CHO set up first aid stations during polls
City Health Office (CHO) spokesman Robin Culpa said his office was able to set up first aid stations in barangays in the city with polling places to assist voters who may end up with health issues.
Culpa, in a radio interview, said the CHO was committed to attend to the needs of the voters, especially those who have medical or health issues.
He said that despite being stationed at the first aid centers, he was able to cast his vote after he was given a special consideration by the Commission on Elections.
He said common issues were like nausea or hypoglycemia especially among those who skipped breakfast before going to cast their votes.
The statione are part of the CHO’s commitment to provide public health support during major events such as the elections.
Culpa went on to discuss several common health issues and adviced the public to regularly consult a doctor for any health problem.
Ex-BM Garcia concedes defeat and hopes the best for Bohol
Former vice gubernatorial candidate Gerry Garcia concedes defeat as he wishes all
the best for Bohol.
Garcia who had an interview with Ardy Araneta-Batoy on Tuesday said that in elections, there are winners and losers and the candidates should expect what the people want.
Despite the loss, Garcia is in high spirits and seeks to have some downtime after the rigorous campaign.
Abante’s bet Nick Besas won as vice governor of Bohol. He vacates his seat at the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Tagbilaran City.
He expects to be back in his normal life after the elections.
He said before running as vice governor that he considered himself as done with politica but a lot of issues have surfaced and he wants those addressed.
While he already said that he already had enough of politics but there are people who asked him about issues that he wishes he could do something about.
For now, he cannot close the doors on politics and his future will depend on what will be happening in the next few days or even months.
He was asking like any other person about the alleged discrepancies that surfaced following the elections.
He hopes that the authorities could provide a clear answer to the issues about the election process.
He also chided the alleged rampant vote-buying in Bohol but he said alleged counting manipulation is something new and the candidates were not ready for that kind of issue.
Mayor Mendez humbly expresses “Thank You” to San Miguel folks for new mandate
San Miguel mayor Ian Gil Mendez humbly thanked the people of San Miguel for letting him serve for three years more.
Mendez was able to snatch a win and gained another mandate from the people.
Exclusively speaking to Ardy Araneta-Batoy during the latter’s radio program, he cherishes the tact the people continue to place their trust in him as he guides the town for another three years.
He said the polls in the town were relatively peaceful despite the town being tagged as in the yellow category with special concern for possible election issues.
He said there are no known persons who were capable of sowing disorder during the elections.
Most of the skirmishes were not done in actual terms but more often supporters from both sides are exchanging barbs on social media.
He thanked his supporters who stood by him and will work for the benefit of San Miguel people.
PRC imparts volunteerism spirit
Philippine Red Cross (PRC) officials explain the value of volunteerism.
This was disclosed by Emmanuel Pilayre, the Bohol PRC administrator with Myrna Lambuhon who is in charge of disaster management services. The two talked to Ardy Araneta-Batoy on Monday.
The officials said PRC knows the value of volunteers in providing help to others.
The PRC is able to provide key help especially when disaster strikes, Lambuhon said.
She said being volunteers could be a way to learn new things aside from the value of helping others.
PRC ROLE IN POLLS
Pilayre said the PRC had a role to play during the elections.
He said the Commission on Elections (Comelec) partnered with PRC in providing services during the conduct of the elections.
PRC is taaked in providing first aid to people who are in need of attention due to their health issues, he explained.
Pilayre said PRC is open to accept volunteers as majority who want to volunteer their time to the Red Cross are often coming from various schools.
Wanted person nabbed in Talibon
Police arrested on Monday a wanted person at barangay Zamora, Talibon.
The arrest was made by a composite team of Bohol Provincial Mobile Force and elements of the Talibon and Trinidad police stations.
The wanted person was identified in reports as a certain alias Dino, 32, of San Vicente, Trinidad.
Allegedly, the suspect is the second most wanted person in the list at the municipal level and ninth at the provincial level.
The suspect was arrested by virtue of an arrest warrant as he is accused of attempted homicide.
The bail was set at P36,000.
Kadiwa visits Tagbilaran
The Kadiwa ng Pangulo visited Tagbilaran City from May 21 to 23, 2025, according to reports.
