TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol — The past week saw Bohol preparing for two major events: hosting international ASEAN meetings and weathering Tropical Depression Basyang. Meanwhile, the province commemorated 16 years of insurgency-free status and paid tribute to a national political figure. Here are the top stories on the island from February 3 to 10, 2026.
ASEAN Meeting Security: Temporary Gun Permit Suspension Enforced
Authorities implemented a temporary suspension of Permits to Carry Firearms Outside Residence (PTCFOR) in Bohol beginning February 9 in connection with the ASEAN Finance and Central Bank Deputies’ Meeting–Working Group (AFCDM-WG) and related meetings being held in Panglao .
The suspension took effect at 12:01 a.m. on February 9 and will last until February 14. According to PMaj. Rey Olar, spokesperson of the Bohol Provincial Police Office, the measure is part of intensified security operations to ensure safety and order as the Philippines hosts these important international meetings in Panglao .
The suspension covers permits of gun clubs and manufacturers, carrying firearms outside residences, purchasing and transporting fireworks, firing range operations, and licenses for manufacturing and selling fireworks and pyrotechnic devices .
The five-day meetings are being led by the Department of Finance and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas as co-chairs of the ASEAN Finance Track, with officials from 11 ASEAN Member States in attendance .
Typhoon Basyang: Province on Alert, Classes Suspended
As Tropical Depression Basyang approached Bohol, Governor Aris Aumentado convened an emergency meeting on February 4 with various government agencies to discuss contingency measures and emergency preparedness plans .
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, Coast Guard, Department of Health, Red Cross Bohol, and other line agencies participated in a Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment to identify areas most vulnerable to flooding, landslides, and storm surges .
According to PAGASA Bohol representative Leonard Samar, the center or rainbands of Tropical Storm Basyang were expected to affect Dauis on Friday. In response, evacuation centers, rescue teams, and relief goods were prepositioned for immediate deployment .
As a precautionary measure, Governor Aumentado ordered the suspension of classes at all levels, both public and private, on Thursday and Friday. All outdoor activities across the province were also cancelled to ensure public safety .
“Let’s avoid threats to our children and students to prevent accidents. The rain is heavy, so we must avoid flooding and landslides, that’s why we cancelled classes. I hope we monitor the weather situation. I hope everyone is safe. Our warnings and preparations are important to avoid accidents in our families,” Aumentado emphasized .
No Sail Policy Conflict Raises Concerns
Board Member Fernando Estavilla raised concerns on February 10 regarding conflicting policies on sailing during storms, which affected constituents in the second district .
The issue stemmed from a February 5 incident when passengers bound for Carlos P. Garcia (CPG) town were denied boarding at Tapal port due to Tropical Storm Basyang. While the Philippine Coast Guard had issued a special permit allowing ships to sail to Pitogo despite Signal No. 1, the Philippine Ports Authority had closed the ports based on the no sail policy, causing confusion and inconvenience .
Estavilla noted that the route from Tapal to Popoo in CPG town is approximately one kilometer or half a nautical mile, with travel time of only about five minutes—a duration that should have qualified for exemption under PCG guidelines .
“The families who were supposed to send money, the students and workers who wanted to be with their families, the PWDs and patients who hoped to go home—imagine PWDs and sick people passing through mud and shoreline just to get home,” Estavilla lamented .
The issue was referred to the Committees on Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction and on Peace, Order and Public Safety to harmonize guidelines for port operations during storms .
Free Spay and Neuter Program Launched
On February 10, the Provincial Government welcomed representatives of Biyaya Animal Care for a courtesy call at the Capitol to coordinate a free spay-and-neuter outreach program scheduled from February 11 to 16 .
Vice Governor Nick Besas, together with Chief of Staff Atty. Filipina Asoy-Piollo, received the delegation led by Rina Ortiz, CEO and co-founder of the organization, along with seven volunteer veterinarians .
The program will cover selected local government units: Tagbilaran City (February 11–12), Panglao (February 13), Dauis (February 14), Loon (February 15), and Tubigon (February 16). Seven volunteer veterinarians will conduct procedures and provide postoperative guidance to pet owners .
Atty. Asoy-Piollo affirmed the Provincial Government’s support for the initiative, emphasizing collaboration between government and non-government organizations in advancing animal welfare and public health .
SP Calls for Compassionate Disaster Policies, Tackles Marine Wildlife Ordinance
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan on February 10 called for compassionate, clear, and harmonized policies in disaster preparedness and response, approving on first reading a proposed amendment to Provincial Ordinance 2021-014 on preemptive or forced evacuation .
Board Member Dionisio Joseph Balite emphasized the need for policies more adaptive to climate risks, attuned to local realities, and sensitive to constituent needs. He pushed for including the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office in PDRRMO storm monitoring activities to ensure coordinated data gathering on evacuees .
Meanwhile, deliberations continued for the Enhanced Sustainable Marine Wildlife Interaction ordinance pushed by Board Member Lucille Lagunay. The proposed measure would allow whale shark viewing to resume but strictly prohibit feeding, luring, or manipulating animals to appear for tourists—permitting viewing only when whale sharks appear naturally, similar to dolphin watching in Baclayon .
