CEBU CITY – A task force that will strengthen the enforcement of environmental laws will be created in Bohol province.
Gov. Aris Aumentado announced the move on his first day at the capitol since he was slapped with a six-month preventive suspension by the Office of the Ombudsman.

BOHOL Gov. Erico Aumentado (left) discusses the strict enforcement of environmental laws with officials of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Bohol during a meeting on Tuesday, August 6, at the provincial capitol in Tagbilaran City. (Contributed photo)
The plan was discussed in a meeting with top officials of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-Bohol on Tuesday, August 6.
“We met with officials of DENR-Bohol to discuss various issues regarding the implementation of regulations that would protect our environment. To strengthen our collaboration with the DENR, we will create a task force so that we can strictly enforce environmental laws against those violators, especially those in Chocolate Hills,” said Aumentado.
Aumentado was one of the 68 current and former government officials suspended by Ombudsman Samuel Martires over the controversial construction of a resort within Chocolate Hills in Sagbayan town, Bohol.
Aumentado contested the suspension by filing a motion for reconsideration, insisting that he did not approve or extend assistance to the construction, operation, and expansion of Captain’s Peak Resort.
He said he was unaware of the resort’s development until it was reported by the media and immediately ordered the conduct of an investigation after the resort’s operations were publicized.
Aumentado and 30 other officials were reinstated last July 31.
In his return, Aumentado vowed to focus more on creating measures to protect the environment and the meeting was the first step.
“We will have all the Protected Area Management Board resolutions reviewed and revoke all those that violated the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act,” said Aumentado.
The governor added that the province will inspect all establishments to ensure that they are compliant with environmental laws.
“We are doing this to show that we are serious in protecting our environment and will not allow anyone to violate the law. Let us help everyone to protect the gift of nature that was given to us,” said Aumentado.