CTMO and City PNP cannot apprehend colorum vans
The personnel of the Tagbilaran City Traffic Management Office (CTMO) and Tagbilaran City Police Station are not authorized to apprehend or impound colorum vans even if they have deputization from the Land Transportation Office (LTO).
This was stated by CTMO Chief Tony Samante during the meeting of the City Committee on Peace, Order and Public Safety which was led by City Councilor Fausto Budiong.
Samante explained that during the deputization training, the LTO informed them that the apprehension of colorum or unfranchised public utility vehicles is the exclusive responsibility of their office and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) through their joint anti-colorum operations.
Even if the CTMO and City PNP are deputized by the LTO to enforce traffic laws, their authority is limited only to issuing citation tickets for the enforcement of city ordinances against colorum.
The apprehension and impounding of colorum vehicles can only be done in a joint operation of the LTO and LTFRB, and cannot be done by the CTMO or City PNP on their own.
The continuing operation of colorum vans entering Tagbilaran was one of the issues discussed by the Committee on Peace, Order and Public Utilities in their meeting at the SP Pre Conference Hall yesterday, July 8.
Public hearing done on proposed P15 tricycle fare in Tagbilaran
Tagbilaran City Councilor Leonides “Edi” Borja urged the public and all sectors to attend the July 10 public hearing regarding his proposed ordinance that would set the P15.00 minimum fare for tricycles for the first one kilometer in the city.
Borja, who is the author of the proposed city ordinance and chairman of the Committee on Public Utilities and Franchises of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, urged the public to express their opinions and suggestions before this is discussed and decided on by the council.
The public hearing was held on Friday, July 10, at 9:00 AM at the Sangguniang Panlungsod Session Hall.
At present, the minimum fare for the first one kilometer for tricycles in Tagbilaran City is P20.00, which is being implemented through a resolution of the City Council.
If approved, the minimum fare will be lowered to P15.00 and this will be made an official policy through an ordinance that will replace the current resolution.
It is expected that the City Council will consider the opinions and recommendations that will be raised during the public hearing before continuing with the deliberation of the proposed ordinance.
Boholana lawyer part of VP Sara’s 16-member legal defense team in impeachment trial
ATTY. RADOC
A Boholana lawyer was included in the 16-member legal defense team of Vice President Sara Duterte who filed their formal appearance on the first day of the impeachment trial in the Senate.
Atty. Clarlaine Radoc, a native of Barangay Centro, Tubigon, Bohol, is one of the lawyers representing Duterte during the impeachment proceedings.
Radoc graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Management Accounting in 2016 and a Juris Doctor (J.D.) in 2020 from the University of San Carlos in Cebu City.
She also graduated cum laude in her undergraduate degree.
Before becoming a lawyer, Radoc was also known as Anyag sa Tubigon Beauty Queen.
Her inclusion in Duterte’s defense puts another Boholano legal professional at the center of one of the most watched constitutional proceedings in the country.
Bohol Chocolate Farm aims for 1 million cacao trees in 10 years
The Bohol Chocolate Farm launched a 10-year program to support the planting of 1 million cacao trees across Bohol, with the goal of improving farmers’ livelihood and making the chocolate industry in the province stronger.
The initiative was announced during the celebration of World Chocolate Day in Barangay Canmano, Sagbayan.
As the first cacao nursery in Bohol accredited by the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Plant Industry, the farm aims to provide quality seedlings, technical assistance, and a guaranteed market for partner farmers.
According to founder Rosario Amores-Hudson, if the target is achieved, Bohol could produce 800 metric tons of fermented dry cacao beans every year, which can be processed into about 600 metric tons of pure chocolate from locally grown cacao.
During the event, the Seed to Bean Project of the JCI Chocolate Hills Jaycees was also launched where 1,000 cacao seedlings will be given to the Nueva Vida Sur Women’s Association.
Local government units also supported the project.
Catigbian Mayor Benjie Oliva pledged to develop 200 hectares of cacao plantation, while Sagbayan Mayor Asuncion “Shiony” Ybañez expressed the town’s continued support for cacao farming and agri-tourism.
The Bohol Chocolate Farm called on farmers, cooperatives, LGUs, and the private sector to work together to strengthen the cacao industry and make Bohol known not only for the Chocolate Hills, but also for quality chocolate grown and made by Boholanos.
