conflict between the provincial government and the LGU.
As of the moment, Bohol needs more water supply and one of the solutions is to develop the water resources from Inabanga River.
MAO reports over 3,000 dogs in Loon remain unvaccinated for rabies
The Loon municipal agriculture office (MAO) said that around 3,481 dogs remain unvaccinated in the said town.
This was disclosed by MAO staffer Fernando Labastida when asked about the vaccination rate of pet dogs in Loon.
He said some 8,070 dogs have been recorded by the MAO and Labastida said 4,589 dogs were vaccinated with anti-rabies.
Loon recently held a vaccination drive for pet dogs.
Labastida said the total number of dogs registered does not include the stray dogs as these animals are risky in terms of rabies spread, which can be fatal to victims.
Rabies is spread mostly by rabid and stray dogs and the death rate among those bitten by these rabid dogs is almost 100 percent, experts said.
Most of the time the pet owners disown the pets that bit victims and this leaves the victims to shoulder the cost of anti-rabies vaccinations, which can run to several thousands of pesos, reports added.
There is a move to gather the stray dogs in the barangays to lower the chances of spreading rabies and lower fatality rates.
Police still clueless on suspects in Dao alleged kidnapping case
Police remain clueless on the identities of the suspects behind the alleged kidnapping of a man in Barangay Dao near the Integrated Bus Terminal (IBT) on March 11, 2026.
During the regular session of the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, the police faced councilors and admitted they have yet to identify the culprits of the said possible abduction incident.
In the said session the officer-in-charge of Tagbilaran City Police Station, Lt. Col. Judy Mar Bonilla failed to appear as the police officer attended a command conference at Camp Dagohoy.
Bonilla opted to send a representative to the session, and the team of police officers was led by Master Sgt. Joel Orapa.
Orapa faced the councilors to provide an update on the incident in Barangay Dao.
Based on what was divulged during the session, there are no fully identified suspects behind the alleged abduction even after more than a month of investigation.
To recall, a man was seen being forced to board a vehicle by unidentified persons and the incident was caught on video and went viral on social media.
It turned out the man who was taken by the suspects is identified as Allan Gamana from Guinsularan, Duero.
Gamana’s wife, Alona, confirmed that her husband was the one abducted in Dao and later released in Loay.
The police already went to Guinsularan to gather clues and information but reports alleged that the victim’s wife failed to provide complete cooperation and also missed the opportunity to provide complete details about Allan’s whereabouts.
As a result, the investigation reverted to information gathered from the legacy and social media, reports added.
Moreover, there was no blotter entry nor was there a report about the incident made to the police.
As a result, Coun. Fausto Budlong, chairman of the SP Committee on Peace, Order and Public Safety urged the police to provide a closure on the incident and to cap off their investigation as they have been given ample time to drill deep into the alleged crimes as the SP and the public are interested to learn how the case finally pans out.
In line with this, the city SP will be making its recommendation on the matter and the investigation to the Provincial Board’s Committee of the Whole for its legislative action.
Board member warns of possible furniture crisis in Bohol over compliance rules
Board member Jaime Villamor raised an alarm over the possible furniture crisis here in Bohol.
She said it is possible up to 200 small businesses may be forced to close shop due to stricter environmental compliance requirements.
Villamor raised her concern as she delivered a privilege speech during the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) regular session on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
She said that possibly 200 or more businesses are in peril to close down as they each received a notice of violation from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
The issue stems from the lack of permits secured by these businesses such as Environmental Compliance Certificates (ECC), Wood Processing Plant permit (WPPP), among others.
These permits are necessary to ensure proper and sustainable business operations.
Villamor said while it is vital to protect the environment, several micro, small and medium enterprises are oblivious or clueless about the requirements.
Most of the local furniture makers think that the business permit and Bureau of Internal Revenue registration are the only requirements they will ever need to secure, reports said.
Villamor said it is not the failure of compliance that has become a sticking point but difficulty of obtaining the needed permits.
She said obtaining these permits may seem to be too technical, complicated, and expensive to comply with.
Reports are saying cost of compliance may reach as much as P100,000, which can be a challenge to small business owners.
Villamor warned that if government fails to act on this issue, closures of businesses may follow suit and may also result in the loss of hundreds if not thousands of jobs and a slowdown in the furniture industry.
In order to address the issue, Villamor is pushing for a formal investigation into the matter and the issue is referred to Committees on Environment and Natural Resources, and Committee on Trade and Industry at the SP to summon the DENR, Department of Trade and Industry, and local government units.
The investigation shall focus on the lack of information, possible financial aid for compliance and to forge policies balancing environmental protection and livelihood.
