Mangrove growing highlights Bohol’s 

World Wetlands Day celebration

By Elvira C. Bongosia

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol (PIA) — The Provincial Government of Bohol, through the Bohol Provincial Environment Management Office (BPEMO), marked World Wetlands Day with a mangrove planting activity at Puerto San Pedro in Bien Unido town on Feb. 2.

World Wetlands Day, observed every Feb. 2, raises awareness of wetlands as vital ecosystems that maintain ecological balance, protect coastal communities from flooding and storm surges, and support human well-being.

This year’s theme, “Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage,” highlighted the role of wetlands in sustaining biodiversity, supporting livelihoods, and preserving cultural practices passed down through generations.

It also underscored the value of local and traditional knowledge in sustainably managing these ecosystems.

In Bohol, mangrove forests and other wetland areas serve as breeding and nursery grounds for fish, crabs, and other marine resources, benefiting fisherfolk and coastal communities.

Mangroves also help strengthen climate resilience by reducing the impact of extreme weather and stabilizing coastlines.

Beyond their ecological importance, wetlands hold cultural and historical significance that reflects the deep connection of Boholanos with their environment.

A total of 250 bungalon mangrove seedlings were planted by BPEMO employees, Coast Guard Bohol personnel, and local government unit workers through the Bien Unido Municipal Employees Association to help rehabilitate degraded coastal areas.

“Bungalon mangroves serve as frontline defenders against typhoons, storm surges, and high-energy waves,” said BPEMO head Leonilo Lafuente.

He said initiatives like this not only restore ecosystems but also strengthen environmental stewardship and inter-agency coordination. (ECB/PIA7-Bohol)

Personnel from the Bohol Provincial Environment Management Office, Coast Guard Bohol, and the local government unit, through the Bien Unido Municipal Employees Association, planted 250 bungalon mangrove seedlings at Puerto San Pedro in Bien Unido town on Feb. 2, 2026, in celebration of World Wetlands Day. (BPEMO photos)

Bohol police seize P222.5M 

worth of illegal drugs in 2025

By Elvira C. Bongosia

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol (PIA) — The Bohol Provincial Police Office (BPPO) seized P222.5 million worth of illegal drugs in 2025, under its intensified campaign against criminality and illegal drugs.

BPPO Deputy Chief of Operations Police Maj. Joseph Lopena presented the comprehensive operations report on behalf of Provincial Director Police Col. Patricio Degay Jr. during the recent joint meeting of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) and the Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC), chaired by Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado.

From Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2025, BPPO conducted 885 anti-drug operations that led to the arrest of 944 suspects and the seizure of 32,704 grams of shabu and 608.20 grams of marijuana, with a total estimated value of P222.5 million.

Among the high-impact operations were a buy-bust operation in Tagbilaran City on Dec. 14, 2025, which resulted in the seizure of 3,040 grams of shabu worth more than P20.6 million, and an operation in Panglao on Feb. 23, 2025, against a regional top-priority high-value individual, where 3,000 grams of shabu worth P20.4 million were recovered.

BPPO also intensified its campaign against loose firearms, processing 661 firearms through surrender, recovery, and confiscation in 655 operations, which led to the arrest of 162 suspects.

In the campaign against wanted persons, police conducted 769 operations, resulting in the arrest of 774 individuals, including 301 most wanted persons and 473 other wanted persons, among them suspects in murder and frustrated murder cases.

Meanwhile, 390 operations against illegal gambling led to the arrest of 704 suspects and the seizure of P75,007 in bet money for violations involving illegal cockfighting and illegal numbers games.

During the meeting, Aumentado assured continued cooperation among the police, local government units, and communities to sustain peace and order in the province. (ECB/PIA Bohol)

Bohol Provincial Police Office (BPPO) Deputy Chief of Operations Section, PMaj. Joseph Lopena (L) presented the comprehensive operational report during the joint meeting of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) and the Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC) at the Ceremonial Hall of the Provincial Capitol in Tagbilaran City on January 22, 2026. (ECB/PIA7-Bohol)