HNU stude wins Bible Quiz Bee
Stephane T. Ruaya receives a cash prize after winning the 1st Inter-Secondary Bible Quiz Bee sponsored by the K of C.
Stephane T. Ruaya,a high school student at the Holy Name University won first place in the 1st Inter-Secondary Schools Bible Quiz Bee sponsored by the Knights of Columbus (K of C) recently at the Cogon Elementary School audio-visual hall, Tagbilaran City.
Ruaya bested 33 other participants during the 1st Inter-Secondary Schools Bible Quiz in Tagbilaran City.
Other winners were Joseph B. Trajano of the Manga National High School, second place, and Liedy Eil Ligtas of the Tagbilaran City Science High School, third place.
The Bible Quiz Bee was sponsored by the K of C District Deputies of Tagbilaran City, namely: former City Vice Mayor and retired Judge Jorge D. Cabalit of District V-64, Benjamin Dumagan of District V-65, and Lucio Epe of District V-66.
The activity was supported by RTC Judge Glenn Pergamin, program coordinator of the K of C Visayas State Council, Alfred Noel Anore, faithful navigator of the St. John II Fourth Degree Assembly, and Nilo Sendrijas, principal of the Taloto National High School.
Past Master of the Fourth Degree Augusto B. Pascual and Dr. Violeta Sarabia of the City Division, Department of Education, were the quiz master and quiz lady, respectively.
The winners of the citywide Bible Quiz Bee will compete with the winners in the various towns in the provincewide Bible Quiz Bee slated next month.
SSS press release: SSS marks 2025 with pension reform and program upgrades; Looks forward to 2026
Quezon City, Philippines – The Social Security System (SSS) closes 2025 with implementation of the Emergency Loan Program (ELP) capping off achievements that strengthened social protection for millions of Filipinos highlighted by successful implementation of the Pension Reform Program, loan program enhancements, expanded membership coverage, and significant strides in digital transformation.
SSS President and CEO Robert Joseph Montes De Claro said, “This year was a turning point for SSS. From the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and with guidance from former Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto and current Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go, we delivered on our promise to provide better benefits and programs, faster services, and wider coverage for our members. These milestones reflect our unwavering commitment to social security protection for all Filipino workers and their beneficiaries.”
Key Achievements in 2025
- 2025 SSS Pension Reform Program featuring annual pension increases for all 3.8 million pensioners every September from 2025 to 2027 – 10% increase for retirement and disability pensioners and 5% increase for survivor pensioners;
- Salary Loan Program enhanced with reduced interest rate to 8% (from 10%) for more than 600,000 member-borrowers;
- Calamity Loan Program enhanced with reduced interest rate to 7% (from 10%) and with faster activation for about 630,000 member-borrowers;
- Pension Loan Program for SSS Retiree and Surviving Spouse Pensioners implemented featuring loanable amount up to P300,000 for retiree pensioners and P150,000 for survivor pensioners for more than 30,000 pensioner-borrowers;
- Issued MySSS Card with 2-in-1 functionality, a valid SSS ID and automatic enrollment as a disbursement account with almost 10,000 cards received already by SSS members and almost 100,000 disbursement accounts enrolled;
- Emergency Loan Program implemented with low interest rate of 7% and 6-month moratorium on loan repayment for more than 26,000 member-borrowers;
- Contribution Subsidy Provider Program rolled out led by Double Dragon Corporation paying P18.2-M to fully subsidize SSS contributions for 2,000 informal sector self-employed workers in Iloilo City and Roxas City for 12 months – local government units, religious groups, and others also registering as subsidy providers;
- Accredited 25 Cooperatives as Coverage and Collection Partner to facilitate SSS registration, contributions collection, benefit and loan applications for more than 200,000 members of cooperatives;
- Partnered with various government entities for social security coverage of Job Order/ Contract of Service (JO/COS) workers who are not covered by GSIS – more than 500,000 JOs registered and more than 200,000 JOs regularly paying SSS contributions; and
- Implemented Run After Contribution Evaders (RACE) Programs nationwide to exact compliance from delinquent employers.