Palm oil harvester electrocuted in Danao
A 34-year-old palm oil harvester died after being electrocuted while harvesting palm oil fruit in Sitio New Cebu, Barangay Cantubod, Danao, Bohol, on July 7.
The victim was identified as Lormelito Celocia, married and a resident of Sitio Camarin, Barangay San Carlos, Danao.
In the investigation, the victim used an improvised long bamboo pole with a sharp hook at the end to cut clusters of palm oil fruit.
However, while harvesting, the tool accidentally touched an energized overhead power line that was located near the palm oil trees.
Because of this, the victim was electrocuted and died immediately.
He was still brought to the Danao Municipal Health Office but was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.
The Danao Police Station is still continuing its investigation to determine all the circumstances of the incident.
House burned in Calape
Three structures were burned down after a fire broke out in July 8, 2026 at 1:40 PM in Sitio Lamak, Barangay Bonbon, municipality of Calape.
Upon arrival of the members of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the fire was immediately declared a first alarm which spread to three separate structures that were owned by the same person identified as Monalisa Asoy, 55 years old.
Based on media interview, it was found out that the fire started in the main house itself which was made of mixed materials, where it was completely burned down and totally damaged.
However, due to the immediate action of the firefighters, the fire was completely declared a fireout past 2:00 PM, and fortunately there were no reported injuries or fatalities in the incident.
According to the BFP, the damage from the fire was estimated at ₱80,000 for structural damage alone, and this does not yet include the household items inside the house which were also burned.
Newborn boy found dead in Baclayon
The dead body of a newborn male was found placed inside a garbage bag in Baclayon.
A cottage caretaker found the dead body of the male child, believed to be a newborn, in Barangay Laya, municipality of Baclayon, early in the morning of July 8, 2026.
This report was confirmed by Laya Barangay Captain Manuel Robles who said that the child was first wrapped in cellophane before it was placed inside a garbage bag.
The caretaker of the cottage found the child already lifeless inside the wrapping.
Captain Robles believes that the child was possibly thrown into the sea and was only washed ashore on the coast of that area.
The dead body was found in front of the cottages near the side of the old barangay hall in Laya, where grass usually gathers during the southwest monsoon season.
The dead body of the child was brought by the personnel of the Women’s Desk to the Governor Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital yesterday to undergo an examination and to determine the true cause of his death.
Retired police shot in Sagbayan
A retired police officer was injured in a shooting in Sagbayan and manhunt continues against the suspect.
A 63-year-old retired police officer was injured after being shot by an unidentified man outside his house in Barangay Katipunan, Sagbayan, on the night of July 7.
The victim was identified as Samuel Nacua, a retired member of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and a resident of Purok 2, Barangay Katipunan.
The victim was coming from his rice field and was walking toward their house when he was suddenly shot three times by an unidentified suspect using a firearm of an undetermined caliber.
Only one of the bullets hit the victim, injuring his left thigh.
Despite the wound, he managed to run inside their house to get away, while the suspect fled toward an unknown direction.
He was rushed to the Sagbayan Rural Health Unit via ambulance from the local government for treatment.
The police launched a hot pursuit operation to identify and arrest the suspect.
Based on the initial investigation, personal grudge is believed to be the possible motive for the shooting.
The police investigation is still ongoing to determine the true motive and to identify the suspect.
Senior citizen vendor shot dead in Jetafe
The police in the municipality of Jetafe still have no identified suspect regarding the shooting death of a 60-year-old senior citizen who lives in Barangay Carlos P. Garcia in the said municipality.
This was revealed by the Jetafe Police Station who said that the victim was identified as Zenaida Loligao, a fruit vendor or someone who sells fruits in that area.
According to the police report, a lone assailant riding a motorcycle suddenly approached and shot the victim three times before fleeing.
Loligao was hit in the neck.
She was still brought to the nearest hospital, but she was officially declared dead on arrival by the doctors.
In the investigation conducted at the crime scene, authorities recovered bullet shells from a caliber .45 firearm which was used in the crime.
The police are still continuing their investigation to identify and arrest the perpetrator.
17-year-old caught with gun to school
Authorities arrested a 17-year-old student after he was found carrying a firearm issued by the Philippine Army while on his way to a public school in the municipality of Tupi, South Cotabato.