The Kadiwa is an initiative to help farmers’ cooperatives and associations to reach consumers so the latter would gain access to lower priced agricultural products.
The agricultural initiative was spearheaded by the Department of Agriculture (DA) regional field office 7 in cooperation with the Capitol and City Hall.
The initiative was held in conjunction with the farmers and fisherfolk month this May.
The Kadiwa serves as a direct platform for farmers and fisherfolk to directly sell to consumers.
This way, consumers are able to buy lower priced produce, which are more affordable and fresher.
The Kadiwa was held at the Agriculture Promotions Center building near the City Hall in barangay Dampas.
Bilar residents express shock over arrest of drug suspect
Residents of Bilar expressed shock over the arrest of a drug suspect where a kilo of alleged shabu was seized from him during a buy bust operation.
Residents of barangay Bugang Norte, Bilar were shocked upon learning that Christopher Rey Agcol was arrested.
Bilar mayor Norman Palacio, upon learning about the arrest of Agcol, immediately called the barangay captain of the said barangay.
It was said there were intelligence agents who allegedly conducted surveillance at Bugang Sur.
It was reported that Agcol’s name was mentioned in one of the meetings of the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (BADAC).
It was said the suspect spent some time in the said barangay and allegedly he is being closely monitored in Tagbilaran City.
Authorities seized about P6.9 million worth of alleged shabu during a Monday buy bust operation.
Over 1 kilo worth of alleged shabu halted in Tagb
More than 1 kilo of alleged shabu were halted in Tagbilaran as there was an attempt to distribute the said alleged illegal drug .
Authorities were able to frustrate plans to distribute more than a kilo of alleged drugs on Tuesday evening.
It was learned that one kilo and 60 grams of alleged shabu were intercepted and the stuff was worth about P7 million
Elements of the City Drug Enforcement Unit managed to frustrate the attempt to allegedly distribute the alleged illegal drugs following an anti-drug operation in barangay Dampas.
The suspects were identified as Jofel Mondejar, 31, a native of Tuburan, Cebu province and his companion Leolito Dajap from barangay Ubujan.
An undercover police served as a poseur buyer and engaged with the suspects; following the transaction, the suspects were placed under custody,
Following the arrest, a large amount of alleged shabu was confiscated.
The police said the suspects were subjected to a case build up before the arrest was made.
Charges of violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 await the suspects.
Comelec expects bets to submit SOCE
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) expects all winning and losing candidates to submit their respective statement of contributions and expenditures (SOCE).
The deadline is on June 11, 2025, according to reports.
According to the Omnibus Election Code, all, including those who lost in the elections must submit a SOCE to the Comelec, on or before the deadline.
Those who withdraw and those who never received any contributions or spent during the campaign are supposed to submit the SOCE.
The SOCE must be notarized before it will be submitted to the Comelec.
The treasurer of the party or party list may submit the SOCE.
The SOCE must reflect the itemized spending and contributions to a candidate with receipts, vouchers or any other official documents.
Failure may lead to fines and subsequent violations may lead to disqualification from running for public office.
DOH CV aims to reduce road accidents
The Department of Health (DOH) in Central Visayas has pushed to reduce the risks of road accidents where several lives have been lost.
Just recently, two lives were lost in Panglao due to a road accident while there were two instances of road accidents in Loay spanning a week apart that took place prior to the elections.
Reports say most of the victims of the accident were young people who had futures ahead of them.
The new DOH regional director Joshua Brillantes emphasized the road safety awareness roadshow was held in Bohol on Monday.
The goal of the forum is to build habits towards safe driving.
The forum emphasized safety when driving by using helmets and by avoiding the use of cellphones while on the road.
The forum also emphasized the need to avoid driving when a person is under the influence of liquor.
Data show that at least 36 people die each day due to road accidents in the Philippines.
Data further reveal that 37,674 incidents of road accidents were recorded in the country in 2024.
Road accidents have become the leading cause of death among children aged five to 29 years old.
Most of the children involved in road accidents are those who are old enough to drive vehicles but they are not legally allowed being underage.
