Ph elections hinge on personalities, not issues, says us-based lawyer
US-based Boholano lawyer Glen Hubahib said the elections in the Philippines depend largely on personality and not on issues.
He said on Feb. 2, 2026, and this Philippine situation is unlike in the US where issues determine the fate of politicians.
In the Philippines, voters usually vote based on personality or based on the person, not based on issues.
Voters don’t really care about issues like healthcare or inflation, and rather vote candidates based on how a voter is associated with the candidate.
Hubahib said that US members of the Republican Party are worried the Republicans will lose the elections this mid-term if the prices of goods remain inflated.
He said most of the voters here are given positions in government like job order employees to keep them in line, and these people are just looking for benefits when choosing leaders and don’t really care about the issues.
He said the US already reduced the help it extends to its allies.
He said it boils down to the economic benefit the US gets in exchange for their assistance.
He also said the US completely cut help in areas it is not much needed and rationalized their spending on assistance, he said.
He added that the US will continue to help areas where they have interests, but the aid has been reduced significantly.
Comelec sees difficulty in eliminating vote buying
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said that eliminating vote buying is a tricky one and to stamp down on the practice can be difficult.
This was the statement of lawyer Roco Lamanilao on Feb. 4, 2026 in his guest appearance on Open Forum radio program..
He admitted the reality that vote buying exists and the poll body is working to reduce the incidents of vote buying.
It has placed deterrence to lower the chances of vote buying incidents.
Several persons are now facing cases of vote buying and Lamanilao hopes that the cases help deter people from engaging in vote buying.
He said some elderly are corrupting the minds of the youth.
It is important to take a look at the people surrounding the candidates and to prevent them from corrupting the minds of SK bets as well as the voters.
He said voters need to scrutinize the candidates and to vote for those who are really fit to lead.
He said those who buy votes are not worthy to win in an election.
COMELEC READY FOR BSKE
Comelec said it is now gearing up for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (BSKE) elections later this year.
Lamanilao said on Feb. 4, 2026 that it is now all systems go for BSKE and the schedule for the elections is now set.
He said there is no stopping the Comelec to stage the BSKE by November 2, 2026.
He said voters registration is ongoing and he encourages those who wish to register to visit the Comelec as early as possible.
More often, he said, Filipinos love to beat the deadline and cause congestion.
Lamanilao said that people should take advantage of the short queue and the chance to register early and not wait until the deadline, which is May 18, 2026.
The Comelec plans to visit schools for offsite registration for the youth who wish to vote for the SK especially those who are aged 15 to 17 years old.
He said most of the target registrants are in schools.
The campaign period for BSKE starts Oct. 22 to 31, 2026 and the election period starts on Oct. 3 and ends on Nov. 9, 2026.
Buenavista mayor feels sad about impeachments filed
Buenavista Mayor Dave Duallo feels sad learning that impeachments are being filed for the president and the vice president.
He mentioned this during his appearance on Feb. 3, 2026, over Newsmakers ug Uban Pa radio program.
He lamented what has been happening with the governance of the country.
The issues have affected the services given to the people, he said.
Too much politics is not good for the country, he added.
He said the country has plenty of problems, but those aligned with politics are getting more focused on other matters, such as impeachment.
The House Justice Committee dismissed the two impeachment complaints against President Marcos Jr. for insufficient substance.
An impeachment complaint is now pending for discussion at the House of Representatives against Vice President Sara Duterte.
Duallo explained the ruling of the Supreme Court on the 2025 impeachment complaint against Duterte.
The Supreme Court did not exonerate Duterte but merely decided on the process of impeachment and ruled the complaint filed against the Vice President is unconstitutional as it is already covered by the one-year bar rule.
The Constitution says only one impeachment complaint may be filed per year.
He pushed for the parliamentary form of government as it is easier to remove a prime minister when the parliament has a loss of confidence.
Most developed countries have adopted the parliamentary form of government.
Duallo also discussed how his Europe personal trip went.
He was invited by relatives to spend the last holidays there and mentioned the differences in the holiday celebrations in the country and in the United Kingdom.
He said people there are compliant with the law, and he wants to bring the same mindset to Buenavista.
While taxes are bigger in developed countries, the government is obligated to deliver better services to taxpayers.
People there hardly complain about high taxes as they can reap the benefit of paying huge taxes to the government, he said.
They abide by the law even if it seems they can get away with violating the law, he added.
