Nagbigay ng pahayag ang namamahala ng kontrobersiyal na resort na nakatayo sa mismong nasasakupan ng Chocolate Hills sa Bohol.

Sa kanilang pahayag, sinabi ng Captain’s Peak Garden and Resort na titulado ang lupang kinatatayuan ng kanilang resort.

Iginiit din nila na sumunod sila sa proseso bago ipatayo ang kanilang negosyo sa itinuturing na UNESCO World Heritage Site.

“It is important to clarify that our construction plans underwent rigorous scrutiny and received the necessary approvals from relevant authorities, including the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). We have complied with all environmental regulations and have taken measures to minimize our ecological footprint throughout the development process,” ayon sa pahayag ng resort.

“We acknowledge the significance of the Chocolate Hills as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and recognize our responsibility to safeguard its integrity. We assure the public that our operations are conducted with utmost care and consideration for the environment,” dagdag pa nila.

Samantala ay sinabi naman ng DENR na matagal na nilang ipinasara ang nasabing resort.

“In the case of the Captain’s Peak Resort, the DENR issued a Temporary Closure Order last September 6, 2023, and a Notice of Violation to the project proponent last January 22, 2024, for operating without an ECC,” ayon sa pahayag na inilabas ng DENR.

“As of March 13, 2024, the Regional Executive Director Paquito D. Melicor issued a Memorandum directing PENRO Bohol Ariel Rica to create a team to conduct an inspection at Captain’s Peak for its compliance with the Temporary Closure Order,” dagdag pa nila.

Samantala ay kusa ng itinigil ng resort ang kanilang operasyon habang umuugong ang imbestigasyon.