Looking forward to 2026
“We also look forward to 2026 where we continue implementation of existing programs, develop new ones, strengthen member servicing, and expand footprint of SSS nationwide and abroad,” De Claro added.
The year 2026 brings with it Tranche 2 (of 3) of the Pension Reform Program for another round of pension increase for all pensioners in September. Also available for 2026 is the Emergency Loan Program up to 9 December 2026 or until the calamity declaration is lifted.
Micro loan program
From 17 December 2025 approval by the Social Security Commission of the guidelines for micro loan program, we expect implementation of this loan program early in 2026.
“With guidance from Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go, SSS is looking to implement this micro loan program through partner institutions very soon as a safer and affordable option to borrow cash for short-term needs with 15- to 90-day tenor and interest rate of 8% per annum or 0.67% per month,” De Claro said.
Expanding footprint in the Philippines and overseas
Toward ensuring that no Filipino worker is left behind, we shall pursue opening of local and overseas branches in 2026. SSS is looking to establish Foreign Representative Offices in Madrid, San Francisco, and Macau while looking to establish 10 new branches locally.
Massive recruitment of personnel
For 2026, SSS is looking to hire about 1,800 personnel toward completely providing manpower resources in the frontlines – be it physically or virtually through electronic means. This recruitment effort aims to address gaps in service delivery and handling of requests for assistance and various complaints.
Other initiatives for 2026
Other programs being explored include potential partnership with the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC) through Chairperson Ma. Merceditas N. Gutierrez for the Annual Confirmation of Pensioners (ACOP) Program, special programs for gig economy workers, and contribution subsidy program for 2,000 OFWs through P28.8-M commitment from Double Dragon Corporation.
“Looking back at 2025 and forward to 2026, we remain committed to our goal of making SSS relevant in the life of every Filipino at every point in their lives by providing quality social protection, continuous enhancement of member servicing platforms, and espousing the value of saving for the future,” De Claro emphasized.
For more information, inquiries, or feedback, members may contact the SSS through hotline 1455, email usssaptayo@sss.gov.ph, and our branches. See us also through our website (www.sss.gov.ph) or our social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, Viber, X, and YouTube) under the MYSSSPH handle for latest announcements and instructional material on SSS programs. #
SSS MEDIA AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT
(02) 8709-7198 local 4434
7th Floor, SSS Main Office, East Avenue
Diliman, Quezon City
Bohol police crack down on on-duty drinking
Bohol police reminds personnel to avoid drinking liquor inside stations.
Following incidents in other places where the police were caught drinking liquor inside stations, the Bohol police reminded their personnel to avoid consuming alcoholic drinks while on duty.
There was an instance where police personnel were caught on camera drinking alcohol while inside the station and on duty.
Bohol police released an advisory to avoid such violation in discipline.
The police are reminded to show a high level of discipline as law enforcers as it is strictly prohibited to drink or consume alcoholic drinks inside the stations or when on duty.
The directive is meant to maintain the respect of the public to the police at all times.
BFP steps up firecracker safety checks as new year approaches
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) has been inspecting the stores where firecrackers are sold.
The BFP is conducting a fireworks safety enforcement as more people are buying firecrackers as New Year’s celebration draws near.
On Dec. 24, 2025, provincial fire marshal Raul Bustaliño personally led the inspection of firecracker stores in Cortes, Tubigon and Jagna known as top sellers of firecrackers during the holidays.
The inspection focused on the fire safety standards and checked if the ones sold are those allowed by law.
The BFP also checked if the firecrackers are displayed appropriately for safety and to avoid fires.
Bustaliño reminded the vendors and the public to strictly follow the safe use of pyrotechnics.
Unsafe use may lead to damage or risks of loss of life or property.
BFP urges the public to choose safer noise makers and to avoid using illegal firecrackers.
The public is urged to report dangerous fireworks display and instead opt for community displays handled by professionals.
Bohol hospitals on high alert for holiday-related emergencies
The Provincial Government of Bohol has raised code white on all provincial hospitals.
This is in anticipation of a possible surge in diseases and injuries related to the holidays.