BWUI reminds consumers to settle bills promptly
(BWUI)’s Victor Tambis urged water consumers to settle their respective water bills issued every month as promptly as possible.
He made the appeal in his appearance on Newsmakers ug Uban Pa radio program on Feb. 4, 2026.
Tambis said prompt settlement of bills avoids additional charges, especially in the event that a consumer gets disconnected.
BWUI has intensified its disconnection program affecting consumers with unpaid bills or accounts.
Consumers need to settle the water bill by the due date printed on the water bill, said Tambis.
BWUI may disconnect the water service once the bill remains unsettled after the due date.
This is included in the stipulations of the water service contract between the consumer and BWUI.
Consumers who fail to settle the bill for more than a couple of months, will have their supply
disconnected as a notice of disconnection has been served.
Failure to settle by the due date means the account is already considered delinquent and is scheduled for disconnection.
BWUI wants to remind consumers of their obligation to settle the bill and to avoid bigger charges as there is a need to settle the previous and current bills.
Aside from paying the bill at BWUI offices during office hours from Monday to Friday, one may also pay the bill via payment partners.
One may pay with banks such as First Consolidated Bank, Land Bank, Bank of Commerce, Security Bank, or via e-wallets, and some third-party collecting agents accredited by BWUI such as M Lhuiller.
For more inquiries and additional concerns, one may call 411 0210; 412 3154; 0917 720 8672; and 0917 730 6331.
BM Arcamo expresses lament on alleged corruption in Ph.
Board Member Benjie Arcamo has expressed his lament on the growing issue of corruption anomaly affecting the country.
He expressed his opinion as a citizen during his appearance on Open Forum radio program on Feb. 5, 2026.
He said it is disappointing to learn that some agencies are now being implicated with corrupt practices.
He is angry to learn that almost all agencies of the government are allegedly tainted with corruption.
He hopes that one day these people will be brought to justice and answer for their corrupt practices.
He even mentioned that allegedly a child of a solon was bullied for merely being a relative of a congressman, who was never implicated in any corruption scandal.
He said there are some people affected by the negative image projected by the alleged anomaly.
Arcamo said the color of the Provincial Board will be exposed if it changes its mind on the issue of the ban of the use of machine betting.
Arcamo, together with Board Member Romulo Cepedoza, pushed for the revert towards traditional betting in cockpit arenas in Bohol as stipulated by the Cockfighting Law.
He said the measure merely reverts to the old style of betting and away from the use of machines.
There are some sectors that raised concerns about the ban on machine betting.
There are others who welcomed the ban on the use of betting machines.
Still, Arcamo is betting on which is beneficial to more people as his advocacy is to always side to whatever issue that can provide much benefit to the public.
Bohol Light activates QRT for typhoon concerns
Bohol Light had activated its quick response team (QRT) and was tasked to address concerns related to the impact of storm Basyang.
Personnel were assigned in respective areas who responded to emergencies.
This was disclosed on Feb. 4, 2026 by Sheryl Paga during her guest appearance on Newsmakers ug Uban Pa.
The QRT was deployed to respond to emergencies as Basyang entered the southern part of the Philippines.
Beforehand, Bohol Light conducted clearing operations and removed unwanted vegetation near power lines as unwanted vegetation may cause problems and may result to sudden power interruptions or danger to the public.
The distribution utility ensured the branches are not touching the power lines, she said.
Bohol Light’s goal is to provide equitable, safe, and legal access to electricity. It also aims to protect the public’s welfare for overall development.
For more inquiries, one may call the following numbers for any concern: 038 427 2372; 0920 960 2372; or 0939 9115671.
BM wants to push for preemptive evacuation amid disobedience
Board Member DJ Balite said there is a need to push preemptive evacuation during calamities as he noted some people still disobey advisories to evacuate to safety.
Balite, who is the chair of the Committee on Climate Change at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, wants to strengthen policies in relation to the ordinance mandating preemptive evacuation during calamities.
Balite said he has been studying the best practices to push people to obey advisories for preemptive evacuations when there is a calamity.
He said that there are still people that are not listening to advice for preemptive evacuation advisories, especially those living in island communities.
Balite said more often, evacuations are done when the weather has become worse and this may not be ideal as the risk to life rises.
Sometimes, evacuation becomes a knee-jerk reaction to the worsening weather situation.
He wants stricter implementation of preemptive evacuations and people should obey as they need to evacuate to prevent loss of life.
