Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin “Benhur’’ Abalos Jr. created on Saturday, March 17, a task force that will determine the culpability of the local officials involved in the construction of the Captain’s Peak resort in the Chocolate Hills of Bohol.
In a statement, Abalos pointed out that the DILG “affirms its deep ‘’over the construction of the resort in the middle of the Chocolate Hills.
“We have mobilized a special investigation team to swiftly ascertain any liability of local officials in this matter,’’ Abalos stressed.
Abalos emphasized that the local officials found complicit or negligent with respect to any violation will face legal action and “may be suspended or dismissed’’ from the service.
“We will continue to uphold accountability and integrity in public service,’’ he added.
Earlier, Abalos warned the local government units (LGUs) that actions that damage the protected areas without proper authorization are unlawful.
Abalos issued the caution after expressing concern over the establishment of a pool resort within the Chocolate Hills in Bohol.
He explained 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.
With the circumstance, Abalos vowed to “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 warned.
Stressing that the LGUs should be “stewards of nature,’’ Abalos expounded that under the Local Government Code, “they 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.’’
“We commit to working with the DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) toward any resolution they deem just on this matter,’’ Abalos assured.