Cease and desist order issued vs Chocolate Hills resort over illegal deep wells — NWRB

The National Water Resources Board (NWRB) has ordered the controversial resort in the Chocolate Hills protected area in Bohol to stop its deep well water extraction activities due to the lack of necessary permits.

Interviewed by reporters on Wednesday, NWRB Executive Director Ricky Arzadon said the agency was given a copy of the results of an investigation into Captain's Peak Garden and Resort in Sagbayan town.

"I was given a copy of the investigation report… and we found out that this resort is utilizing deep wells for their water [supply]. Based on our records, they have no water rights or water application," Arzadon said.

"That's an illegal extraction of water. I have to immediately issue a CDO [cease and desist order] for them to stop utilizing or extracting water," he said.

Arzadon said the CDO was issued on Tuesday, March 19, 2024.

The NWRB official said the resort's extraction of water from deep wells has no permit.

"That's illegal. That's even a criminal offense," Arzadon said.

He said the NWRB is looking into filing criminal raps against the resort.

With the issuance of a CDO, the resort was given a chance to explain their side, according to the NWRB official.

"Based on their explanation, then we will assess if we need to file a criminal case against them," Arzadon said, noting that the resort has 15 days from receipt of the CDO to submit their explanation.

Last Friday, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said the Captain's Peak Garden and Resort may face up to a P5-million fine for operating in the Chocolate Hills protected area without an environmental compliance certificate (ECC).

Videos and photos of its facilities—including swimming pools, slides, cabanas, and cottages—surrounded by the unique features of the Chocolate Hills stirred an uproar on social media.

Captain's Peak and Garden Resort has since announced its temporary closure. The Sagbayan local government has also canceled its business permit to operate.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) issued a cease and desist order against the resort last week for operating without an environmental clearance certificate (ECC).

It had issued a temporary closure order against the resort in September 2023, which the local governments of Bohol and Sagbayan said they learned about only recently.

The Office of the Ombudsman has started its own investigation into the matter, while the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has formed a task force to look into the possible accountability of local government officials.

The Chocolate Hills and the surrounding areas were designated a National Geological Monument and Protected Landscape by Proclamation 1037 on July 1, 1997 in recognition of its "unique geological formations and the importance of covering this wonder for future generations."

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recognizes the Chocolate Hills Natural Monument as part of its prestigious World Heritage List. — VDV, GMA Integrated News