Tagbilaran police arrest rape suspect processing clearance; warrant issued by Zambales court
A 39-year-old man processing a police clearance was arrested after it was discovered he had a warrant of arrest for the case of rape by sexual assault issued in Zambales.
According to PLt. Col. Joey Bicoy, chief of police, Tagbilaran City Police Station, the arrest happened at 1:00 in the afternoon last Thursday, May 22, at the National Police Clearance Section on Calceta Street, Barangay Cogon, Tagbilaran City, while the suspect was processing his police clearance.
The arrested person was identified as “Edward Paul”, 39 years old, married, from Block 4, Buenaflor, Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat, and temporarily residing in Purok 3, Barangay Bingag, Dauis, Bohol.
The operation was carried out by the Tracker Team and National Police Clearance Section of the Tagbilaran City Police Station after records verification while the suspect was processing his clearance, where the current warrant was discovered.
According to PLt. Bicoy, the warrant of arrest was issued for the case of rape by sexual assault under Article 266-A(2) of the Revised Penal Code, as amended by Republic Act No. 11648.
The warrant was issued by Judge Anna Marie Mendoza, Presiding Judge of RTC Branch 99, 3rd Judicial Region, Olongapo City, Zambales, on October 21, 2025.
The bail was set at ₱200,000 for the suspect’s temporary liberty.
At present, he is in the custody of the Tagbilaran City Police Station custodial facility for proper documentation, disposition and legal process.
Tagbilaran police arrest rape suspect processing clearance; warrant issued by Zambales court
A 39-year-old man processing a police clearance was arrested after it was discovered he had a warrant of arrest for the case of rape by sexual assault issued in Zambales.
According to PLt. Col. Joey Bicoy, chief of police, Tagbilaran City Police Station, the arrest happened at 1:00 in the afternoon last Thursday, May 22, at the National Police Clearance Section on Calceta Street, Barangay Cogon, Tagbilaran City, while the suspect was processing his police clearance.
The arrested person was identified as “Edward Paul”, 39 years old, married, from Block 4, Buenaflor, Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat, and temporarily residing in Purok 3, Barangay Bingag, Dauis, Bohol.
The operation was carried out by the Tracker Team and National Police Clearance Section of the Tagbilaran City Police Station after records verification while the suspect was processing his clearance, where the current warrant was discovered.
According to PLt. Bicoy, the warrant of arrest was issued for the case of rape by sexual assault under Article 266-A(2) of the Revised Penal Code, as amended by Republic Act No. 11648.
The warrant was issued by Judge Anna Marie Mendoza, Presiding Judge of RTC Branch 99, 3rd Judicial Region, Olongapo City, Zambales, on October 21, 2025.
The bail was set at ₱200,000 for the suspect’s temporary liberty.
At present, he is in the custody of the Tagbilaran City Police Station custodial facility for proper documentation, disposition and legal process.
Super Shuttle Ferry announced their plan to open a new route using a Fast Ferry that will connect the town of Panglao and Oslob in Cebu.
This announcement was made along with the official inauguration of their newest route connecting Oslob (Cebu), Larena (Siquijor), and Dumaguete City yesterday, May 22, 2026.
Super Shuttle Ferry operates under the management of Asian Marine Transport Corporation.
There is great happiness and excitement among Boholanos and travelers because of this development.
According to them, this is a big help and more favorable for individuals who will take land trips from Bacolod, Dumaguete, throughout the Island of Negros, and even in places in Southern Cebu who want to go to Panglao or other parts of the province of Bohol.
Because of this, it is expected that travel to these places in Central Visayas will be faster, easier, and more convenient in the future.
Baby Zach with liver atresia passes away before india operation
Baby Zacharee Brixter Relator, the 1 year-old baby native of Purok 4, Catagbacan Sur, Loon, Bohol, has passed away.
There is no end to the grief of the father and mother who tried and looked for ways to save Baby Zach.
Baby Zach suffered from serious health conditions such as Sepsis Secondary to Acute Infectious Gastroenteritis with Moderate Dehydration and Liver Atresia, where he needed an urgent liver transplant to be done in India.
