DILG chief in Bohol today for Chocolate Hills resort probe

CEBU, Philippines — Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos is set to go to the municipality of Sagbayan, Bohol today, March 21,2024, to personally check the controversial Captain’s Peak resort built within the protected area of the world-famous Chocolate Hills.

Before Abalos’ arrival in Bohol though, he already sent a six-man Task Force composed of legal and technical personnel the other day to probe and identify those behind the construction of a resort within the famous Chocolate Hills.

“Upang agarang tugunan ang issue sa Bohol, masusi nating isinasagawa ang fact-finding investigation katuwang ng ating binuong task force mula sa DILG. Nakipag-ugnayan ang ating grupo sa mga lokal na opisyal ng Sagbayan, maging sa representative ng Captain’s Peak Resort,” part of Abalos’ post reads.

The resort caught the attention and ire of netizens after it was built right in the middle of the famed natural attraction following a viral post although as early as July last year, The Freeman already had a special report on this concern.

“Iimbestigahan naming mabuti ang buong isyu na ito," Abalos vowed.

DILG is also looking into pertinent documents relative to the construction of the resort.

"Paano napayagan ito? Kung ito ba ay pinayagan o hindi pinayagan? At higit sa lahat ay kung sino ang dapat managot dito," Abalos said in a statement.

The Bohol Task Force would look into the possible liability and accountability, as well as the possible recommendation of the filing of cases against everyone involved in the construction of Captain's Peak Resort.

The DILG chief likewise instructed the local government units (LGUs) involved to participate in the process.

The Task Force is set to implement the DILG’s mandate and ensure that all parties involved are identified and are brought to justice.

“Ako sinasabi ko sa LGUs, kung wala naman kayong ginagawang masama, walang problema doon pero ang mandato lang namin ay tukuyin kung talaga bang mayroon dapat panagutan. At isa lang ang maipapangako ko, ang dapat managot ay mananagot,” Abalos said.

Chocolate Hills is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a protected area under Proclamation No. 1037, series of 1997 and Republic Act No. 7586 or the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act of 1992.

The Task Force was scheduled to go to the Bohol Capitol to continue with its investigation yesterday.

“Makakaasa po kayong iimbestigahan nating mabuti ang isyung ito,” assures Abalos.

No timeline was imposed on the Bohol Task Force to complete its probe, but Abalos underscored that the investigation would be complete and no stone would be left unturned.

Those found liable would be charged before the Office of the Ombudsman.

"Iyong mga may kasalanan ay sasampahan natin ng demanda sa Office of the Ombudsman,” ended Abalos. – /ATO (FREEMAN)