The Philippine Statistics Authority said young people aged 20 to 24 are the ones involved most of the tine in road accidents based on data from 2010 to 2023.
2 barangay captains win as town mayor
Two barangay captains will be serving as town mayor by end of June.
Carlos P. Garcia mayor-elect Kenneth Estavilla and Jagna mayor-elect Louie Monungolh are the ones being referred to here.
Estavilla is the Liga ng Mga Barangay president in Carlos P. Garcia as Monungolh is the captain of barangay Canupao in Jagna.
Moreover, another barangay captain was elected as vice mayor after Liga ng Barangay of Dimiao president Noel Jamlag won a seat.
Several barangay captains won as municipal councilor including Floro Ringca, Baclayon’s Rosendo Guingguing, Jackie Buates of Albur, Loay’s Odo Flores, and Albert Bompat of Panglao.
Report: Oliva eyed as LMP Bohol president
Catigbian mayor-elect Benjie Oliva is being eyed as possible candidate to become the next president of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP)- Bohol chapter.
The outgoing LMP-Bohol president is Fernando Estavilla of Carlos P. Garcia town and will be serving as board member of the 2nd district on June 30, 2025.
This comes as reports said Oliva is interested to become the leader of the town mayors in Bohol.
Oliva is set to replace Elizabeth Mandin-Pace as the mayor of Catigbian.
Oliva said the plan to become an LMP depends on the support of the governor and the three congresspersons.
Oliva supported Aumentado during the last elections but he did not support Congressman-elect John Geesnell Yap II.
However, Oliva and Yap met in a breakfast meeting recently in Taguig City.
Reports say they have talked and even though they belong to different groups, they share similar outlook and plans.
The meeting was part of Yap’s thrust to ask forces to set aside politics and to work in unison towards the benefit of the district.
Public warned of hotter Bohol
The public is warned about a hotter Bohol as the heat index on Monday reached 39 degrees Celsius placing the province under the extreme caution category.
The public is warned not to expose themselves for prolonged duration outdoors especially during late mornings and mid afternoons.
Health issues may happen to vulnerable sectors such as very young minors, senior citizens, or those with co-morbidities.
The public is urged to observe preventive measures to minimize risk related to extreme heat, according to experts.
People should also remain hydrated as hot temperatures mean that humans tend to sweat more and thus lose water leading to dehydration.
People should also avoid direct exposure to harsh sunlight and to remain informed through the various platforms of the government.
The public is urged to cooperate in order to alleviate the effects of hot weather, reports say.
Bohol Comelec remains mum on EU observations
The Bohol office of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has not released any statement regarding the findings of the election observation mission of the European Union (EU).
A delegation from the EU was in the country during the conduct of the elections and allegedly found election anomalies. The group reported massive vote-buying happening in several areas including Bohol.
Bohol, together with several other areas in the country, were tagged as epicenter of vote-buying during the elections.
Comelec-Bohol spokesman Rocco Lamanilao said that provincial election supervisor Eliseo Labaria, as of press time, is still in Manila.
Lamanilao believes the central office would most likely be the one issuing statements regarding the EU observation.
The EU group took time to spend some moments in the country with the goal of observing the conduct of elections in the country.
Minor dies in a road accident in Ubay
A minor reportedly died after the motorcycle he was driving collided with another tricycle along the national road at barangay Casate, Ubay. The area is near the junction of the provincial road at barangay Achila.
The incident took place on the evening of May 18, 2025.
Reports say that the minor was declared dead on arrival as the tricycle driver was reported to be admitted in a hospital as of press tine.
The fatality was a native of Ubay.
Initial investigation revealed the tricycle was travelling from barangay Achila towards the town proper, and as it entered the national highway, a motorcycle collided with the tricycle.
The impact was severe as the minor flung from the motorcycle onto the pavement,
The tricycle driver was identified as Teofilo Torrecampo, 38, of barangay Casate and he sustained injuries as a result of the accident.
The police are conducting further investigation on the matter.
4 fishermen successfully rescued after mishap
Four fishermen were rescued after the boat that they were on went under in the waters off Dauis on May 17, 2025.
