Captain’s Peak Resort is located within the Chocolate Hills Natural Monument
CAPTAIN’S PEAK – The Bohol Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Protection has confirmed that the resort is situated within the Chocolate Hills Natural Monument.
In an interview with One Balita Pilipinas, the Bohol Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Protection confirmed that Captain’s Peak Resort is located within the Chocolate Hills Natural Monument in Sagbayan, Bohol. It is adjacent to the Chocolate Hills in Carmen, Bohol.
According to Atty. Jamie Aumentado Villamor, even though the Chocolate Hills are a protected area, there are privately owned lands within it. However, Atty. Villamor explained that regardless of private ownership of some parts, all constructions in the area should go through the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) via the Protected Areas Management Board (PAMB).
In their investigation, it was revealed that the construction of the said resort was approved in 2018. The Provincial Board immediately called on the PAMB to revise their decision. Then, in September 2023, they sent a letter to the DENR to halt any construction activities in the Chocolate Hills, but they did not receive an official response regarding this matter.
Furthermore, the resort does not have an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) yet, so its operation should not continue because it violates environmental laws.
As of press time, Captain’s Peak Resort has yet to issue any statement regarding the controversy.
Meanwhile, the ‘Chocolate Hills’ became a hot topic on the social media platform X due to a newly built resort in the area, which many believe could ruin the beautiful view of this famous tourist spot in the Philippines. The resort, clearly visible from above, received criticism from internet users who questioned its legality and impact on the protected landscape.
This prompted online users to bring the issue to the attention of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the local government of Bohol. They wanted to know if the resort had the necessary permits to operate in the area.
