UPDATE: March 14, 2024, 6 p.m.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources or DENR is under fire for seemingly letting a resort operate in the middle of the famous tourist spot, Chocolate Hills in Bohol.
DENR issued a statement on the afternoon of March 13, 2024, addressing the legalities of building a resort within the vicinity of Chocolate Hills, The tourist spot is on the Tentative List of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as a heritage site.
DENR clarified that the resort, Captain's Peak Resort, has been subject to a Temporary Closure Order since September 2023. "The DENR issued a Temporary Closure Order last September 6, 2023, and a Notice of Violation to the project proponent last January 22, 2024 for operating without an ECC," their statement read.
The department recognized that Chocolate Hills in Bohol is a National Geological Moment and a Protected Landscape. There are rules and regulations stipulated to be granted an Environmental Compliance Certificate or ECC.
According to the statement, "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." Moreover, the environment bureau is implementing intensified monitoring of the mentioned property.
Bohol government clarifies viral Chocolate Hills resort
The local government of Bohol province, led by Governor Aris Aumentado has also released an official statement emphasizing their action towards the property.
"We already addressed the issue about the Captain's Peak resort development at the Chocolate Hills area in Sagbayan, Bohol in September 2023. The Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Environment has conducted an investigation and submitted its report and recommendation. As stewards of the province, we cannot let this go on," the March 13, 2024 statement read.
Bohol's local government assured the public that they are closely coordinating with the DENR in preserving and protecting Chocolate Hills.
On March 14, 2024, ABS-CBN News reported that Bohol's local government unit retracted the resort's business permit. Amid this new development, Sagbayan's executive secretary Felito Pon reasoned that they did not receive the official document regarding DENR's Temporary Closure Order last September 2023.
Chocolate Hills Resort airs their side regarding the issue
In a report by Interaksyon published on March 13, 2024, the resort owner's sister, Julieta Sablas, revealed that the resort had presented the proposal to the Protected Areas Management Board (PAMB) before the start of its construction.
The report stated, "She admitted that some parts of the hill were extracted, but the amount was supposedly minimal and within the allowed level."
Sagbayan Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator Maximo Lomosbog reportedly argued that there is "no delineation" about the resort's construction.
Netizens react to the viral Chocolate Hills resort
One of the videos that led to its virality was a Facebook vlog uploaded on March 6, 2024. The vlog featured the resort as a "unique" spot where people could relax and chill in Bohol. Filipinos quickly questioned the existence of the resort in the natural monument.
Remarks of disappointment also followed DENR's statement. Most netizens were clamoring for the permanent closure of the resort and not just temporary closure. "Should be permanently closed and demolished... nakakasira ng view," a netizen commented.
