The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) announced on Saturday, March 16, the creation of a task force that will investigate the controversial resort built in the middle of Chocolate Hills in Bohol.
DILG Sec. Benhur Abalos bumuo ng 'Task Force' upang imbestigahan ang kontrobersiyal na resort sa Chocolate Hills | RH 27 @nochecacas #RapidoHatawBalita#SamaSamaTayoPilipino
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In a statement, DILG Sec. Benhur Abalos expressed his deep concern over the resort called The Captain’s Peak, built on the grounds of one of the country's famous tourist spots.
"The DILG affirms its deep concern over the construction of the Captain’s Peak resort within the hallowed grounds of Bohol’s Chocolate Hills," the statement read.
"We have mobilized a special investigation team to swiftly ascertain the liability of local officials in this matter," it added.
Abalos pointed out that local officials who are found complicit or negligent concerning any violation will face legal action, adding the possibility that they could be suspended or dismissed.
The DILG Secretary assured that the agency will continue to uphold accountability and integrity in public service.
The resort went viral after a three-minute viral video, uploaded by video creator Ren The Adventurer on his Facebook page on March 6, showed a landscape view of the resort, located in the country's famous tourist spot.
Netizens called out the Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DENR) and the national government for allowing the establishment to be built in the area.
However, according to the DENR, a temporary closure order was issued to the resort in September 2023 as well as a violation notice in January 2024.
The local government unit of Sagbayan in Bohol also revoked the business permit of the said resort.
