Chocolate Hills, pulpit panels among controversial 2024 stories in Central, E. Visayas

The year 2024 presented stories on controversial issues in Central and Eastern Visayas that stirred public interest.

These issues made it to the top stories of GMA Regional TV Balitang Bisdak. One of which was on the controversial structures erected within the Chocolate Hills complex in the Province of Bohol declared a protected area and a UNESCO global geological park (geopark).

In May 2024, the world-renowned Chocolate Hills became the center of controversy because of the construction of Captain's Peak Garden and Resort in the Municipality of Sagbayan amid a geological monument.

Following the incident, at least 69 elected officials and officials of various government agencies were placed under preventive suspension.

After which, Local Government Units (LGUs) in Bohol have monitored tightly the Chocolate Hills and other protected areas in the province.

In February 2024, the clamor for the return of pulpit panels to the Municipality of Boljoon rang out.

The Cebu Provincial Government, the LGU of Boljoon in southern Cebu, the Archdiocese of Cebu, the Archdiocesan Shrine of Patrocinio de Maria Santissima and its parishioners called on the National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) for the return of four religious pulpit panels that were lost in 1989. The panels were seen in an exhibit of the NMP.

Until now, Boljoon is awaiting the return of the religious artifacts.

Further, Negros Oriental is awaiting the return to the country of its former 3rd District legislator Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves, Jr.

Over a year in hiding, Teves was arrested in Timor-Leste in March 2024 while playing golf.

Teves, Jr. was tagged as mastermind in the Pamplona massacre that killed Governor Roel Degamo, and others who were carrying out a medical mission in the compound of the governor’s residence.

Teves has repeatedly denied vehemently the accusation.

Health issues became big stories in 2024.

Cases of pertussis or whooping cough were confirmed by the Department of Health Central Visayas and Eastern Visayas.

When a death case due to pertussis was confirmed, it raised concern from the public for stringent monitoring on areas affected and health management in averting further spread.

Another health concern that made it to the top stories was the cases of skin irritation that hounded residents in three “sitios” (sub-villages) in Lapu-Lapu City where a ship that ran aground went through ship-breaking activity.

The ship was just one of those that ran aground at the onslaught of Super Typhoon "Odette" in December 2021.

Due to several cases of skin ailments in the three sitios, the ship-breaking activity was ordered stopped by the LGU.

In December 2024, an unusual swinging of the 50-year-old Biliran Bridge in Eastern Visayas was caught on video.

Following the incident, passing of vehicles through the bridge that connects Biliran to mainland Leyte has been regulated.

The Department of Public Works and Highways – Biliran recommended major repair to ensure the old bridge’s structural integrity. — GMA Regional TV