According to the report from the Philippine National Police (PNP), it was found that the minor got the Glock 17 9mm pistol from his older brother who is a soldier currently assigned to the 6th Infantry Battalion under the 6th Infantry Division in the said province.
Also recovered from the student were two magazines containing 32 bullets.
When questioned by authorities, the teenager claimed that he brought the firearm for “self-defense” or just to protect himself.
The student was caught with the firearm at a checkpoint on July 7 through the help and information provided by an employee of the Local Government Unit (LGU).
The minor and the firearm are currently being held by the police for proper disposition and further investigation.
“Kaon ta sa Bantawan” earns over P2M with 7,400 visitors in first weeks
“Kaon ta sa Bantawan” has earned over P2 million in sales and was visited by more than 7,400 visitors after it opened on the last week of June.
Organizers met on July 7, 2026 to boost the operation in relation to Sandugo sa Bohol.
The agencies evaluated the operation and streamlined the processes for more efficient conduct of events.
Signages will be placed for more efficient traffic in and out of the area.
There will be a regular collection of garbage cans to improve the landscape maintenance.
The Bantawan is a huge part of the celebration of Sandugo festival in Bohol.
This is a newly-designed celebration aligned with Bohol Day.
CTMO and TCPS have no authority to impound colorum vans
Reports said the deputized personnel of City Traffic Management Office (CTMO) and Tagbilaran City Police Station (TCPS) are not authorized to impound colorum vans.
They cannot impound colorum vans even if they are deputized by the Land Transportation Office (LTO).
This was disclosed by CTMO chief Tony Samante during a meeting of the City Peace, Order and Public Safety Committee chaired by Coun. Fausto Budlong.
Samante said the LTO emphasized that apprehending colorum vehicles is an exclusive function of the LTO and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) via a unified anti-colorum operation.
Despite the deputization, the authority of CTMO and TCPS is limited.
They are allowed to issue temporary operator’s permit tickets separately should they be enforcing basic traffic laws and local ordinances.
The LTO and LTFRB are the ones allowed to impound colorum vehicles.
Bato Bridge traffic halted again after approach gives way
Traffic at Bato Bridge has been halted again after the approach gave way anew.
The traffic was halted for all kinds of vehicles.
Reports say that piles are being installed along the approach.
Jefferson Berberes, the representative of the contractor, said he cannot tell when they will dump limestone in the area.
They are prioritizing the placement of sheet piles.
He confirmed that traffic has been halted for now.
Only foot traffic is allowed as long as there are men at work.
He hopes the soil remains stable due to sheet piles so that they can fix the work needed to be done.
Bohol deploys mental health team to earthquake-hit provinces
The Bohol provincial government has deployed a Health Emergency Response Team for Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (HERT-MHPSS) through its Provincial Health Office (PHO) to General Santos City and Sarangani province to assist victims of the 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Mindanao.
The eight-member team will be deployed to the affected areas from July 4 to 10, providing psychological first aid, psychosocial support, stress debriefing and referral services for survivors and frontline responders who experienced trauma, stress and other psychological effects of the disaster.
The PHO team will coordinate with local government units and the Department of Health–Center for Health Development Region XII to ensure the smooth delivery of mental health services.
The mission follows the earlier deployment of Bohol’s Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) Search and Rescue Team to the earthquake-affected areas.
Bohol opens new emergency response substation in Talibon
Gov. Aris Aumentado led the blessing and turnover of the new TaRSIER 117 Talibon Substation building on July 8, marking a new milestone in the province’s disaster preparedness efforts.
The ceremony, held at the Garcia Memorial Provincial Hospital (GMPH) compound in Barangay San Jose as part of National Disaster Resilience Month, celebrated the ₱2.8-million facility that will serve as the permanent headquarters for the substation’s 23 emergency responders.
Aumentado said the facility reflects the provincial government’s commitment to public safety and to the welfare of responders who serve Boholanos during emergencies.
He also cited plans by 2nd District Rep. Van-van Aumentado to develop GMPH into a national hospital specializing in women’s and children’s health care.
Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Dr. Anthony Damalerio, who oversaw the project, said the substation responded to 539 emergency incidents in 2025 and 282 more from January to June this year. He noted the unit will mark its seventh anniversary in November.
GMPH representative Dr. Vidal Manga and Talibon Vice Mayor Dave Evangelista, representing Mayor Janette Garcia, both welcomed the new facility, saying its location within the hospital compound would speed up emergency response in the area.