It can be recalled that Rinard called for help on DYTR because they still needed PHP500,000 for the plane ticket, accommodation for three months there in India, and for Baby Zach’s food and medicine so they could completely travel for the operation.
“Wala najud siya kakaya, nibiya nagyud tawn si Baby Zach.” (He really could not hold on anymore, Baby Zach has really left us) according to his father.
They were discharged from ACE Hospital on the night of May 22 but on May 23 he was brought to the Hospital again because he was bleeding.
“May 22 sa gabii na discharge mi sa Ace nya 23 sa gabie gidala napod sa hospital,” (May 22 at night we were discharged from Ace then on the 23rd at night we were brought to the hospital again) according to his father Renard.
The father revealed that he really did not make it to his operation scheduled next month.
“Looy lagi kaayu sir wajud siya kapaabot sa among operasyon sunod buwan,” (It’s really pitiful sir he really did not make it to our operation next month) Renard added.
Renard is now calling for help for burial assistance for his child Baby Zach.
Mayor Isko Moreno was the one who paid the 2-million at the hospital in India where the Liver Transplant was supposed to be done because it cannot be done here in the Philippines.
PNP bohol arrests 53 individuals in one-week anti-criminality operations
The Bohol Police Provincial Office (BPPO) arrested a total of 53 individuals after a series of successful anti-criminality operations within just one week across the province.
Under the leadership of Police Colonel Patricio C. Degay Jr., Provincial Director, the police intensified their campaign against illegal drugs, wanted persons, loose firearms, and illegal gambling to ensure peace and order in Bohol.
In the campaign against illegal drugs, BPPO conducted 11 operations that resulted in the arrest of 12 suspects.
Seized from them were approximately 87.33 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated value of ₱593,837.20.
Meanwhile, in manhunt operations, eight wanted persons were apprehended through eight operations, of which one was identified as Most Wanted Person and seven were listed as Other Wanted Persons.
Aside from this, four operations were also launched against illegal firearms, where one individual was jailed and three loose firearms were successfully confiscated by operatives.
On the other hand, the most arrests were made in the campaign against illegal gambling, where 32 individuals were apprehended in 18 operations, and bet money totaling ₱8,048.00 was also seized.
Because of this, PCOL Degay Jr. expressed his great gratitude to his personnel for their continuous dedication and sacrifice.
BPPO apprehends 410 violators in one-day province-wide “oplan bulabog” 8″operation crackdown”
The Bohol Police Provincial Office led by Provincial Director PCol. Patricio Degay Jr. recorded a total of 410 violators across the province within one day during the intensified implementation of “Oplan Bulabog” “Operation Crackdown” yesterday, May 26, 2026, under the Safer Cities Initiative of the Philippine National Police.
The operation focused on enforcing local ordinances, maintaining peace and order, and strengthening road safety in various towns and cities in Bohol.
According to PLt. Col. Joseph Berondo, Public Information Officer of Bohol PPO, this stronger operation is part of the police’s continuing effort to improve discipline and safety of people in the community.
Berondo explained that 216 traffic violations were the most recorded, while 73 minors were apprehended for curfew violations and turned over under child protection procedures.
Also recorded were 59 cases of drinking in public places, 51 various local ordinance violations, 8 smoking violations, and 3 cases of indecent exposure.
Among all police stations, Tagbilaran City recorded the most violators with 97 apprehensions, mostly related to traffic and public drinking.
Other municipalities that recorded many violators were Loon (33), Jagna (16), while Talibon, Tubigon, and Loay (15 each), and Dauis (14).
PLt. Col. Berondo clarified that Oplan Bulabog “Operation Crackdown” is not only for apprehending violators, but also for strengthening the culture of law compliance and preventing more serious crimes through consistent enforcement.
Even though no cases of vandalism, illegal obstructions, and late-night disturbances were recorded, BPPO said monitoring and operations will continue throughout the province.
