Tony weeks to referee Suganob-Nontshinga rematch
Boholano Regie “Filipino Phenom” Suganob (left) and Sivenathi “Special One” Nontshinga (right)
The veteran world renowned and American referee Tony Weeks will be the third man in the ring in the IBF World Light Flyweight title eliminator between Boholano Regie “Filipino Phenom” Suganob and former two-time world champion Sivenathi “Special One” Nontshinga on Sept. 12 in Tagbilaran City, Bohol.
Weeks is no stranger to officiating big boxing fights in the Philippines.
Fourteen years ago, he came to the Philippines to be the referee for the vacant WBO Bantamweight World Championship fight between AJ “Bazooka” Banal and Thai boxer Pungluang Sor Singyu on October 20, 2012, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Weeks is also familiar to Filipino boxing fans because of his refereeing of four fights of Manny Pacquiao against Marco Antonio Barrera in their second encounter, Oscar De La Hoya, Juan Manuel Marquez in their third encounter, and Timothy Bradley.
Now, Weeks will return to the Philippines to lead the officiating of the important rematch between Suganob and Nontshinga, where the winner will get a chance for the world title.
Bohol honored as Outstanding Bayaniyugan LGU in COINS Awards 2026
The help of the government for coconut farmers in Bohol is now true and visible: better varieties of seeds, improvement of farms, training, proper methods against climate change, and more opportunities to improve their lives from their harvest.
The Province of Bohol was honored as “Outstanding Bayaniyugan LGU” under the 2026 Coconut Industry Sustainability (COINS) Awards — a national recognition from the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) as a thank you for its great contribution to the growth of the coconut industry.
This award shows the continuous effort of the Provincial Government of Bohol under the leadership of Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado, who always gives great importance to the welfare of farmers and the development of agriculture.
At the same time, Board Member “Nanay” Lucille Lagunay, Chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, was also praised and honored as the first recipient of the CFIDP Ambassador Award.
She was recognized for her genuine service to the people, good laws, and efforts to strengthen the services and opportunities for coconut farmers, cooperatives, and associations.
Bohol Culture Shines at Bellemar Grand Cultural showcase
The “Garbo sa Bohol: Bellemar Grand Cultural Showcase” was held colorfully and successfully on September 11, 2026, inside the Bellemar Lifestyle Center to celebrate and showcase Filipino art, music, culture, and the unity of Boholanos.
The grand show was attended by well-known local groups and individuals from the art industry of the province.
The Panglao Rondalla, the pride of the province Loboc Children’s Choir, and the Lumad Panglaoanon Cultural Troupe showed their innate talent.
The evening became more lively through the participation of the well-known Boholano artist Joseph Gara, while the event was formally hosted by the famous Boholana beauty queen Pauline Amelinckx as the host of the program.
In the end, the Bellemar Lifestyle Center expressed its great gratitude to all who participated, cheered, danced, and celebrated with them.
NGCP places Visayas Grid under Red and Yellow alert today
The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) placed the entire Visayas Grid under Red and Yellow alert status today, September 12, 2026, due to lack of power supply.
Based on the advisory issued at 8:00 this morning, the Red Alert will be implemented from 5:00 PM until 9:00 PM because the supply is not enough to meet the needs of consumers.
Meanwhile, the Yellow Alert, where the power reserve is thin, is also effective from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM, and will return from 9:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
According to the advisory, the grid only recorded 2,109 megawatts (MW) of ‘available capacity’, which is not enough to meet the expected ‘peak demand’ that will reach 2,346 MW.
The NGCP explained that the main reason for the power shortage is the unavailability of large ‘coal plants’ in the region which include TVI 1, TVI 2, and PEDC 3, as well as the limited ‘power import’ from the Mindanao grid.
Aside from this, there are also several plants that have been on forced outage since the past months and are running at low capacity, where about 1,052.4 MW of supply continues to be lost from the grid.
Complaints continue over tricycle operations in Tagbilaran City
Complaints about the operation of tricycles in Tagbilaran City continue.
In the meeting conducted by the Committee on Energy, Public Utilities and Franchises of the Sangguniang Panlungsod headed by Councilor Edi Borja on Thursday, Sept. 10, together with the leaders or representatives of 22 different TODA or Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association in the city, it was revealed that most of the complaints are overcharging of fares and refusal to accept passengers.
Even the City Traffic Consultant Retired Police Dodong Udtohan experienced being refused and not allowed to ride by a tricycle driver who was on standby at the port of Tagbilaran.
Tony Samante, chief of the City Traffic Management Office (CTMO), revealed that their office regularly receives complaints from passengers.
Aside from this, arrogant drivers and not giving discounts to senior citizens, students and Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) are also among the complaints received by the CTMO.
According to Samante, the high rental of tricycles which reaches up to ₱1,000 per day is one of the reasons for overcharging.
Because of this, the official warned that they will apprehend drivers who are caught overcharging passengers, refusal to convey, and arrogant driver.
LTO orders full use of LTMS, to discontinue STRADCOM system
Land Transportation Office (LTO) Chief, Assistant Secretary Markus V. Lacanilao ordered all concerned offices of the agency to immediately stop using the LTO-IT System of STRADCOM to fully implement the exclusive use of the Land Transportation Management System (LTMS) in all transactions.
