NWRB orders resort to stop water extraction for lack of permits

The National Water Resources Board (NWRB) has ordered Captain's Peak Garden and Resort in Bohol to cease deep well water extraction activities due to lack of necessary permits.

NWRB Executive Director Ricky Arzadon stated that the resort is illegally using deep wells without any water rights or application, which could be a criminal offense.

Arzadon issued a Cease and Desist Order (CDO) on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, giving the resort 15 days to respond with an explanation of their actions.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) previously ordered the resort to close temporarily for operating without an environmental compliance certificate (ECC), leading to further investigations by other government agencies.

Captain's Peak Garden and Resort has announced its temporary closure while local governments have canceled its business permit due to ongoing legal issues and public outcry over operations in a protected area.

Senator Cynthia Villar filed a resolution urging the Senate to investigate land use agreements involving protected areas, citing concerns about illegal activities within Chocolate Hills and Mount Apo Natural Park.