A dive site in Panglao Island in the Province of Bohol will be closed to the public after acts of vandalism were confirmed.

Divers and snorkelers will be barred from visiting Virgin Island in Panglao after reef rangers confirmed of the presence of graffiti on corals beginning July 1, 2024. Upon their return on August 30, 2024, the graffiti were noticed to have increased in number.

In an investigation, 13 names were found etched on the corals such as Mojak, Min, Soyun, Tom, and many others. It was learned that these are names of guests and snorkeling guides.

In a meeting called by Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado with officials of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Local Government Unit of Panglao, Philippine Coast Guard, and other agencies and stakeholders, he recommended a stoppage to the tourism activity especially that it is within a protected area or Expanded National Integrated Protected Area System (E-NIPAS).

“Klaro kaayo ang area nga E-NIPAS, so posible di malayo nga ato ning mapasagdan, lain na pud ni nga suspension. Nganong gusto man ta muabot anang dapita nga puwede man ni likayan. Ipasarado lang nang dapita. Kung unsa man gani future plans, klaruhon nag plano nga dili maguba ang Virgin Island dive site,” Aumentado said.

Aumentado offers a P50,000 reward for persons who can provide information to determine the identities of the vandals.

“Para mahan-ay ang tanan i-sarado na lang na kay kahibaw ko ang nakaguba ana pangwarta lang gipangita ana. Pero wala naghunahuna sa kanindot ug kaanyag sa mga corals [nga] maoy naghatag og panginabuhian. Sila ra pud nakaingon kay ilang giabusahan. So nganong atong i-consider ilang panginabuhian kung mismo sila wala nila ampingi  ang naghatag nila og panginabuhian,” Aumentado emphasized.

Acccording to Provincial Board Member, Atty. Jamie Villamor, chairperson of the Committee on Tourism, Environment, and Natural Resources, they will meet again together with the mayors and 50 dive shop operators in Panglao.

“We fully support the actions and moves of the governor. So with the directive of the governor for me to call or convene a meeting sa mga tourism officers and mayors, ato na siyang buhaton. Not because it is the directive of the governor but because it is good for the governance,” Atty. Villamor said. 

(via Leo Udtohan & Albert Aballe/GMA Regional TV Balitang Bisdak)