Just recently, Bohol faced the wrath of Basyang that brought heavy rains threatening those near rivers and coastal areas.
The heavy rains went on for hours on Feb. 6, 2026, causing massive disruptions in work and in school.
Olaivar may face charges due to alleged corruption
Former Education Undersecretary Trygve Olaivar is among those who were recommended to be sued in relation to allegations of corruption.
Olaivar, who is a Boholano, may face charges of plunder, malversation of public funds, and other criminal charges related to allegations of corruption in the flood control and infrastructure projects.
This was based on a partial and unofficial report of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee.
Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson said that he criticized the one who leaked the draft and unofficial report of the said committee.
Lacson is the chairman of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee.
However, he made some confirmations on the names of officials recommended to be sued for alleged involvement in corruption.
Based on the report of Bilyonaryo News Channel, it was recommended to file charges against Sens. Francis Escudero, Jinggoy Estrada and Joel Villanueva as well as former senator Bong Revilla Jr. who is already detained for another case of malversation including former Rep. Zaldy Co, former Department of Public Works and Highways Sec. Manuel Bomoan, Cajayon-Uy, and Olaivar.
Also possibly facing charges is Maynard Ngu, alleged associate of Escudero.
Lacson said it is only fitting for the Blue Ribbon to recommend the filing of charges.
This comes as former DPWH engineers stood as witnesses in Blue Ribbon hearings where it was alleged that there are politicians who received kickbacks from the flood control projects.
Lacson said authorities will continue their probe on the personalities mentioned in the unofficial report.
Basyang effects subside by Friday afternoon
Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer (PDRRMO) Anthony Damalerio said Basyang simmered down by afternoon of Feb. 6, 2026 as the storm passed through the area near Bohol.
This was the assessment made by Damalerio immediately after the storm pouted heavy rains by Friday noon.
He said that as of Friday afternoon, 4,188 families were evacuated numbering to more than 11,000 individuals.
He gave a report during an episode on Feb. 6, 2026 with Carl Hinlo hosting Newsmakers ug Uban Pa.
They were brought early on to evacuation centers and were soon advised to return home as the storm subsided.
Damalerio said work was suspended on government offices based on his recommendation to the governor.
Tourism-related activities were also suspended, he said.
He said flood-prone areas have been identified as well as areas where landslides may occur.
He said people should remain vigilant even as Basyang’s effects simmered down as long as the province experienced sporadic rains as late as Saturday.
He is glad that the Boholano public cooperated with the advisories of the authorities.
Dauis police arrest drug suspects in separate operations
The Dauis drug enforcement team on Jan. 30, 2026, nabbed a backhoe operator following a buy-bust operation in barangay Bingag.
The suspect, known as alias Bon, 37, is from barangay Bingag.
Taken from the suspect were packets of alleged shabu weighing 7.6 grams and worth P51,680.
Meanwhile, the Tubigon drug enforcement team nabbed a drug suspect following a buy-bust operation on Jan. 30, 2026, in barangay Genonocan.
The suspect, known as alias Frank, 26, is from Pooc Oriental.
Taken were packets of alleged shabu weighing 8.47 grams and worth over P68,000.
Charges of violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Act of 2002 await the suspects.
SP discusses Batuan’s request to get cut from Chocolate Hills income
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) started discussions on Batuan’s request regarding a possible cut or share from the income generated from the Chocolate Hills attraction primarily based in Carmen.
The Committee on Ways and Means led by Board Member Greg Jala called a meeting on Jan. 30, 2026 and there was an agreement to form a technical working group to discuss plans in relation to the request of the local government unit (LGU) of Batuan.
Jala said there is a need to study if amendments on the memorandum of agreement are necessary between the Capitol and LGU Carmen in the sharing of the income generated from fees paid by tourists visiting the Chocolate Hills complex.
Batuan also has several Chocolate Hills but the main observation deck is located in Carmen and the fees generate revenues not only for the Capitol but for LGU Carmen as well.
DOH, CHO on high alert against Nipah virus
The Department of Health (DOH) and the City Health Office (CHO) are on alert for the possible entry of Nipah virus in Tagbilaran City.
The alert is on the possibility of the virus reemerging in the Philippines following reports of cases in India.
Health authorities are monitoring the situation even though there have been no cases reported of Nipah virus infection in Bohol.
Robin Culpa, CHO spokesman, said there have been steps taken against the entry of Nipah virus.
