The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7 has launched an investigation on vandalism done to corals in the Province of Bohol.

Graffiti were confirmed to have been scrawled on corals in a snorkeling site in Virgin Island, Panglao town, Bohol.

Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado who expressed dismay at the act of vandalism on one of popular diving sites in Panglao Island ordered Virgin Island to be closed temporarily to the public beginning September 9, 2024.

The governor showed a video of foreign nationals on tour to the site. Seen in the video is a man etching on corals what were later found to be names of visitors and guides.

The Bohol Provincial Government has already offered a P200,000 cash reward to persons who can provide leads to the identity and location of the boat operator or guide seen in the video responsible for the vandalism.

As of this writing, Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) 7 Director Ma. Victoria Abrera said that their regional executive director went to Bohol to look into the incident.