The alert is in line with the directive of Department of Health Sec. Ted Herbosa and released on Dec 22, 2025.
All hospitals in the country are on heightened alert until Jan. 6, 2026.
Provincial Health Office (PHO) OIC Fruserma Uy said all provincial hospitals in Bohol are ready to serve patients, especially those related to holidays and emergencies like those impacted by firecrackers as well as road accidents.
Uy said lifestyle diseases also spike during the holidays, like hypertension and diabetes.
Motorists are reminded not to drink and drive as this may increase incidents of road accidents this holiday season.
Southern Star bus company rushes to meet holiday travel demand
Reports said passengers are eager to board Southern Star buses, which just arrived at Dao terminal as passengers want to go home to the holidays.
The bus company felt pity on the drivers and conductors that barely get some respite.
Some buses have short turn around time to accommodate more passengers who want to go home for the holidays.
Many passengers are expected to go home this coming New Year.
John Lumacang of Southern Star Bus Company Inc. said the bus usually gets checked up and then goes to the Dao terminal.
Lumacang said relievers will take the place of the drivers that just came from a trip.
The bus company has 184 units and serves various routes in Bohol.
BFP reports fire-free holiday
It was a fire-free Christmas in Bohol as the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said that it has not recorded any fire-incidents during Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
The BFP has been reminding people to be cautious against fires and launched a campaign against fires that started on Dec. 1, 2025.
The BFP has been reminding everyone since the start of December 2025 about avoiding fires as they shared safety tips to the public.
The zero fire incidents only showed how effective the tips are, said Provincial Fire Marshall Raul Bustaliño.
The BFP has been pushing for the fire safety education and prevention programs of the said agency, Bustaliño said.
Bustaliño credited the help of the community and the local government unit in protecting the public against fire incidents.
He urged the public to actively participate in the various programs they said agency.
Earlier, BFP launched the Oplan Paalala, Iwas Paputok as a measure against possible fire incidents that may happen during the holiday season.
Top exam passers inspire KFC youth with their stories
Top passers in recent examinations shared their experiences with the Kabataan for Change (KFC).
KFC mainstays Ivy Betalmos, BJay Baquero, and Carl Hinlo engaged with Caryll Jade Rulona and Niña Thea Rose Bastes.
Bastes was top 8 in the recent Licensure Examinations for Teachers (LET) and Rulona is a passer of the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) examination and copped the 17th place.
The mainstays shared an afternoon with Bastes and Rulona during the Dec. 26, 2025 episode of Newsmakers ug Uban Pa.
Bastes is residing in Tagbilaran City and Rulona is from Dauis.
Bastes said she was influenced by her parents to become a teacher.
She said both of her parents are teachers.
She also said that she grew up exposed to the passion of her parents in terms of teaching.
Rulona said that she does not have a role model and she inspired herself.
She is also inspired by people who are in uniform.
She wanted to take another course but because of her financial situation she went on to take up Criminology and was able to finish the course.
She said her family had no idea she took the examination and she did not want to bother her parents to pay for review classes.
She studied surreptitiously and never told anyone that she took the examinations.
Bastes said she reviewed for the LET even before she graduated from her course.
She faced challenges during the review all because she had a rigid schedule, and had problems looking for opportunities to study on her own.
Cabral’s death raises questions in alleged flood control scandal
US-based Boholano lawyer Hubahib said that the death of DPWH USec. Maria Catalina Cabral is just unfortunate and finds it quite weird that she fell into a ravine.
He gave his reaction to the situation during his guest appearance on Open Forum on Dec. 22, 2025, with Ardy Araneta-Batoy and Gloria Leodivica Araneta.
Hubahib said that Cabral is central to the flood control mess and she had plenty of information about the alleged anomaly.
She was at the center at the funding requests, insertions and other related information to the budget for the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), said Hubahib.
Hubahib added that Cabral knew the names of those involved in the alleged anomaly and could have provided information to prosecute those who are involved.
He said Cabral’s death may be an indication that those involved should toe the line or lose one’s life.
Hubahib still asks a lot of questions surrounding Cabral’s death.
