“It’s not in my radar… and my attention this time is all work.” This was the brief answer of Provincial Administrator Alfonso R. Damalerio II when asked to comment about reports that he is preparing for a vice gubernatorial bid in the coming election. A caller of the popular morning program “Cuentas Claras” heard Monday to Thursday over radio station DyTR-AM offered the information that the provincial government-initiated emergency communication and response unit TARSIER 117 is allegedly “tailored” for Damalerio’s political ambitions in 2013. The allegation was that “117” is actually January 17, the birthday of the provincial administrator that fits well for a short name recall for voters and could even be used as a nickname allowed by the Commission on Elections that can be counted in favor of Damalerio in the canvassing of votes.

The proposition immediately drew interest among listeners and in the program’s ensuing discussions, much more when it was confirmed that Damalerio’s birthday indeed falls on January 17 (1-17). TARSIER 117 wide reach throughout the province could allegedly also provide the political advantage in communication, mobility and could be an effective tool in the coming elections. In brushing aside such accusations, Damalerio said 117 is a nationwide hotline used for emergency response and the Department of Interior and Local Government has issued a memorandum for its creation pursuant to Executive Order No. 226 signed July 14, 2003, by then president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. The same hotline number 117 is being used by the TARSIER Emergency Response Unit here in Bohol linked by telephone companies PLDT, Globe, Cruztelco with a call center operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week under the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Program. The unit’s services include medical and ambulance quick response for road vehicular accidents, search and rescue, and disaster management operations. “Politics is never and not in the vision and mission of TARSIER 117,” Damalerio said in dismissing the issue.