The virus was able to enter the country in the past, around 12 years ago, in Sultan Kudarat.
The health authorities have become more vigilant and alerted the Barangay Health Emergency Response Teams and doubled down on public awareness about the said virus.
They are educating people about the symptoms related to the Nipah virus, he said, as health authorities also implemented minimum health standards.
Culpa urged the public not to be complacent as the Nipah virus has a high fatality rate compared to Covid.
He said people should consider wearing facemasks when going to public places and observe physical distancing, especially from people showing symptoms.
The DOH said it is continuously coordinating with health facilities and local government units for proper surveillance and prompt reporting of suspected cases.
The DOH said the local health system is ready to face any challenges in public health.
Bohol remains free from Nipah as close monitoring is being done against the virus, as the Philippines is classified as low-risk against the virus, but there is no place for complacency.
Nipah virus may lead to encephalitis or meningitis that could be fatal.
The infection starts with a presentation of flu-like symptoms that could easily bring the infection under the radar during the early stages.
Avoiding contact with infected animals or people can reduce the chances of Nipah virus transmission, says health authorities.
Police identify persons of interest in Valencia re woman’s killing
Police have identified persons of interest with possible links behind the killing of a woman in barangay Omjon, Valencia.
Police said the persons of interest were the last ones that were seen with the victim when she was still alive.
The police have withheld the identities of the persons of interest pending completion of investigation.
The police are still conducting a follow-up investigation into the brutal killing of Charity Albotra.
The police said there are three persons of interest, two are in Valencia and one has reportedly fled to Cagayan de Oro.
Police remain mum as to the motive behind the killing of a woman believed to be a member of the LGBTQ community.
The police said the last time the victim was seen alive was in a drinking spree with the persons of interest.
No witness has come forward to tell what actually happened prior to the killing.
Police said that the two persons of interest offered an alibi that they went home before the killing happened.
The two left the victim with another person of interest who fled to Mindanao.
The two persons of interest were not detained as the police have no reason to take them into custody.
A blood-stained bladed instrument was recovered in the home of the relative of the person of interest that escaped, the police said adding the incident happened 300 meters from the house where the blood-stained weapon was discovered believed to be the murder weapon.
Police were told the victim had no known enemy.
NIA, NFA hold coordination meeting on farmer-centric projects
The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) and the National Food Authority (NFA) conducted a coordination meeting on Jan. 30, 2026, in Tagbilaran City, focusing on projects aimed at benefiting farmers.
The meeting was also attended by the Regional Confederation of Irrigators Association in Central Visayas.
The discussion centered on aligning irrigation initiatives with the needs and requirements of farmers, ensuring data-driven decision-making.
The support of irrigators’ associations is crucial in improving food security and promoting sustainable irrigation management.
Irrigation plays a vital role in modern agriculture, significantly boosting crop yields, ensuring food security, and enabling year-round farming.
It provides a consistent water supply, mitigating drought risks and climate variability while improving fertilizer efficiency.
Irrigated land consistently produces higher, better-quality yields than non-irrigated land, often enabling multiple cropping cycles per year.
It serves as an insurance policy against dry spells, crucial for maintaining farm income and stabilizing food production.
Man nabbed in Calape for illegal possession of firearm, ammo
A man from Tubigon was arrested for alleged illegal possession of firearm and ammunition in barangay Sta. Cruz, Calape on Jan. 30, 2026.
Calape police station and police personnel were on patrol and were told by barangay officials that a man allegedly discharged a firearm at sitio Market Site.
The man fled via an escape vehicle but was apprehended moments later following a hot pursuit operation at sitio Lower Cogon.
Taken from the suspect was a .45 caliber pistol, a magazine, one round of live ammunition, an empty shell and a slug.
The effects were taken under the plain view doctrine as the suspect was informed of his rights prior to the arrest.
The suspect was then taken into custody as he now faces illegal discharge of firearm, illegal possession of firearm and ammunition.
To recall, the incident was within the gun ban implemented in Bohol related to the conduct of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meetings.
Bohol’s ASEAN hosting deemed successful with zero major incidents
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) declared that the Bohol hosting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) meetings was a success as no major security incidents happened during the stay of the various delegations from different member countries.
No incidents reported during the meetings themselves and the countryside tours taken by the delegates.
PDRRMO chief Anthony Damalerio said the events took place without any hitches as there were no incidents reported.
