Bohol governor orders speedy probe into robbery of 2 Chinese tourists

TAGBILARAN CITY — Bohol Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado on Monday, Oct. 5, ordered the police to swiftly identify and arrest the suspects who robbed two Chinese tourists at a popular tourist spot in Loay town.

Aumentado directed Bohol Provincial Police Office director Col. Patricio Degay Jr. to immediately investigate the robbery and ensure the suspects are brought to justice.

The governor stressed the need to protect the safety and security of visitors to Bohol, particularly tourists exploring the province’s various destinations.

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“No visitor should be abused or fall victim to criminality while visiting Bohol,” Aumentado said.

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The incident happened at 5:56 p.m. on Oct. 3 at Morning Hills in Barangay Botoc Occidental, Loay, where the two tourists had been taking photographs for about 20 minutes before preparing to leave.

Police said a man armed with a knife suddenly approached the 23-year-old victim and demanded his backpack. When the tourist resisted, the suspect forcibly took the yellow backpack and fled toward a grassy area, where another man was waiting.

The victims tried to chase the suspects but failed to catch them.

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Police said the stolen items included a DJI Pocket 3 camera, four bank cards, P9,000 in cash and the passport of one of the tourists.

The victims, both college graduates aged 23 and 24, were temporarily staying at a resort in Alona, Panglao.

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They described the first suspect as a man in his 20s, about 5 feet 2 inches tall, thin, brown-skinned and with short, curly hair. The second suspect was described as being in his 30s, medium-built and with short, straight hair.

The Loay Municipal Police Station is continuing its investigation, while the BPPO has launched a manhunt for the suspects.

Meanwhile, the Barangay Council of Botoc Occidental temporarily closed Morning Hills to the public starting Oct. 5 to allow safety and security upgrades following the robbery.

The barangay said it was coordinating with local authorities to strengthen security measures and ensure the safety of visitors.

Aumentado also called on local government units with tourist destinations to intensify monitoring and security in areas frequently visited by tourists to prevent similar incidents.

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The governor said the measures were necessary to maintain the safety, peace and positive experience of tourists visiting Bohol. /das