Police in Benguet said they saw no foul play in Cabral’s death.
Baguio mayor Benjamin Magalong said based on tests, Cabral’s remains were positive with anti-depressants.
Police managed to enter the hotel room where Cabral last stayed before she died and found materials that could help in the investigation surrounding her death.
Hubahib said Cabral may be aware of threats to her life related to the flood control mess.
Cabral died after her body was found at the foot of a ravine in Tuba, Benguet.
Initial findings said that she may have committed suicide as she fell into a ravine.
SIKATUNARRA park gets more seedlings planted
Sikatuna mayor Justiniana Ellorimo said on Dec. 23, 2025 that more seedlings were planted into the Sikatunarra Tree Park.
She mentioned the update during her guest appearance on Newsmakers ug Uban Pa.
Ellorimo said that 100 seedlings were planted by an investor on Tuesday.
She said, too, that Bohol Solar Energy Inc planted the seedlings as it is required by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to plant trees each year.
Bohol Solar invested in Sikatuna to build a 45 megawatt solar farm in barangays Canagong and Bahay Bahay.
Ellorimo said the company complied with the requirement by planting narra trees at the Sikatunarra Tree Farm.
The said town aims to transform land for nature heritage and community, supported by local government and faith-based organizations.
These efforts aim to grow indigenous plants like narra tree integrating environmental action with sustainability.
Ellorimo said that 100 hectares are allocated for tree planting but the local government unit has been able to purchase 16 hectares so far as the town’s budget can only buy two hectares per year.
Back in July, former Tagbilaran bishop and now Cebu archbishop Alberto Uy inaugurated the tree park with bishops from the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines and the clergy.
They helped plant trees at the entrance of the park and created a narra tunnel into the park, and the choice of narra stems from the fact it is the national tree and known to be environmentally-friendly.
There is also a plan to culture bees nearby as bees like to suck nectars from narra trees to make honey.
She said the area is a watershed for Loboc River and there was a group of Korean investors who planned to build buildings for businesses in the area.
Ellorimo said she was concerned that if the area will be transformed into a business area, it may impact the watershed for the Loboc River and cause floods in the Poblacion area.
Lot owners who plan to sell to Koreans got angry because allegedly Ellorimo stopped the sale of the lots.
Ellorimo explained why it would be an environmental suicide to let the investors bulldoze their way into the lots and cause a huge environmental impact to the town.
Instead, she said that she will purchase the lot and create a tree farm instead.
Ellorimo said floodings happen at the Poblacion area as Sikatuna is known as a highland.
There are flash floods that often subside quickly, she added.
Man dies in road accident after bus collision
A 36-year-old man died in a road accident after a Southern Star bus ran over him in barangay Cabacnitan, Bilar on Dec. 24, 2025.
The fatality was identified as Marlon Gumanoy, of Camayaan, Loboc.
The accident occurred early in the morning as the victim was riding his motorcycle towards Loboc.
The victim attempted to overtake the motorcycle ahead of him but collided with it instead.
The driver of the motorcycle ahead of the victim was flung into a rice field.
The victim was thrown onto the ground, and a bus coming from behind accidentally ran over him.
The bus, which was headed to Batuan, struck the victim who was sprawled on the pavement.
The victim died instantly due to a head injury sustained when the bus’s tires ran over him.
The Bilar police are conducting a further investigation into the incident.
BPPO says Christmas masses, celebration generally peaceful
The Bohol Police Provincial Office (BPPO) said that the conduct of masses leading to Christmas and during the midnight mass had been generally peaceful.
The faithful had nine-days of dawn masses and also had a midnight mass celebrated on Christmas Day.
No significant incidents were recorded by the police since Dec. 16, 2025.
Maj. Rey Olar, the BPPO public information officer, said the police did not record any threat to security coming from the various town and city police stations.
The police said the proper coordination among church leaders, local government units and the law enforcers remain the key in maintaining the peace and order as well as the safety and security of those who went to church for the masses.
The police ensured that there was visible police presence as well as proper security measures neat and inside the churches especially during peak hours when there were plenty of churchgoers.