The mishap happened allegedly due to strong waves and these caused a puncture on their boat causing water to seep into the vessel.
Another fishing vessel which was nearby at the time of the incident rescued the victims by fishing them out of the water.
According to reports, the fishermen were from Inabanga and were traveling towards the direction of Panglao waters in order to fish.
Reports said that the ill-fated vessel had issues beforehand but the fishermen made some patch-up activities on the bad so they could use it to sail and fish.
The victims thought the patch-up was enough to stave off issues such as water intrusion.
However, the issue became worse and caused a huge hole in the hull of the vessel causing it to go underwater.
Pagar blames alleged vote-buying as reason for his defeat
Outgoing Jagna vice mayor Jojo Pagar blamed alleged vote-buying as reason for his defeat expressing dismay over the results of the election.
Reports reveal that Pagar expressed some statements of alleged money dangled to Jagna voters. He further alleged that his rival Louis
Monungolh, allegedly spent P15 million for the said purpose.
The allegations of Pagar comes as the European Union, election observation mission, tagged Bohol as one of the epicenters of vote-buying in the country,
Pagar said he learned about the alleged vote-buying from a reliable source.
He also alleged there were instances of harassment. One of these was the allegation that there were characters whose faces were not familiar to the residents. These characters, allegedly, were roaming around the town during the election period.Pagar had the solid backing of key political leaders in Jagna and said the public might have been baited by money to vote for his rival.
He was hoping to win the mayoralty seat in order to implement key projects that will push the development of the town.
Capitol releases directive for transition
The Capitol has released a directive creating a local governance transition team for the provincial government.
Gov. Aris Aumentado issued Executive Order No. 25 series of 2025, creating such team and was signed on May 14. 2025.
The order was in response to the order of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on March 3, 2025, setting the framework for the establishment of a local transition team.
The DILG order mandates all provincial governors in the country including mayors in creating a local governance transition team as part of the process of transition.
Aumentado was named as chairperson of the local governance transition team of Bohol with the department heads and the executive director of DILG, and a representative of a registered people’s organization or civil society organization composing the team.
The team will be engaged in the inventory of the assets and properties of the provincial government of Bohol, among others.
5 persons hurt in road accident in Sagbayan
At least five persons were hurt after the tricycle they were riding turned turtle in Sagbayan town on Monday.
Allegedly, the driver is identified as John Wendel Dano, 18 and during the accident he was with his father, another man named Romulo, a lady named Pacita, and two minor relatives.
The family was on board a motorcycle and travelling from Maribojoc after enjoying some time at the beach.
They were heading home and upon reaching barangay Canmano, Sagbayan, the driver allegedly lost control of the vehicle as he was tired.
The persons inside the tricycle were rescued and brought to a nearby hospital and the father and one of the minors were later transferred to a hospital in Tagbilaran City.
DA, DTI to probe alleged fake black rice sold in Tagb
The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) are set to probe the alleged fake black rice being sold near a mall in Tagbilaran City.
Allegedly, the fake black rice is being sold at P100 per kilo in a store near the mall at the center of the downtown area.
The action of the government agencies is an offshoot of the complaint of a consumer who allegedly purchased fake black rice.
According to reports a consumer bought some blank rice allegedly from a store near City Square Mall and when the consumer cooked the rice, the black color faded and allegedly the rice that was supposed to be black turned pink.
Reports say the consumer suspects the rice had some dye to make it appear as black rice.
The DTI will coordinate with the DA to probe the allegations of selling of fake black rice.
Reports say that black rice is consumed because of its health benefits including more fiber and proteins compared to regular white rice.
Over 1 kilo of alleged shabu seized in Tiptip buybust
More than a kilo of alleged shabu worth around P.9 were seized following a drug buy bust operation in barangay Tiptip, Monday night.
Elements of the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit conducted the sting operation leading to the arrest of a suspect identified as Christopher Rey Agcol also known as Poloy, of barangay Bugang Norte, Pilar.
The police conducted an anti-illegal drug operation in barangay Tiptip and detected the suspect allegedly engaged in an illegal drug trade.
The suspect transacted with a poseur buyer to purchase alleged shabu worth P12,000. After the transaction, the suspect was arrested.