Bohol Summit highlights culture and identity
Culture was not only discussed during the first time the Bohol Heritage and Creativity Summit was held.
It was connected, examined, and given new meaning as a living force that continues to shape the true identity of every Boholano.
Held on May 26–27, 2026 at Panda Tea Garden and Suites, this two-day gathering was attended by festival directors, arts leaders, choreographers, cultural workers, tourism officials, researchers, heritage custodians, musicians, and government representatives from various places in the province.
Organized by the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) through the Bohol Center for Culture and Arts Development (BCCAD) and the Bohol Arts and Cultural Heritage (BACH) Council, together with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), this activity went beyond just being a capacity-building activity.
It became a province-wide reflection on our history, identity, and responsibility.
For Bohol, heritage is no longer limited to old churches, valuable legacies, or annual celebrations.
The province now considers culture as the foundation for sustainable development and the growth of crafts and arts.
As the first province in the country to become part of the UNESCO Global Geopark, Bohol continues to strengthen efforts to protect its treasures—both natural and cultural.
The summit opened with discussions focused on our roots, memory, and cultural practices.
Participants examined valuing heritage, identity as a geopark, sustaining development, tourism, and arts and crafts industries—supporting the Strategic Governance Roadmap of PGBh.
Geopark Program Manager Joanne Pinat discussed the condition of Bohol as an island and geopark.
She emphasized the importance of protecting landscapes and nature, as well as cultural treasures, together.
Department of Trade and Industry Provincial Director Vierna Teresa Ligan also presented about the opportunities within the growing crafts and arts sector in Bohol.
One of the much-awaited talks came from NCCA Chairperson and Executive Director Dr. Eric Zerrudo.
He spoke about understanding cultural heritage and the methods for using it.
He also emphasized the great importance of cultural mapping or listing and identifying the treasures of each community.
He also emphasized that protecting heritage is a duty passed down from one generation to the next.
Discussions continued with Fr. Milan Ted Torralba, who shared his perspectives on heritage and the cultural context of Boholanos.
Cultural advocates John Mesana and Eric Divinagracia also gave their presentations about festivals, tourism, and arts industries.
A real and practical perspective was shared by advocates from Loboc, namely Rex Sarigumba and Engr. Jerrey David Aguilar.
They narrated the town’s experience in holding a festival and the good practices they have experienced.
Their message had a big impact on those who organize activities.
On the second day, from reflection, the focus shifted to creation.
Under the theme “Pagmugna Gikan sa Buhi nga Tradisyon” “Creating from Living Tradition”, the things learned and experienced about heritage were made into concepts for festivals and crafts.
Former Artistic Director of the Cultural Center of the Philippines Chris Millado gave a talk titled “Labaw pa sa Bongga” “More than Extravagant”.
He challenged creatives to go beyond mere spectacular performance and remain true to the real stories shown in festivals.
Issues about the improper use of culture and making business out of traditions were also discussed.
This was addressed by Arvin Manuel Villalon, Acting Deputy Director-General for Museums of the National Museum of the Philippines, in his talk about ethics and morality in creating festival activities.
Villalon emphasized that festivals, if done in the right way, can strengthen the pride and identity of local communities, instead of just making them a simple performance.
The summit revisited the heritage of festivals themselves in Bohol.
Former Head of the Sandugo Festival Street Dance Committee Carmen Gatal and BCCAD Consultant Dr. Lutgardo Labad talked about the history and evolution of the Sandugo Festival.
Police find lead on Clarin kagawad murder
The police said they have an initial lead in the murder of a Clarin barangay councilor.
To recall, Marino Montojo was assassinated in broad daylight near the town’s cockpit.
Lt. Col. Joseph Berondo said the police are still conducting an investigation into the murder of the barangay kagawad and the investigation is supported by the Provincial Investigation and Detective Management Unit and Provincial Intelligence Unit as they conduct a backtracking of the incident.
They are finding clues using the footage from CCTV cameras to identify the suspect.
The police are also coordinating with the victim’s family for more information, said Berondo.