The directive is based on the order of the Office of the Ombudsman which seeks to stop the use of the old STRADCOM system and ensure the implementation of LTMS in every office.
Under Memorandum No. MVL-2026-207 and Memorandum No. MVL-2026-208, the use of the LTO-IT System in the Enhanced Driver’s License System (EDLS) Pilot Sites and in the 42 designated Temporary Offsite Printing Offices (TOPOs) is strictly ordered to be stopped.
The directive also includes the exclusive use of LTMS for processing the Certificate of Stock Report (CSR), registration of new vehicles, renewal of registration, and all transactions of Driver’s License including new application, renewal, duplicate, and change of information.
To ensure a smooth and uninterrupted transition to the new system, Asec. Lacanilao tasked the local offices to coordinate with the LTO Central Office for the necessary system configuration and user access.
Any system problem or technical issue must also be immediately reported to the Management Information Division (MID) so that immediate action can be given.
According to Lacanilao, this shift to LTMS is an important step to make their service to motorists faster, smoother, and more efficient.
Airfares expected to rise as CAB raises fuel surcharge to level 14
Airplane fares are expected to become more expensive starting from September 16 to 30, 2026, after the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) formally raised the passenger fuel surcharge to Level 14 from Level 13.
Under this new level, passengers traveling within the Philippines will face an additional surcharge amounting from P457 to P1,336, while those with international flights will have an additional charge from P1,509.08 to P11,220.71.
This increase is a direct effect of the increase in the price of jet fuel and oil worldwide, which has exceeded $100 per barrel, due to the worsening tension in the Middle East which affected important ship routes.
The CAB reminds that this fuel surcharge is an optional and additional charge that is different from the base fare itself to help airlines recover the high cost of oil.
Ordinance for stronger barangay tanod program in Bohol pushed
BM BINLOD
Third District Board Member Nathaniel Binlod pushed an ordinance that will institutionalize and strengthen the Barangay Tanod Program in Bohol, which lays out their organization, accreditation, training, benefits and support.
Binlod pushed for first reading the proposed measure entitled “An Ordinance Institutionalizing and Strengthening the Barangay Tanod Program in the Province of Bohol, Providing for Its Organization, Accreditation, Training, Benefits, and Support, and for Other Purposes” during the regular session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan on Sept. 8.
According to Binlod, for many years, barangay tanods have served as frontline in maintaining peace and order in communities even though their resources and support are limited.
The proposed ordinance aims to provide a more organized and institutional system for the tanods, especially in their training, accreditation, benefits and support in serving the community.
The proposed ordinance was referred to the Committee on Peace and Order and Public Safety for proper review and consideration.
Binlod is the vice chairman of the said committee, together with Board Member Tomas Abapo Jr., chairman, and Board Member Dionisio Joseph Balite, committee member.
Bohol hosts national convention of boxing officials
Boxing officials from different parts of the country met in Panglao, Bohol for the 2026 Philippine Convention for Boxing Ring Officials, a three-day event that focused on strengthening the rules, ethics and responsibilities of referees and judges.
The convention was also attended by well-known and internationally recognized boxing officials, including Daryl Peoples, president of the International Boxing Federation (IBF); Tony Weeks, international professional boxing referee; and Steve Weisfeld, international professional boxing judge.
The convention was held from Sept. 10 to 12 at The Bellevue Resort in Panglao, where the rules and regulations of boxing, gender sensitivity, Safe Spaces Act, and proper ethics and responsibilities of ring officials during competitions were discussed.
The activity emphasized the importance of proper training and knowledge of ring officials to ensure that boxing matches become fair, safe and professional.
Part of the activity is also the preparation for the expected rematch of Boholano boxer Regie “The Filipino Phenom” Suganob against South African Sivenathi “The Special One” Nontshinga for Kumong Bol-Anon XXVI.
The official weigh-in and press conference for the said face-off was held this morning of Sept. 11 at The Bellevue Resort.
They will face each other for the IBF light flyweight title eliminator on Sept. 12 at the Bohol Wisdom School Gym in Tagbilaran City.
Tagbilaran committee approves request to return to ₱20 tricycle fare
The Committee on Energy, Public Utilities and Franchises of the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Tagbilaran City agreed to the request of the tricycle associations in the city to return the temporary fare of ₱20.
The request was approved during the committee meeting headed by Councilor Leonides “Edi” Borja yesterday, Sept 10, together with committee members Councilor Tim Butalid, Merrick Blanco and Dodong Gonzaga.
The presidents and representatives of the 22 different TODA or Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association in Tagbilaran who attended the meeting were happy that their request to return to the implementation of the provisional fare was heard due to the continuous increase in the price of gasoline and other petroleum products.
Aside from gasoline, the price of parts, vehicle maintenance and the boundary or rental of the tricycle also increased.
Borja clarified, it is only at the committee level that approved and not yet the council so tricycle drivers cannot yet charge the provisional fare until the resolution that he will push is fully approved by the council including Mayor Jane Yap.
According to the legislator, he will still present it in the plenary this Tuesday, Sept 25, regular session for discussion before the council makes a final decision on what his committee agreed on.
In what was agreed by the Committee on Public Utilities, the ₱20 fare for the first kilometer will be returned and the ₱2.00 for each succeeding kilometer will also remain implemented.