The dawn masses and the midnight mass are a time-honored tradition during the Christmas season.
Suspect arrested in Ubay town after hot pursuit operation
A suspect was arrested following a hot pursuit operation in Governor Boyles, Ubay on Dec. 24, 2025.
The suspect was positively identified by the child of the victim as the one who allegedly took valuables from the victim’s vehicle parked in barangay Katipunan, Alicia.
The victim, a 55-year-old businessman, reported to police that the suspect forced his way into the vehicle and took valuables worth P6,000.
Meanwhile, a separate incident led to the arrest of a drug suspect in barangay Ipil, Jagna on Dec. 20, 2025.
The suspect, identified as alias Cali, 36, of barangay Ipil, was arrested after a poseur buyer purchased alleged shabu from him.
Taken from him were packets of alleged shabu weighing 0.38 grams worth P2,500.
The suspect now faces charges of violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Stay healthy this holiday, PHO urges public
Provincial Health Office (PHO) officer-in-charge, Dr. Fruserma Uy issued a reminder to the public to keep tabs on health this holiday season.
She said people should drink alcohol moderately and eat oily foods also in moderation.
Her reminder comes as people eat and drink more than usual because of parties and gatherings during the holidays.
She is advising everyone to moderately consume alcohol as too much drinking may cause vehicular accidents, conflicts and possible risks to the health.
She added people should be mindful of one’s own health.
Uy said to control oneself as it is easy to be carried away which may lead to stress. She also told everyone to be mindful of one’s food and avoid being reckless.
Protecting one’s health will also protect people who are dependent on us, she added.
Meanwhile, district hospitals in Bohol under the PHO are under Code White, making the hospitals doubly alert this holiday season.
Bohol SP okays budget for workers’ incentives
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) approved on Dec. 22, 2025 the supplemental budget that will be funding the incentives of provincial government workers.
The budget will be funding the service recognition incentive (SRI) for qualified regular employees.
The budget also funds the gratuity pay for qualified contract of service and/or job order workers.
The budget is also funding the productivity enhancement incentive benefit for qualified government personnel at the Capitol.
The measure was done to provide incentives and benefits to workers at the Capitol.
Bohol SP approved around P64 million in funds of the provincial government.
Under Administrative Order (AO) No. 40, the grant and specific amount of the one-time SRI for local government unit (LGU) employees, including those in barangays, is determined by their respective local sanggunians.
Meanwhile, under AO No. 39, President Marcos Jr. ordered a one-time gratuity pay for job order and contract of service workers in government that are qualified to receive the incentive.
Butcher says pork prices remain stable
A butcher in Cogon market said he is confident that there will be no further spikes in pork prices during the holiday season.
He said price surges may only happen if there will be manipulations by some sectors wanting to take advantage of the increased demand for pork this holiday season.
Noel Dalmao, a butcher at Cogon market, was quoted in a radio report that pork prices remain stable as the supply is able to meet the increasing demand.
Dalmao said the price of beef has gone up by P20 per kilo.
The pork prices will only surge if there is a supplier that will take advantage of the surge in demand but Dalmao said he and his fellow butchers at Cogon think there are no price hikes of pork products.
Reports said lechon prices already surged as of early December as some lechon suppliers said the raw pork prices increased.
Pork and pork products are in demand during the holiday season.
City SP okays budget for incentives
The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) of Tagbilaran approved on Dec. 22, 2025 the supplemental budget worth almost P45 million for various incentives given to qualified city government workers and employees.
The supplemental budget is going to benefit more than 2,000 workers and employees at City Hall.
The supplemental budget was passed during the regular session of the city SP, which was the final session for 2025.
The passage of the supplemental budget came about after Mayor Jane Yap forwarded a letter to the city council and it was included in the special order of business.
Coun. Tim Butalid, chair of the city SP Committee on Appropriations and Accounts, sponsored the measure that allowed the release of the said supplemental budget.
The budget is going to provide the incentives for qualified workers including the plantilla, contract of service and job order workers.
Qualified regular employees are getting up to P20,000 from the collective negotiation agreement and P20,000 from the service recognition incentive plus P5,000 productivity enhancement incentive .