The police refuse to identify the suspect as they are still unfinished with the investigation.
Berondo said all angles are on the table including the fact the victim is a politician.
Police are also determining if the victim had death threats prior to the murder.
The cellphone is being submitted for digital forensics in Cebu City as well as the ballistics of the empty shells found at the crime scene.
Suspected scammer nabbed in Dauis
A suspected male scammer was arrested in Dauis following an entrapment operation on May 24, 2026 in barangay Totolan.
The suspect posed as an asset of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
He is being accused of extorting money from a victim who was told that the victim’s child will soon be arrested due to cases related to drugs.
The suspect is known as alias Aldous from Sonculan, Dauis.
The entrapment operation was conducted by Dauis Police Station.
The entrapment operation was set after the victim complained about the alleged scam operation.
Allegedly the suspect asked for a bribe in exchange for the liberty of the victim’s child.
The suspect asked for money in exchange for the opportunity that the child of the victim remains free.
The suspect claimed to be a police asset to convince the victim and to produce the money.
The suspect was caught red handed receiving the entrapment money from the victim.
Recovered from the suspect was the marked money used in the entrapment operation.
The suspect was taken into custody and faces appropriate charges.
Meanwhile, police arrested several persons for alleged illegal gambling.
Four persons were arrested at different times across Bohol due to involvement in illegal gambling.
The suspects were arrested after the police conducted anti-illegal gambling operations on May 24, 2026 in the towns of Inabanga, Loon and Tubigon.
Tagb police log 153 traffic-related incidents
The Tagbilaran City Police Station (TCPS) logged 153 traffic-related incidents (TRI), most of which involved motorcycles.
The data covered a period spanning January to March 2026.
The report also revealed damage to property is the leading result of the TRIs logged in the city.
TCPS chief Lt. Col. Joey Bicoy said only 124 incidents were recorded in 2025.
The police have noted the series of TRIs happening in city streets.
Bicoy said March logged the most number of TRI with 19 incidents and was followed by February with 17 cases, while there were two cases in July and August 2025.
In the 124 cases recorded last year, 94 cases resulted in damage to property and 29 cases resulted in physical injuries, and a case of homicide was recorded last year.
TCPS remains concerned about road safety in the first quarter of 2026 where eight cases were logged in January and nine in February and 12 cases in March 2026.
No fatalities were recorded in TRIs in 2026 but physical injuries and damage to properties remain a problem.
Bicoy urged the motorists to follow traffic rules for road safety.
SP approves new anti-rabies ordinance
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) approved on May 26, 2026 a new anti-rabies ordinance on third and final reading.
The proposed ordinance seeks to amend a 19-year-old ordinance as the province strengthens the campaign against rabies.
The proposed ordinance is authored by Board Member Mutya Macuno and it intends to strengthen the information of rabies prevention and eradication program.
One of the salient features of the proposed ordinance is the establishment of Bantay Rabies in the barangay.
This is a community-based mechanism designed to develop a structure to implement anti-rabies measures at the barangay level for more efficient monitoring and enforcement.
The proposed ordinance also supports the mandate of national laws against rabies.
The local government units are enjoined to create sustainable anti-rabies programs.
Balilihan police arrest drug suspect in sting operation
A drug suspect was arrested by Balilihan police following a sting operation in barangay Sal-ing on May 26, 2026.
The suspect, a resident of Sal-ing, was the subject of a sting operation.
A poseur buyer transacted with the suspect that led to the latter’s arrest.
Taken from the suspect were packets of alleged shabu with a total weight of 4.32 grams and valued at P29,000 more or less.
The police conducted the operation and it was witnessed by barangay officials and the media.
The police frequently conduct anti-illegal drug operations that lead to the arrest of drug suspects.
The suspect is now in custody and faces charges of violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
P374K worth of alleged shabu seized in Baclayon buy-bust
About P374,000 worth of alleged shabu were seized following a buy bust operation on May 26, 2026 in Baclayon.
