DILG probes LGU in Captain's Peak Resort case

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is investigating local government units' accountability over the construction of Captain's Peak Resort near Bohol’s Chocolate Hills.

DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. stated that legal actions may be pursued against officials found liable for neglect or irregularities related to the resort, emphasizing their duty as stewards of nature and protectors of protected areas like the Chocolate Hills under Proclamation No. 1037.

A Notice of Violation was sent to the project proponent on January 22, with Senator Nancy Binay seeking an inquiry into the construction of structures within the Chocolate Hills vicinity.

The DILG has formed a Task Force to swiftly ascertain any liability of local officials and will focus on issues surrounding the resort's construction.

Local government units in Sagbayan, Bohol have stated that they only recently learned about DENR’s temporary closure order issued in September 2023, which led to the resort announcing its temporary shutdown amid public criticism.

On Friday, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) issued a cease and desist order against Captain's Peak Garden and Resort, ensuring that they remain closed for operations.