The zero-incident is the product of the coordination among the national government agencies, provincial government, and the security cluster including the task groups that oversaw the safety and security as well as peace and order, emergency preparedness and response.
Damalerio said the coordinated effort of all agencies involved was the key in the effective implementation of the contingency plans, and swift response mechanism that contributed to the success of the activity.
As this developed, authorities are preparing for other ASEAN-related meetings from Feb. 9 to 14, 2026 also in Panglao to be led by the Department of Finance.
There are also other ASEAN meetings to be held in Cebu to be led by the Department of Labor and Employment.
Damalerio said the local and national agencies are ready to continue with the smooth coordination and preparedness as Bohol continues to host the ASEAN engagements.
Several meetings already wrapped up last weekend with some delegates leaving Bohol after a countryside tour.
For his part, Col. Patricio Degay Jr., Bohol police provincial director, said the police were able to follow the plan as no major incident was logged during the meetings.
The security forces were able to follow all safety and emergency contingency plans from arrival to departure of delegates.
The police implemented route and convoy security, venue security, tour security, and overall security in all summit activities.
Tagbilaran police nab suspect in beautician’s slay
Tagbilaran police arrested the suspect behind the killing of a beautician from Dauis.
Tagbilaran City police chief Lt. Col. John Kareen Escober said they arrested a suspect identified as Alphie Inting from barangay Poblacion 1.
He was arrested by the police at his home on Feb. 3, 2026.
The suspect is accused of killing Elborn Blazo, whose remains were found in barangay Mansasa on Feb. 3, 2026.
Escober said the possible motive behind the crime is robbery as the victim’s motorcycle was lost as well as other valuables.
The suspect now faces charges as he was taken into custody following his arrest.
Bohol’s whale watching attraction to reopen with stricter rules
Tourism in Bohol got a needed shot in the arm following the reopening of Virgin Island on Feb. 3, 2026.
Virgin Island was reopened on Tuesday with stricter regulations meant to protect the environment.
As this developed, observers are now looking towards the possible reopening of the whale watching activity in Bohol.
Bohol Gov. Aris Aumentado, at the sidelines of the reopening of Virgin Island in Panglao, insisted that only the ban on whale feeding will pave the way for the opening of the said attraction.
He said the possibility of whale shark watching attraction will become a reality as long as there is no feeding of marine animals involved.
Aumentado said this in front of officials of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources on Feb. 3, 2026, as well as officials from the Department of Tourism and the local government officials.
He said the provincial government is ready to reopen the attraction if the operators will promise that no feeding will happen.
Experts say feeding marine animals is not beneficial as it may lead to changes in the natural behavior of animals.
The animals might end up relying heavily on the feeds given by humans, and the animals could end up malnourished and lose their natural ability in looking for nutrition in order to sustain life.
Feeding may also pose a risk to the whales as they may end up colliding with the bancas.
Operators need to follow the law in operating their businesses, said the provincial government.
In a related development, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) has been discussing the idea of reopening the whale shark watching attraction in Bohol.
The SP Committee on Environmental Protection and Natural Resources has been looking at the idea to reopen the attraction on Feb 2, 2026.
To recall, whale watching attractions in Dauis, Albur, and Lila were closed due to violation of a provincial ordinance banning marine animal feeding.
Board members are in discussion of a proposed ordinance to govern the conduct of whale shark activities in Bohol.
A proposed ordinance is on the table seeking to amend an existing ordinance, and the new proposed ordinance looks to prescribe rules and regulations for sustainable marine wildlife tourism in Bohol.
City tricycle drivers, operators lag behind on mandatory seminar
About 480 tricycle drivers and operators who are plying city routes have yet to undergo a one-day seminar conducted by the city government.
This was disclosed by Coun. Leonides Borja on Feb. 3, 2026.
He said per inquiry with the City Traffic Management Office (CTMO), more than 400 tricycle drivers and operators have yet to complete the training.
He said there are still personalities involved in the tricycle transport in the city that have yet to complete the seminar despite the huge time allowance given by the city government to them.
Despite the huge favor in terms of time given to drivers and operators, there are still plenty of transport industry members who have yet to comply with the seminar requirement.
Borja said letters were sent to those non-compliant tricycle drivers and operators, and still they have not complied with the notice.
Borja said the non-compliance may be due to the small amount levied as penalty to those tricycle drivers and operators who failed to comply with the seminar requirement.