Carmen home, store, motor shop gutted in morning fire
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) reported that a home with a store and motor shop were gutted in a fire on April 13, 2026 in Barangay Vallehermoso, Carmen.
The Carmen BFP said the alert was received at around 7:50 am and they rushed to the scene.
The home was made from a mix of light materials and concrete.
The owner admitted he saw smoke billowing from the kitchen and upon inspection, the fire was already raging and too much to handle alone.
The fire quickly spread throughout the home.
The alarm was raised and firefighters declared a fire out by 8:20 am.
No one was hurt in the incident.
Based on initial investigation, damage is set at P100,000.
The cause of the incident is being investigated.
DENR holds Permitting on Wheels program at Island City Mall
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) held a program called Permitting on Wheels at the Island City Mall on April 14 and 15, 2026.
The initiative is meant to bring government programs closer to the people by providing a faster and more effective way of securing or renewing environmental permits.
The DENR is holding the initiative with the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Region 7.
There will be consultations on how to expedite the issuance of permits, as well as the ability to ask questions about environmental regulations and law.
The initiative is meant to reduce inconvenience among business people and other stakeholders who otherwise need to travel to regional offices to secure the permits.
DENR eyes that the new program is able to make services easier and more convenient for Boholanos.
PRO 7 arrests 264 persons, recovers 463 loose firearms in Q1 2026
Police Regional Office 7 (PRO 7) arrested 264 persons and recovered 463 firearms in a campaign against loose firearms in the first quarter of 2026.
The regional police conducted from January to March over 400 operations, leading to the arrest of suspects and seizure of the alleged loose firearms.
Oplan Katok also recovered 55 firearms which were voluntarily surrendered to the police.
Police also recovered 18 explosives, and 2,509 rounds of ammunition.
PRO 7 also cracked ⁷down on three illegal gun manufacturing sites in Danao City, Cebu where assorted gun parts and equipment were being used to manufacture guns.
The initiative was a product of police visibility and enforcement including Oplan Katok where gun owners are encouraged to renew gun licenses or to voluntarily surrender unregistered firearms to avoid usage of illegal guns in crimes.
PRO 7 chief Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan said his office combines the program against loose firearms and to protect society from security threats.
PRO 7 said it will continue to intensify its efforts against loose firearms and to protect the public from possible threats.
BWUI reaches out to potential consumers through on-site caravans
Bohol Water Utilities Inc. (BWUI) Victor Tambis said the company is now seeking to reach out to consumers to allow them to gain legal water connections.
Tambis mentioned in his report aired on Newsmakers radio program that BWUI is having a program to connect consumers to the water system.
BWUI held a caravan where customer service representatives are accepting and processing applications for water connections in the actual areas where the service is already live and near the homes of the consumers.
In line with the United Nations program called Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) master plan, which has been adopted by the Philippines, urging water providers to provide water into communities where the most economically-challenged lives.
BWUI held a caravan on April 15, 2026, at CPG North Avenue, interior part in front of Coca-Cola plant.
BWUI has sent a team to directly seek new consumers at the said area, as the program aims to make it easier for consumers to gain water access, especially those economically-challenged or may not be able to spare some time to visit BWUI office to apply for a water connection.
BWUI urges consumers to take advantage of the caravans to gain water connections.
Meanwhile, Tambis said the fuel price hikes have impacted BWUI’s operations as the revenue remains the same but the operating expenses may have risen.
Despite the issues, BWUI has not yet issued any advisory indicating possible rate increases, he said.
BWUI like any other company, he said, also imposed belt-tightening measures to bring down costs of doing business, he explained.
ERC orders automatic refund of bill deposit for qualified consumers
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) ordered an automatic refund of bill deposits.
This comes as the ERC updated the Magna Carta for Residential Electricity Consumers to make bill deposit more flexible and consumer-friendly.
Sheryl Paga of Bohol Light said the ERC passed Resolution No. 3 series of 2026 adopting amendments on the Magna Carta.
The new regulations outlined how to pay the bill deposit and the refund process for consumers.
Paga explained that the bill deposit is the amount paid by a consumer who applied for an electrical connection with a power distribution utility such as Bohol Light and serves as a guarantee that the consumer will religiously settle the monthly bill following service rendered by distribution utility, an example is Bohol Light.
The bill deposit amount is based on the submitted electrical plan duly approved and sealed by a professional electrical engineer.
Paga said the refund of bill deposit is mandated by Article 7 and 28 of the Magna Carta; wherein a customer religiously settling the bill and paying the bill without delays within the past two years, and there was no disconnection event due to unpaid bill is allowed to claim 100% refund of bill deposit.