New Ubay mayor, vice mayor sworn into office
UBAY vice mayor Constantino “Dodong” Reyes was sworn in as municipal mayor of Ubay, along with Vice Mayor Atty. Kim Geronimo B. Fuentes, during a formal oath-taking ceremony, according to the Ubay local government unit.
The oath-taking marked the official start of their administration, with both officials pledging to serve the people of Ubay with integrity and dedication.
Officials said they hope the incoming administration will continue building on the legacy of former Mayor Violeta D. Reyes, whose leadership contributed to the town’s development, and that the peaceful transition of leadership will strengthen community unity and sustain existing programs aimed at further progress in Ubay.
The new leadership expressed hope that residents would work together to address challenges and build a brighter future for the town.
Fruit vendor, 63, shot dead by motorcycle-riding gunmen in Getafe
A 63-year-old fruit vendor was shot dead by two unidentified men riding a motorcycle in Barangay Carlos P. Garcia, Getafe town Monday morning, police said.
The victim was identified as Zenaida Leoligao, known locally as “Paty,” a married resident of the barangay.
Police said the attack occurred around 10 a.m. as Leoligao was tending her fruit stall.
The suspects approached her, posing as customers interested in buying apples, before shooting her twice and fleeing on their motorcycle toward the town’s Poblacion area, according to initial investigation.
Leoligao sustained a gunshot wound to the neck and was rushed to Garcia Memorial Provincial Hospital in Talibon, where she was declared dead on arrival.
Investigators recovered two spent .45-caliber shells at the scene.
Police are looking into robbery as a possible motive, though no arrests have been made.
Authorities said the presence of bystanders at the time of the shooting hampered efforts to apprehend the suspects.
The Getafe Municipal Police Station said the investigation is ongoing to identify the gunmen and determine the motive behind the killing.
Suspect on drug watch list arrested in San Isidro buy-bust
A man listed as an alleged drug trafficker was arrested in a buy-bust operation in Purok 6-Batong, Barangay Candungao, San Isidro town, July 6, 2026.
The suspect, identified only as alias “Bulhog,” 47, was tagged as a street-level individual drug pusher.
Members of the San Isidro Municipal Police Station’s Municipal Drug Enforcement Team, in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, conducted the operation, which led to the suspect’s arrest.
Authorities seized sachets of suspected shabu from the suspect, estimated to weigh 7 grams with a standard drug price of ₱47,600, along with the buy-bust money.
Appropriate charges are being prepared against the suspect.
Lending firm collector dies in Clarin motorcycle crash
A collector for a lending company died while the motorcycle driver he was riding with was injured after their vehicle accidentally overshot along the national highway in Barangay Caboy, Clarin town, at around 10 a.m. Monday, July 6, 2026.
The fatality was identified as Mike Galambao, 22, of Barangay Mayana, Jagna.
His companion, John Eleonor, an adult resident of Barangay Locus, Sapang Dalaga, Misamis Occidental, was injured.
According to reports, Galambao was riding as a backrider on a motorcycle driven by Eleonor when the accident occurred.
The two were en route to Clarin from the main office of the Borrowing Network and Lending Company, based in Carmen.
Upon reaching a curve in the area, Eleonor reportedly lost control of the motorcycle due to excessive speed, causing the crash.
Galambao was reportedly thrown from the vehicle and hit his head on the pavement.
Both victims were rushed to Clarin Community Hospital, where Galambao was declared dead on arrival.
Eleonor survived the crash.
Drug pusher nabbed in Trinidad buy-bust
A street-level individual pusher tagged as an alleged drug dealer was arrested in a buy-bust operation in Purok 2, Barangay San Vicente, Trinidad, Bohol, authorities said Wednesday.
The suspect, identified only as alias Dave, 22, unemployed, is a resident of Purok 1, Barangay Mahagbu, Trinidad.
Members of the Trinidad Municipal Police Station’s Municipal Drug Enforcement Team conducted the anti-illegal drug operation in the area, resulting in the suspect’s arrest.
The suspect allegedly sold a sachet of suspected shabu worth ₱500 to a poseur-buyer.
Three more sachets of suspected shabu were recovered from his possession.
The total haul weighed an estimated 3.6 grams, with a standard drug price of ₱24,480.