Borja also reminded tricycle drivers, to implement the 20% discount for senior citizens, students and persons with disabilities.
Corella police tracking suspect in GCash scam at local store
Police in Corella now have a lead they are following regarding a man who fled after scamming money from a small store through a GCash transaction.
According to Corella police during an interview with media, the incident happened in Poblacion, Corella last September 7 past 3 in the afternoon, but it was only formally reported to the police office this morning, September 9, 2026.
Based on investigation and CCTV footage, it was learned that the suspect entered the store to cash-in ₱2,400.
Because only ₱1,200 remained as funds in the GCash wallet of the store, the storekeeper decided that only that amount would be transferred to the man’s account.
According to them, their storekeeper immediately trusted because the man was riding a vehicle and the amount of the transaction was also considered small.
Because of this confidence, the storekeeper sent the ₱1,200 to the GCash of the suspect even though she had not yet received the actual cash as payment.
After formally receiving the funds in his account, the man immediately made an excuse that he would get his payment from the vehicle together with saying that he would also buy cigarettes.
But instead of returning, he instead got on board and quickly drove away.
The Corella police are still conducting follow-up now regarding the incident.
Rotational brownouts may continue in parts of Bohol; DOE, Bohol DUs called to discuss Visayas Grid
Governor Erico Aris Aumentado called on September 10, 2026, the main stakeholders in the power industry to discuss the current state of electricity in the Visayas Grid and to give correct information to the Bol-anon people.
The said meeting was headed by Vice Governor Nick Besas for the governor, together with officials of the Department of Energy – Visayas Field Office (DOE-VFO) who attended via Zoom.
According to DOE-VFO, the power deficiency is due to the downing of some large power plants in Cebu and Iloilo, including the loss of Mindanao HVDC Import.
Because of this, rotational manual load dropping may continue in some parts of Bohol to ensure stability and avoid the collapse of the entire grid.
Even so, it is expected that the mentioned plants will operate again from the end of September to the first week of October, while steps are also continuing to add reserve power through battery energy storage and diesel facilities.
Also attending the meeting were representatives of BOHECO I, BOHECO II, Bohol Light Company, Inc., Mapalad Power Corp., together with Chief of Staff Atty. Filipina Asoy-Piollo and PPDO Head Atty. John Titus Vistal.
The governor asked the people to remain vigilant and understand the situation.
“I urge all Bol-anons to remain vigilant of the rotational brownouts. Let us also understand that this needs to be done to avoid more serious effects such as total grid blackout,” said Governor Aumentado.
Board member calls for probe into child’s death after suspected snakebite in Loon
BM MACUNO
Board Member Mutya Tirol-Macuno has called for an investigation into another child’s death, reportedly after a cobra or snake bite in the town of Loon, Bohol, on Sept. 10, 2026.
During her privilege speech at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan’s regular session, Macuno expressed sorrow over the child’s death and called for establishing the true sequence of events that led to it.
Macuno asked when the bite occurred, how long it took before the child was brought to a hospital, and whether proper medicine and care were available at the time of the incident.
She also said she wants to determine whether there was any delay or lapse in referral, transportation, communication, or the provision of medical treatment that could have affected the child’s condition.
Macuno said the inquiry is not meant to immediately assign blame, but to establish what really happened, identify possible gaps in the system, and address them through appropriate action.
She said that if the system failed in any way, it must be corrected to prevent similar tragedies and protect the lives of other children.
Macuno asked the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to refer the matter to the Committee on Public Health for further review and investigation.
BACS Talibon Meet Opens Sept. 10 in Trinidad; 3,000 athletes expected
More than 3,000 student-athletes and officials are expected on Sept 10, 2026 in Trinidad, Bohol for the opening of the Bohol Association of Catholic Schools (BACS) Talibon Meet, hosted by St. Isidore Academy under the Diocese of Talibon.
Opening ceremonies are set for 5 p.m., Sept. 10, BACS Meet 2026 runs through Sunday, September 13, with the Search for Mr. and Miss BACS Personality among the highlights, to be held at the Trinidad Cultural Center.
Participating schools include St. Isidore Academy (Trinidad), St. Anthony Academy (Carmen), Holy Child Academy (Bien Unido, Pitogo and Ubay), San Pascual Academy (San Pascual, Ubay), Sto. Niño Institute (Getafe), St. Paul’s Academy (Inabanga), Virgen del Pilar Colleges (Pilar), San Miguel Academy (Mayana, Jagna), Immaculate Academy (Duero) and Santa Monica Institute (Mabini).
The local government of Trinidad, led by Mayor Ondoy Cajes, Vice Mayor Joan Cajes Imboy and Councilor Christian Auxilio, coordinated with the Department of Education and local barangays to house delegates at venues including Trinidad Municipal College, Trinidad Central 1, and the Guinobatan and Tagum Sur elementary schools.
Sen. Escudero pushes for broader definition of ‘indigency’ to widen access to gov’t services
Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero has called for a broader, more uniform definition of indigency, saying current standards are too narrow to capture the financial realities many Filipino households face.
