A photo of a private resort built at the foot of the iconic Chocolate Hills in Bohol went viral online, drawing flak from netizens and prompting the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to dispatch a team to check for possible violations of a temporary closure order issued against the facility last year.
The photo featured an aerial view of Captain’s Peak Garden and Resort in Sagbayan, Bohol, including its swimming pool built in the UNESCO-declared global geo-park.
In a statement, the DENR said it already issued a temporary closure order on Sept. 6, 2023 and a notice of violation to the project proponent on Jan. 22, 2024 for operating the resort without an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC).
“As of March 13, 2024, the Regional Executive Director Paquito D. Melicor issued a Memorandum directing PENRO Bohol Ariel Rica to create a team to conduct inspection at Captain’s Peak for its compliance with the Temporary Closure Order. The DENR-EMB will continue to monitor,” the department said.
“If we take a look at this, we already know there’s something wrong…We understand the importance of development, but there should be boundaries,” Sen. Nancy Binay said.
“We want the DENR, PAMB, BEMO, PENRO and the LGUs to explain as to why, even with Chocolate Hills’ protected status, construction permits continue to be granted,” the senator added.
In an interview with Cebu media The Freeman in 2023, Julieta Sablas, the administrator and sister of the owner of Captain’s Peak, said the resort had undergone the proper process for its construction.