The penalty for non-compliance is P500 and it seems that non-attendance seems more practical.
The certificate of attendance in the seminar is one of the requirements for the renewal of the mayor’s permit for tricycles in the city, which renewal started on Feb. 2, 2026.
Police arrest 2 wanted individuals in Bohol
The Anti-Kidnapping Group arrested on Feb. 3, 2026, a man wanted for alleged violation of the Dangerous Drugs Act in Inabanga.
The suspect was identified as alias Ladi, 40, of barangay Uog, Inabanga.
The police arrested the suspect in his home and the police were armed with a warrant of arrest signed by Judge Azucena Macalolot-Credo of Regional Trial Court branch 101 based in Talibon.
The wanted person has been accused of illegal possession of drug paraphernalia.
The subject of the arrest has been taken into custody following the arrest.
In Danao, police arrested on February 3, 2026, a person who is accused of Child Abuse.
The accused is a resident of barangay San Francisco, Talibon, and was arrested by virtue of an arrest warrant issued by Judge Arturo Baron Rubio of the Family Court based in Ubay and President Carlos P. Garcia.
The bail has been set at P200,000 for his temporary liberty.
The accused has been taken into custody following his arrest.
Tagbilaran City SP honors fire marshal Bustaliño for achievements
The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) of Tagbilaran on Feb. 3, 2026, bestowed honor on Provincial Fire Marshall Insp. Raul Bustaliño for his achievements as a firefighter.
Coun. Fausto Budlong said Bustaliño was declared as one among the top 10 Firefighters in the Philippines.
The SP bestowed the honor on Bustaliño via a resolution filed by Budlong.
The resolution acknowledged the efforts of the fire marshal in serving the public.
Bustaliño, before becoming a provincial fire marshal, used to be Tagbilaran’s fire marshal from 2015 to 2016.
Bustaliño contributed immensely to public safety in the city.
For his service, the city government thanked Bustaliño, said Budlong who chairs the SP Committee on Peace, Public Order and Safety.
Budlong said the SP regularly recognizes the efforts of public servants who have shown exemplary service to the public and dedication to their duties as public servants.
The resolution is one way for the city to recognize those who have contributed immensely to the city’s progress and development.
The city, by way of the resolution, also expressed thanks to those who served Tagbilaran City well.
Bohol board member pushes for focus on power supply, fuel costs
Board Member Tomas Abapo on Feb. 3, 2026, wants more focus to solve the problem of expensive fuel and the insufficient supply of power.
Abapo is a member of key committees at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan such as Labor and Employment and Public Safety and Essential Public Services.
He wants to ensure that fuel prices will not shoot up beyond the reach of common consumers.
He is pushing for fuel subsidies to lower fuel costs if the government could afford it whenever there is an increase in fuel prices.
The Philippines is a net importer of fuel, which means the majority of its fuel supply is imported from abroad and the fuel costs are dictated by prices in the world market.
Moreover, Abapo said he wants power interruptions due to low supply to be eliminated by providing Bohol a way to source enough electricity to power its needs.
He looks towards a future where the power supply in Bohol is enough to meet the local demand.
He is also pushing for more in-island power sources instead of relying on power imported from other islands like from Cebu or Leyte.
Thus, cutting Bohol’s reliance on outside power sources that could be at times unreliable, he said.
Tagbilaran CAVO offers free spay, neuter services for pets
The City Agriculture and Veterinary Office (CAVO) announced that it will be holding free spay and neuter of pets.
The first schedule is on Feb 11, 2026, at barangay Manga Covered Court.
Next day, on Feb. 12, 2026, the free spay and neuter program will be done at barangay Dampas Covered Court.
Free anti-rabies vaccines are also going to be distributed by the CAVO including services for deworming and microchipping for pet dogs and cats.
CAVO officer-in-charge Carl Pradera said that the activity is a whole-of-city approach led by the City Government by way of the CAVO with the help of the Provincial Government of Bohol and Biyaya Animal Care.
There is a registration of pets prior to the activity and to register, one must approach the barangay hall in Manga or in Dampas for the manual listing and then scan the QR code posted on the official Facebook page of Tagbilaran CAVO.
Pet owners are reminded to bring ID showing that the owner is a resident of Tagbilaran City and the pets need to be healthy prior to the surgery.
Owners are reminded that the pets should not have bitten anyone in the past two weeks and also are not taking any medicine within the 14-day period.
