The six-man member Bohol Task Force has already started the investigation to determine who could be held liable for construction of a resort within the protected area of Chocolate Hills, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin “Benhur’’ Abalos Jr. said.
In a statement on Tuesday, March 19, Abalos said that the task force members are in Bohol and are currently checking on all the documents pertaining to its construction and operation.
The task force is composed of legal and technical personnel from the DILG and was immediately sent to Sagbayan, Bohol to look into the operation of Captain’s Peak Resort.
In conducting an intense probe on the controversy, Abalos vowed that the task force “will be looking for all pertinent documents relative to the construction.’’
"Paano napayagan ito (construction of the resort)? Kung ito (construction) ba ay pinayagan o hindi pinayagan? At higit sa lahat ay kung sino ang dapat managot dito (How was this allowed? If this was allowed or not? And most importantly, who are the people responsible for this),’’ Abalos asserted.
Further, Abalos said the task force would look into the possible liability and accountability, as well as recommending the filing of cases against everyone involved in the construction of Captain's Peak Resort.
Likewise, Abalos instructed the local government units (LGUs) involved to participate in the process, stressing that the Task Force would implement the DILG’s mandate and ensure that all parties involved are identified and are brought to justice.
“Chocolate Hills is a 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, the DILG noted.
However, Abalos revealed that “no timeline was imposed for the Bohol Task Force to complete its probe.’’
"Iyong mga may kasalanan ay sasampahan natin ng demanda sa Office of the Ombudsman (Those who are liable will be charged before the Office of the Ombudsman),’’ Abalos assured.