The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has taken action following a viral social media post showing a resort operating within the Chocolate Hills in Bohol.
The resort, Captain’s Peak Resort, was found to have a swimming pool and other facilities built in the vicinity of the protected Chocolate Hills area, which was declared a National Geological Monument and a Protected Landscape on July 1, 1997, through Proclamation 1037 issued by former president Fidel V. Ramos.
“If a land was titled prior to Proclamation 1037 declaring an area as a protected area, the rights and interests of the landowner will generally be recognized and respected. However, the declaration of the area as a protected area may impose certain restrictions or regulations on land use and development within the protected area, even for privately owned lands. These restrictions and regulations are to be detailed in the Environmental Impact Statement prior to the issuance of an ECC for the project,” the DENR explained.
Following the viral video, netizens criticized the resort and called on the DENR to address the issue. Many expressed disapproval of the situation they witnessed.
In response, DENR reiterated that they have already issued a Temporary Closure Order against Captain’s Peak Resort on September 6, 2023, for operating without an environmental compliance certificate (ECC). A Notice of Violation was also issued to the resort’s project proponent on January 22, 2024.
To ensure compliance with the closure order, Region 7 executive director Paquito Melicor has instructed the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office in Bohol to form a team to inspect the resort. The team will verify that the resort remains closed.
“The DENR Environmental Management Bureau will continue to monitor,” it added.