Mayor Jane Yap urges all Tagbilaranons who are pet owners to avail themselves of the free spay and neuter plus other services that promote responsible pet ownership.
Two wanted persons arrested in Bohol police operations
Two wanted persons who face separate charges were arrested on Feb. 2, 2026.
In Tubigon, the tracker team arrested a suspect known as alias Bert of barangay Cahayag.
He was arrested by virtue of a bench warrant issued by Regional Trial Court branch 46 for alleged violation of illegal possession of firearms in relation to the Commission on Elections gun ban.
Moreover, the Tubigon tracker team arrested alias Nides of barangay Potohan.
He was arrested by virtue of an arrest warrant issued by Regional Trial Court branch 3 based in Tagbilaran City for alleged violation of Violence Against Women and Their Children (VAWC).
Both were taken into custody following their arrest.
Meanwhile, a wanted person in Larena, Siquijor was arrested as faces child abuse charges.
He was arrested in Dauis on Tuesday.
Alias Steve is a resident of barangay Totolan and was arrested in his home.
The suspect was arrested by virtue of an arrest warrant issued by Regional Trial Court branch 46 in Larena, Siquijor.
The bail is set at P200,000 for his temporary liberty.
Loboc suspends river cruise due to Basyang
The local government unit (LGU) of Loboc suspended on Feb. 5, 2026, the river cruise attraction amid the threats brought by Basyang.
The suspension also extended to all water-related activities within the Loboc River and this took effect on Feb. 6, 2026.
The suspension was made as a precautionary measure as the storm was expected to hit the general area of Visayas and Mindanao.
This also protected workers in the cruise from potential harm brought by the storm.
It was expected the storm created strong currents and heavy rains as well as strong winds.
The LGU carefully monitored the situation getting ready
for the resumption of the river cruise operations.
The LGU urges the public to be always vigilant and to consider safety first and to heed the advice of authorities.
Tagbilaran police lauded for swift resolution of beautician’s murder case
Netizens lauded the Tagbilaran City Police Station (TCPS) for swiftly solving the murder of a Dauis beautician.
The police said they have solved the murder case involving a member of the LGBTQ community.
The TCPS was successful in arresting the suspect allegedly behind the murder of a beautician whose remains were found in barangay Mansasa.
The police were able to arrest the suspect after a follow-up operation on Feb 3, 2026, at barangay Poblacion 1.
The police arrested the suspect identified as Alphie Inting.
It is alleged the suspect had a relationship with the victim.
With the swift action of the police, netizens thanked the them for immediately solving the case.
Now, the victim’s family could look forward to gaining justice for the victim.
Meanwhile, the police are ready to file the case against the suspect.
The police recovered the victim’s motorcycle and valuables from the suspect’s possession.
Bohol airport sees 2.22 million passengers in 2025, growth expected
Reports said that 2.22 million passengers passed through the Bohol Panglao International Airport (BPIA) last year.
Out of the total, over 1.7 million passengers were logged after the said airport was turned over to Aboitiz InfraCapital (AIC) back in June 2025.
AIC is now the operator and manager of the airport after the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines .
The statistics showed the steady increase in passenger arrivals to Bohol and the role of BPIA as the key to the gateway of local tourism and investments.
The data also shows the resurgence of travel into Bohol following changes in the management of the airport.
AIC forces an increase in passenger capacity of the BPIA from two million passengers to two and a half million in two years.
By 2030, it is hoped that the BPIA capacity increases to reach 3.9 million based on the long-term plan involving expansion and development of the said airport.
The BPIA has been in the pipeline for decades and became fully realized with the help of Japanese partners and was realized during the term of Edgar Chatto as Bohol governor in 2018.
Ex-security guard arrested in Bohol for alleged rape
A joint force of Valencia, Bohol and Sta. Rosa, Laguna police arrested a former security guard who is accused of rape on Feb. 4, 2026.
The arrest was also assisted by elements of the 47th Infantry Battalion as well as barangay officials of Marawis, Valencia.
The suspect used to work as a security guard in Sta. Rosa, Laguna and is currently residing in Marawis, Valencia.
The suspect was arrested by virtue of an arrest warrant issued by Regional Trial Court Branch 101 based in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.
He is accused of two counts of statutory rape and no bail is recommended for his temporary liberty.
The suspect has been taken into custody after his arrest.
Meanwhile, three members of the Badjao community were arrested in Barangay Totolan, Dauis.