Speaking on his podcast “Chiz Wiz! Usapang May Laman” over the weekend, Escudero said indigency is often equated with enrollment in the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, or 4Ps, excluding families who aren’t income-poor but still cannot afford medical or legal costs.
He noted that no uniform legal definition of indigency exists across government agencies. Barangays issue indigency certificates under the Local Government Code, the Public Attorney’s Office bases its threshold on Philippine Statistics Authority metrics, and the 4Ps program relies on the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s household targeting system.
“Indigency, therefore, should also be defined by circumstance, and not just income,” Escudero said.
He proposed classifications such as “cancer-indigent” for families burdened by serious illness and “litigation-indigent” for those unable to afford legal costs, noting that even professionals earning above minimum wage can fall into such categories when facing extraordinary expenses.
Escudero cited annulment cases, which can cost 200,000 to 500,000 pesos, as an example of litigation-related indigency distinct from income-based poverty.
He said the current one-size-fits-all standard should be revisited to reflect varying levels of need. His podcast guest, litigation lawyer Maggie Garduque, said such classifications would be constitutionally permissible under the equal protection clause.
BIR unveils new audit program with risk-based selection, stricter oversight
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has issued a new order implementing audit reforms under a unified, nationwide framework for risk-based taxpayer selection, standardized audit procedures and stricter accountability.
In a statement Friday, the BIR said Revenue Memorandum Order No. 22, issued Aug. 24, consolidates its previous audit programs and establishes uniform policies and procedures for tax audits across all revenue offices nationwide.
BIR Commissioner Charlito Mendoza said the new BIR Audit Program strengthens both fairness for taxpayers and accountability within the agency, requiring audits to follow clear rules and revenue officers to support assessments with facts and law.
The program establishes a Single-Instance Audit Framework, generally limiting audit authority to one electronic Letter of Authority per taxpayer per taxable year, with certain exceptions, and restricting audits to the tax types and periods covered by that authority.
Priority cases are selected through system-assisted, risk-based processes using verified data, with taxpayer identities shielded during selection where possible to limit discretion, while workload and eligibility controls govern case distribution.
The program also sets distinct rules for mandatory cases and institutionalizes “Revalida,” or an audit of auditors, under which audit reports and assessments undergo technical and quality review to verify findings are supported by facts and law and that proper procedures were followed.
Revenue officers and officials must follow prescribed audit procedures, timelines, documentation and monitoring requirements.
The BIR said unauthorized audits, misclassified cases, unjustified delays and other violations may result in administrative penalties and other liabilities under existing laws and rules.
Govt expands government aid for college, vocational students
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed Republic Act No. 10931, amending the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, in a ceremony at Malacañang on Friday, reaffirming the government’s commitment to expanding access to college education.
Marcos said the number of Free Higher Education beneficiaries has grown from 2 million to 2.6 million students this academic year’s first semester.
The president cited other education initiatives, including the Bagong Pilipinas Merit Scholarship Program launched in January, which supports outstanding senior high school graduates pursuing priority degree or technical-vocational diploma programs.
He also noted that undergraduate scholars under the Department of Science and Technology’s Science Education Institute grew from about 45,000 in school year 2022-2023 to 48,520 in 2025-2026.
Marcos said the government will continue the support annually, saying college and vocational graduates create opportunities for their families and strengthen the country through a more skilled and productive workforce.
He directed the Commission on Higher Education, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education and other agencies to finalize implementing rules within the legally mandated period.
Key changes under the amended law include prioritizing aid for low-income Filipino youth through the Tertiary Education Subsidy, additional support for internships and other learning experiences, and a new Private Education Assistance Program for qualified low-income students in priority programs under CHED, TESDA and the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development who are not covered by existing grants.
PDIC to hold media briefing on deposit insurance in Bohol
The Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. (PDIC) will hold a media briefing here on Sept. 10, 2026 as part of a nationwide campaign to boost public confidence in the banking system through better media understanding of deposit insurance.
PDIC, in partnership with the Philippine Information Agency, will conduct “PDIC 101: Understanding Deposit Insurance” at Panda Tea Garden and Suites.
The agency said local media coverage can help strengthen public trust in bank deposits amid ongoing economic difficulties.
PDIC insures bank deposits up to 1 million pesos per depositor, per bank.
Together with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, it also promotes safe and sound banking practices, and has the authority to examine banks and issue regulations for deposit-taking institutions.
When a bank is ordered closed by the Monetary Board, PDIC is mandated by law to pay depositors their insured deposits.
The Bohol briefing is PDIC’s seventh such activity since 2024, following similar sessions in Bacolod, Baguio, Butuan, Cebu, Davao and Naga cities.
Visayas rotating brownouts may continue until October
Consumers in the Visayas may continue experiencing rotational brownouts until early October, as the Department of Energy (DOE) pushes the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) to speed up the connection of battery energy storage systems (BESS) to the grid.
DOE Undersecretary Sharon Garin said the agency has spent nearly three months pressing NGCP to energize BESS facilities strategically deployed across the Visayas, particularly in Cebu, Negros and Panay, to help ease the region’s recurring red and yellow alerts.
Garin said connecting the batteries would add an estimated 200 megawatts of capacity to the system, which is expected to cut power alerts in the Visayas by 50%. Despite delays from the project’s original June completion target, NGCP has committed to finishing the connections this month.