Moreover, the contract of service and job order workers at City Hall are getting up to P7,000 in gratuity pay based on Administrative Order No. 39 of President Marcos Jr.
The workers at City Hall are from the executive and legislative branches as well as workers from revenue generating enterprises and social services.
Capitol lauds Tagb for proper waste disposal
The Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) lauded the City Government of Tagbilaran for the latter’s efforts to properly dispose of waste and for protecting the environment in 2024 and 2025.
The Bohol Environmental Management Office (BEMO) gave a certificate of recognition to the Tagbilaran City Environmental Management Office (TCEMO) for the latter’s efficient implementation of ecological solid waste management.
The recognition highlighted the inclusive and progressive programs relayed to the environment.
The Capitol lauded the city’s receipt of the excellence award for the partition of womenfolk in the recycling of waste.
This initiative provided empowerment to women to lead in efforts towards sustainable development and livelihood.
PGBh also lauded the innovative waste collection system of the city by using music to remind people in the proper waste disposal as well as to educate the community about proper waste disposal.
The recognition only showed the robust leadership of the TCEMO under its chief Raul Aparicio.
TCEMO has been working towards a sustainable waste disposal that is community-based as the city wants to become an example to other local government units in terms of proper solid waste management and protection of the environment.
Capitol urges tourism industry to provide affordable rates to tourists
The Capitol has urged the stakeholders in the tourism industry in Bohol to provide more affordable rates to tourists visiting the province.
The affordability should also extend to those conducting benchmarking activities here in Bohol.
Bohol has become a venue for benchmarking especially among barangay officials coming from other places in the country.
Despite the tourism downturn, Bohol has been able to maintain a decent showing.
The provincial government is pleased that the resorts in Bohol are prompt taxpayers as it was learned that Henann Resort emerged as top taxpayer including Be Grand Resort, and Bellevue Resort as well as Bohol
Beach Club all located in Panglao.
Bohol tourism this year had a roller coaster ride with a downturn in tourism in the Philippines affecting also Bohol, but tourist arrivals picked up towards the holiday season as seasonal travelers continue to trickle into Bohol.
PRO 7 boosts security in CV
The Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 has boosted the security in Central Visayas as the region celebrated Christmas and now looking forward in celebrating the New Year.
The PRO 7 deployed more units and police personnel in transport terminals, main thoroughfare, business centers, tourist spots, and other places where people congregate.
The PRO 7 said that the measure is taken to ensure public safety and to respond to any issues faced by commuters or holiday revelers or those who are celebrating the holidays.
The PRO 7 ordered unit commanders to adjust the deployment based on real-time situations in their respective areas of responsibility.
The police are conducting foot and mobile patrols, checkpoints, and placed police assistance desks for the entire holiday period to keep the peace and order.
PRO 7 asks the public to be more vigilant and to cooperate with the police and report any suspicious activity to keep the holiday celebration safe as more people travel in order to take advantage of the extended holiday.
Earlier, President Marcos Jr. ordered the suspension of work in all government offices on Dec. 29, 2025 and on Jan. 2, 2026.
He made the order via Memorandum Circular No. 111 and the suspension does not cover government employees providing healthcare services, disaster preparedness and security forces, among others.
Suspension of work in private companies and offices is left to the discretion of their respective heads.
CIDG nabs ex-FDC employee
The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) arrested on Dec. 20, 2025 a former employee of the Farmer’s Development Center (FDC) in Poblacion, Talibon.
The police arrested Camilo Tabada by virtue of the arrest warrant issued by the Regional Trial Court (RTC) branch 74 in Cebu City.
The arrest warrant was issued on Dec. 19, 2025 for charges of alleged violation of the Terrorism Financing Prevention Act of 2012.
The bail was set at P200,000 for his provisional liberty.
Meanwhile, the CIDG, on Nov. 27, 2024, filed a case before the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor in Tagbilaran City, for alleged violation of Terrorism Financing Prevention Act against Tabada and the case was sent to RTC branch 74, which has jurisdiction on the said case.
