Two additional resorts were discovered to be situated within the premises of Chocolate Hills in Bohol.
This prompted the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to conduct an investigation into Bohol officials following the discovery of additional resorts aside from Captain’s Peak Garden and Resort.
DILG to Investigate Bohol Officials Due to Other Resorts in Chocolate Hills
Due to the presence of other resorts in Chocolate Hills, DILG would investigate the officials of Bohol province
CHOCOLATE HILLS RESORTS – The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) plans to probe Bohol Province officials due to the existence of two other resorts within the Chocolate Hills area.
Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos stated that officials could be held accountable for allowing illegal constructions near the UNESCO Heritage Site, emphasizing their responsibility to uphold environmental balance under the Local Government Code. Abalos pledged collaboration with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to address the issue fairly.
“Under our Local Government Code, they have the mandate to enhance the right of the people to a balanced ecology. If illegal construction was allowed within a protected area, this would fall gravely short of this responsibility. We commit to working with the DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) toward any resolution they deem just on this matter,” Abalos said.
Apart from Captain’s Peak, the resorts under scrutiny include Sagbayan Peak in Sagbayan town and Bud Agta in Carmen town. Amidst the investigation, Captain’s Peak management urged for equitable treatment, suggesting that other nearby resorts might pose greater concerns. They expressed a desire for investigators to personally assess the situation rather than relying solely on video evidence.
“Meron pa pong maglala dito,” Captain’s Peak manager, Julieta Sablas said. “Hindi ko na i-mention ang resort, pero kayo na ang mag imbestiga,” she said. “Ang gusto ko ‘yung mag-iinvestigate hindi lang sa video… Sana andito po sila para makita nila [ng personal],” she added.
The controversy surrounding Captain’s Peak arose when it was found operating without the required permits, leading to its temporary closure. The resort faced backlash not only from netizens but also from popular celebrities including Anne Curtis, Kuya Kim Atienza, and Arnold Clavio.