THE DEPARTMENT of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Davao has filed a complaint against an inland resort located within the Mt. Apo Natural Park in Barangay Coronon, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur.
DENR XI emphasized that Mt. Apo Natural Park is a protected heritage that must be preserved.
“Through due process, the agency assures that violators will be held accountable and that environmental justice will be served,” it said.
DENR XI stressed the resort violated Republic Act No. 11038, otherwise known as the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System (Expanded NIPAS) Act of 2018.
The complaint was filed before the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor in Digos City, Davao del Sur.
The complaint cited violations of Section 18(o), which prohibits the construction, erection, or maintenance of any structure within a protected area without clearance from the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) and a permit from the DENR.
DENR XI added that the resort also allegedly violated Section 18(v) by constructing permanent structures within the 40-meter easement from the high-water mark of the Langan River.
“DENR Region XI, the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) of Davao del Sur, and the Mt. Apo Natural Park–Protected Area Management Office (MANP-PAMO) are working closely with the Regional and Provincial State Prosecutors to strengthen cases against violators,” the agency said.
Six more resorts in the same area are bound to face similar complaints, according to the agency.
The agency said the filing of charges was due to the continued non-compliance of resort operators, who have allegedly ignored notices of violation and cease and desist orders issued by the agency since 2024.
Despite these directives, the operators failed to voluntarily dismantle their illegal structures.
Photo: DENR XI