Starting in March 2026, based on the latest mandate from the ERC, the bill deposit refund shall automatically be credited to the monthly bill of qualified consumers and there is no need to apply for a refund.
Paga said 842 consumers of Bohol Light were credited with bill deposit refund in March 2026.
The refund is reflected on the billing statement sent by Bohol Light to consumers, she said.
For any concerns, one may contact Bohol Light using trunkline numbers 0920-9602372 or 0939-9115671 or 038-427-2372 or one can send an email to customercaee@boholpower.ph.
Meanwhile, Bohol Light has also implemented internally energy-saving measures to bring down energy consumption.
Paga said that the company is not seeing any increase for April and this is a great sign.
However, she lamented that the company revenue may be lower this month as consumption among consumers is down due to belt-tightening as fuel prices skyrocket.
US gas prices hike, fare remains the same says TANOCAL president
Tagbilaran Association of Northern California (TANOCAL) president Arturo Romanos said US gas prices have increased.
Interestingly, he said, fare remained the same as train and bus fares kept the pre-war levels.
He said unlike other countries, the US is a net exporter of oil. Romanos said US has its own oil supply and does not rely heavily on oil imports unlike the Philippines.
Most of the production of American oil is kept in rewarded and in case of crisis, the strategic reserve kicks in and cushions any supply shocks as a result of any supply disruptions.
He said prices of gasoline may rise but the effects may not be far reaching.
Meanwhile, Romanos said TANOCAL is planning a medical mission in Bohol.
He said the mission is slated on Feb. 4 and 5, 2027, and the doctors are imported from the US.
Romanos said around 50 doctors and nurses are hopefully participating in the medical mission.
He said cataract eye surgeries will be performed by the doctors during the medical mission.
Bohol police to start arresting topless, public drunkards
Bohol police is going to start arresting people who appear topless in public as well as those who are consuming alcohol in public streets.
This was disclosed by Maj. Rey Olar, spokesperson of Bohol Police Provincial Office (BPPO).
Olar said the aim of the program is to make the streets safer and the crackdown is prompted by the observation that disturbances such as theft, stabbings and road accidents are due to public drunkards who consume alcohol along public streets.
Olar said appearing in public topless is considered a form of indecency or breakdown of civility that may cause hassle or inconvenience to other people.
The program is part of the Safer Cities Initiative of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and was launched early April.
The initiative mandates the police across the Philippines to crackdown on public alcohol consumption, and roaming outside of home shirtless is imposed to maintain civility.
The police are also strictly imposing curfew on minors and to limit videoke use until 10 pm.
The police are coordinating with local government units and the penalties depend on the local ordinances.
Olar urged the public to cooperate with the police and to consume alcohol inside the home or in bars or any other establishments and to ensure that a shirt is worn when venturing outside the home.
BIR extends deadline on income tax return filing to May 15, 2026
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has officially extended the 2025 annual income tax return (ITR) filing and payment deadline to May 15, 2026.
This extension covers the filing of returns, payment of taxes, and submission of attachments to ease compliance, particularly due to the energy crisis.
This affects all taxpayers who are required to file an income tax return.
Revenue Memorandum Circular (RMC) No. 30-2026 extending the deadline for the filing of returns.
Taxpayers can use electronic filing and payment systems (eFPS) or manual filing at authorized agent banks.
This extension is aimed at easing the burden on taxpayers due to an ongoing energy crisis, according to PwC Philippines.
Attachments must still be submitted electronically via the eAFS system.
BIR Regional District Office 84 chief Ellen Galindez confirmed the latest order from BIR Central Office.
Galindez enables taxpayers to file returns correctly with proper attachments.
Galindez said failure to file returns means surcharge of 25 percent on tax due, plus 12 percent interest per annum as well as compromise penalty.
Cybercrimes in Bohol surge to 78 cases in early 2026
Reports said cybercrime in Bohol has surged to 78 cases.
The same report added that the top three cybercrime cases are about online scam, identity theft, and illegal access.
The Bohol Philippine National Police Cybercrime Unit presented the data showing 78 cybercrime complaints from January to April 2026.
In the report, it showed that online scam remains the top complaint as the rise in the number of cases only shows the threats coming from criminal elements in the digital space.
The cybercrimes are heavily penalized under the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 as online scams are considered as computer-related fraud with imprisonment of 12 years and fine of not less than P200,000.
Identity theft carries the penalty of 12 years as illegal access carries a penalty of imprisonment of not less than 6 years.
Identity theft victims may also file complaints under the Data Privacy Act.