The DOE said it expects power supply in the region to normalize by October. The outlook comes after NGCP issued a series of red and yellow alerts in recent weeks due to supply shortages, following forced outages at 30 power plants in the region.
To further boost supply, the DOE has outlined additional short-term measures expected to add a combined 260 MW to the Visayas grid. These include installing a 20-MW modular diesel generating set and a possible transfer of a power barge from Metro Manila to Panay island.
While these solutions are underway, NGCP has also urged the public to conserve electricity amid the tight supply.
Bohol vlogger faces calls for wildlife probe over bird trapping videos
A wildlife advocacy page is urging Filipinos to report a Bohol-based Facebook vlogger known as “Secret Hunter” to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources over videos showing wild birds being trapped for content.
The page, Romblon Wildlife, said posts show white-eared brown doves, Philippine hanging parakeets and Imperial pigeons caught using sap-based sticky traps and caged decoy birds. The method can tear out feathers and injure or kill birds not quickly freed, according to the advocacy group.
None of the species shown are classified as vulnerable or threatened, but capturing wild birds without authorization is illegal under Section 27(f) of the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 2001 (Republic Act 9147), regardless of a species’ conservation status.
Romblon Wildlife said it found no direct evidence the birds are being sold but noted comments on the page suggesting possible trading, which is also regulated under the law. The group called for authorities to identify those behind the videos, determine capture locations, verify permits and investigate potential sales — and to pursue charges if violations are confirmed. It urged supporters to document and report rather than harass anyone involved.
Under RA 9147, violations involving non-threatened wildlife carry penalties of 10 days to one month imprisonment and fines of 1,000 to 5,000 pesos, with maximum penalties applying if illegal trapping methods were used.
3 hurt after motorcycle hits cow in Panglao
Three men were injured after their motorcycle collided with a cow in Barangay Tawala, Panglao, Bohol.
The victims were identified as Rodel Bastillada, the driver, along with Benedicto Magsanay Jr. and Cris Aranton, all adults and residents of Purok 2, Barangay Bil-isan, Panglao.
Authorities said the three were traveling home on the motorcycle from Barangay Tawala when the driver failed to notice a cow that suddenly crossed the airport road in the area.
All three sustained injuries and were rushed to a hospital in Tagbilaran City.
Man injured in Tagbilaran hit-and-run
A man was injured after being hit by a vehicle in a hit-and-run incident on CPG East Avenue, Barangay Poblacion 1, Tagbilaran City, Friday morning.
The victim was identified as Ronelo Daan Abapo, 54, of Barangay Mansasa, Tagbilaran City.
According to a report, Abapo was walking around 7 a.m. when he was suddenly struck by a vehicle bearing plate number MGX 7992, driven by a foreigner.
Abapo flagged down the driver after the collision, but the driver left him and drove off anyway, telling him he still had to bring a student to school.
Abapo sustained bruises, abrasions and other injuries from the incident. He said he is willing to settle with the driver if the driver helps cover his medical expenses. Meanwhile, the Tagbilaran City Police Station is tracing the vehicle involved.
Catigbian Mayor Oliva to train at UP
Bohol Tribune
Catigbian Mayor Benjie Oliva is set to study at the University of the Philippines (UP).
Oliva said he will be accompanied by other town officials during the training.
Mayor Oliva said that the town has a partnership with the UP School of Urban and Regional Planning.
It is seeking help from the school as the town is implementing projects related to arts, culture and history.
Oliva is taking advantage of the program of the school in terms of providing training.
He said that aside from him, the municipal planning and development coordinator, municipal engineer and assistant will also undergo the training in terms of planning and development.
The training will start on September 14 and will end on September 18, 2026.
The training will help the town implement several projects.
Oliva revealed that he engaged in a meeting with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, the National Museum, the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office, and Bohol Arts and Heritage Council and others.
They discussed the concept and design of the upcoming project that will draw tourists to Catigbian called Behind the Clouds War Museum and Heritage Interpretation Center.
Catigbian is also building an arena, public market, cultural center and extension of the town hall, among others.
The town is also building a community college.
Oliva wants all the public buildings to have the same identity aligned with the town hall, and this is the reason why Arch. Niño Guidaben is also participating in the projects.
ATTY. HUBAHIB
US-based lawyer calls VP Sara case political persecution
Bohol Tribune
US-based Boholano lawyer Glen Hubahib believes that the case against Vice President Sara Duterte is a form of political persecution.
He believes that impeachable officers cannot be charged with regular crimes while in office.
He quoted some legal experts saying that the VP should be removed from office first before they can be charged with ordinary crimes.
Hubahib said that what is happening right now is a test case or a precedent that could possibly open bigger charges down the line.
Hubahib added that the whole episode has something to do with the political atmosphere prevailing in the Philippines.
The lawyer believes that this is part of the demolition job against the Vice President.
This is because she is the strongest candidate who may become the next President of the Philippines.
Moreover, Hubahib said that he understands they are doing these things against her because she is the front runner.
It is possible that extra-legal remedies might happen if all legal actions fail.
The lawyer said it is possible that the Vice President can be a target for assassination and this is the reason Duterte said that she feels unsafe.
The lawyer said Duterte’s opponents are always looking to eliminate her from the presidential race.