After the filing of information, the court then issued a warrant of arrest and then the CIDG formed a tracker team to hunt down the accused and was successfully arrested.
Tabada is now under custody and will be soon presented to the court.
Tourist guide nabbed in buy bust operation
A tourist guide was arrested on Dec. 22, 2025 by the Panglao drug enforcement unit.
The suspect was identified as alias Arman a resident of Balicasag Island.
The police were able to arrest the suspect who engaged with a poseur buyer at barangay Poblacion.
The sting operation was witnessed by barangay officials and a member of the Bohol media.
Seized from the suspect were packets of alleged shabu weighing nine grams and worth P61,200.
Meanwhile, a drug suspect was arrested also in Panglao.
The suspect known as alias Agustin, 45, is from Poblacion, Panglao.
The suspect was arrested in the evening of Dec. 21, 2025 at barangay Poblacion.
Taken from the suspect were sachets of alleged drugs approximately weighing around 18.19 grams valued at P123,692.
In another, buy bust operation, a drug suspect from Tubigon was arrested by San Isidro drug enforcement unit.
The suspect known as alias Tracy, 23, was arrested on the evening of Dec. 20, 2025.
The suspect was arrested in barangay Kauswagan as the suspect engaged with a poseur buyer.
Taken from the suspect were packets of crystalline substances believed to be illegal substances weighing approximately 0.21 grams and valued at P1,428.
Charges of violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 are filed against the suspects.
Isang Dugo Foundation donates vehicle to police
Isang Dugo Foundation donated on Dec. 23, 2025 a vehicle to the police.
The Tagbilaran City Police Station (TCPS) received a new Toyota Innova.
The donation shows the cooperation between the police and the private sector for public service.
The foundation is key organizer along with the provincial government for the annual Sandugo festival usually done in July.
The festival is Bohol’s biggest cultural and historical commemoration of the blood compact between Rajah Sikatuna and Miguel Lopez de Legaspi.
TCPS chief Lt. Col. John Kareen Escober showed appreciation for the donation.
He thanked Isang Dugo, Mayor Jane Yap and stakeholders as they continue to help the police.
Escober said the donation is a meaningful gift to the police this Christmas.
Escober said there is no reason for the police to slump or slack on their duty as community support is pouring in.
He assures everyone that the donations given to TCPS will be converted into a peaceful and clean Tagbilaran City.
RDMMC CV boosts emergency response during holidays
The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDMMC) Central Visayas (CV) boosted the emergency preparedness response as the region is about to celebrate the New Year.
The RDMMC boosted the emergency response to help those who are in need especially those who need immediate medical attention.
In a coordination meeting on Dec. 22, 2025, Provincial DRRM officer Anthony Damalerio said TaRSIER 117 units were deployed in various areas in the province especially in high-traffic areas like churches.
Damalerio added the ambulances are ready to provide help or assistance for medical emergencies, accidents and similar events that may happen during the holidays.
The deployment is part of the proactive measures in emergency response especially that there are a lot of gatherings and the risk of emergency is high.
Over 8,000 emergency cases were logged by TaRSIER 117 from January to Dec. 15, 2025 showing the huge role of emergency medical service in saving lives in Bohol.
RDMMC said that the preparedness will continue as well as monitoring and coordination with various agencies to ensure public safety during the holidays.
BPPO warns public on indiscriminate firing
Bohol Police Provincial Office (BPPO) issued a warning to gun owners and the public in general about illegal discharge of firearms also known as indiscriminate firing.
It is known that illegal discharge of firearms may happen during the holidays especially on New Year.
The police are implementing a zero tolerance policy on illegal discharge of firearms during the holidays to protect the public’s safety and security.
Col. Patricio Degay, Jr said a one-strike policy will be imposed on any police officer caught in celebratory gun discharge and violators face administrative and criminal cases.
The guilty violator may be removed from service, loss of benefits and perpetual disqualification from holding public office.
Dagay reminded the unit commanders of their responsibility in instilling discipline in their respective units.
The unit leaders will also be penalized for the lapses of their subordinates.
