Defacement of Panglao corals probed

TAGBILARAN CITY, Philippines — The provincial government of Bohol has ordered an investigation into the reported vandalization of corals on an island in Panglao.

Gov. Aris Aumentado directed the Panglao environment and natural resources office and the Bohol environment management office to conduct a joint investigation and identify people behind the attack on corals.

A video showing the damaged corals has gone viral on social media. The corals bore marks such as “Just Dive” and names of people.

The municipal government of Panglao has been preparing to reopen the island, which was closed to tourists last year after one of its dive sites was vandalized.