The latest legal issue faced by the Vice President is another phase because the impeachment seems to have stalled.
Bohol Tribune
DFA sets special Saturday passporting for government workers
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) will hold a special Saturday passporting session for government workers and dependents.
The DFA office in Tagbilaran seeks to conduct a special Saturday passporting operation on September 19, 2026.
The special operation shall start at 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.
This is being done in line with the celebration of Civil Service Month.
About 150 government workers and dependents, including job order workers, may process their respective passports.
Grid alerts in Visayas and Mindanao expected to be resolved this month
Grid Alerts in Visayas and Mindanao are expected to be resolved this month.
Inquirer.net
It is expected that grid alerts in Visayas and Mindanao will gradually be resolved this month due to the scheduled return to operation of some power plants, according to Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Sharon Garin on Monday.
Inquirer.net
Based on data released by the DOE during an online briefing, Unit 1 of the Cebu Energy Development Corporation has resumed operation on September 5, while Unit 1 of Therma Visayas Inc. is also scheduled to return to operation this September 15 and Unit 3 of Panay Energy Development Corporation this October 3.
Inquirer.net
For the Mindanao grid, Unit 2 of Therma South Inc. will also return to operation this September 8 and its Unit 1 this September 19, as well as Unit 2 of GNPower Kauswagan this September 20.
Inquirer.net
The return to operation of these power-generating units is expected to provide additional capacity to the grids that have been frequently under yellow and red alerts until Monday.
Inquirer.net
Data from the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) showed that the Visayas grid has already recorded 96 yellow alerts and 33 red alerts since the start of the year, while the Mindanao grid recorded 12 yellow and three red alerts.
Inquirer.net
Garin added that additional power supply is also expected from battery energy storage systems (BESS) to be provided by private generation companies.
Inquirer.net
BPPO brings crime prevention drive to Mocaboc Island
The Police Community Affairs and Development Unit of the Bohol Police Provincial Office and the Tubigon Municipal Police Station held an activity for the youth of Mocaboc Island, Tubigon, Bohol on September 3, 2026 as part of National Crime Prevention Week.
psbalita.com
Aside from teaching safety and responsible citizenship, police distributed 100 pairs of slippers to students.
psbalita.com
Police said it was a simple gift to remind the youth that there are people and government agencies ready to listen and help them.
The initiative was led by Police Major Joseph F. Lopena, chief of PCADU, under the guidance of BPPO Provincial Director Police Colonel Patricio C. Degay Jr.
According to BPPO, crime prevention is not only about law enforcement, but also about strengthening community relations, nurturing the youth, and building a future based on trust and unity.
3 riders injured after motorcycle hits cow on Panglao Airport Road
Three people on a motorcycle were injured after hitting a cow that suddenly crossed Airport Road in Panglao at 1 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026.
According to initial information, the victims were on their way to their destination on a motorcycle when the cow suddenly crossed the road.
The driver could no longer avoid it and hit the cow, causing injuries to the three riders.
According to the Panglao Police Station, the cow had escaped from where it was tied by its owner and reached Airport Road before the accident happened.
Meanwhile, the owner of the cow and the three victims have already reached an agreement regarding the incident, according to Panglao PNP.
37-year-old man arrested for trying to strangle own mother in Danao
A 37-year-old man was arrested after attempting to kill his own mother, a 67-year-old woman, in Barangay Tabok, Danao town, early Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026.
According to initial investigation, the victim was just sleeping in their house when her son suddenly choked her.
Other housemates noticed what happened and quickly helped the victim, which is why she was saved.
The suspect was reportedly drunk during the incident.
Police from Danao who responded to the incident immediately arrested the suspect.
Police are still investigating the case and the possible motive of the suspect for choking his own mother.
Richli Water suffers over ₱2M damage after brownout
Richli Water Inc. suffered over ₱2 million in damage after two brand-new intake pumps at its water treatment plant in Cortes, Bohol were destroyed due to a sudden voltage surge when power supply returned after a brownout on September 3.
According to Richard Lim, chairman of Richli Water, power was suddenly cut and when supply returned, voltage suddenly surged, which is believed to have damaged the two intake pumps.
Each intake pump costs over ₱1 million, so the cost for the two equipment reaches over ₱2 million.
Aside from this, the company also incurred additional losses due to halted production and disrupted operations.
Water supply to Richli consumers in Tagbilaran City, Dauis and Panglao was affected for almost two days while the problem at their water treatment facility was being addressed.
Due to the huge damage, Lim said Richli Water plans to file a claim against their electric provider BOHECO I for the damage they incurred.
Richli Water was not the only one affected by the sudden loss and return of power. There were also reports of appliances damaged in households, while there were water pumps of LGUs that were damaged due to the sudden brownout.
The incidents happened amid repeated Yellow and Red Alert status in the Visayas Grid, which means a lack of reserve power supply.
Due to supply shortage, Bohol Light Company Inc., BOHECO I and BOHECO II were forced to implement rotational brownout or manual load dropping to maintain balance of supply and demand for electricity.
Meanwhile, the Department of Energy or DOE aims to increase supply capacity in the Visayas to reduce and, if possible, prevent recurring power supply alerts before Christmas.