They are wanted in Larena, Siquijor.
They are accused of allegedly committing child abuse.
They are now detained at the Dauis police station.
Tagbilaran City council approves 25-year drainage master plan
The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) of Tagbilaran has approved the city’s sustainable drainage master plan that has a duration of 25 years.
The plan is seen as a way to reduce flooding incidents in the city.
The council approved the master plan on its regular session on Feb. 3, 2026.
The plan was approved by way of a resolution.
The master plan provides guiderails to lower flooding risk in Tagbilaran City.
The plan also spells out management and the implementation of a drainage system in the city as well as flood control.
The master plan was the brainchild of the City Planning and Development Office, said Coun. Nerio Zamora II.
Zamora is the chair of the Committee on City Planning at the city SP as he authored and sponsored the resolution approving the sustainable drainage master plan.
Before the city SP approval, the plan was approved by the City Development Council.
The plan laid out the needs to mitigate floods including the construction of drainage across all barangays in the city as well as building outfalls and even detention ponds.
It is estimated that the plan needs P13 billion in order for it to be realized.
Loon police holds emergency meeting to prep for safety symposium
Loon municipal police station held an emergency meeting on Feb. 3, 2026, to discuss project implementation.
The meeting was presided over by Capt. Thomas Zen Cheung.
Other meeting participants included Loon mayor Pedro Literatus, Jr., and other municipal officials.
A symposium started to be held at the Loon Town Square from in Feb. 6 and will culminate on the 12th. This symposium is aimed at
discussing issues in public safety and criminality particularly on illegal drugs, rape among others.
The symposium which started to gather delegates from all across Loon, is meant to increase awareness among the public in terms of safety and criminality.
The symposium hopes it can become a solid foundation to unite the people behind peace and order.
Tourism sec. Frasco orders removal of promotional materials featuring her image
Tourism Sec. Christina Garcia Frasco has ordered the removal of promotional materials bearing her image.
This comes as she was criticized at the Senate Committee on Tourism.
The tourism committee chided the display of Frasco’s image on promotional materials.
She was featured together with some tourist attractions in the Philippines.
Frasco said she never ordered anyone to feature her image on the promotional materials.
In this light, she ordered all regional directors of the Department of Tourism (DOT) to remove her image on materials.
She was under fire at the Senate for having her image in promotional materials and said she has no plans to run for a national position in 2028.
Suspected cellphone snatcher arrested in Tagbilaran City
The police’s cybercrime group arrested a suspected cellphone snatcher who used a snatched cellphone to allegedly extort money.
The suspected snatcher allegedly pretended to be the real cellphone owner and asked for cash from a victim to be sent through an e-wallet.
The suspect tried to victimize the friends of the real cellphone owner.
The suspect now faces a multitude of cases including identity theft and illegal access.
The police arrested the suspect who is a student following an entrapment operation in Tagbilaran City on Feb 4, 2026.
He now faces violation of the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
Bohol police spokesman Maj. Rey Olar said the cybercrime response team conducted the entrapment operation in coordination with the Tagbilaran City Police Station.
The suspect was arrested inside a mall in barangay Poblacion 2.
The operation was done following the complaint filed by a victim of a snatching incident and afterwards the suspect accessed the victim’s social media account and then asked for money from the victim’s friends.
Justice still elusive for Mia Green family
The Green family remains waiting for justice for the murder of lawyer Mia Madcariñas-Green, who was assassinated in barangay Dampas nine years ago.
The prime suspect behind the murder is now detained in Cabawan.
Green family’s lawyer Ted Lagang said a hearing will happen in April at the Regional Trial Court branch 48.
The slain lawyer was ambushed as she was with her children.
Her two children were unharmed during the crime incident.
Mascariñas-Green was known as a top-notch lawyer in Bohol and her assassination is alleged to be linked to a case she was handling before she was slain.
Bohol SK leader urges youth to join disaster response efforts
Bohol Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) federation president Lawrence Ancla is pushing the youth to be part of the disaster response.
Ancla has been active in the committees on climate change and disaster risk reduction.
He has been focusing on programs on the environment as an ex-officio member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP).
He is also focusing on public safety and disaster response.
Ancla said there is a need to plant more trees as a way to mitigate flooding.
He is pushing for more tree parks across the province.
He said Bohol is prone to disasters and there is a need to strengthen disaster response.
He also wants more benefits for disaster responders especially when performing rescue tasks.