The operation was conducted by operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and they arrested a former person deprived of liberty (PDL) who was able to remain free due to a plea bargaining agreement.
The suspect was identified as alias Ramon from barangay Guiwanon, Baclayon.
PDEA agents conducted an operation in barangay Guiwanon and detected the suspect allegedly trading drugs.
A sting operation was conducted against the suspect and witnessed by barangay officials and the media.
An agent posed as a poseur buyer and the suspect was arrested after transacting with the poseur buyer and transacted alleged shabu for P15,000.
Taken from the suspect were packets of alleged shabu weighing 55 grams.
The suspect now faces charges of violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Capitol seeks probe into alleged coral damage at Napaling Reef
Led by Gov. Aris Aumentado, the Provincial Government is set to probe alleged damage on the corals at Napaling Reef in Panglao.
The probe comes as viral videos show broken and defaced corals, and authorities are verifying the extent of the damage to enforce environmental laws and penalize the responsible divers and tour operators.
A joint site inspection team deployed to the area features representatives from various environmental and tourism agencies to assess the damage.
This includes the Bohol Provincial Environment Management Office (BPEMO), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and local municipal offices.
The governor wants to know the actual status of the reef and to find out what the relevant agencies have done to protect the reef.
He said he is deeply concerned about the status of Napaling Reef following the viral video.
These recent investigations build on prior protective measures.
The provincial government continues to run aggressive crackdowns against tourists, boatmen, and unauthorized guides found stepping on or etching graffiti onto coral reefs.
Reports said corals in the area are slowly vanishing and concerns were raised on the current condition of the area.
BPPO joins search for Bato
The Bohol Police Provincial Office (BPPO) has joined the rest of the Philippine National Police in the search for Sen. Ronald Bato de la Rosa.
De la Rosa has an outstanding arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court for alleged crimes against humanity.
The BPPO is monitoring the possibility that Bato may be in Bohol hiding.
It is known that he has roots in Antequera town.
The BPPO is actively searching for de la Rosa as the senate has relatives in Bohol.
This development was revealed by Lt. Col. Joseph Berondo, spokesman of the BPPO.
Berondo said it is possible the senator may try to hide in Bohol given he has relatives here.
Police are actively monitoring the possibility that de la Rosa is in Bohol and will effect an arrest if needed.
The Supreme Court voted to deny the senator a temporary restraining order on the implementation of the arrest warrant.
He is named a co-perpetrator of crimes against humanity involving former President Duterte.
Capitol expands effort on dive tourism and protecting the environment
The Provincial Government of Bohol has expanded its efforts on dive tourism and to protect the environment, reports on May 25, 2026 said.
This meeting focused on cracking down on unlicensed dive shops and clamping down on unauthorized divers.
PCSSD executive director Marco Angelo Ancheta signed a memorandum of agreement between the PCSSD and the Panglao Association of Dive Operators (PADO) on May 19, 2026.
The pact seeks to regulate the industry and to curb illegal diving operators that lack the necessary permits, like what took place in Balicasag Island.
Aumentado ordered the Bohol Tourism Office’s Joanne Pinat to form a task force and an executive order to properly implement free diving at the same time protecting the environment.
Bohol is committed to protect the environment as the only UNESCO Geopark in the Philippines.
Officials tackled the rising problem of unlicensed scuba diving shops and unauthorized divers operating across Bohol’s municipal waters.
The PCSSD emphasized that mandatory training, certification, and agency accreditation are non-negotiable to protect tourists and preserve marine life.
Aumentado underscored that tighter regulation directly supports Bohol’s status as the country’s first UNESCO Global Geopark, balancing tourist influx with coastal resource management.
BWUI celebrates Int’l Day for Biological Diversity
Bohol Water Utilities Inc. (BWUI) celebrated the International Day for Biological Diversity (IDBD) according to Leizel Butawan.
Butawan said the celebration was aligned with the program to protect the environment.
In an effort to protect the environment, BWUI showed its support for IDBD by actively participating in a coastal clean-up held on May 22, 2026.