House passes 5-year term for barangay and SK officials
The House of Representatives passed on Tuesday, September 8, House Bill 10971 which aims to extend the term of barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials from four years to five years.
Due to this provision, the next barangay and SK elections will be moved to the year 2028 instead of being held this year.
The house bill was approved after getting 211 votes in favor, 13 against, and one abstained.
Despite this, House Assistant Minority Leader and Kabataan party-list Representative Renee Co made sure to vote against the measure, where she described it as a clear continuation of “political patronage” and has no basis in the Constitution.
Co explained that according to the decision of the Supreme Court, the government needs an urgent and strong reason to postpone the elections.
She also added that the law extending the term from three to four years has not even been in effect for one year, which is why it is not right to extend it again.
Tagbilaran tricycle groups seek return of ₱20 provisional fare amid rising fuel costs
Due to the continuous increase in oil prices and travel expenses, tricycle groups in Tagbilaran City filed a petition requesting the urgent return of the ₱20.00 provisional fare for tricycles to save their daily livelihood.
Several tricycle operators and drivers attended the regular session of the Sangguniang Panlungsod yesterday to push their petition.
John Rey Millomeda, President of BARTODA or Bohol Active Responsible Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association and Vice President of MTTDA or Metro Tagbilaran Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association, said that the continuous increase in the price of gasoline and diesel has brought very heavy hardship to drivers and operators.
According to him, a large part of their daily income from driving passengers is spent only on gasoline, which is why the remainder is no longer enough for their daily expenses including vehicle maintenance, spare parts, and boundary or tricycle rental.
The group added that the current minimum fare of ₱15 is too small and is no longer appropriate to the real situation on the streets.
If there is no urgent change or return of the temporary fare, according to Millomeda, drivers will be forced to travel for excessively long hours even when tired just to cover expenses, while other operators may just stop operating.
The return of the provisional fare adjustment is also very necessary to continue the transportation service and so that drivers can still bring home proper income for their families.
Councilor Edi Borja, chairman of the SP Committee on Public Utilities and Franchises, conveyed the request of the tricycle associations during the regular session yesterday.
Borja said his committee will first study the petition since the return of the provisional fare adjustment still has to go through a process.
According to the lawmaker, he will call a meeting this Thursday, September 10 to discuss the request of the TODA in the city.
At present, the fare is ₱15 for the first kilometer while ₱3.00 for each succeeding kilometer, based on the city ordinance.
Tagbilaran air quality improves to good category
The air quality in Tagbilaran City improved yesterday, September 7, 2026, where the Air Quality Index (AQI) is now below 40, according to the monitoring of the Tagbilaran City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, at around 3:00 p.m.
According to Gerard Lavadia, chief of the CDRRMO, the latest level placed Tagbilaran under the category of “Good” from “Very Unhealthy and Unhealthy” last week due to haze from forest fires in Indonesia.
Even though the air is clean, people should still not be complacent because the category may become “moderate” so Lavadia advised especially the sensitive group or those people who are more easily affected by air pollution — including children, the elderly, and individuals with heart or lung disease who are more likely to experience health effects — to really wear an N95 facemask.
These individuals are advised to limit prolonged or heavy outdoor activities even though the air quality has improved.
The said improvement follows several days of increased pollution level due to transboundary haze from forest and mountain fires in Sumatra and Kalimantan, Indonesia.
The strong wind brought by the southwest monsoon carried smoke and small particles of pollution towards the Philippines, which affected Tagbilaran and the province of Bohol.
Bohol distribution utilities have no control over manual load dropping, says Bohol Light official
The implementation of Manual Load Dropping (MLD) is not controlled by distribution utilities in Bohol, according to Engr. Paulino Almedella, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Bohol Light Co. Inc.
Almedella explained that MLD is a measure ordered by the Grid System Operator, or the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), to prevent a bigger and wider loss of power supply.
According to the presentation of Bohol Light, if there is no load reduction, the supply may decrease while demand increases, causing the grid to become unstable and leading to the risk of a whole system blackout.
But through controlled reduction of load in selected areas, demand is reduced and the grid is kept within safe operating limits, which helps protect the stability of the entire system.
It was also explained that a short and controlled power interruption in some areas may help to avoid a longer and wider blackout that would affect more consumers.
Therefore, according to Bohol Light, distribution utilities are required to comply with the order of the Grid System Operator to implement Manual Load Dropping to help maintain the stability of the Visayas power grid.
Police arrest No. 4 most wanted person in Bohol for three rape cases in Tagbilaran
Police arrested a man identified as the No. 4 Most Wanted Person at the provincial level for facing three cases of rape, in an intelligence-driven operation in Barangay Dao, Tagbilaran City.
According to the Tagbilaran City Police Station, the operation was conducted past 8 p.m. on September 4, 2026, led by the Tracker Team of the police under TIP No. G85-2026-BPPO-TCPS.
The accused was arrested through a Warrant of Arrest issued by the presiding judge of the Family Court, 7th Judicial Region, Branch 1 in Tagbilaran City on September 3, 2026.
The warrant is related to Criminal Case Nos. 31120, 32121 and 32122, all of which are related to rape cases.
The suspect is now in the custody of the Tagbilaran City Police Station for proper process and to face the cases filed against him.
