Batid ng Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) at Department of Tourism (DOT) ang tungkol sa kontrobersiyal na resort ngayon sa Chocolate Hills sa Bohol. Katunayan, naglabas umano ng temporarily closure order ang DENR laban sa resort noong September 2023.

Sa inilabas na pahayag ng DENR nitong Miyerkules, sinabing ipinatigil nito ang operasyon ng resort noong Setyembre dahil sa pag-operate ng walang kaukulang permit.

Nakasaad sa pahayag na inatasan ng Office of the Central Visayas regional executive director ang Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) Paquito Melicor na suriin ang pasilidad kung sumunod ito sa iniutos alinsunod sa temporary closure order.

"In the case of Captain's Peak Resort, 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 (environmental clearance certificate)," ayon sa DENR.

Umani ng batikos mula sa netizens ang resort nang mag-viral ang mga larawan at video nito sa social media na itinayo sa lugar na idineklarang protected area na kinikilala ng United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Makikita sa social media pages ng Captain's Peak Garden and Resort na mayroon itong swimming pool, slides, cabanas, at signature heart-shaped landmark, na napapaligiran ng mga burol.

Nakasaad sa Facebook nito, ang pagpapakilala sa Captain's Peak Garden and Resort bilang, "tourist destination located in the midst of the toweringthe [sic] chocolate hills in the area. It is located at Libertad Norte, Sagbayan, Bohol. You can see the closer look of the scenic chocolate hills."

Sinusubukan pa ng GMA News Online na makuhanan ng komento ang pamunuan ng resort.

Kinikilala ng UNESCO ang Chocolate Hills Natural Monument bilang bahagi ng World Heritage List.

Sa Proclamation 1037 na inilabas noong July 1, 1997 ni dating pangulong Fidel V. Ramos, idineklara ang Chocolate Hills bilang National Geological Monument and Protected Landscape, na pagkilala sa "unique geological formations and the importance of covering this wonder for future generations."

Ayon sa DENR, bagaman may bahagi ng lugar na napatituluhan bago ang paglabas ng proklamasyon, "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," paliwanag ng DENR.

Ang mga regulasyon at limitasyon ay dapat umanong nakasaad sa Environmental Impact Statement bago mabigyan ng ECC ang isang proyekto sa lugar.

Nabahala ang DOT

Sa hiwalay na pahayag, sinabi ng DOT na suportado nila ang "preservation and protection" ng Chocolate Hills.

Nilinaw din ng kagawaran na hindi accredited tourism establishment sa ilalim ng DOT system ang Captain's Peak Resort Development. Wala rin umano itong nakabinbing aplikasyon sa DOT.

“The Department, through its Regional Office in Central Visayas, has been in coordination with the Bohol Provincial Government since August 2023 to express its concerns regarding this matter especially recognizing the necessity of preserving the integrity of this natural resource,” ayon sa DOT.

“While development is essential for growth and progress, it must be conducted in harmony with environmental and cultural preservation. We urge all parties involved, including government agencies, private sector entities, and local communities, to work together towards sustainable and responsible,” dagdag pa ng kagawaran sa kanilang pahayag. — FRJ, GMA Integrated News