The activity was in support for IDBD committed every May and this year’s theme is: Acting Locally for Global Impact.
The activity is a means to spread awareness on the importance of protecting the environment and to encourage people to preserve the environment.
Through the initiative of local governments, this will spur interest among sectors of society and the goal is to protect the environment and show the power of cooperation to maintain the environment globally.
Government, civic organizations, and the private sector converged in the activity.
BWUI cleaned the Abatan River’s coastline and contributed to the preservation of the environment and coastal areas.
The activity showed the importance of cooperation to protect the environment.
BWUI is also active in tree planting activities and the latest was on May 14, 2026, and this shows how BWUI is active in protecting the environment.
Bohol Light reveals rate reduction
Sheryl Paga of Bohol Light revealed Bohol Light consumers can look forward to lower electricity rates in May.
She said on May 27, 2026 that there is a rate reduction of P2 per kilowatt hour affecting both residential and commercial consumers.
This rate is lower compared to the April rate, she said.
Paga said the reason for the cheaper rate ñis the less costly electricity sourced from power generators and cheaper transmission charges, which are the primary factors that affect the rate calculation per kilowatt hour.
The previous rate was at P12.51 per kilowatt hour (pKwH) and is now at P10.50 pKwH for residential consumers, she said.
Moreover, for commercial consumers the rate was at P11.93 pKwH and is now at P9.93 pKwH, she added.
She explained the generation and transmission charges form the biggest portion of the electric bill and these are called pass through charges under the Electricity Power Industry Reform Act of Republic Act No. 9136.
This means the generation and transmission charges collected by Bohol Light are remitted to the power generators and the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) respectively.
Bohol Light purchases power from power generators and the NGCP is the concessionaire tasked by the government to operate and maintain the grid.
Bohol Light, she said, earns money from the distribution charges on the bill, which included the distribution, supply and metering charges, and remained at P0.98 pKWH and remained unchanged since 2015.
The distribution charge is retained by Bohol Light to be used in administrative, operation and maintenance costs.
Paga urges people to use electricity wisely as electricity costs remain volatile amid the crisis in fuel costs and the shortages in the power supply indicated by yellow and red alerts.
The alerts can affect the pricing of power, she said.
City reminds taxpayers of amnesty deadline
The amnesty is extended under the Real Property Valuation and Assessment Reform Act.
It was signed into law on June 13, 2024, and it standardizes the real property valuation system in the Philippines and grants a two-year tax amnesty on unpaid real property taxes.
City Treasurer Hubert Inas said real property owners should take advantage of the amnesty, especially those with delinquent accounts.
This enables them to pay the tax due without the need to pay any surcharge or penalties.
Inas said it is best to settle the obligations to avoid any issues and prevent a higher tax bill.
Mayor Jane Yap called on Tagbilaran residents to support the program by settling their tax bill.
The taxes collected shall be used by the city for social services implemented by the city government.
City reminds taxpayers of amnesty deadline
The amnesty is extended under the Real Property Valuation and Assessment Reform Act.
It was signed into law on June 13, 2024, and it standardizes the real property valuation system in the Philippines and grants a two-year tax amnesty on unpaid real property taxes.
City Treasurer Hubert Inas said real property owners should take advantage of the amnesty, especially those with delinquent accounts.
This enables them to pay the tax due without the need to pay any surcharge or penalties.
Inas said it is best to settle the obligations to avoid any issues and prevent a higher tax bill.
Mayor Jane Yap called on Tagbilaran residents to support the program by settling their tax bill.
The taxes collected shall be used by the city for social services implemented by the city government.
Transmission rates down in May 2026 electric bills
Power transmission service provider NGCP announced a slight reduction in overall transmission rates of the end consumers this May following a reduction in transmission wheeling rates and ancillary services.
Overall average transmission rates for the April 2026 billing period dropped by 8.80% to PhP1.5983/kWh, from March’s PhP1.7526/kWh.
The decrease was driven by reductions in both transmission wheeling rates and Ancillary Services (AS) rates.
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Write to Kate P Laquinta