By I. Inojales | 12:55 PM October 05, 2026
TAGBILARAN CITY — Bohol Gov. Aris Aumentado has ordered police to swiftly identify and arrest the suspects who robbed two Chinese tourists at a tourist destination in Loay town.
Aumentado directed Bohol Provincial Police Office director Col. Patricio Degay Jr. to expedite the investigation into the robbery at Morning Hills in Barangay Botoc Occidental, Loay, on Oct. 3.
The two Chinese nationals, aged 23 and 24, were touring the area when a knife-wielding man approached them and demanded the backpack of the 23-year-old tourist, according to the police report.
When the tourist resisted, the suspect forcibly took the yellow backpack and fled toward a grassy area where another man was waiting. The two tourists tried to chase them but failed to catch the suspects.
The stolen backpack contained a DJI Pocket 3 camera, four bank cards, P9,000 in cash and the victim’s passport.
The tourists had been staying temporarily at a resort in Alona, Panglao, and had visited Morning Hills to take photographs. The robbery occurred at about 5:56 p.m., around 20 minutes after they arrived at the area.
The first suspect was described 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, with a medium build and short, straight hair.
The Loay Municipal Police Station is continuing its investigation to identify and apprehend the suspects.
Aumentado stressed the need to ensure the safety and security of tourists visiting Bohol, particularly those exploring the province’s various destinations.
He said visitors should not be subjected to abuse or become victims of criminality while traveling in Bohol.
The governor also urged local government units with tourist destinations to strengthen monitoring and security in areas frequently visited by tourists to prevent similar incidents and ensure a safe and pleasant experience for visitors.
“The safety of our visitors is important,” Aumentado said, emphasizing the need for swift police action and stronger security measures at tourist sites.
