Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin "Benhur" Abalos jr. said an investigation will be carried out to determine if local government units (LGUs) are accountable for the establishment of a pool resort in the protected area of Chocolate Hills in Bohol.
Abalos reminded local government officials that any activity which disturbs or damages protected areas such as the Chocolate Hills, without proper authorization, is prohibited by law.
"We will look into the accountability of the local government units (LGUs) concerned. Should there be neglect of duty or any other irregularity on the part of the officials tasked with protecting and overseeing the area, we will not hesitate to pursue appropriate legal actions," he said.
The interior chief pointed out that Chocolate Hills is a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (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.
Stressing that the LGUs should be "stewards of nature," Abalos expounded that under the Local Government Code, local government officials have the mandate to enhance the right of the people to a balanced ecology.
"If illegal construction was allowed within a protected area, this would fall gravely short of this responsibility," Abalos said.
“We commit to working with the DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) toward any resolution they deem just on this matter," he assured.