The proposed ordinance provides that marine wildlife interactions shall be guided by responsible tourism, ecological sustainability, and wildlife conservation primacy, with major provisions including wildlife tourism interaction seasons, Certificates of Compliance, and minimum requirements for interaction sites and operators .
Bohol Strengthens Anti-Insurgency Efforts Ahead of Peace Day
In preparation for Bohol Peace Day on February 11, the Provincial Government welcomed National Task Force Balik-Loob Mindanao Coordinator LTC Joseph Aldanese and DSWD Regional Representative Julius Villanueva on February 10 to discuss strengthening the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program .
Vice Governor Nick Besas, together with PTF-ELCAC Focal Person Atty. Filipina Asoy-Piollo, led discussions on peace and development interventions. LTC Aldanese shared that their visit aimed to set clearer direction for ECLIP implementation nationwide, emphasizing the need to raise public awareness and strengthen reintegration mechanisms for former rebel.
Aldanese noted that Bohol remains a declared cleared area, underscoring the effectiveness of coordinated governance, security measures, and community-based peace efforts. He stressed the critical role of LGUs in preventing insurgency resurgence through responsive social services and livelihood programs .
DSWD Regional Representative Julius Villanueva reported that 27 new former rebels have surrendered and will receive livelihood assistance of P20,000 each, with additional beneficiaries to be assisted depending on their needs .
Meanwhile, Romy Teruel, NTF-ELCAC focal person, reminded stakeholders that March 13, 2026, marks the last day for filing amnesty program applications, urging eligible individuals to take advantage of legal reintegration opportunities .
Bohol Leaders Pay Tribute to Former Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr.
Bohol leaders expressed sadness over the passing of former House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr., who died on February 10 at age 89 .
De Venecia served five terms as House Speaker during the 9th, 10th, 12th, 13th, and 14th Congresses. His notable legislation included the Build-Operate-Transfer Law, Bases Conversion Law, New Central Bank Law, Philippine Economic Zones Act, and the Dollar Remittance Act .
Former Cong. Edgar Chatto recalled De Venecia’s support during his first congressional term, nominating him as assistant majority floor leader and Tourism Committee chairman. Governor Aris Aumentado described De Venecia as a model of honest public service, citing his contributions to grassroots development and key legislation benefiting Filipinos .
Bohol Records 1.4 Million Tourists in 2025
The Bohol Tourism Office presented a year-end report during the February 9 flag-raising ceremony at the Capitol, showing Bohol recorded 1.4 million tourists in 2025—a four percent increase from 2024 .
International tourist arrivals increased, with domestic tourists remaining the cornerstone of local tourism. Top international sources were South Korea, China, United States, Taiwan, and France, while Spain, Australia, and Russia also showed increased arrivals .
BTO officer-in-charge Joanne Pinat announced that chartered flights from Japan are slated to start in May, targeting high-value travelers. Most tourists stayed at Panglao Island, while others visited the Chocolate Hills and beaches, reflecting successful efforts to promote diverse attractions .
San Isidro Mayor: Rain Shouldn’t Stop Classes
In a controversial stance, San Isidro Mayor Diosdado Gementiza opposed using rain as reason to suspend classes, emphasizing that education builds discipline and prepares youth for real-world challenges .
Despite an orange rainfall warning from PAGASA on February 10 due to the shear line, San Isidro classes continued while towns including Buenavista, Albur, San Miguel, Ubay, Duero, Sierra Bullones, and Tubigon suspended classes .
Gementiza emphasized that safety remained important, directing the MDRRMO to ensure students arrived home safely. “Discipline and preparedness for life challenges among the youth is the foundation of a robust, responsible, and future-ready citizenry,” he stated .
Foreigners Involved in Multiple Incidents
Several incidents involving foreign nationals were reported across Bohol on February 9 :
In Panglao, police arrested a Filipino who allegedly assaulted a Korean national following a heated altercation in Barangay Danao .
In Loay, a tricycle driver was injured in a three-vehicle collision involving a motorcycle driven by a Russian national. The motorcycle attempted to overtake then returned to its lane, causing collision with the tricycle and a jeepney. The tricycle driver was hospitalized while the Russians were unscathed .
In Tagbilaran City, a Polish national driving a motorcycle hit the back of a car in Barangay Bool, causing vehicle damage but no serious injuries .
In Cortes, a motorcycle driven by an Israeli national collided with a Filipino-driven vehicle in Barangay Poblacion after the Israeli crossed into the opposite lane .
Other News
Tagbilaran SP Seeks Saulog Funding: The Sangguniang Panglungsod approved resolutions on February 10 seeking financial assistance from provincial and national governments for the Saulog Festival scheduled March 16 to May 31. Resolutions will be sent to President Marcos Jr., Vice President Duterte, senators, and other officials .
RDC-7 Meets with House Representatives: Regional Development Council-7 members, including Gov. Aumentado, met with House representatives on February 9 for consultation and technical budget review to align regional priorities for the 2027 national budget—the first institutionalized process of its kind .
Sources: Provincial Government of Bohol, Bombo Radyo, Bohol Tribune