At least 12 packets containing alleged shabu were taken from the suspect’s possession.
He said he acquired the alleged shabu from an unknown person in a mall in the city.
Charges of violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 are being prepared and will be filed shortly against the suspect.
2 dead in Panglao accident
Two persons died in a vehicular accident in Panglao on Monday where one of the fatalities was riding a motorcycle and the other was riding a sedan in barangay Tangnan.
Radio reports quoted the police and identified the victims as Daniel Estoquia, 58, of barangay Poblacion, Panglao who drove a motorcycle and the other fatality was identified as Ramon Cimafranca, 30, of barangay Tangnan.
Rescuers brought Estoquia to a nearby hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.
Moreover, Cimafranca died on the spot following the accident.
Initial investigation revealed the two victims were traveling from Tagbilaran City as the sedan allegedly collided all of a sudden with the motorcycle which was in front of the car.
The car then bumped a coconut tree and reports alleged that the car driver was not wearing his seat belt at the time of the accident.The police surmised that the impact of the car bumping on the tree was severe which led to the car driver’s death.
As of press time, a deeper investigation into the incident is being conducted.
Police, 2 others hurt in Dimiao accident
A police officer who was driving a multicab with two minors figured in an accident in Dimiao town on May 17, 2025.
The accident caused the multicab to turn turtle especiallt when it had an encounter with a pick-up truck.
The police officer who was hurt was identified in reports as Master Sgt. Rodolfo Soriano of barangay Pagsa, Dimiao.
Reports say the victims were travelling from Valencia and upon reaching barangay Tangohay, Dimiao a wheel on the multicab exploded causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle after which the multicab was sideswept by the incoming pick-up truck and then went on to collide with a school building.
Police said that once the police officer is already in fine condition, he and the owner of the pick-up truck would meet at the police station to settle things.
P608-M road project left as legacy by departing Congressman Chatto
Construction has begun on a major road concreting project spanning from Purok 5, Tabuan to Desamparados, Calape, covering seven barangays and including four bridges as part of departing Congressman Edgar M. Chatto’s final legislative projects.
Representatives from Sta. Clara International Corporation, the winning bidder, appeared before the Sangguniang Bayan on Monday to request permission for temporary road closure from Purok 5, Tabuan to Barangay Cabayugan.
The company plans to conduct blasting operations on hillsides adjacent to the road for widening purposes. No schedule for the temporary closure has been announced.
The project originated during Chatto’s tenure as Bohol governor and represents one of his signature infrastructure projects as he prepares to leave Congress.
Groundbreaking ceremonies have been completed for the Rehabilitation and Upgrading of Desamparados (Calape) – Tabuan (Antequera) Farm-To-Market Road with Four Bridges under the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP).
The project, valued at P625 million, is the largest PRDP project approved nationwide.
The scope includes construction work on 12.676 kilometers of roadway along with the Desamparados Bridge, Labuon Bridge, Binogawan Bridge and Cabayugan Bridge.
PRDP, launched in 2015, prioritized this road network due to its significant agricultural and economic impact on the region.
Officials credited President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the World Bank, the Department of Agriculture, and provincial and local governments for their support in implementing the project.
Globe Telecom donates laptops to Bohol barangays
Globe Telecom donated Dell laptops to nine barangays and one municipality in Bohol during a ceremony Friday at the provincial capitol.
The telecommunications company presented the computers to advance digital governance and improve local services in grassroots communities, according to Patrick Steven Gloria, Globe’s vice president for external affairs.
Recipients included barangays in Tagbilaran City, Antequera, Tubigon, Corella, Alburquerque, Calape, Loon, Balilihan and Catigbian, as well as the municipality of Cortes.
Gloria thanked the provincial government for supporting the initiative and recognized Board Member Aldner Damalerio for connecting Globe with beneficiaries.
Liga ng mga Barangay President Romulo Cepedoza and Board Member Benjie Arcamo, representing Vice Gov. Tita Baja, expressed appreciation for Globe’s information and communications technology development efforts in the province.
Barangay Captain Joseph Sagaral of San Isidro spoke on behalf of recipients.