According to the police, the arrest is part of the ongoing campaign of the Bohol Police Provincial Office and Tagbilaran City Police Station against wanted persons to bring the accused before the proper court.
Bohol police arrest No. 6 regional most wanted for acts of lasciviousness in Cebu
Police in Bohol arrested the No. 6 Regional Level Most Wanted Person accused of three counts of Acts of Lasciviousness, after he was caught in the town of Barili, Cebu.
The 38-year-old man, who works as a construction worker, was arrested past 11:30 a.m. on September 6, 2026, during the implementation of a Warrant of Arrest in Sitio Cawayanan, Barangay Maigang, Barili, Cebu.
The operation was led by the Inabanga Municipal Police Station under the leadership of Police Captain Zecgrath L. Delideli, together with operatives of RIU 7, Bohol PIT and Barili Municipal Police Station.
The accused was arrested through a Warrant of Arrest issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 101 in Talibon, Bohol on August 26, 2026.
The warrant is related to three counts of Acts of Lasciviousness under Article 336 of the Revised Penal Code, in relation to Section 5(B) of Republic Act No. 7610.
According to the Bohol Police Provincial Office, the arrest of the suspect is part of the ongoing campaign of the police against wanted persons and the effort to bring to justice individuals accused of criminal offenses.
Fire truck falls into rice field while responding to fire in Antequera
A fire truck in the town of Antequera fell into a rice field while it was supposed to respond to a fire in Barangay Can-omay past 12 noon today.
According to SFO2 Robert Bacaresa, the fire truck was traveling along the road beside the rice field and was moving slowly because there were workers on that part of the road.
But the soil on the side of the road suddenly slid, causing the fire truck to lose support and fall into the rice field in Barangay Poblacion.
The fire truck was heading to an abandoned establishment in Barangay Can-omay where the fire occurred.
Due to the accident, another fire truck continued to respond and the said fire was extinguished.
The driver of the fire truck and his companion sustained minor injuries.
Meanwhile, the fallen fire truck remains in the rice field and an operation to retrieve it is awaited.
NHA to release ₱48.84 million Odette aid for 4,884 beneficiaries in Catigbian
A total of ₱48.84 million will be released by the National Housing Authority (NHA) as Typhoon Odette Financial Assistance for 4,884 beneficiaries in Catigbian, where each will receive ₱10,000.
According to Catigbian Mayor Benjie Oliva, the beneficiaries are expected to receive the financial aid next week, after a long wait for the said assistance.
“In our effort together with Governor Aris Aumentado, our NHA Typhoon Odette Financial Assistance of ₱10,000 each for a total of 4,884 beneficiaries of Catigbian will be received next week,” said Oliva.
Governor Erico Aristotle “Aris” Aumentado also confirmed that he is happy that the aid for qualified beneficiaries in the town will be released next week.
According to the governor, although the said financial help was also waited for a long time, it is still a great relief and support for residents of Catigbian who were affected by Super Typhoon Odette.
In total, ₱48,840,000 will be allocated for 4,884 beneficiaries, as financial assistance to families affected by the typhoon.
DOLE to hold job fair at Capitol on September 14
The Department of Labor and Employment or DOLE, in cooperation with the Public Employment Service Office, will conduct a job fair at the Capitol on September 14, 2026.
The job fair will run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Ceremonial Hall of the Capitol.
Applicants are encouraged to bring their updated resume and credentials to the job fair.
Those who wish to participate may need to pre-register by scanning a QR code or clicking the link coming from the organizer.
There is an opportunity for Boholanos who are seeking employment to land a job.
The government is urging those who are looking for employment to take advantage of the opportunity.
Aris appeals for smarter energy use
Governor Aris Aumentado is appealing to the public to be smart in consuming energy.
This comes as the energy supply in Central Visayas is getting thinner, according to the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP).
The NGCP has issued yellow and red alerts in the Visayas Grid.
The power supply is not enough to meet the demand, especially during peak hours.
The Governor is asking the public to turn off all unused electrical appliances in order to reduce demand.
He is calling for a smarter way of consuming energy to meet the challenges of thin power supply.
The Governor also reminded the public to always monitor official channels for the latest information on electricity.
The power supply in the Visayas is thin because there are power generators that went offline, and this may persist until October.
BWUI brings WASH caravan to Taloto
Bohol Water Utilities Incorporated (BWUI) has brought the WASH caravan to Barangay Taloto.
The WASH caravan is meant to bring water connection to more homes in the service area of BWUI.
The WASH caravan has been continued and is now serving the people of Barangay Taloto.
The orientation was held with residents in attendance on September 2, 2026.
The caravan will stay in Taloto until September 15, 2026.
People who do not have any water connection are encouraged to apply during the WASH caravan and take advantage of the following benefits.
Applicants can pay the installation fee on an installment basis and pay on top of the water bill issued every month.
Applicants who will file their application will get special consideration from BWUI as far as requirements are concerned.
The application will be easier because the inspectors are embedded in the WASH caravan.
Meanwhile, BWUI spokesperson Victor Tambis said that the supply of water of BWUI is affected by the rotational brownout due to manual load dropping.
BWUI has deployed emergency generators to pumping stations in the event of a power interruption.
There are dedicated personnel who will check and operate the generators aside from the roving supervisor.