TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol — The past week saw Bohol in the international spotlight as it successfully hosted high-level ASEAN meetings, while law enforcement agencies scored major victories against illegal drugs. Here are the top stories on the island from February 11 to 17, 2026.
ASEAN Meetings in Panglao Conclude Peacefully
The ASEAN Finance Ministers’ and Central Bank Deputies’ Meeting Working Group and Related Meetings, held in Panglao from February 9 to 13, concluded without any major untoward incidents, according to the Police Regional Office (PRO)-7 .
The five-day international gathering brought together ASEAN finance officials, central bank deputies, delegates, and partners for critical discussions. PRO-7 implemented comprehensive security coverage, deploying thousands of law enforcement personnel across key areas in Panglao and other strategic locations in the province .
Police assistance desks, quick reaction teams, and various security assets—including patrol vehicles, maritime units, air support, K9 teams, and intelligence operatives—were mobilized to ensure delegate safety. PRO-7 Regional Director Police Brigadier General Redrico Maranan commended the men and women of the regional police force for their collective efforts .
“All those who compose the Site Task Group Central Visayas, I admire your passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment in ensuring the ASEAN Finance Meetings a success in the Province of Bohol. Congratulations,” Maranan said, also extending gratitude to local government units and the Bohol community for their support and cooperation .
Major Drug Busts Net Nearly P8.9 Million in Shabu
In a significant law enforcement victory, personnel from the Panglao Municipal Police Station and the Provincial Police Drug Enforcement Unit conducted a buy-bust operation on February 17 in Purok 6, Barangay Libaong, Panglao, resulting in the arrest of two suspects and the seizure of approximately P8.8 million worth of shabu .
Authorities recovered around 1,296.4 grams of suspected shabu valued at PhP8,815,520.00, along with buy-bust money and a 9mm pistol with magazine and ammunition. The suspects are now in custody facing appropriate charges .
In a separate pre-Valentine’s Day operation on February 13, anti-narcotics operatives arrested 45-year-old Joe Bryan Arboiz in Barangay Danao, Panglao. Police seized seven grams of suspected shabu worth P47,600 . Authorities revealed that Arboiz had allegedly started peddling illegal drugs just last January and was responsible for drug proliferation across Panglao island, reportedly using a popular e-wallet service for his transactions while disposing of at least 10 grams of shabu weekly .
Panglao: Whale Shark Tours Remain Suspended
Panglao LGU officials clarified that the municipal government has no role in managing the recently reopened Virgin Island, despite the area falling under Panglao’s jurisdiction . Abel Arbilo, the town’s municipal environment and natural resources officer, stated that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Protected Area Management Board oversee the island’s operations, with the local government’s only involvement being waste collection .
Meanwhile, provincial officials announced they will not reopen whale shark tourism activities if operators use feeding to attract the marine animals. The provincial government previously closed whale shark operations in Dauis, Albur, and Lila over allegations of feeding, a practice banned by local ordinance .
Board Member Lucille Lagunay, who sponsored a proposed ordinance to amend 2020 regulations, emphasized that viewing would be permitted only when whale sharks appear naturally, similar to dolphin watching in Baclayon. Some provincial board members requested additional time to study the measure before its second reading approval .
Community Service and Infrastructure Updates
Tagbilaran Medical Mission Benefits Thousands: Despite disruptions from Typhoon Basyang, a free medical mission conducted from February 6 to 8 benefited thousands of city residents through the joint efforts of the No One In Need Foundation, Inc., the City Government of Tagbilaran, and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Tagbilaran . Services included medical consultations, eye examinations with free reading glasses, dental services, and circumcision. Mayor Jane Yap expressed gratitude to partner organizations for their timely assistance to families affected by the typhoon .
Volunteerism Week in Tagbilaran: The City General Services Office conducted a weeklong volunteerism initiative from February 9-13 under the “I Am for Tagbilaran” program, featuring activities including children’s feeding, spiritual upliftment for persons deprived of liberty, community cleanups, and tree growing under Project 6300 .
Road Closures Due to Drainage Construction: The Department of Public Works and Highways announced road closures along CPG East from February 12 to 18 for flood mitigation structure and drainage system construction. Motorists were advised to use alternative routes, including the Bohol Circumferential Road, to avoid delays .
Free Spay and Neuter Program: The Provincial Government partnered with Biyaya Animal Care for a free spay and neuter outreach program from February 11 to 16, covering Tagbilaran City, Panglao, Dauis, Loon, and Tubigon. Seven volunteer veterinarians deployed to conduct procedures and provide postoperative guidance, supporting the province’s commitment to animal welfare and responsible pet ownership .
Peace Commemoration Marks 16 Years Insurgency-Free
On February 11, the Provincial Government commemorated the 16th Provincial Day of Peace, reaffirming commitment to sustaining the province’s insurgency-free status . The celebration at the Bohol Cultural Center featured the Kauban sa Reporma Congress, where eight beneficiaries received P30,000 each in livelihood assistance and P10,000 in immediate financial support .
The theme “Kahiusahan para sa Malahutayong Kalinaw sa Bohol” emphasized unity as the sustaining force behind long-term peace. Governor Aumentado’s message, delivered by Vice Governor Besas, underscored peace as the cornerstone of development and reiterated calls for those outside the law to avail themselves of government reintegration programs .
(Sources: Philippine National Police, ABS-CBN News, Philstar, Provincial Government of Bohol, Bohol Tribune, PIA-Bohol)