He said that those who violate the rules will be relieved and placed on preventive suspension if a police officer is involved in illegal firearm discharge while the investigation is ongoing.
Degay appealed to licensed gun owners to be responsible and to exercise self-control, responsible use of firearms and abiding with the law.
BPPO urges the public to report any incident of indiscriminate firing to any police unit or via the social media.
The BPPO said the policy against indiscriminate firing is part of the security measures to ensure a peaceful and incident-free holiday in Bohol.
DICT, CICC collaborate vs. holiday cyberscam
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Cybercrime Investigation Coordinating Center (CICC) collaborate against holiday cyber scams by launching Oplan Paskong Sigurado.
The DICT and CICC had a dialogue with private delivery companies on Dec 23, 2025.
The activity was held in line with the directive of President Marcos Jr. calling on all government agencies to protect Filipinos from cyberscam and also delivery scam as well as bogus online transactions as more people shop online.
DICT and CICC said complaints about scam and bogus transactions hiked recently especially scam related to the delivery of goods bought online.
More scam incidents about texts asking for payment, fake tracking links, and delivery of goods that were not ordered in the first place.
The government is banking on the cooperation of the people to prevent all these and to make online services more reliable especially in the e-commerce space.
The public is warned to be more aware about online transactions.
The public is urged to take screenshots of receipts and messages, use only legitimate payment methods, to read reviews and to verify the seller, setting up of two-factor authentication, and to trust one’s instinct when faced with a suspicious seller or merchant.
The public is reminded of potential red flags like suspicious links especially on social media offering incredible offers.
The public is cautioned about merchants that don’t have reviews or those who are newly registered and to be careful about friends and relatives asking for cellphone load or money or fake brand collaborations that ask for payment.
The DICT asks the public to report any scam to the proper authorities.
PCG advises passengers to plan trips to avoid inconvenience
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) tells the public to plan trips ahead to avoid inconvenience as plenty of passengers were unable to board ships for Mindanao because the shipping lines ran out of tickets.
There were some passengers who were unable to take the trip to Mindanao as most of the shipping lines were fully booked due to a surge of passengers this holiday season.
The shipping lines are fully booked since the early weeks of December, reports said.
Chief Petty Officer Paul Vincent Yu said that it is best to plan trips ahead to ensure they get a ticket.
He said the PCG will not allow anyone to board a ship without a ticket.
Reports said some passengers had no choice but to revisit their plans after the shipping lines ran out of tickets.
Most of the trips to Mindanao from Bohol are now fully booked.
The situation is expected to last until the New Year as plenty of people are traveling this holiday season, report added.
The PCG said they are on 24/7 alert in various ports ready to assist passenger and ensure security and safety.
Yu said the seaports are on heightened alert and this will last until the New Year.
Nearly P1M in alleged illegal drugs seized in Dauis
Nearly P1 million in alleged illegal drugs were seized in Dauis on Dec. 2025 by elements of the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit.
Police arrested a certain Albert Steve Bradley Pueblas, 27, of barangay Taloto, Tagbilaran City.
The police under the supervision of Lt. Col. Jomar Pomarejos, a buy bust operation was conducted against the suspect and was witnessed by barangay kagawad Carmencita Baylon and barangay kagawad Silvan Capillan of barangay Songculan and Bohol media.
The suspect was arrested after engaging with a poseur buyer.
Confiscated from the suspect were packets of alleged shabu weighing 141.8 grams and valued at P964,240 more or less.
In Loon, an alleged supplier of illegal drugs from Damariñas, Cavite was arrested in a buy bust operation.
The suspect was identified as John Leren Vicena, 26, and temporarily residing in Libertad, Baclayon. He was arrested on Dec. 21, 2025 in barangay Song-on. Taken from him were alleged drugs weighing 608.2 grams and worth P72,982. Meanwhile, a man in Alicia was arrested following a buy bust operation in barangay Napo on Dec. 23, 2025. The suspect was identified as Sammy Amoguis, 35, of barangay Napo. Taken from him were packets of alleged shabu weighing 3.66 grams worth P24,888. Charges of violation of Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 await the suspects.